Is gas mileage really that bad in these things? I went to fuelly and it seems no better than a Honda Odyssey or something. What gives?

Also can you use regular or do I have to use premium?

 

Use premium it does not like regular.

Install a kn filter either in the box ,or if you put a cone type and remove the box the gas mlge is way better. Change the plugs if more than 2 yrs

 

If I can keep my 2000 RL around 40-50 mph I can get 21mpg, and at highway speeds the same, but it suck gas in the city and stop-and-go I average around 14.5 mpg. The window sticker claimed 18 City and 24 Highway in bold numbers and below in the fine print it states actual mileage is 15mpg city and 21 mpg hwy combined. I have a K&N filter and use a paper one when I clean the K&N filter and the numbers are the same.

 

If you get rid of the airbox and use a cone type filter its somewhat better

 

You might have a needed repair or some kind of issue. I've got 24.9 in my 2004. That was on a trip where I drove between 55 and 60mph.

Not a fan of the K&N's or removing a stock airbox. That's a good way to lose power and get a cel.

 

No repairs necessary on my RL, it's properly maintained and I scan it monthly, I'm getting just what the window sticker stated "15mpg to 21mpg" in mixed city-highway driving. I prefer the K&N in my opinion because it allows for better airflow, and it's reusable rather than wasting money on throwaway filters. Other than your trip how often do you check your mileage? You could have had a tailwind or drafted behind a semi, if you get 24.9 regularly consider yourself fortunate, however try driving in stop-and-go city traffic and report your numbers. I didn't buy my 2000 RL for fuel it's fuel economy, and for the transmission technology at the time and gear rations needed to get almost 4000 lbs of car moving there will be a tradeoff in gas mileage. No surprise that the 2005 Acura RL came with a 5 speed transmission and better gearing than the first gen RL's. New cars and trucks have anywhere from 6 to 10 speed transmissions today in order to meet federally mandated fuel mileage ratings. My twenty two year old RL is my daily driver and my other car is a thirty seven year old RX-7 so I know how to maintain cars.

Daily Driver

Zoom-Zoom!
​​​​​​​

 

Great for you!


I could have, but I didn't.

???? I don't live in or anywhere near a city.

Common knowledge.

Sorry that doesn't impress me at all. Try again. Also, looks like you're down south.

 

I just drove my 2004 from Des Moines Iowa to Alexandria Minnesota on a tank of gas. 25.4 mpg. 69 mph on interstate, mostly crosswinds.

 

Last week I drove from Seattle to Tillamook OR and back averaging approximately 30 miles per gallon.
My RL sucks in city driving, but I'll take 30 on the freeway all day long, especially with a 4000 lb car with over 250K on the odometer and spotty maintenance.

 

30mpg from an old 3.5? Let's not get carried away here!