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 251 through 260 of 273.00

• 

  Incredible Automobile - 1994 Acura Legend
  By Sen284 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  After two years of searching I finally found a suitable Legend coupe and can say confidently that it has lived up to my expectations. You will not find a better combintion of style, performance and reliability in car. For the ultimate in comfort and performance the Acura Legend is king.

• 

  91 Legand Sedan - 1991 Acura Legend
  By TIPSTER - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Hmmm, just looked at how I rated the auto on 1-10 scale and may appear lower than my true feelings. Hard to rate gas mileage and exterior styling a 10 on this auto. I have owned the auto for 3 years. Was originally going to get a Volvo 850 (now v70) but was instantly seduced when drove this auto in comparision. Has held up very well -- very good build quality. It is a great way to get a nice performance oriented upscale sedan inexpensively...and it is much less expensive to maintain than Lexus, Volvo or Infiniti. You sit rather low in this vehicle vs. other cars you might compare it too...took some getting used to.

• 

  LUXURY, QUALITY, VALUE & FUN! - 1995 Acura Legend
  By chipito - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Traveling sales engineers car, covering the SE USAs varied terrain. It handles the straights, curves, mountain roads and in betweens with no labor. Those 200 horses and independent suspension let me run with cars 2 - 3 times the price. The interior has all the amenities of a luxury car of this vintage - still loving my Acura after three years running...

• 

  Fastest Coupe On The Road - 1991 Acura Legend
  By bdawg - May 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought an Acura Legend LS Coupe about a month ago. This is the best car I have ever ridden in. The seats are pimpin and sit low. The engine in this car can not be stopped. I timed it 0-60 in a little under 6 seconds. It will hit 130 in 4th gear(wonder what 5th will do), so if you want something that is fast and reliable, then buy an Acura Legend b/c it will go and last.

• 

  1993 Acura Legend - 1993 Acura Legend
  By Mike C. - May 19 - 2:00 am

  A overall nice car. Gets you where you want to go in luxury and style. Could use more power, but overall great buy.

• 

  Honda can do it! - 1992 Acura Legend
  By Josh Medford - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!!!! No problems just timing belt replaced at 150,000!!! never broke down and never any problems what-so-ever. I love the style of the second gen. legends

• 

  Better than my 2001 - 1991 Acura Legend
  By fillabuck - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Trouble free, purchased it new in 91 and just cant give it up. Only serviced at dealer, current reading on odometer is 57,200. Nice quiet ride, smooth transmission and has just a joy to own. I purchased an Acura TL in 2001 and the Legend is a better car. The Acura service department where we purchased our cars were excellent.

• 

  BEAUTY - 1991 Acura Legend
  By FJM - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Still turns heads everywhere I go. Very smooth ride. Lots of power if you need it.

• 

  Zoom Zoom - 1992 Acura Legend
  By Montanaboy - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Second Acura Legend LS Coupe, first one 91, had 151K when traded for second, love the car,quality, and dependability. 2 legends speaks for it self.

• 

  1992 NXS - 1992 Acura Legend
  By sean - May 4 - 2:00 am

  In 10 years it has never broken down. You can drive it at speed all day long.