Follow us today...
Before Acura became a crossover company that dabbled in cars, it was a car company. And the cars had real names. Cool names. And they fit. They just seemed right. One of the best examples of a car with a name that defined it perfectly is the Acura Legend. We love the Legend for many reasons, but if it had been called by its internal name, the “Acura HX,” would we be writing about it today? Doubtful.
Acura Brand Begins With Legend and Integra
The Acura brand had a simple mission. Its role was to provide loyal, happy Honda customers a way to step-up from the Civics and Accords they had previously owned and loved. Acura's cars were better than the cars Honda offered in pretty much every measurable way and the Legend was the flagship of the company in America.
Related Story: Cars We Miss - Honda Accord V6 Coupe
Tom Elliott, senior vice president of automobile operations, was the person responsible for the Legend. His task was to bring to market a sedan to compete with the heavy-hitters Volvo, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. The Legend would have a 24-valve, overhead cam, fuel-injected V-6 engine that was not just powerful but also sophisticated. Every trim would have independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and the handling of a European sport sedan. Add to that a more compliant ride to lure in American luxury car buyers and the formula was complete.
Features of the Legend included a premium stereo, air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, and power accessories. Almost shockingly, the Legend would also cost about $20,000. At the time, that price was nearly double the base price of a Honda Accord. $20K in 1986 adjusted for today's dollar value is about $47K.
Acura invited the media to drive the new Legend before its debut in Japan. Motor Trend said of the car, "We think the odds of Acura's success are heavily in Honda's favor, for the Legend is a terrific debut automobile." The media accolades just snowballed from there. The Legend was a Car and Driver ten Best car many times.
The Legend debuted in 1985 as a 1986 model year car. In its first full year of sales, Acura sold over 25,000 units. Sales peaked three years later at over 70,000 units. To put that into some perspective, Acura’s full line of cars in 2019 earned a total sales volume of just 42,490 units. Acura’s Legend also blew the doors off of the sales of its competitors at the time.
The Legend entered its second generation in 1990. Power was up by about 35% from its introduction with 161 hp to 200 hp in the first year of the second generation, and eventually reached 230 hp. Unusual even for the times, the car was offered with a five-speed manual transmission for those that wanted to shift themselves. Sales were robust for a few more years, and in its last full year of production were still above 35,000 units. Acura has no car model that comes anywhere close to that volume today.
Why do we miss the Legend? The name of the brand is a clue. The name Acura was inspired by the root “acu” in Latin which means precise. The Acura brand and the Legend, in particular, were at a level of design and execution the world had not previously seen. Most car enthusiasts remember the NSX as the car that shook up the German brands’ design and engineering departments. And it did. But the Legend shook up the German brands’ sales and accounting departments.
Available as a coupe and sedan, the Acura Legend earned high-profile sales from celebrities and athletes. It became an aspirational car for many Americans driving Accords. The Acura Legend, like the Genesis G series today, proved that when a company built on affordability matures past the quality stage it can step into a premium market if it so wishes.
If you owned or still own an Acura Legend, tell us about your car in the comments below.
John Goreham is a life-long car nut and recovering engineer. John's focus areas are technology, safety, and green vehicles. In the 1990s, he was part of a team that built a solar-electric vehicle from scratch. His was the role of battery thermal control designer. For 20 years he applied his engineering and sales talents in the high tech world and published numerous articles in technical journals such as Chemical Processing Magazine. In 2008 he retired from that career to chase his dream of being an auto writer. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American newspapers and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin.
All images courtesy of Acura media support.
Follow us today...
Comments
The early Acura cars of 90s
Permalink
The early Acura cars of 90s were some amazing vehicles. But over the past 15 years, Acura has been on steady decline. But I definitely seeing them turn things around with the new RDX and upcoming TLX type s
I was a hot rod guy up until
Permalink
I was a hot rod guy up until 1999 when I needed a daily driver to drive to my sales appointments.
I picked up a 92 sedan and ended up giving it to my nephew for his first car.
I turned around and purchased another Legend sedan 1995 the final year they were built from a one owner who bought it brand new in 95.
So for the last 21 years I have owned two cars. Prior to that I owned probably 15.
