Faults:

Not Much, Really.

Amazingly Reliable.

Timing Belt, etc., were replaced around 90,000.

Brakes replaced twice, but hey, it's a 12 year old car.

Sun roof rusted and was replaced while still under warranty.

Only real problem ever was with the rear window regulators ~ Replaced twice under warranty and once since the warranty expired.

One dealer told me that since '96 was the introductory year for the RL that they had a few problems with the window regulators.

General Comments:

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this vehicle.

My first sedan (other than a BMW325 in 1986) ~ Mostly I've driven all sports cars Mitsubishi 3000GT, Nissan 300Z etc.) so when my job dictated the need for travel and more space, I was very reluctant to purchase a sedan, hence the reason for a used one at that time.

Some people say this ride is sluggish and big ~ NO WAY. Granted, I can't do what I would do in a 300Z, but this car's handling has been phenomenal. I am (unfortunately) a born speeder, this is a fast, smooth and sweet ride with easy, easy handling and lots of room.

Finally, now that it's 12 years old, I'm starting to have a few maintenance issues, paint on the roof is fading and the seat foam is disintegrating so these once comfortable seats aren't as great.

I imagine if I had ever garaged it, the paint and the seat foam would be in much better shape.

I did have an accident and the car sustained a tremendous amount of front end damage. I was fine. It looked like the car had been driven off a cliff. The bodyshop owner said that these RL's hold up better than any vehicle he's ever seen ~ Designed to take the impact so the driver and passengers don't have to.

The only reason I've kept it so long is because I like this Acura "look" (like the old Vigor or Legend) better than the new "rounder" RL. Keep hoping they'll bring it back, but so far, no luck.

Faults:

ABS light came on, this needs to be checked.

Rear brake light needs to be replaced.

General Comments:

This car is a very big car and it drives like a big car, unlike other Honda products.

This is not a sporty car, the smooth drive and ride with comfort are what this car is all about.

Overall this car is very good value.

Faults:

Check engine light is on - the computer says it is the EGR valve.

Rear windows do not open, they have to be helped manually.

A coolant hose got rubbed by one of the belts causing a leak - replaced the hose for $4.00...

General Comments:

This is a BIG car. It feels and drives like one. At first I really loved the pickup from the stop lights, but now I have kind of gotten used to it, and it seems just OK. It doesn't have the greatest power for its size - the car is just too heavy.

RL drives nicely and covers road imperfections very well. However, the body rolls terribly when turning. I used to have an Infiniti J30t and I could take the same turns with twice the speed and I would be held nicely in my seat. In the RL, I have to hold onto the steering wheel to avoid being thrown out of the car.

Overall, very nice big car. I love the memory seats on it and can't wait to use the heated seats in the winter! Also, the BOSE sound system is just fantastic. It sounds like a professional sound studio! Acura is a good make.