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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continued saga..same car:? - 1991 Acura Legend
By BartmanSF - December 5 - 2:00 amCONT>>Now car is clicking whenever I take off or turn the wheel.(needs front axle shafts & cv boots a common problem on Honda/Acuras?) It now has 126k,the clear coat/paint is peeling off roof despite wax & a garage.Brake Lt warning always on but no malf. The seats have cracked worse underneath the "vinyl spray"(applied to simulate good lthr) I read the reviews B4 buying and my expectations for this lux car were much higher. The point Id like to make is not all acuras live up to the hype. A car is only as good as its maintanence. Two more things..I WOULD NEVER BUY A CAR FROM THESE GUYS ON EBAY & I WISH I HAD ONE OF YOURS-CAUSE THIS ONE SUCKS.
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Awesome - 1993 Acura Legend
By luxocruiser - November 22 - 2:00 amIt is sooo loaded, and is the most comfortable car Ive ever owned. The only car I Like more is the nsx, but dont have 85k. I will keep this car forever. I have only put in a 85 dollar motar mount since owning it, and the regular stuff like tires etc.I will definately by another legend if I could find one with under 100k miles, mine has 194,000 miles and my mechanic doesnt foresee any problems for at least 60k more miles.
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My first Legend, best ride ever - 1993 Acura Legend
By Stebo63 - November 16 - 2:00 amI purchased my 93 Legend L in July 2002 with only 74,000 miles from the original owner in Long Island, NY. This car was maintained very well, garage kept and spent its winters in Florida via Amtrack Car Train. Extremely reliable, comfortable... Wonderful design, Acura should re-development the Legend !!
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Great Car - 1990 Acura Legend
By Great Car - November 16 - 2:00 amThis is such a great car. Its finally gone after 175,000 miles. I have a friend who same year Acura is pushing over 200,000. Very reliable. Isnt very expensive to fix. GREAT JOB HONDA
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Best Used Car Buy Ever - 1994 Acura Legend
By DHC - November 13 - 2:00 amI bought this car used (or rather certified pre-owned) with 41,000 miles on it. It now has close to 150,000 and shows no sign of slowing down. I originally bought the car because I needed a nice front-wheel drive car for long-distance driving in upstate NY which can be serious snow country in the winter. The car never let me down and provided an excellent ride along the way. Most Acura/Honda folks still lament that the Legend was replaced with the RL. Reliability has been superb with only basic wear items needing to be replaced (timing belt, brake pad/rotors, belts).
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1991 Legendary Coupe - 1991 Acura Legend
By Legendary Coupe - November 1 - 2:00 amProud owner of a 1991 Acura L Coupe since 1994. Today, the coupe continues to turn heads. People want to buy the car right on the spot. I say, No Way! Traded the coupe in for another car...the next day I got my coupe back. It is dependable, durable and the besting looking car on the road.
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Very Happy! - 1990 Acura Legend
By C Powers - October 27 - 1:00 amI really enjoy my Acura. It is comfortable, roomy, and really gets up and goes. The only problem I have had has been due to a faulty electronic board and also that there are no cup holders.
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Greatest Vehicle of the Century - 1993 Acura Legend
By Mike the Acura Drive - October 21 - 2:00 amThese are the beast vehicles for your money. You might call it the poor mans Lexus. I have owned 3 Acuras now and the 93 is my favorite. I have owned a 91 Legend and own a 97 3.5RL
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91 Legend L Coupe - 1991 Acura Legend
By BigPoppaSmurf - October 18 - 2:00 amWhat else is there to say if you are thinking of buying one, do it! If you are thinking of selling it, dont you will regret it later! This is the best and most reliable car out there that is 12 years old.
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Great looks, but engine soso - 1992 Acura Legend
By - October 8 - 2:00 amAdmittedly, one of the best looking cars ever built: a good combo of elegence and muscle. However, I have had problems with the engine overheating. Moreover, b/c the engines were built with very narrow margins b/ween parts, a little overheating can do serious damage, as it did in mine. Nonetheless, If I had 15 grand to blow on a car, I rather buy a legend and then replace the engine and/or tranny than a new cavalier or something.