I still have the 95 and it has over 333K miles on it.
I still drive it daily for the most part and it's modified about as much as one can modify an Acura Legend as the parts aren't readily available anymore or never really were.
I've got it lowered full exhaust headers all kind of goodies.
I say all that to say and I've driven a lot of cars in my lifetime that nothing nothing has the soul of an Acura Legend. Particularly the second generation G2. I can't imagine the compliments and the amount of folks that would want to buy it if I would have left it stock. But life is way too short for that.haha
And I have the base L model G2 and still have the original sticker and it was $39,000 back then. The GS sedans were manual or most of them were and they were well up into the $40,000 range.
And then there's the coupe... So many people tell me even to this day they're looking for a 6-speed coupe. Good luck.
Thank you torquenews.com for allowing me to share such a well made still relevant to this day in terms of body style for the most part and a lot of the interior and a lot of the engine stuff as well.
I would like to have my 95
Permalink
In reply to I was a hot rod guy up until by Deron (not verified)
I would like to have my 95 Legend coupe restored. Do you have any places in mind?
Late response and I apologize
Permalink
In reply to I would like to have my 95 by Aaron Ricks (not verified)
Late response and I apologize. 6 speed coupes are unicorns.
Your best bet would be to hop on Facebook if you haven't already and go to Acura Legend Owner's & Enthusiasts...and pose that question on that page. And someone in your area as I live in Nashville, should chime in and give you ideas on where to take it or know of a Legend mechanic/restoration specialist that perhaps could do it for you at their home base or something.
And I'm keeping in mind that you possibly have already had it restored.
So that page in particular is where you'd find your few and proud Legend owners that are still driving and trying to take care of their 24 year old plus amazing cars that have the the most soul of any car I've ever driven and that's been a bunch.
Also, acuralegend.org
Good luck to you! My name on there is Michael Midgett, and a quick search will find many shots of my 95 sedan which I named 'blu.'
I have a ‘95 Acura Legend
Permalink
In reply to Late response and I apologize by Deron Midgett (not verified)
I have a ‘95 Acura Legend Coupe LS, 6-speed manual, Cayman White Pearl, just got out of body shop, full restoration. She is beautiful, her name is Marilyn. Thank you.
I have a ‘95 Acura Legend
Permalink
In reply to Late response and I apologize by Deron Midgett (not verified)
I have a ‘95 Acura Legend Coupe LS, 6-speed manual, Cayman White Pearl, just got out of body shop, full restoration. She is beautiful, her name is Marilyn. Thank you.
Just came back to say hope we
Permalink
In reply to I was a hot rod guy up until by Deron (not verified)
Just came back to say hope we can get some more folks to chime in on their Acura Legend G1 or G2 stories.
I'm at nearly 350 K miles on my 95 G2 now And drove it yesterday After it had some things changed out/kind of a tune up...and it wanted to pop wheelies if you will.
Just such well made cars and I'm about to get mine painted due to wreck almost 2 years ago and it's going to probably get a near full restoration as well... And I'm just going to keep driving and driving it.
Thanks again torque news for providing a flashback on one of the best makes and models of a car ever built.
Incidentally, If the EGR valve issue in the G2 model had not had been an issue by clogging up and being the primary cause of the head gaskets to blow as mine did in 2013, I'd venture a guess that you'd still see a lot more of them on the road.
Now you just have to make sure to clean the EGR valve pipe about every 50k if not sooner.
And I'd be remiss not to mention as I live in Tennessee I do not have to run it through emissions anymore! Big woop.
And last year when I didn't realize it was the last time I'd have to run it through emissions, I had just gotten the EGR valve pipe cleaned out along with the manifold and a few other things, and the smog part of the emissions test showed essentially a brand new car.
Kudos good folks!
I just don’t understand why
Permalink
In reply to Just came back to say hope we by Deron (not verified)
I just don’t understand why everyone’s so obsessed over the first two generations as hard as they are when there was a third generation based on the same platform that gave the first too success, albeit it was neither offered in stick or coupe configurations. The KA9 cannot be forgotten as a Legend despite the USDM name change, as it’s just a face lifted & rebadged KA8 with some interior refinements. The name change to 3.5RL was 100% from a marketing perspective, and not true to the cars roots. Us KA9 boys do some crazy stuff to our Legends, some of us also save special edition G1-G3 parts from certain death in the junkyard, as well as collecting the cars.
