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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Best car ever... - 1991 Acura Legend
By AsianNemesis - April 9 - 2:00 amThis is my first car and it is probably the best I have test drove. I was going to get a Maxima but the comodity that Nissan delivered is their Maximas is nothing compared to what the Acura Legend has. It has a smooth ride and there is a nice range of power. Only thing I dont like is no cupholders.
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Almost the perfect car. - 1990 Acura Legend
By Nergal - April 3 - 2:00 amIm a new driver, my legend is my first car, got it at 100k miles for $4k, it was a little under book value at the time but for what you get i wudve paid more. When i first got it I was amazed by the acceleration, but i quickly got used to it and now wish it was faster :). I love the status display, especially the miles remaining, quite useful for a jobless teen always low on gas :P. There is hardly anything i can find wrong with the car other than the back seats dont fold down. Handles great, youd never guess my tires passed inspection marginally. Low and wide, this is how cars should still be made.
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91 Acura Legend 4dr L sedan - 1991 Acura Legend
By mrfoxy54 - March 31 - 2:00 amBought this car with 91K on it a year ago. Other than no cupholders which ive struggled to get used to..even now, this car is a joy to drive and to look at. parts are not that much higher than Honda. Gas mileage around 23 - 26mpg. with new tires (i have Dunlops) and wheel alignment correct, this car rides like a dream.
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True Sport/Luxury - 1992 Acura Legend
By Kalistrat - March 28 - 2:00 amWhen you drive this car it is difficult to believe that it was actually made eleven years ago. This how quality should be tested. After 11 years the car has not had any major repairs and we saved thousands on unnecessary maintenance. When you sit in this car you feel that you are in a german luxury sedan. The handling is perfect, and at the stop light this car beats many of the new sports vehicles. When you accelerate you always feel like there is some reserve power left.
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Legend Coupe - 1995 Acura Legend
By rmoch - March 17 - 2:00 amThis was my dream car - have put over 100,000 miles on it and still love it. There has been no other car made that has turned my head. I get more comments about this car wherever I go.
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I love this car... - 1990 Acura Legend
By Jiggs - March 13 - 2:00 amThis car really impresses me everytime I drive it. It has required several expenses due to repairs but you have to expect that from a old car. Wish they still made Legends instead of those RLs.
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92 Legend standard transmission - 1992 Acura Legend
By george reeves - March 7 - 2:00 amThis is a beautiful, classic design, quality and reliability is excellent. Its an old friend. Who could want more?
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Love to Drive It. Hate to Sell It. - 1993 Acura Legend
By Babo - February 26 - 2:00 amThis car has been the best car I have ever owned. Id continue to drive it, but because of a new baby, I must get a 4 door car. I plan on staying with Acura because of my experience with this one. Sometimes I try to convince myself that placing and removing a baby from the back seat isnt that bad, just so I could continue to drive it! A+
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Ultimate Touring Coupe!!!!!!!!!! - 1993 Acura Legend
By Johnacura - February 25 - 2:00 am93 LS Coupe Type II 6 spd is an awesome, well rounded vehicle, inside, out and under the hood. The 3.2 Type II V6 matched with a 6spd transmission gives me over 30mpg on the highway! They just dont make them like this anymore. Craftsmanship and detail is wonderful. Timeless design, leather is still in awesome shape with minimal fade on parts of the drivers seat, after 102,000 miles just routine maint.,master cylinder and door actuater for the passangers door for the lock were the only repairs Ive had to do. Big beautiful comfortable coupe that performs and handles like a sports car. Its a Touring coupe for others to emulate.
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1992 Acura Legend L - 1992 Acura Legend
By Brandon Stephenson - February 21 - 2:00 amI bought this car with 155,000 miles and and I now have 177,000 miles and have had no problems. I have added a intake and performance muffler and the car just gets up and goes. Really fast, never failed to start even after weeks in the cold. Driven it up to 200 miles in 90degree weather and have had no problems. This car is great!!!!
