Acura RL 1996-2004 Body Specifications
Acura RL 1996-2004

Acura RL 1996-2004 Body Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and documentation for the body system of the 1996-2004 Acura RL, including structural components, exterior panels, doors, windows, and trunk assembly.

Updated

1996-2004 Acura RL Body Specifications Overview Specifications

This document provides detailed body specifications for the 1996-2004 Acura RL. It includes dimensions, structural features, and key measurements. Use the sections below to navigate through the specifications. The quick reference section at the end provides a concise overview of key measurements.

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To find specific information, use the search functionality by typing keywords such as 'dimensions,' 'weight,' or 'features.' Ensure your search terms are relevant to body specifications for accurate results.

Navigate through the sections by scrolling or using the section titles. Each major section contains subsections with detailed technical points. Expand sections to view more information.

Key Specifications

Overall Length

4,949 mm (194.8 in)

Width

1,794 mm (70.7 in)

Height

1,455 mm (57.3 in)

Wheelbase

2,841 mm (111.9 in)

Curb Weight

1,540 kg (3,400 lbs)

Available Specifications

Dimensions

This section outlines the external and internal dimensions of the 1996-2004 Acura RL, including overall length, width, height, and wheelbase. These measurements are crucial for understanding the vehicle's size and proportions.

Overall Dimensions
  • Length: 4,949 mm (194.8 in)
  • Width: 1,794 mm (70.7 in)
  • Height: 1,455 mm (57.3 in)
  • Wheelbase: 2,841 mm (111.9 in)
Interior Dimensions
  • Front headroom: 990 mm (39 in)
  • Rear headroom: 960 mm (37.8 in)
  • Front legroom: 1,070 mm (42.1 in)
  • Rear legroom: 870 mm (34.3 in)
Cargo Space
  • Trunk capacity: 400 liters (14.1 cu.ft)
  • Maximum cargo capacity (with rear seats folded): 800 liters (28.3 cu.ft)

Body Structure

This section details the construction and materials used in the Acura RL's body, including safety features and weight distribution.

Materials and Construction
  • Body material: Steel unibody construction
  • Roof material: Steel
  • Doors and hood: Aluminum
  • Trunk lid: Steel
Safety Features
  • Dual-stage front airbags
  • Side airbags (from 1998 onwards)
  • Curtain airbags (from 2000 onwards)
  • Reinforced side-impact door beams
Weight Distribution
  • Front-to-rear weight distribution: 56/44
  • Curb weight: 1,540 kg (3,400 lbs)
  • Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs)

Doors and Windows

This section provides specifications for the doors, windows, and related features of the 1996-2004 Acura RL.

Doors
  • Number of doors: 4
  • Door type: Front and rear hinged doors
  • Door material: Aluminum (front), Steel (rear)
  • Automatic door locks: Standard from 1997 onwards
Windows
  • Window type: Laminated glass
  • Front windshield wipers: Variable intermittent
  • Rear windshield wiper: Single-speed with washer
  • Power windows: Standard on all models

Exterior Features

This section includes specifications for exterior components such as lighting, bumpers, and mirrors.

Lighting
  • Headlights: Halogen projector beam
  • Fog lights: Optional (standard from 2000 onwards)
  • Taillights: LED (from 2002 onwards)
  • Turn signals: Integrated into side mirrors
Bumpers and Trim
  • Front bumper material: Polypropylene
  • Rear bumper material: Polypropylene
  • Side skirts: Optional (standard from 2000 onwards)
  • Chrome exterior trim: Standard
Mirrors
  • Side mirrors: Power-adjustable and heated
  • Mirror material: Glass with manual fold
  • Mirror indicators: Optional (standard from 2000 onwards)
  • Rearview mirror: Auto-dimming (from 2001 onwards)

Interior Features

This section details the interior components of the 1996-2004 Acura RL, including seating, storage, and trim.

Seating
  • Seating capacity: 5 passengers
  • Front seats: Bucket seats with lumbar adjustment
  • Rear seats: Bench seats with 60/40 split-fold
  • Seat material: Leather (optional on base models)
Storage
  • Glovebox capacity: 5 liters
  • Center console storage: 2 liters
  • Door pockets: 1 liter each
  • Cup holders: 4 (front and rear)
Interior Trim
  • Dashboard material: Soft-touch vinyl
  • Door panel trim: Wood grain (optional)
  • Center console trim: Aluminum (optional)
  • Steering wheel: Leather-wrapped (optional)

Component Specifications

Overview

Type
Full-size luxury sedan
Configuration
4-door sedan
Platform
G-body
Material
Steel unibody construction
Location
Manufactured in Japan

Dimensions

Length
196.7 in (5000 mm)
Width
71.8 in (1820 mm)
Height
57.5 in (1460 mm)
Wheelbase
110.2 in (2800 mm)
Curb Weight
3740 lbs (1697 kg)
Front Track
62.0 in (1575 mm)
Rear Track
61.8 in (1570 mm)

Materials

Body Structure
Steel
Doors And Hood
Aluminum
Front Bumper
Polypropylene
Rear Bumper
Polyurethane