I own a 1993 Acura legend
Permalink
I own a 1993 Acura legend coupe with the 6 speed manual. Great car to own but it’s difficult at times since many parts are discontinued. Still my favorite car of all time and very fun to drive. Has over 250,000 miles and still rolling.
I’ve had quite a few legends
Permalink
I’ve had quite a few legends and currently own a 95 LS coupe 6 speed with 45k miles, and a 94 GS 6 speed with 109k. Like you say, they are legendary.
Spot on, the numbers back our
Permalink
Spot on, the numbers back our sentiments. What really got me is that ive always said the Genesis is the modern 86-95 Legend, i even bought my wife one. I own a 92 six speed swapped sedan and also have a 94 six speed coupe. My sedan is modified to my tastes, the coupe will remain moslty stock. Too bad Americans tastes changed, and Honda was too broke and or afraid of upstaging the NSX to continue development with shawd, vtec or a v8 to stay dominant
I still own a 1995 Acura
Permalink
I still own a 1995 Acura Legend Sedan. I’ve reupholstered the interior, put in a new engine
and upgraded the sounds to include Bluetooth streaming and back up camera. This car still turns heads and everyone offers to buy it, but it’s not for sale.
"Acura’s were better than the
Permalink
"Acura’s were better than the cars Honda offered in pretty much every measurable way..." Hello editors, take that apostrophe off. That would be legendary.
Thank you!
Permalink
In reply to "Acura’s were better than the by RFinMD (not verified)
Thank you!
My first car was an Acura
Permalink
My first car was an Acura Legend LS. Since 1994 I have been obsessed with Acura Legends. I own 1 of every color 4 door sedan GS model. I even ha 2 black GS. One with black leather and one with tan leather. My first legend had to have 800,000 miles in its life. Those cars have never left me stranded. I only buy Acura/Honda parts as well. I currently drive a Lexus. I just don’t like any of Acura’s body styles after 2000. I will say the legend is a better car than Lexus was at that time. I still get compliments on my cars. They still look brand new and they all have less than 100,000 miles. I wish cars looked like they did in the 80’s and 90’s. Those were the best cars. Well Japanese ones anyway. Nice looking and well built. Japanese people have mastered the car industry. I love my Legend car collection!
6/15/20
Permalink
6/15/20
I'm the original owner of a 1990 1st gen Acura Legend L, now with only 235000 miles and still going, still passes smog.
It's been very good overall and has just a couple self-inflicted dents. Other issues are one rear window inoperative, intermittent issues with moon roof and windshield wipers. Then, the original leather seat covers are inferior and even with proper care they've failed years ago. Idle control valve could use a cleaning.
It used to leak oil from the oil pan and valve covers, but finally remedied with the new gaskets and sealant at the valve cover gasket corners.
And, there is one tiny feature that's interesting. As the wipers retract under the hood the blades are lifted a bit off the surface. I may have change blades only 2 or 3 times in it's life.
It still can cruise smoothly at 80 with bursts higher to this day.
Others back then said I should have bought the LS400 and now I look back and still conclude the Legend was the right car. I think at $24K for the mid level "L" it was cheaper than the LS400 too.
It will be tough giving up on it as it still goes. When new I promised 250K miles. Wow, at only 2K/yr it'll be 10 years more!
I recently purchased a 90
Permalink
In reply to 6/15/20 by RH Hastings (not verified)
I recently purchased a 90 Legend L Coupe with the 5 speed transmission..has been a Washington State car it’s whole life i believe..has 158k on the odometer...am picking it up in a few weeks and will be driving it back home to Vegas, about a 1300 mile trip, should be exciting..will provide an update when i complete the trip...also have a 1990 Lexus LS 400 with about 160k, so have 2 amazing Japanese vehicles that are both now 30 years old...stay tuned...thanks...
I have owned my 1995 Acura
Permalink
I have owned my 1995 Acura Legend since I purchased it new from the dealership. 237000 miles and it still runs nice. Front seats need repair but otherwise still one beautiful car.
