Overview & Reviews

It takes confidence to name a car the Legend. If it had been forgettable with nothing legendary about it, Acura could have found itself derided for the irony. It would have forever become the butt of automotive jokes, or worse, part of an Alanis Morissette song. Luckily for Honda's luxury division, its bravado paid off with the Acura Legend, a car that's still held in high regard years after it bowed out in favor of an ironically forgettable replacement.

The Acura Legend was launched in 1986 alongside the Integra sport hatchback to create the Acura brand in North America. Actually co-developed with British automaker Rover (which named its version of the car the Sterling 825), the Legend -- available in sedan and coupe body styles -- was immediately a hit among consumers and reviewers alike.

Through its fledgling Acura brand, Honda successfully blended its penchant for reliability and engine expertise with luxury features previously unavailable in a car wearing the H badge. The second-generation Legend raised the bar even further and its introduction for 1991 saw the debut of Acura's own insignia -- a flipped Honda H with the top pinched to make an A -- that solidified the brand as more of a stand-alone entity.

When Acura discontinued the Legend name in favor of a new alphanumeric naming scheme for its latest luxury sedan, it unfortunately coincided with a drop in style and driving passion that had made the Legend such a success. The Legend's replacement, the RL, was certainly more luxurious and just as reliable, but hardly exciting.

As such, the Legend represents a '90s-era high point of Acura luxury sedan and coupe design. For used-vehicle shoppers, most Legends are getting up there in terms of miles but are still very viable choices.

Most Recent Acura Legend

The second-generation Acura Legend was produced from 1991-'95. The sedan was initially offered in base, L and LS trim levels, while the coupe stuck with L and LS throughout its run. The Legend's core engine was a 3.2-liter V6 making 200 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. In 1993, coupes jumped to 230 hp and upgraded their manual transmission to a six-speed, while all Legends gained dual airbags.

In 1994 a new top-of-the-line GS sedan debuted with the stronger engine and larger 16-inch wheels. The base sedan was dropped, and all Legends added a new grille, bumpers and a power steering wheel that could finally tilt as well as telescope. Its final year, 1995, saw the addition of a limited-production SE sedan with slight cosmetic distinctions.

As with all Acuras, options were limited. An automatic transmission, CD changer and an upgraded Bose stereo were the rare à la carte choices, with leather an option on lower trim levels. Standard equipment included dual front airbags, antilock brakes, alloy wheels, full power accessories, a power driver seat with memory, a sunroof and steering-wheel audio controls. Traction control, keyless entry, heated seats, a power passenger seat and two-tone paint were among the standard items on the upper trim levels.

The Legend was not only good-looking and well-equipped, but rewarding to drive as well. Performance was strong, particularly with the more powerful V6 found on some of the later models. The interior was well-constructed and attractive, toeing the line between luxury and sport. However, headroom was iffy for taller drivers, and the backseat was a little skimpy on legroom due to the Legend's rare longitudinal engine layout. The coupe's rear quarters were even more cramped, though that's typical for two-doors.

Although most Acura Legends on the road now have high mileage, its reputation for consistently strong reliability makes well-maintained examples an excellent choice.

Past Acura Legend models

The original, slightly smaller Acura Legend was produced from 1986-'90 and available in coupe and sedan body styles. These cars set the precedent for future Acuras with high feature content, quality engineering and impeccable reliability.

User Reviews:

Showing 101 through 110 of 273.00

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  The Best Car Ive Owned Yet!!! - 1992 Acura Legend
  By mmkgz-1 - February 24 - 4:28 pm

  Everything about the car is great. Ive always wanted one. And I am happy with the purchase. Even in 2006 this car is superb. Its a classic that Im constantly complemented on and given offers to buy. Havent had any REAL problems since I bought it. The only minor prob was changing a boot. But other than that nothing. The styling is like none other. I also had an 87 coupe that I have no comlaints about. This is a car Acura should never have stopped making.

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  94 Legend - 1994 Acura Legend
  By ParallaX49 - February 18 - 7:12 pm

  An exceptional car. "Precision crafted performance" was completely acurate. This is a car that has lasted my family 12 years and still runs flawlessly. It has seen the garage next to it filled by four different cars over the years, but the Legend outlasted them all.

