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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Legendary - 1991 Acura Legend
By rosewood brown - July 10 - 1:00 amThis has been in my family since new. It was my uncles before it was mine. I now have it past 205,000 and its still going strong. Some interior components are showing their age, like the leather is going and I have the same minor issues that crop up with Legends of age. Had to replace the CV joints and steering rack boots to pass inspection, a little rust is showing over the rear wheel well. Tuned it up and now runs like new. NO BAD HEAD GASKETS. Not bad for a 16 yo car. 23 mpg mixed driving. Any other 91 can pull that off with 200 hp V6? NOPE. Sometimes Im tempted to drive our Corolla instead to save gas, but I always grab the Acura keys. Love driving this car. Great car for DIY, too.
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Truly a Legend - 1994 Acura Legend
By chip - June 30 - 5:21 pmI bought this car new and I drove it into the ground (traded it in on a new TL). The Legend was a great car. It was traded in with 275,000 miles on it with only a few problems. The only reason I traded it was because I got hit 3 times in a 1 month period (none of the accidents were my fault). I am convinced that the electrical system started to have issues after getting in the first accident. I loved that car so much I actually want to buy another one.
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One of the great Hondas - 1991 Acura Legend
By nate - June 23 - 2:50 pmI truly love my 91 Legend Coupe. Sure, it cant go 0-60 in six flat, and maybe the mpg is a little low for $3.00 a gallon, but its worth it. Simply driving it around town is fun, compared to some other beaters Ive driven. You get it on the highway and its like a dream solid as a rock. Performance, however, is not what you would expect from 200 hp, but Im pretty sure thats due to the weight and the transmission design (automatic). It is truly the kind of Honda that you hear about, the ones that have 125k+ miles and run better than most late model American cars. My advice: if you can find one of these with life left in it, buy it.
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Now My Weekender, But Still My Favorite - 1993 Acura Legend
By Acural53 - June 12 - 9:32 pmA timeless style, excellent build quality, classy coupe. Runs like all get out when pushed, very fast. Of my 3 vehicles, it is my preferred choice. Gorgeous dash at night. Parts not cheap, can be very expensive if not maintained properly. But if you keep it running properly, it will give you hundreds of thousands of miles of pure passion and pleasure. My LS 400 is my daily driver, its a wonderful car, but come the weekend, Im gone in my Legend. It is like no other car I have owned, and I have had many of them. And when Im out driving in the coupe, my wife just bites her nails, LOL!
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Finally a LEGEND owner - 1995 Acura Legend
By DannyBoy - May 24 - 5:39 pmI just turned 35 and have loved the Legend coupes since 91. Never got around to owning one until now. I decided to buy and sat and waited for a year until the perfect one found me. I am now a proud owner of a white 95 LS coupe with 67k original miles in spectacular shape, its 2007 and it has 67,000 miles, I am on cloud nine The car looks stunning (to me), interior is immaculate and it drives fantastic. I actually turned in a 2006 Audi A4 I thought about keeping until I purchased this car. It will be pampered until I can no longer drive anymore. And then I will still keep it.
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Best car yet - 1992 Acura Legend
By John from VA - March 22 - 9:56 amI purchased this car in 96. It had 50K when purchased, now has 135K. I have replaced brake master, converted AC to new freon when all the leaks were found. Much cheaper than installing a new system if you can find a mechanic to take the time. Tires, brakes and fluids just like any other car. Still need to do the motor mounts to fix the 1 to 2 shift issue. Its been in the garage its whole life, home and work. It still shines up like it was new except for the sand blasted front, I live in north east. Great car to drive and look at. Everything fits together so well and tight. I enjoy driving the 70 to 90+. It seems to get easier as speeds go up.
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The best car for the money! - 1990 Acura Legend
By ikeberry - February 7 - 9:12 amI bought this car when it had 245,000 miles. I have continued to drive it without any major problems. It now has 279K. The car is 17 years old and still is holding up to the New York winters. Little exterior rust. Interior leather has not held up good through the years, cracked and needs to be covered over. Engine still has some get up and go in it.
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A gem - 1990 Acura Legend
By Larry Gorman - February 1 - 11:40 amGot a 90 Legend for our younger son in 2000 with 122K, one owner car. Now we own it and it has 171K. We LOVE this car. Not the fastest or best handling, but that engine still sings and it does not want to run less than 80 on the interstate - she will still do 100 in a snap. Ride, comfort and balance are excellent, and it is so LOW - the lowest 4 door sedan I have seen in a long time. We are looking UP at other people all the time - I like it. Will be a sad day indeed when it comes time to let go of her which is fast approaching. That second timing belt/water pump change is hard to justify for such an old car. The 2.7 liter first series Legend, is one of the best cars ever made, IMHO.
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Still a stylish sports coupe - 1994 Acura Legend
By Stephen Williams - January 8 - 4:08 pmWell, I bought this vehicle on eBay 2 years ago from a gentleman in TX. I previously had a 1994 Legend L sedan bought new. But I always wanted an LS Coupe. I admit Im biased, but I still think its one of the nicest looking sports coupes every made. Mine has 185,000 miles on it, and the engine shows no real sign of dying anytime some. Ive had to replace the normal things - driveshaft boots etc, but thats to be expected. Its reliable, fast and stylish - I love it.
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a happy owner - 1992 Acura Legend
By Sea fan - January 7 - 9:03 pmIve owned this car since 92 and have only had to change the battery and the tires. It is an amazing car and Ive been extremely satisfied.
