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 71 through 80 of 273.00

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  Great Car - 1994 Acura Legend
  By Chuck - March 27 - 4:57 pm

  This has to be one of the greatest cars ever made. I bought it in 2002 with 120k miles and have had nearly no problems. As long as you maintain it regularly, this car will last a long time. Im still driving it to this day.

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  Tuly a Legend - 1990 Acura Legend
  By Larry - December 29 - 9:25 am

  Honda built these cars and never again matched their performance, height, balance, economy, space efficiency, durability, and fun to drive quotient. WE had this car from 122K to 180K and just got a 08 Accord to replace it. I am not a happy camper - no more sport mode transmission, no more multi - link double wishbone rear suspension, no more silky smooth v-6 that even at 180K would happily sing to is redline and still go 120+ with ease. What an engine that 2.7 liter was- and 161 HP??? Please - NO WAY. This car would fly, and 80-100 on the interstate? In a snap. Fantastic car and I miss her already - after only one day. shell forever be a yardstick against which I measure others.

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  Beautiful - 1993 Acura Legend
  By Tony Papa - December 14 - 5:02 pm

  Fantastic car. The car was mine then to my first born, then to his little Brother, and it still runs great! Faster than most cars made even now (2007) 14 years later.

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  Just a few minor quirks. Love the car - 1990 Acura Legend
  By Amelia42188 - November 10 - 8:50 pm

  I got the Acura legend about a year and a half ago. Ive driven it across country 3 times already. Its a 1990, and when I bought it it probably had 150,000 miles on it, now its in the mid 70s but its been great. The only major problem ive had is the alternator dying. Other than that its just an amazing car, fun to drive. I guess there are a few things, it makes a weird noise when I turn, and i have to replace the breaks now, as well as the exhaust but it does have a lot of miles on it so i guess that kind of stuff can be expected.

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  Cant Get Rid of This Thing - 1992 Acura Legend
  By Ben - October 26 - 3:43 am

  Ive had my Legend LS for 10 years now. Ive contemplated getting a new car numerous times, but I just cant seem to justify buying a new car with my Legend still going strong. Its like trying to kill a zombie. Sure, it has some issues that I may eventually take care of (A/C no longer works, all Bose speakers but one have died, valve seals need replacing, ABS no longer works), but the car still runs great. Im thinking that Id rather spend the $3K+ to fix these items than spend another $30K - $40K for a newer car. Besides, if I were to get a new car, I still couldnt part with my Legend. My wife and I switched cars one day (never happens), and she commented on how smooth it still rides.

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  Acura legend review - 1994 Acura Legend
  By e28m30 - October 25 - 12:43 am

  This is a great car. The power is incredible. very fast. this car is very realiable no problems with the car. It has really nice smooth power steering maybe a little too much assist but very nice, the transmission is harsh shifting but it really feels great when really romping on the gas pedal. This car is 13 years old now but it hasnt aged a bit no rattles the body style doesnt look old. The car is really just well put together, Acura really used the best materials. Well besides the leather seats they seem a little too cheapy. But all in all the best car I have ever owned, I really love this car.

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  Great car - 1994 Acura Legend
  By Joey Bobboly - October 14 - 7:03 am

  Car has a lot of power and comfortable to ride.

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  This one is a keeper - 1994 Acura Legend
  By joey - October 7 - 11:08 pm

  Great car and comfortable to ride. I bought the car mainly because of its reputation for reliability, and so far so good.

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  Fun to Drive - 1992 Acura Legend
  By Always & Forever - September 6 - 5:08 pm

  My husband purchased this car as a wedding gift in 2000. I fell in love with it and immediately treated it like a baby. Her name is "Belle" and yes she has had minor maintenance work (tires, brakes, water pump), but isnt that how babies are? Take care of them, and one day you will receive the reward, which I am receiving right now, 7 years later! I am very pleased with this car.

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  Best sedan ever - 1994 Acura Legend
  By acuralegend94 - August 6 - 4:05 pm

  Purchased this car in summer of 2005 with 100K miles, have not spent a penny on repair work! It is rock solid, the best looking and the most comfortable Honda and Acura ever built. People are surprised to find out that it is a 14 year old car, the design is flawless and ageless, so if you keep your car in excellent condition, it will still stand out in the parking lot. I cant believe how many ugly new cars are out there! Mileage is pretty decent I have averaged 30 mpg at 40-50 mph, at 60-70 mph its 25 mph, and 80-90 mph is 21 mpg. It makes no difference putting 89 octane vs 91 octane, with 87 octane it seems a little slow, but engine doesnt knock at all. I use 89 octane most of the time.