What happened to the Acura Legend? This is how Acura beat Lexus and Infiniti to the U.S. market
This episode will explain what happened to the Acura Legend. In the late 1980s, Honda, Toyota and Nissan were in a race to roll out their new luxury brands for the U.S. market. Out of those three manufacturers, Honda was the first to roll out its premium brand, Acura in 1985 as 1986 models-beating Toyota’s Lexus brand and Nissan’s Infiniti brand, which were still three years away from coming to market. In Japan, Honda revealed its new Legend sedan in October 1985. For the U.S. market, it was branded as an Acura, going on sale for the 1986 model year.
Acura’s new flagship sedan was the first of two cars to be introduced in the lineup, the other being the compact Integra hatchback-which, Like the Legend, was also sold as a Honda in other markets.
The new Legend was indeed a large car by Honda standards. Being almost a foot longer than the Accord, and even sporting more width.
Under the hood of the new legend was something a bit unusual, and that was the fact it had a v6 engine. Up until the debut of the Legend, The U.S. market had never seen a v6 in a Honda. Displacing 2.5 liters with 151 horsepower, the engine sounds modest by today’s standards. But let's keep in mind during that period of time, domestic cars were still utilizing carburetors and pushrods-while the Legends new V6 was built with multi-port fuel injection and four valves per cylinder-making it a modern engine at the time.
On top of that, while most other manufacturers were using MacPherson struts and beam axles for their front-wheel-drive cars, the Legend had a four-wheel independent suspension with double wishbones up front and struts out back as well. The premium luxury cars the Legend competed with did not offer a stick shift. This, however, was not the case with the Legend, since a stick shift was available for its entire model run.
We're glad you have an interest in the Acura Legend, one of our favorite cars from the 80s and 90s. This episode will get down to the nitty gritty and get you up to speed! Thanks for tuning in.
Пікірлер: 60
Summer of 2016 I purchased a beauty mint condition frost white 93 Legend L sedan with beige cloth interior and auto transmission. 208k miles. I have since installed 16 inch GS wheels and burled walnut console cover and window switches, and had the driver seat rebuilt. It smells original inside and the seat looks new. Very comfy cruiser for a small guy like me. Then in April 2019 I purchased a really beat down persian red pearl 91 L sedan 5 speed manual with tan interior. It was such a rare gem I thought. I had to restore it. I paid $400 and it had mold growing everywhere. The leather was shredded. It had OEM fog lights and OEM spoiler. I could visualize its potential. I barely got it home as the clutch was hammered. The check engine light and ABS light were on. I had no idea how bad it was. I knew it needed a lot of work, but I was committed to the process. I had my white sedan sitting for 2.5 years while I focused on restoring the red one. It needed a water pump and timing belt, CV axle and a trailing arm. I finally fixed those things and then 4 days after getting it back on the road, I got hit in the front. Car was totaled but I'm fixing it. Only got paid 2100 from insurance.
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
2 жыл бұрын
Whoa! That’s quite a bummer…Sorry to hear the car got hit after so investing so much dedication to it. We hope you get it fixed. I can imagine how it must’ve felt, especially in regards to an increasingly rare car like that.
I own a Acura RL and I love it 1999 with 190.000 is running like a champ
I think the Host of this Video did a Great and Detailed Job!!! No Ads or Foolishness, just Raw Information on the Vehicle that was focused on... I'm gonna watch all these Videos!!!
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
2 жыл бұрын
Hey there Freddie 👋 Thanks for watching and we will be posting a brand new video this week so stay tuned.
@TzadikTheManic
2 жыл бұрын
I agree with you Freddie, just found the channel tonight & I’m subbing asap :)
I will never forget my first new car- Bahama Gold 1990 Acura LEGEND LS Coupe Automatic. Beat a Saleen Mustang and hung with a Ferrari Testarossa. THIS CAR WAS on Rails at 135MPH. SO Smooth engine that my starter was in pain, so I would get in the car and look at the TACH to see if the car was on.
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
2 жыл бұрын
An all-stock Legend LS hung with a Testarossa? That’s quite impressive! Thanks for watching the show!
Acura just brought back the Integra...They should bring back the Legend next also....!
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
2 жыл бұрын
That would be great. And that new integra is nice indeed.
Honestly I think the Acura TLX would sell a heck of a lot better if it were branded as an Acura Legend.
I really like how the legand coupe has roll down rear windows. I remember really thinking that was cool as a kid.
I have a 1993 JDM Honda Legend. Recently purchased. Perfect condition. Amazing how smooth the ride is on an almost 30 year old car. Well engineered. Enjoying it. Now if only gas wasn’t so expensive. I wouldn’t have to drive my hybrid.
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for tuning in. Yeah fuel prices are ridiculous. Now I’m curious as to how you located a JDM Legend.
@nicknyce718
2 жыл бұрын
@@MotorMaster_Stunticon I found it on FB. I was looking for an e46 BMW Convertible. My friend showed me the ad I looked and said wow that’s really clean then seen it was also RHD and the rear is history.
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
2 жыл бұрын
Ok gotcha. Interesting find.
@peterbennett4124
Жыл бұрын
@@MotorMaster_Stunticon Interesting and Rare. I had a 91.
good job from France ,i have a legend coupe 2.7 1989 manual ...