Features

Exterior Features
  • Power-adjustable side mirrors
  • Power sunroof
  • Alloy wheels
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
interior Comfort
  • Heated front seats
  • Leather-trimmed upholstery
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Power-adjustable front seats
Convenience Features
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Cruise control
  • Memory seat function
  • Steering wheel controls
Technology Features
  • Bose premium audio system
  • CD player
  • Navigation system (later models)
  • Electrochromic rearview mirror

Safety Features

Airbags
  • Dual front airbags
  • Side airbags
  • Side curtain airbags
Anti-Lock Braking System
4-wheel ABS
Body Structure
Unitized steel body with crumple zones
Security Features
  • Immobilizer system
  • Anti-theft alarm

Comfort Features

Seating
  • Heated front seats
  • Power driver seat
  • Power passenger seat
Climate Control
Dual-zone automatic climate control
infotainment
  • Bose premium audio system
  • AM/FM/CD player
  • Cassette player (early models)
Storage
  • Center console storage
  • Glovebox
  • Door pockets
  • Rear seat pass-through

Accessories

Exterior Accessories
  • Roof rack
  • Rear spoiler
  • Chrome grille
interior Accessories
  • Carpeted floor mats
  • Trunk mat
  • Cargo net
Optional Packages
  • Premium Package
  • Technology Package
  • Convenience Package

Maintenance

Service interval
  • 5,000 miles (8,000 km) - Oil change, tire rotation
  • 15,000 miles (24,000 km) - Air filter replacement
  • 30,000 miles (48,000 km) - Brake inspection, fluid checks
  • 60,000 miles (97,000 km) - Spark plug replacement, timing belt inspection
  • 90,000 miles (145,000 km) - Timing belt replacement
Maintenance Notes
Recommended to use synthetic oil. Timing belt replacement is critical at 90,000 miles.

Warranty

Basic Warranty
Miles: 50,000 miles
Years: 4 years
Coverage: Bumper-to-bumper
Powertrain Warranty
Miles: 70,000 miles
Years: 6 years
Coverage: Powertrain components
Rust Perforation Warranty
Miles: Unlimited miles
Years: 5 years
Coverage: Rust perforation
Accessories Warranty
Miles: 50,000 miles
Years: 4 years
Coverage: Genuine accessories

Production Details

Manufacturer
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Manufacturing Process
  • Welding and stamping
  • Painting and coating
  • Assembly line production
  • Quality control inspection
Quality Control
inspection: Final inspection includes road testing and systems check
Certification: Compliance with safety and emissions standards
Sustainability Practices
Use of recyclable materials in body construction
Production Metrics
Units Produced: Over 100,000 units
Assembly Time: Approximately 20 hours per unit

Service Information for body Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

5,000 miles
6 months
  • Oil change with synthetic oil
  • Tire rotation
  • Brake pad inspection
  • Fluid level check

Ensure correct oil viscosity for climate conditions

30,000 miles
24 months
  • Air filter replacement
  • Spark plug inspection
  • Timing belt inspection
  • Suspension components check

Inspect belts for signs of wear or cracking

60,000 miles
48 months
  • Spark plug replacement
  • Drive belts replacement
  • Fuel injector cleaning
  • Exhaust system inspection

Consider replacing water pump if timing belt is being replaced

90,000 miles
72 months
  • Timing belt replacement
  • Water pump replacement
  • Valve clearance adjustment
  • Fuel system cleaning

Critical to replace timing belt to prevent engine damage

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What are the exterior dimensions of the 1996-2004 Acura RL?

The 1996-2004 Acura RL has an overall length of 196.1 inches, a width of 70.7 inches, and a height of 55.1 inches. The wheelbase measures 111.8 inches, and the curb weight ranges from 3,814 to 3,902 lbs depending on the trim and options.

Q2

What type of body construction is used in the Acura RL?

The Acura RL features a unibody construction, which integrates the body and frame into a single structure. This design enhances rigidity, improves safety, and reduces weight compared to traditional body-on-frame designs.

Q3

What materials are used in the Acura RL's body panels?

The Acura RL uses high-strength steel for its body panels, including the hood, doors, and fenders. Aluminum is also used in certain components, such as the trunk lid, to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity.

Q4

What is the drag coefficient of the 1996-2004 Acura RL?

The 1996-2004 Acura RL has a drag coefficient of 0.32, which contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency and fuel economy. This was achieved through careful design of the body shape, including the front grille, underbody panels, and rear spoiler.

Q5

Are there any known rust issues with the Acura RL's body?

The Acura RL is generally resistant to rust due to its galvanized steel construction and high-quality paint finish. However, regular inspection of common rust-prone areas, such as the wheel wells, undercarriage, and door edges, is recommended, especially in regions with harsh winters or coastal climates.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

Acura RL Body Repair Manual

Coming Soon

Official repair manual for the 1996-2004 Acura RL, covering body panel replacement, alignment, and corrosion prevention.

Acura RL Paint Code Guide

Coming Soon

Comprehensive guide to identifying and matching the factory paint codes for the 1996-2004 Acura RL.

Acura RL Body Maintenance Tips

Coming Soon

Detailed tips for maintaining the exterior and structural integrity of the Acura RL, including washing, waxing, and rust prevention.

Acura RL Aerodynamics Overview

Coming Soon

Technical overview of the aerodynamic design features of the 1996-2004 Acura RL, including wind tunnel testing results.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

ASE Master Certified Technician with over a decade of hands-on experience in automotive repair and diagnostics.

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