CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Acura 3.5RL

Acura 3.5RL — 1996–2004, hatchback, 3.5 L V6 C35A1. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine3.5 L V6 C35A1

Transmission4-speed automatic

DrivetrainFront-engine, front-wheel-drive

About the Acura 3.5RL

Acura 3.5RL is a hatchback in the hatchback class, with source data covering 1996–2004. The available vehicle data lists 3.5 L V6 C35A1 as an engine configuration, paired with 4-speed automatic and a Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Acura 3.5RL guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 3.5 L V6 C35A1 and 4-speed automatic transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Acura 3.5RL specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Acura
Model	3.5RL
Model years	1996–2004
Body style	hatchback
Vehicle class	hatchback
Manufacturer	Acura
Production	December 1995–2004
Market / country	CA, US

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Acura 3.5RL includes 3.5 L V6 C35A1.. Transmission information includes 4-speed automatic.. The listed drivetrain/layout is Front-engine, front-wheel-drive.

Engine	3.5 L V6 C35A1
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Drivetrain / layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase	114.6 in (2,911 mm)
Length	1996–1998: 195.1 in (4,956 mm)1999–2001: 196.6 in (4,994 mm)2002–2004: 196.7 in (4,996 mm)
Width	1996–1998: 71.3 in (1,811 mm)1999–2001: 71.4 in (1,814 mm)2002–2004: 71.7 in (1,821 mm)
Height	1996–1998: 54.5 in (1,384 mm)1999–2001: 56.5 in (1,435 mm)2002–2004: 54.5 in (1,384 mm)
Kerb / curb weight	1,660–1,778kg (3,660–3,920lb)

Acura 3.5RL other specifications

Name	First generation
Image	1st Acura RL.jpg
Caption	1996–1998 Acura 3.5RL (base)
Aka	Honda Legend
Model Code	KA9

Acura 3.5RL generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
First generation	1996–2004	3.5 L V6 C35A1	4-speed automatic	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Acura 3.5RL

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load32 PSI front30 PSI rear

Fully loaded34 PSI front33 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	32 PSI	30 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	34 PSI	33 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Acura 3.5RL

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Acura 3.5RL have?

The available source data lists the Acura 3.5RL engine as 3.5 L V6 C35A1. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Acura 3.5RL?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 32 PSI front and 30 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Acura 3.5RL?

There is no single best engine oil for every Acura 3.5RL configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Acura 3.5RL?

The Acura 3.5RL is classified as a hatchback.

What years was the Acura 3.5RL produced?

The available vehicle record places the Acura 3.5RL in the 1996–2004 period. Exact availability can vary by market.

What are the dimensions of the Acura 3.5RL?

The available source data lists length 1996–1998: 195.1 in (4,956 mm)1999–2001: 196.6 in (4,994 mm)2002–2004: 196.7 in (4,996 mm), width 1996–1998: 71.3 in (1,811 mm)1999–2001: 71.4 in (1,814 mm)2002–2004: 71.7 in (1,821 mm), height 1996–1998: 54.5 in (1,384 mm)1999–2001: 56.5 in (1,435 mm)2002–2004: 54.5 in (1,384 mm), and wheelbase 114.6 in (2,911 mm).

What transmission does the Acura 3.5RL have?

The available source data lists 4-speed automatic transmission options for the Acura 3.5RL.

Is the Acura 3.5RL FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Acura 3.5RL is Front-engine, front-wheel-drive.

Who makes the Acura 3.5RL?

The manufacturer listed for the Acura 3.5RL is Acura.

When was the Acura 3.5RL produced?

The available source data describes production as December 1995–2004.

How much does the Acura 3.5RL weigh?

The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 1,660–1,778kg (3,660–3,920lb). Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.

What class of car is the Acura 3.5RL?

The Acura 3.5RL is listed in the hatchback class.

Which markets or countries sold the Acura 3.5RL?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Acura 3.5RL with CA, US. Market availability and specifications can differ.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Acura 3.5RL?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Acura 3.5RL?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Acura 3.5RL is fully loaded?

It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Can the Acura 3.5RL have different tire pressures front and rear?

Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.

Why can mileage differ from the published figure for the Acura 3.5RL?

Published fuel economy is measured under a defined test method. Real-world mileage can vary with traffic, speed, temperature, tire pressure, payload, maintenance and driving style.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Acura 3.5RL images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.