Wow... I never thought this would happen...

From MacNN

AOL opens email access
Starting today, AOL customers can begin accessing their email from any IMAP-supported third-party email program, as opposed to having to use AOL's software.

Instructions on how to set it up... here.

I've tested it in Panther's Mail program. It works like a charm!

It's about damn time!

Update: It appears we can receive the e-mail just fine in OSX's Mail but we can't send out. This is AOL's fault and it doesn't appear they care.