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 261 through 270 of 273.00

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  Two thumbs up for Legnd Coupe!!! - 1991 Acura Legend
  By Jazzzy! - May 3 - 2:00 am

  What else can I say? The cars title speaks for itself... Legend!!! A twele year old design that still turns heads even among new Acura owners and Dealers. If you cn find one that has been well maintained, go for it! Car still purrslke a kitten and has fooled me a couple of times being on when thinkin it was off (most new cars arent that quite! Love it! Love it! Love it!

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  Amazing Car - 1994 Acura Legend
  By Bacchus - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 82,000 miles and have had virtually no problems. The car now has new a new radiator and belts, and she runs like a dream with 132,000 miles. The car is completely comfortable, with ample room in the front and rear seats. The controls are all very easy to use and aesthetic. I truely love this car. The only problems I continue to have is loosing track of my speed. I swear my Acura cruises more comfortably and quietly at 100 than most cars do at 60. I look forward to a new Acura in the future.

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  Just straight up fun - 1993 Acura Legend
  By oskiller - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I initially bought this car as a replacement for a 95 Cirrus LXi. This was for my wife to drive so I could get my van back. She still drives the van 2- 3 days a week. I love those days. This thing is a joy to drive, especially in the hills around Pittsburgh. Pop the sunroof open when I can, open the windows and cruise on down the road. Havent had this much fun driving a car in years.

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  Excellent Car - 1993 Acura Legend
  By Bg357 - April 20 - 2:00 am

  Terrific engine, good transmission, good ride, decent mileage all in a timelessly styled car.

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  Great daily driver - 1990 Acura Legend
  By drsills - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Other than rust, it has been a fantastic car. Drive it nearly every day, it outperforms most cars on the roa. It especially handles well.

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  Excellent car - 1994 Acura Legend
  By Robert Marks - April 5 - 2:00 am

  excellent car...acura made a mistake when they quit making the legend.. although I hear its coming back

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  Keeps on Ticking - 1992 Acura Legend
  By KenfromGA - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought this new in 92. Now has 175,000 miles. Had every maintenance done on schedule and changed the oil at least every 4,000 miles. Runs and handles like a new car. Repairs: AC compressor at 150,000 - Radiator at 173,000. Other normal "wear and tear" as expected. This baby is still solid and rides like a dream. Hope to make at least 250k - 300k miles.

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  Great Car - 1992 Acura Legend
  By Qball - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I have 220,000 miles on this car. Bought it new and it has been terrific!! Original exhaust system still remains...unbelievable!!! On my 5th set of tires, have changed oil (synthetic) every 5,000 miles since new...this baby will run forever!!!

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  Good Purchase - 1994 Acura Legend
  By REG - March 8 - 3:04 pm

  I love this coupe. I purchased it used, and it was the best value for my money. Ive even had four offers for purchase on this car! The plan is to drive it until it blows up and then Ill report on how many miles I was able to get out of it.

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  My FAV - 1995 Acura Legend
  By csid - March 4 - 9:53 pm

  Absolutely love the car, the way it handles, looks, and impresses others.