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 191 through 200 of 273.00-
Best Car Ive ever Owned or even driven - 1991 Acura Legend
By Nitsua - June 10 - 2:00 amMy personal favorite. The Legend of the early nineties was the best car ever produced by Acura. It fully lives up to its name. Ive put over 170 thousand miles on mine and I look forward to many more. This great looking sedan drives like a 2-door and shifts like a sports car with an engine to back it. If you want a luxury sports car, but need room for the kids, this is your car.
-
One of my dream car - 1994 Acura Legend
By KA7 GS - June 8 - 2:00 amThis is my 5th used car i owned 1st-3rd was accord 1990,1991,1992 4th car was prelude VTEC 1993 now I drive Legend GS 1994 I bought it use this year at has 126000 on the odo but since the previous owner take care that car like a baby, it run smoothly from IL to NY in 13 hours. and doesnt give me any problem till now.
-
still satisfied - 1991 Acura Legend
By mcw - June 8 - 2:00 amMy car is now greater than 12 years old and i was curious about the newer cars. Well after shopping around nothing out there is tempting me to trade my car in.I guess that is a testiment to the quality of the car
-
Very much a Legend - 1994 Acura Legend
By ESP - May 22 - 2:00 amA great car all-around. Powerful, smooth, elegant-looking, luxuriant (even foe 2003, let alone for 1994), reliable, very well-made. A very satisying car to drive. The gas mileage (15-18 mpg in my experience of mixed driving) can be viewed as a necessary levy for the beautiful and pleasing ride offered.
-
Best Car Ive ever owned - 1994 Acura Legend
By DMB5403 - May 14 - 2:00 amWhen I purchased my Legend, new in 1994, I never thought Id still own it in 2003. I love this car! It has never had any problems, and is still fun to drive. I started looking at new cars in 2000, just because Ive always gotten a new car every 5-6 years, but I have yet to find a car that drives and looks as good as my ( now old) Legend Coupe. I may drive this car forever--- it sure seems like it will run forever.
-
DREAM CAR - 1991 Acura Legend
By Therdsak - May 14 - 2:00 amOne of the cars that was ahead of its time. Even today the car looks great and still looks better than most cars today. Has everything a person could possibly want. Mine even has a center console cupholder.
-
One of best sedans ever built. - 1994 Acura Legend
By wilecoyotertcw - May 7 - 2:00 amThis is one of the best looking body styles ever put into a sedan. The appearance of this car is timeless.
-
looks like a mid 90s car.the lady killa - 1990 Acura Legend
By eze - April 30 - 2:00 amthis car is amazing for being a 1990.the performance is supirior,great handiling and excelleration.the desighn is awsome
-
A Pleasure to Own - 1990 Acura Legend
By nolaming - April 17 - 2:00 amThis car was purchased from someone who had obviously maintained it well, so it was in great condition. I have put 40,000 miles on it so far and have had the normal issues with a 10-13 year old car(radiator,a/c,c/v boots,etc.) However, this is fundamentally a solid car with good power that is fun to drive. I highly recommend it!
-
Love My Legend - 1991 Acura Legend
By Ernestine Dixon - April 9 - 2:00 amI am the second owner I have really enjoyed my Legend. I did not like the alarm system I had to have it disconnected it would go off with for no apparent reason. I do miss not having a cup holder.
