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 161 through 170 of 273.00

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  Acura Legend - 1991 Acura Legend
  By Kalieb-Michael - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a week so far and love it. Checked Carfax.com and it only had one previous owner. Original engine with only 60,386 miles! Had my mechanic check it out and said it was sound, tho the rear shocks were getting worn.Only one rust spot the size of a dime on the outside. Super fun to drive and looks great.

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  Legend Review - 1994 Acura Legend
  By WWW - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I have 2 other friends with the same car and we all agree this is a great car. I will definitely buy another Acura if I ever need to.

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  A Wonderful Car! - 1990 Acura Legend
  By aarpcat - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car at 7 years old with 69000 miles. The styling first attracted me and it still turns heads. I took care of the brakes, timing belt, etc before I drove it and have put no money in it except for routine maintenance. The car is incredibly reliable.

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  Amazing Legend - 1991 Acura Legend
  By CrazyDave - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have the 5 speed l, It has been amazing.I have only replaced brakes,and radiator top.( Normal Servicing only) everything original, and working perfectly.The clutch was replaced due to throw out bearing loosing its lube.That was at 100,000 miles! I am looking forward to purchasing the 2004TL, and putting 200,000 on it too!

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  MORE FOR YOUR MONEY - 1991 Acura Legend
  By M. LEBRON - October 27 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS A GREAT VEHICLE. PERFECT FOR GOOD FAMILY FUN. AND FOR US GUYS THAT ENJOY LUXURY BUT WANT A TOUCH OF SPORT, THIS CAR WILL FOFILL BOTH CRAVINGS! ENJOY THE RIDE, I DO.

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  The Acura - 1992 Acura Legend
  By RBeighle - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many cars from various manufacturers and this is simply the best. I typically keep a car for 3-5 years before trading, but cannot part with the Acura. It is now my wifes car and will only occasionally let me drive it. Nothing but quality and fun.

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  The Legends Lives on !!! - 1992 Acura Legend
  By Manny2000 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  With proper maintainance.I have a 5- speed LS and I tell you Ive enjoyed every ride in this car.I dont see myself parting with his car anytime soon.Its reliable dependable,and very fast.I dont see anything in its category that compares... U take care of the ride,the ride will take care of U-Its that simple

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  acura legend 2 dr coupe ls - 1992 Acura Legend
  By digital d - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Have had my Legend half a year and like it very much. Reliability has been a problem, but I did not get the car in the best condition. Many people who have rode in it have commented on how much they like and cant believe that is it from 1992, and quite a few wish they had it. The performance is great and it is lots of fun to drive. The Legend is also one of the best looking cars available - even after 11 years.

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  Great Long-Term Car - 1990 Acura Legend
  By Homie-D - October 10 - 2:00 am

  2nd Acura Legend Owned. Bought at 100k. Great mechanical engine with only minor repairs till 200k. Car is 13 yrs old now - so things are finally needing repair - A/C / brakes / etc... BUT - no major engine or transmission troubles. Leather seats are severly cracked. Have know other Legends to run upwards of 300k miles. At 13 years old - can expect to have some repairs - but happy they are not huge $s.

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  my first car - 1994 Acura Legend
  By JDM 808 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  this is my first car for me, i bought it with 128,000 miles on it. about 2 weeks later, the water pump wont out (common for that much miles). i tested it out 1/4 mile and it ran a 16.291 (btw: its an automatic) with one mod to it, the performance chip and the top speed ive reached was 120.