I've owned 3 Acura Legends,
Permalink
I've owned 3 Acura Legends, two 1990's and an 89. I'm a sucker for the first gen, that boxy look just gets me. I've always wanted a second gen but always heard about bad head gaskets which scared me away from them, but that coupe in red with a 6 speed is always something I've wanted. Of all the ones I've owned, similar pieces broke at specific times which tells me the build quality was very consistent. There's nothing like the smooth steering, and in the case of my 90 LS with just over 100k, it's held up very well with the test of time and feels factory new. I'll never let it go and I hope to be driving it well into my old man years. I did a video of it on my YouTube channel, just search Altek Legend and you'll see what I'm talking about. Kudos to anyone else still keeping the dream alive!
My first car was a 1991 Acura
Permalink
My first car was a 1991 Acura Legend LS sedan, it was beautiful car Black leather and Granada Black Peal paint. My second Legend, which I still own, is 1994 GS 6 spd manual black leather and black paint. The Acura Legend is my favorite car to drive, the Legend just has a soul to enjoy if you don't own one you would't understand. The handling is great, it's comfortable, it has a sick stance once lowered. I spent so much money on the 94 GS it's stupid crazy, new leather, new paint, the list goes on and on. I don't plan on ever selling my Legend.
Gustavo, from the way you
Permalink
In reply to My first car was a 1991 Acura by Gustavo Ortiz (not verified)
Gustavo, from the way you describe your GS black on black 6 speed, I wish I could see some pics. That is such a rare combo.
Hi Gustavo, If you would like
Permalink
In reply to My first car was a 1991 Acura by Gustavo Ortiz (not verified)
Hi Gustavo, If you would like, we could do a short story about your Legend. You can reach out to us in the "Contact" tab at the bottom of our landing page. Include your email We will e-mail you back. Cheers,
I bought an '89 L 5spd coupe
Permalink
I bought an '89 L 5spd coupe in 1991 for $19,900. Love it! Runs fine, but I need to fix a blown head gasket. Once that's done, I'll have the fiberglass Kaminari body kit repaired. That kit really sets it off.
Onel send me your email, I'll
Permalink
Onel send me your email, I'll send some pics.
Gustavo, sure sounds great!
Permalink
In reply to Onel send me your email, I'll by Gustavo (not verified)
Gustavo, sure sounds great! My email is [email protected]
Gustavo sure it’s onelantho
Permalink
In reply to Onel send me your email, I'll by Gustavo (not verified)
Gustavo sure it’s [email protected]
I’ve personally owned 7 of
Permalink
I’ve personally owned 7 of these and I regretted letting go of every single one. Even the ones that were totaled. In my house the Legend is mandatory in the inventory which includes Lexus and Range Rover. Currently I have a 94 GS with 90831 miles
I own a 87 Acura legend sedan
Permalink
I own a 87 Acura legend sedan auto. 147,000 kms and close to bone stock. Had some rust on the rocker panels but recently got it removed. I am not too sure if parts are even available for this car due to how rare it is.
I've owned about 7 legends.
Permalink
I've owned about 7 legends. Have loved them all. I still own a 93 6sp Type II like many others i see here. I've told my better half its my coffin. I often think of the car commercial that asked when you turn your car on, does it turn you on..... I get a thrill every time I drive my car. I'm 5'8 and it just feels like it's built for me. No major mods. A k&n filter n storming exhaust. A touchscreen radio. Black on black. Speedometer like most works when it wants showings 226Kim. I'm guessing more in the 500k range as it has never worked correctly since I snatched it up 8yrs ago for $1200 bucks and I worked delivery in. Only left me stranded once from the usually main fuel relay known for going bad. Having an acceleration problem now but still gets me there. Which leads to what i think is it's biggest drawback. No OBD. Reading the flashing lights suck. Would have posted a pic of my legend if we could have.
I have a 1989 acura legend ls
Permalink
I have a 1989 acura legend ls with 126k miles as my back up car bought it from a junkyard about 5 yrs ago it was going to get destroyed so I saved it but the only problem it has its a sensor that they don't make nomore and can't find it anywhere a cam position sensor