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 121 through 130 of 273.00

• 

  Good car - 1992 Acura Legend
  By Acuraowners - March 22 - 1:57 am

  I have not owned this car long, but initially, I like it. It has a long wheelbase- which is really needed to help off-set the overly firm (for a luxury car) suspension. The car is roomy and I feel safe driving it. The gauges are easy to read, but not as pleasant to look at as they are in the 1990-93 Honda Accords, nor is the ride as supple. I am disappointed with the ride of my car, as well as the fact that it needs new axles, & transmission mounts. Overall, these are very good cars, but I have heard a lot of bad things about the headgaskets. They are prone to failures, as are the valve stem seals.

• 

  Best car I have ever owned !!! - 1994 Acura Legend
  By Kelly Wood - March 12 - 11:16 pm

  I love it. It handles great, will do 140 mph andget 23 mpg on the highway. I sell new cars. There is none on the lot that comes close to this car. I would have to buy a new Caddie STS to get close. Being it is 11 years old and still has its looks, it will be hard to replace.

• 

  Great Overall Car - 1990 Acura Legend
  By Melissa - March 11 - 10:53 pm

  I bought my Acura when I decided to go back to school and didnt want a car payment. I bought it outright from the dealer and have to say Ive never been disappointed! For a 15 yr old car, it handles well, accelerates quickly, is good on gas, requires little maintenance (mostly wear and tear stuff) and looks brand new after a wash and wax! Out of all the cars Ive owned, this surprisingly is one of my favorites (and Ive had quite a few!) I was thinking of selling and buying a new car, but its hard to part with something so comfortable and reliable that still looks so good. For a car that I bought on a whim, Ive been pleasantly surprised at what a great value it has been...

• 

  old friend - 1990 Acura Legend
  By brycerdd - March 8 - 8:27 pm

  I purchased the 1990 Acura Legend coupe new service has exceeded manufacturers recommendations. This has been the most durable auto I have owned (and that includes some nice cars: Alfa Romeo,BMW, Porsche). One significant repair in 133k (slave cylinder on clutch), even after fairly spirited driving. Strongest points: durability, comfort, quality of design and materials. Weakpoints: acceleration, weight/powerratio, cornering, dealer service costs. Those weaknesses, IMO, do not keep the car from being one I can highly recommend. For what its worth--.

• 

  Love My Acura - 1990 Acura Legend
  By Steven J Casey - January 7 - 12:35 pm

  Yes, its a very low mileage car, so consider that. But for 15 years it has been flawless -- best car we ever owned. We have had several others in those years, but still have this one because we cant think of selling it.

• 

  My Legend - 1992 Acura Legend
  By Joe A - December 9 - 10:13 pm

  My Legend has been very good to me. Always get compliments on it, even when its dirty. Have had normal mechanical problems, changed belts, front brakes, overheated radiator at 150,000 miles, but besides that, the car has been a pleasure to ride in, Vigors are also nice cars.

• 

  Best Car Ever Owned - 1991 Acura Legend
  By WhiteKnight - December 7 - 6:07 am

  This is a solid, quiet, well-built, reliable luxury automobile that I bought on 12/95 with a little over 59,000 miles. It is fast as I have had it up to 135 mph on three occasions, with plenty of gas pedal left there was no wind noise and I did not feel like I was going over 80 at that time. It will still run high speeds with no wind noise even though it is almost 14 years old with 148,000 miles.

• 

  Oh what a car - 1990 Acura Legend
  By yoji6365 - December 3 - 9:32 pm

  Beautiful car, nice ride, but as with most high end cars, a pricey maintenance bill. But it wont break down and leave you stranded in the snow.

• 

  I wish I had a good one - 1991 Acura Legend
  By acura - October 22 - 2:00 am

  When I bought the car it was nice and I liked the the overall look of the outside and interior. But about after a month I had to replace the temperature sensor because when you would just sit there in park the temperature would go up and the fan didnt kick on. AC didnt work so I took it to the mechanic and some wires were loose so he fixed that, but about a week later it stopped working so I brought it back in agian and they found out that it was bad computer which is supposively a big problem because they crack, and now it wouldnt start it will either cost $100 and might be another $400 just for the parts so far I have spent $1000 plus without the engine problem I wish I got a good one

• 

  True Legend - 1993 Acura Legend
  By LoveMyLegend - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Car was passed down to me from my dad with 230,000 miles on it. The car is basically like new. Everything from the engine to the interior is as strong as it ever was. Very little signs of wear and tear. Like I said, the engine (whole car really) is extremely strong, and has one the nicest high revving sounds I have heard on a car. Put it past 5k on the tach. and it lets out a bit of a yell but no hesitation at all! I love this car and would only trade it for another legend (gs, 6 speed maybe)! The name really does say it all.