2003 Acura RL Base
All photo credits
- Photo: AcuraRL96-98 Front by The Wikipeadian guy, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: AcuraRL96-98 Side by The Wikipeadian guy, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1996 Acura 3.5 RL 2017.4.28 by Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1996 Acura 3.5 RL Front 2017.4.28 by Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 2003 Acura RL Base is a 225-hp 3.5-liter with a 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $43,150 MSRP and is rated at 18 mpg combined.
It makes 225 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 231 lb-ft of torque at 2800 rpm, spinning to a 5,900 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).
The RL measures 196.6 inches long on a 114.6-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,920 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $43,150 ($76,216 *) |
| MSRP with Destination | $43,650 ($77,099 *) |
| Destination Charge | $500 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 3.5-liter, SOHC, 90-degree V-6 |
| Displacement | 3.5 L |
| Horsepower | 225 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 231 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm |
| Redline | 5,900 rpm |
| Valvetrain | 4-valves-per-cylinder, belt-driven, single overhead camshaft |
| Bore and Stroke | 90.0 x 91.0 |
| Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Injection Type | PGM-FI with 3-stage variable induction system |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | Front-wheel drive |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic with lock-up torque converter (in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears) and Grade Logic Control |
| 1st Gear | 2.458 (59 mph **) |
| 2nd Gear | 1.454 (99 mph **) |
| 3rd Gear | 0.948 (152 mph **) |
| 4th Gear | 0.652 (221 mph **) |
| Reverse | 1.88 |
| Final Drive | 3.133 |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 16 MPG |
| Highway | 22 MPG |
| Combined | 18 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium unleaded, 91 octane |
| Tank Capacity | 18 gal |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Independent double-wishbone |
| Rear Suspension | Independent double-wishbone |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | 1.18 in (30 mm) |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | 0.83 in (21 mm) |
| Turning Diameter | 36.1 ft |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | Ventilated, 11.8 in (300 mm) diameter, 1.1 in (28 mm) rotor thickness |
| Rear Brake Disc | Solid, 11.1 in (282 mm) diameter, 0.47 in (12 mm) rotor thickness |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 16 x 7.0 |
| Wheels Rear | 16 x 7.0 |
| Tires Front | P225/55R16 94V Michelin All-Season MXM4 |
| Tires Rear | P225/55R16 94V Michelin All-Season MXM4 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 196.6 in |
| Width | 71.6 in |
| Height | 54.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 114.6 in |
| Front Track | 61 in |
| Rear Track | 60.6 in |
| Ground Clearance | 4.9 in |
| Cargo Volume | 14.8 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 3,920 lbs |
| Weight Distribution (F/R) | 60% / 40% |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 38.8 in |
| Headroom Rear | 36.8 in |
| Legroom Front | 42.1 in |
| Legroom Rear | 35.4 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 56.9 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 56.3 in |
| Hip Room Front | 55.7 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 56.5 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 2003 Acura RL Base with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | Not rated |
| Frontal crash | Not rated |
| Frontal – driver | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal – passenger | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | Not rated |
| Rollover | Not rated |
Recalls
1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Acura RL. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Jan 17, 2020 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.
NHTSA campaign 20V027000
14 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2003 Acura RL
Owner Complaints
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Acura RL (2 mention a crash, 2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Air Bags | 8 |
| Tires | 2 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Engine | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2003 ACURA RL. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.