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:
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Fun but expensive - 1990 Acura Legend
By slindenbaum - May 3 - 2:00 amI bought it with 45,000 miles on it. It is fun to drive but have had repeated problems with the ABS system. Replaced rear window regulators (left one twice), steering rack, distributor, and numerous other parts over years. Now paint is shot and leather front seats are severly cracked. Spending $1000+ annually. Am replacing it with a 3.2CL-S 6-speed.
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Awesome - 1991 Acura Legend
By Kalieb - April 30 - 2:00 amGreat car with only 66000 miles on it.
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Powerful. Classic. Cherished. - 1994 Acura Legend
By casper90651 - April 24 - 2:00 amThis was my first luxury vehicle. Though it was used and not new, I was looking for a vehicle that I loved when I was a teenager, but obviously couldnt afford it. It certainly met every expectation. Sure, it doesnt meet the same interior styling and options of modern vehicles, this vehicle has a certain flavor that will continue to be a very modern looking, yet classic vehicle.
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Love the stick on the LEGEND! - 1991 Acura Legend
By RVIA - April 6 - 2:00 amI have driven this car for twelve years and just cannot find anything I like as much. Part of the attraction is how good the Acura dealership has been in servicing and repairs: Acura STANDS BEHIND its cars and as far as my experience goes, makes buying almost any other car a very hard move. Classy, roomy, and peppy.
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A Legend Lover Forever - 1994 Acura Legend
By Sebi - March 12 - 2:00 amI had bought the legend on 05, 2002 at a local car auction. Previously i have owned 3 different cars, among my favorite is my 87 toyota camry. I have to say that this is the best car i have ever driven, i love everything about it. The interior is just beautiful, wood trim, big dials. The radio and cruise control 3-style buttons are right on the steering wheel.
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Best car ever - 1992 Acura Legend
By dkahana - March 12 - 2:00 amI cant get rid of this car, even though its getting old. Its fun, reliable, powerful, and everyone thinks its new even though its 14 years old. I think Ill drive it to the ground, but it may take a few more hundred miles.
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Stupendous - 1991 Acura Legend
By RBeighle - March 9 - 2:00 amBought this car new and enjoy it as much today as the day I drove it off the lot. Power, comfort, styling, and economy. Driving it puts a positive spin on your day. Gas mileage consistently runs in the high 20s on regular unleaded, which is only a small sacrific in performance. I have been shopping for a new car only because of its high mileage, but so far nothing compares.
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Solid, Competent Luxury Sedan - 1990 Acura Legend
By Craig528 - March 9 - 2:00 amI bought this car from its original owners about 1.5 years ago--since driven it 44,000 miles (total of 194,000). Rides well, very fast--hard to cruise at less than 80 mph. Acceleration is authoritative. The car handles passably at a modest pace, but front wheel drive discourages enthusiastic driving. Quality of interior materials is excellent. Control layout and gauges are superb, simple to operate. The seats are comfortable and supportive. DO NOT expect parts to be cheap for these cars--many parts are now special- order. On the other hand, this car has never left me stranded.
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Simply amazing vehicle - 1991 Acura Legend
By professorbryce - March 7 - 2:00 amThis car is great! The engine is very powerful and it is very luxurious. Hard to find any car this good without a 3 pointed star on the hood! 3 of my motor mounts went bad and it cost $700 to replace them, but the car is now running like new with 166000 miles. Also beware of cooling issues. The engine cooling system can act very weird sometimes. Parts are expensive but this car is worth every penny you put into it. Even with the problems ive had, its never left my stranded.
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Comfortable and Solid cars - 1995 Acura Legend
By kingrat - March 6 - 2:00 amThe car feels solid and sporty. It hugs a turn and has good acceleration. Can notice a big difference between it and other cars such as the accord or camry.
