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 111 through 120 of 273.00

• 

  Legend Rocks - 1994 Acura Legend
  By Jesse - July 27 - 6:20 pm

  This is an awesome car. Has the awesome sporty yet luxurious looks, runs great, never had a problem with mine. The interior is like new after so many years. This is built to last

• 

  Wish Acura Still Made Them...! - 1994 Acura Legend
  By cecurr - July 12 - 12:56 pm

  I bought my 1994 LS Sedan used in 1999 from Acura dealer with 52,000 miles. This is by far the most reliable and best built car Ive ever owned or driven. The exterior design is timeless. The body and interior components are fitted superbly. The paint is as good as it gets. I have 101,000 mile on it now and it is as quiet and tight as the day i bought it. Ive had to replace the master cylinder, but only routine maintenance aside from that. Great looks and great gas mileage (19 city / 24 highway). Everthing about this car is excellent and reliable. I see why it was named "Legend". I dont understand why Acura dropped it. Every time I drive it, someone asks if I want to see it.

• 

  EXCELLENT VEHICLE! - 1990 Acura Legend
  By PETER - July 11 - 11:22 pm

  I bought the car about 2 years ago with 183K miles. It has given excellent service for a 15 year car. The car is in fair shape. I replaced timing belt a year ago it was the original according to the mechanic. Great car!

• 

  The Legend Continues - 1994 Acura Legend
  By Nick - July 1 - 3:31 pm

  Great car! Dont know why they stopped making them. Runs smooth. Car feels like it glides on the rode

• 

  92 4DR LS - 1992 Acura Legend
  By CB - June 15 - 3:34 pm

  Third owner, bought it at 204K now at 230K always has had most of its dealer suggested maint, but given age has had some issues, mostly my fault, but otherwise I think Ive only put in a CV axle, plus the usual: brakes, tires, battery. Bose system nice while it lasts, but then replace it or buy your parts on ebay. Power antenna cant handle northern winters (salt/ice), tho its weight is helpful when its slippery. Performance: good acceleration (tires like to bark), body roll happens easily to a point, but then the car just doesnt really go much further than that even if you turn harder. Brakes are decent, mine fade at the moment, but pads are very low.

• 

  I LOVE MY LEGEND! - 1993 Acura Legend
  By DavisD - June 7 - 3:25 am

  I absolutely love my legend. It now has 226,000 miles on it and it is atill running great! Quiet, luxurious ride on the highway and still has great performance. Great blend of luxury and performance.

• 

  honda/acuras best car ever - 1991 Acura Legend
  By marcus - May 26 - 2:57 am

  I bought this car from a private seller back in march 03. It was a little beat up on the inside, but it ran like a jewel. I had to replace some things mainly due to age - at that point it was 11 and now its 14 and runs better than ever. The interior design is better than a lot of younger cars on the road today and the exterior design is timeless. People mistake my 91 for a 2000 or 2002! The Bose system was okay I soon replaced it after I bought it just because I wanted to and I couldnt add any subs or anything to the system without blowing the speakers. Other than that the car is an absolute gem. Highly recommend this for a first car for a teenager.

• 

  Still a dedicated owner after a Decade - 1993 Acura Legend
  By Michele Lisor - May 25 - 6:07 pm

  It was purchased originally in 1996 from a family member then transfered to me so it has been well kept for quite sometime. Maintaining the vehicle has been average tires are not fun to purchase due to specialized size. But I still say, "Luuuuv my car!" I am having a fuel system issue. When I turn key to start, once Ive let go of key it does not stay running. If key is continuously turned to the start position it wants to turn over but will not stay running.

• 

  High marks for this car - 1994 Acura Legend
  By GS_TWO - April 1 - 10:24 pm

  This car is wonderful. Lots of character, style, and performance. I agree with another post on this site, that the brakes are a little too light-weight for this car.The six speed Legend is legendary on performance, though. Highway cruising, accelerating, this car does it effortlessly. If you own one, hang onto it. This car may become a prized collectors item in twenty years or so. Im not letting go of mine.

• 

  One of the Best - 1990 Acura Legend
  By Spectromen - March 28 - 7:22 pm

  I truly think this is still Acuras best car ever. I bought it at 120K in 2001 and have had to do plenty of maintenance, but there was nothing out of the ordinary. Its true, dealer parts are expensive but they last, and theres usually alternate parts for the major systems too. As much as I love the TLs and RLs, I just cant bring myself to let go of this one until it dies, and even then, itll be a sad day.