Acura Legend
 |
| Acura Legend | |
|---|---|
| Second generation Acura Legend coupé | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
| Also called | Honda Legend |
| Production | 1986–1995 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size luxury car |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | G1 2.5 L 151hpV6 2.7 L 161hp V6 G2 3.2 L V6 Type I: 200hp / 210 lb-ft Type II: 230hp / 206 lb-ft |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Acura RL |
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1986–1990 |
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1991–1995 |
| Second generation sedan. | |
|---|---|
| Second-generation Acura Legend | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1991–1995 |
The Acura Legend, sold as the Honda Legend outside the U.S., Canada, and parts of China, was a sporty luxury vehicle sold from 1986 to 1995 as both a sedan and a coupé. It was one of the first vehicles sold under the Acura nameplate, and was the top-spec sedan under the Acura nameplate until being replaced in 1996 by the Acura RL. The Acura RL was a rebadged version of the 3rd-generation Honda Legend.
First generation
Honda introduced the model in 1985 in Japan to be their premier luxury model and in 1986 in North America as the range-topping model in the then-new Acura lineup. Sedan models came to market first, powered by a 151 hp 2.5 L (C25A) V6 with coupes appearing for 1987 powered by a new 161 hp 2.7 L C27A engine. Sedans received the new engine for 1988. Production of the first generation models ended in 1990 as a second generation version became available.
In 1990, the Legend LS was revamped with a woodgrain interior and clear/red tail lights for the coupes. The sedans also received the woodgrain interior for the LS model.
Second generation
Second generation units became available for the 1991 model year, now using a 200 hp SOHC (C32A) engine. Looking significantly different from its first generation processor, the second generation Legend was a larger, more streamlined automobile featuring a .32 drag coefficient which helped it cruise at speeds of 130+ on some of Europe's more demanding highways. The models could be had with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. By this time, the Integra was using a DOHC, VTEC equipped I4 engine, so Honda's choice to utilize a SOHC, non-VTEC engine in the Legend came as a disappointment to some fans who were hoping that the NSX's 270 hp 3.0 L (C30A) engine would be used as-is in the Legend. Ultimately though, the DOHC engine proved too expensive to manufacture to be a cost-feasible option in the Legend. As a luxury car, the Legend offered a host of features seen on luxury cars of today including speed sensitive steering, hands-free telephone, climate control, 4-wheel disc brakes, seat belt pre-tensioners and soft close vacuum operated doors (2-door models only). For 1991 and 1992 the Legend was available in three trim lines (Base, L, LS) for the sedan and two trim lines for the coupe (L, LS). The higher end LS cars added climate control, sportier Michelin tires, a power 4-way passenger seat, walnut interior trim, and body colored side moldings. Honda made significant upgrades to the model for 1993, and a 230 hp "Type II" version of the SOHC C32A engine became available, appeasing some of those who had hoped for the NSX's powerplant.
More changes were made for 1994; both coupe and sedan versions received new front bumpers and revised trunk lids and a new GS sedan took over as the top of the line variant, sporting the "Type II" engine, upgraded brakes and a sports-suspension along with a unique grill and wheels. Minor changes were made again for 1995 before the model was discontinued. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on 1993 and newer LS coupes and 1994-1995 GS sedans.
Trivia
- The Legend shared its engine (in the highest trim), transmission, chassis and some other parts with the Rover 800-series models, sold in the United States under the Sterling brand. Both generations of Legend were co-developed with Rover group and sold under the Sterling name in the UK and France. The US only received the first generation of this collaboration, equipped with the Honda 2.5L V6.
- The Japanese market version of the 1990 Legend was the first vehicle offered with a navigation system, although it was not satellite-based and instead relied on accelerometers.
- The "replacement" for the Legend sedan is sold as the Acura RL in North America, although Honda continues to sell it as the Legend in most other areas of the world.
- The tooling and intellectual property rights of the second-generation Legend was licensed to Daewoo Motors of South Korea where a clone of the Legend Sedan, called the Daewoo Arcadia was produced from 1993 to 2000. During this period, Honda also held a small stake in Daewoo Motors.
Awards
The Legend coupe was Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1987. The coupe also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1988 through 1990.
External links
- The Acura Legend/RL community The ultimate in Legend information.
- Custom Acura Legend cars
- Honda Legend specs