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  The Best Car Ever - 1991 Acura Legend
  By SM Acura Owner - January 16 - 11:39 am

  I cannot say enough. Everytime I go to buy a new car, I end up keeping ole reliable. 120,000 miles and still not a problem. Just installed new leather and floor mats. Just a nice now as it was years ago....15 years old and still purrs like a kitten....I look forward to keeping this car forever and driving it as long as shell keep going... This has to be the greatest car ever built..

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  Beautiful But Hungry Car - 1994 Acura Legend
  By Kamrul - January 14 - 11:02 am

  I bought this car in the summer of 05. The milage was 10800 when I bought it. This car is just awesome. Sharp design and very smooth engine. I dont know of any car this old and still drives so smoothly. However, I had to put a lot of money in it. Soon after I bought it, I had to replace the water pump and master cylinder (for brake) after I experienced over heating of the engine plus seal the leak in the rear differential. I also had to replace the shocks/struts as they were worn out. Well, for now the car is giving very good service. Other than spending so much behind the car Im very with the car. I plan to keep this car until it completely breaks down.

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  Shes a KEEPER !!!! - 1995 Acura Legend
  By Stephanie Joy - December 29 - 6:16 pm

  I have had by Acura now for 3 yrs & it has about 158k miles. I am a realtor & this car has been soooo reliable & enjoyable. It rides & looks great. I was considering treating myself to something newer like the 2004 Infiniti M45 or 2004 BMW 5 series. However, after reading the reviews I dont know.... I already have a jewel !!

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  Ten Years Old.... - 1995 Acura Legend
  By harsiese - December 22 - 4:27 pm

  I bought my Legend recently and I cannot stay out of it! For a ten year old car, I was surprised at how new it felt. Aside from some slight wear on the drivers seat, I would not be able to tell its as old as it is. Coworkers keep asking if its a 2006, which feels nice. Aside from the rough shift from 1st to 2nd gear in the auto trans , which Ive been told is how this trans always has worked, its fine. Except the cupholder [singular!], which also leaves much to be desired. Ive always owned American cars, but my mind has definitely been changed. Im going to drive the wheels off this one, for sure.

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  Pleasure to Own - 1992 Acura Legend
  By Paul - December 11 - 5:32 pm

  Bought this car as a certified used vehicle from an Acura dealer. It was 4 years old and in great condition. My ownership for the past 10 years as been a joy. Very little maintenance overall. Had the belts, hoses, and water pump changed at 10 years as preventative. Problem areas that have had to be repaired.. new radiator top assembly, new ignition switch, power antenna always an issue, had to have a used transmission put in (this was most likely my fault from towing a trailer with the car that was at the max tow limit, it was recommended that I not pull a trailer with this car). Paint is now starting to show age on roof and trunk lid, still original and not garage kept. Interior has held up

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  Jenns Legend - 1993 Acura Legend
  By Jennifer Mannon - November 13 - 3:22 pm

  I love my Acura, the only things I have had to replace were the battery and the radiator. Other than that I have never had a problem. It is very fun to drive and I will never get rid of it!!

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  Sweet, sweet car - 1994 Acura Legend
  By Bob Rinkel - November 1 - 2:20 am

  2nd Legend, 1st was a 88 coupe (loved it) that gave 185k spirited, trouble free miles. I have 120k on my GS (AT) and it feels as solid as a tank. At $42k new in 94, it is loaded with high (for 94 and today) technology and qty materials and parts. A few: dual piston front calipers, automatic traction control (really works on Colorado snow), pretensioners on seat belts, knock sensors so you can choose to burn regular (a little less power), excellent auto climate control, distributorless ignition, high qty, durable leather, and other interior material that look near new 11 years later. Its fast and easily moves away from 99% of other cars. It is cheap to keep and a tremendous used car value.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 1994 Acura Legend
  By alvin m - September 13 - 12:42 am

  I purchased in 1997 with 35k miles, it now has 198,000. I just now replaced inner tie rods and front struts. I have had to replace two water pumps and the fuel pump switch. I have the 6 speed transmission. Even with the high mileage, you can barely hear the car idle!