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 151 through 160 of 273.00

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  AWESOME CAR - 1991 Acura Legend
  By TANK - March 1 - 2:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE VERY FAST FOR THE PRICE

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  pretty good car - 1990 Acura Legend
  By D.D. - February 20 - 2:00 am

  This car was great cinsidering it is my first car, but it has also cost a bit, for example, 500 bucks for a/c fixing and another 700 in a/c repairs still needed, power steering leak (a couple hundred) new battery ($100), a new paintjob and a few other repairs, nothing too huge, but right now, i think my transmission is slipping and it makes a funny noise when i turn

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  What a money pit!!!!!!!! - 1992 Acura Legend
  By jtttma - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 1992 Legend with $48k miles in 2000. I thought it would be a reliable car that would last me at least 8 more years. In the four years that I have owned it, I have poured thousands of dollars into it. A new A/C ($1200), radiator, two front axles, replaced all motor mounts (come on, when was the last time you replace a motor mount in a car) and a load of other things. I estimate that I have spent at least $5000 in the four years I have owned it. The engine and transmission, they say, are great, but every thing else is garbage. I tell everyone who wants to by a used Legend to be prepared to pay thousands in repairs.

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  Great Car - 1991 Acura Legend
  By wpman06 - February 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing, for a 13 year old car it has pleanty of pep. The is smooth. For a 13 year old car inside has held up very well. Very comfordable seats. Gas mileage not so good about 15 mpg.

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  Magnificent machine - 1993 Acura Legend
  By mikelrb - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought this 8 months ago. Wow. What a car. Bought it after reading all the positive reviews -- I mean, this thing scores high. Bought it for my wife. She LOVES it -- and at 11 years old now! Bought it with 160,000 miles on it. Mint condition, one owner, always maintained at dealer. Smooth, quiet, powerful. Love the lines. Beautiful styling that will never go OUT of style. Lots of power with the 3.2 V6. Cruise at 90, and you dont feel a thing. Really a fantastic car.

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  1995 Acura Legend Coupe - 1995 Acura Legend
  By rodgag - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This is one terrific car! Typical Acura quality - we have owned three Acuras, and one is better than the other.

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  Legend...The best in its class - 1993 Acura Legend
  By Stir Boy - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my rare 5 speed w/o leather Legend. In my opinion it is the best car in its class. My mom and dad just bought a 2003 Toyota Camry and they want to sell it and buy a Legend like mine. I get 24-27 mpg with the 5 speed. Although I have had this car just over a month, I have put over 2.7k miles on it. I started out with 125k. I know that it is a reliable car. The Bose premium sound is essential in this car. It does have its little quirks, i.e. fan motor squeels when it runs a long time. But no major problems that I can see in the near future except a new clutch. It is extremely responsive and fun to drive. I love it too much to sell it.

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  PITA - 1990 Acura Legend
  By Ralph Schwartz - December 13 - 2:00 am

  This car has always been a minor pain - 2 climate control sampler fans ($), light switch ($$), transmission control module ($$$), power antenna quit. Then all hell broke loose last year - transmission rebuild ($3.000!!) Didnt have another car ready, so had work done. Now its making a noise which might be a pinion bearing (would be major $ again), and the radio has stopped completely (no power to it at all). The leather is definitely sub- standard, and has worn poorly, for what this car cost me when new.

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  Legend Forever...and ever - 1994 Acura Legend
  By dwinston - December 11 - 2:00 am

  My Legend has 145,000 miles now and I still cant justify selling it in spite of temptations such as the new 2004 Acura TL with 270 hp. The new car doesnt feel faster or better than my old Legend in spite of more cup holders. Darn it. Im having to resort to looking at high $ cars with 350+ hp to even consider selling.

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  Extremely Happy Acura Owner - 1995 Acura Legend
  By EstherRaquel - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Legend for almost 7 years drove it off of the showroom floor at just 2 years old w/about 18k miles and all I have had to do to it since then is fill it w/gas and the regular maintenance (tires, brakes, 1 tune-up, 1 light bulb), literally. I love, love, love it and it will be hard when it comes time to trade it in, but know it will be for another Acura, the MDX.