1997 Honda Legend review from UK and Ireland

A slow puncture was not noticed and over about 2 months caused excessive wear on the ball joints for near front wheel. Cost £200.

A/C wasn't used over the first 6 years of the cars life and when finally switched on the compressor packed in

Cost £800 (not fixing)

Back box rusted (Honda exhausts are no worse than any other manufacturer, but they age faster than the car)

Cost £150.

The rest of the car is absolutely faultless. These are the only faults in 8 years.

I replaced an Esprit SE and an M3 with the Honda.

The interior is extremely roomy and quite comfortable, in a grannies sofa type way. There are basic electric gadgets and the switchgear is Hondas best attempt at being upmarket.

The engine is smooth to 2000rpm (you don't need more) but a bit strained above. Acceleration at any speed is ample, but MPG is about 20 in town rising to 29 if an effort is made to be frugal.

The ride is fairly smooth, but the handling is poor. This is the critical weakness compared to Mercedes and BMW.

I have grown to really like the car. It was never the top of its class or particularly good at anything and that, plus a ridiculous reliability compared to its contemporaries, gives it a quirky character.

Best Bit? £100 for a full 48k service, huge comfort and reliability.

Worst Bit? Poor image and physical size.