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 131 through 140 of 273.00

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  Great Car - 1991 Acura Legend
  By wolfpack770 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Inherited this car from my father, who has owned an 86 legend, a 92 four door legend, this 91 coupe, and a 2003 RL. I think he still misses this car, even though his RL is nice. Still get comments from people at stoplights, gas stations, etc. I cant think of another 1991 that would still make heads turn. Drives great, reliable, fast enough, wonderful car. Ive been saying for years they should have continued making these.

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  Nu hotness still in effect - 1991 Acura Legend
  By Kevin_Gthype - August 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive been fascinated with Acura Legends since 1994. Even though I have a 91, it still performs like a later model. The car is 13 years old but it drives like brand new. I got a deal with it. In fact the night before. It was broken into, but they werent even able to steel it due to the coded radio and alarm. Mercedes, Bmw , Audi ,and all those other luxury cars cant touch this car. It lives up to its name. With performance and style its truly a legend. My suggestion get one and feel the power.

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  Love of my life! - 1995 Acura Legend
  By jasonatl29 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Im an accountant who makes about $50k a year. The lease on my 99 Accord ended in 6/04 and I was planning on buying an 02 Accord. The dealer had my 95 Legend on the used lot and I fell in love. I bought it with only 62k miles on it and now it has just over 90k. Ill drive it until it dies! This thing is amazing. I want to find another low mileage one to garage until this one wears out...its that good!

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  Great Car - 1991 Acura Legend
  By baja2211 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing, it rides quieter than my moms Crysler 300M. This car has got plenty of go for a 14 year old car. The car is very comfordable it has got some really cool features. Most cars even today dont come stock with 200 horsepower adn 210 pound-feet of torque.

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  Best overall auto experience to date - 1992 Acura Legend
  By ErnestW - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Well made vehicle, quality mechanical components (except as noted). Understated cache. Built to compete with Lexus in luxury but perhaps never achieved the brand recognition of Lexis so this means lots of car for the money for you.

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  Legend Coupes - 1992 Acura Legend
  By Tony1026 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving legend coupes since 1987 -- by far, the best one I have ever owned was the 1992 model. So much so that 2 years ago, rather than buy a new car -- I simply searched until I found a 92 Black Coupe with low milage. Fun to drive - easy to maintain - beautiful lines -- what else can I say?

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  A True Legend - 1991 Acura Legend
  By DugALug - June 15 - 2:00 am

  This car has been wonderful I love it and I am sad to be finally getting rid of it after 14 years.

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  Best Car Ive owned - 1994 Acura Legend
  By stritt - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I am the 2nd owner of my 94 LS coupe and bought it with 42,000 miles. Almost no repair cost and very little maintenance. Just put gas in it and change the oil every 3-4k miles. This is the best and most reliable car Ive ever owned. Its my 2nd Acura Legend coupe and Ive put more miles on this car than any other car Ive owned.

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  Best Legend ever made - 1995 Acura Legend
  By paganpink - June 7 - 2:00 am

  With the 230 horse motor and sports suspension this bulltproof reliable Acura will outrun and outhandle anything made in Europe in its price range and have reliability as well! It has everything from heated seats and moonroof, to 4 wheel ABS, but mainly it is just fun to drive. And if a 525 BMW wants to play...

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  Best car I have ever had, hard to let go - 1992 Acura Legend
  By Suhling - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Bought car new. Now has 240,000 miles. Never had another car last for so long and be so comfortable. Do everything and go everywhere. None of my families cars last as long as this one with as few maintenance problems.