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
2 жыл бұрын
Nice bro, thanks for watching.
Mr. Freddie Williams, I totally agree. This host gives "just the facts" with a superb voice and speaking style. I love silliness-free, well researched car videos hosted by respectful presenters. Well done, Antique TAGS!
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
2 жыл бұрын
Again, I appreciate your support. New video will be released this afternoon, so please stay tuned for that.
The 1st gen legends are slept on especially the coupes my family members had both versions being raised in a jamaican 🇯🇲 family these were heavily talked about and seen at family gatherings
I owned a used legend LS1988, remarkable silent, nimble and very luxurious
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
Жыл бұрын
Cool! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Rob, Great Documentary...I own a 94 Acura Legend L Model Currently
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
10 күн бұрын
Indeed. Glad to hear you own the 94 Legend. Great cars!
Great information and well presented video! I've owned four Legends and still have 3 of them, all being upgraded or restored.
Great work! My older brother had a legend sedan in late 90s when I was a little kid into cars. He had 18 inch chrome wheels on it with a great audio system and I remember the HID/xenon lights were becoming a big thing and in 98 the 3.2TL came with them stock if I’m not mistaken,a bunch would get stolen and put into legends. I remember seeing a lot of the new TLs on the road with missing head lights. It was easier and quicker for the crook to just rip out the whole headlights. Unfortunately,my brother got T bones and I got the car at 15 years old,I was popular in freshman year because of it but I can only show one side of the car lol. I also had a $900 91 ford thunderbird with the 5.0 option. I think 90s and the 60s was the best years for automotive design and innovation.
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
2 жыл бұрын
Yea that’s definitely true about the TL. The 2003 Maxima was also a common victim of HID theft. The OG Legends were amazing automobiles and these videos are created for the sake of nostalgia. Thanks for tuning in.
And that is why I bought me a 2006 Acura TL because of the Legend, Integra and the Vigor that followed. These what I call fun to drive best in class next to Lexus and Infinity.
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah bro, I myself had a second-gen TL then I went and got a third-gen. I wish I kept my RSX too. They were all fun to drive especially with a stick shift.
Good morning liked the leagon coupe
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
2 жыл бұрын
Yep those are nice too.
Had the first two Legends, classic Hondas
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
11 ай бұрын
Yeah I wish they still made them like that these days.
A rare classic.
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
Жыл бұрын
It sure is.
I have a 1994 Acura Legend GS . This is still a great car
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
Жыл бұрын
Agreed. Let me know when you want to sell it, I’d buy it.
Excellent channel! Extremely impressive level of detail, and thoughtfully presented. If you ever delve in to the Mazda 626/Mazda6, let me know- I owned several, and have a geek-level knowledge of them.
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
2 жыл бұрын
Ok cool, yeah the 626 and MX-6 are on the way. Perhaps you could send an email and share a few tid bits/owner experience and I’ll incorporate it into the episode.
Great review ! I liked the Acura Legend very much and I had friends who owned these back in the day . I found the ride more sportier than the Toyota Avalon .
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
Жыл бұрын
Indeed. The Legend was definitely more sporty that the Avalon, but I still like both cars equally. The elegant design of the second generation Legend still looks great today despite it being a car that was designed in the 80s.
I have my 95 coupe will not get rid of it
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
Жыл бұрын
I don’t blame you. Don’t see too many nowadays.
The legend competed with cressida & maxima...
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
2 жыл бұрын
Not exactly. Although the two you mentioned had luxury intentions, and although they may have been cross shopped, they weren’t in direct competition since those two were non-luxury brands.
@TzadikTheManic
2 жыл бұрын
@@MotorMaster_Stunticon Precisely, not to mention that the maxima and cressida were at most considered “near luxury” cars at the time. I’m excited about this video man, my family had 3 Legends early on & I still love every variation of this extremely important car. Could talk all day about them (and the Infiniti q45!)
hmm!....insightful video, just bought an 07 RL 123k, classy, runs lovely and hauls ass when I need it to. what more do you need!
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
2 жыл бұрын
Nice. Yeah the RLs are just as classy too, definitely underrated. Glad you were able to get one. Thanks for tuning in.
@christopherconard2831
Жыл бұрын
I had a '99 for several years. Definitely the best highway cruiser I've ever had. I sold it around 2015. Still occasionally see it around town.
that Legend Coupe at the 11:45 mark is a beauty 😍
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
Жыл бұрын
Sure is
Can you do one on the ZDX?
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
2 жыл бұрын
Hey there 👋 The ZDX is interesting, but only 80s and 90s cars qualify for a documentary.
@markopolo945
2 жыл бұрын
@@MotorMaster_Stunticon Gotcha
😷🏁
Sad evolution of the Acura brand. It's almost irrelevant anymore. The MDX and RDX are the only successes, and even there, the deliveries are way down (though that may be a supply chain issue more than a product issue)
@MotorMaster_Stunticon
Жыл бұрын
Perhaps so. Let’s see what happens with the newly reintroduced Integra.
@doug6191
Жыл бұрын
@Antique TAGS Even if it's great, I don't expect it'll be a game-changer for the brand. It's not a crossover. 😞