1990 Acura Legend Coupe LS 2.6L

Summary:

The Acura Legend is the best car ever built

Faults:

The driver-side seat has cracked (normal wear and tear).

Both front "axles" have been replaced.

Starter motor was replaced.

Battery was replaced.

Engine has slight oil leak.

Radiator cracked after bottoming-out on a dip.

Turning radius is a little restrictive.

General Comments:

I cannot praise the Acura Legend enough. This is the second 90 LS Coupe I have owned, the first one I totalled in a wreck. This car is the perfect balance of reliability, engineering, ergonomic design, aesthetic appeal, practicality, performance, and refinement.

Excepting a few times when I had mechanical failures (all routine things due to age/wear and tear), the car NEVER fails to start with the first turn of the key. Everything is laid-out simply and intuitively in the cabin. The car handles smoothly and responsively -- even with 136,000 miles on the odometer. It still accelerates like brand-new. It has a deceptively large trunk. The interior is sumptuous with real burled walnut, plush carpet, and leather seats. My brother just bought a 2006 Cadillac CTS and the wood is fake!

And even though this car is 16 years old and was built around the time the Berlin Wall fell and when Milli Vanilli were all the rage, it has aged gracefully and still looks contemporary. A young teenager complimented me on it as I drove through Taco Bell one day.

And best of all? I do nothing to it. It's like a washing machine -- it just runs and runs. I change the oil and fluids as required and keep my eye on the belts (zero-tolerance engine), and it keeps going and going. You can get one today in beautiful shape for about $4,000 and it is the bargain of the century. Better to buy an old Acura than a brand-new Jaguar in my opinion.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th September, 2006

24th Jan 2008, 23:41

I wrote the original review and just wanted to give an update: My Acura just passed the 150,000 mark and still runs like a top. However, reliability due to inevitable wear-and-tear is taking its toll. I just had two gaskets replaced to stop some oil leaks that were causing smoke to come out of the engine compartment (yikes!), then the next day the alternator finally gave up the ghost after 18 years (yes, it was the ORIGINAL alternator -- 150,000 miles!) and the car abruptly died on the freeway -- not good! The battery was fried as well. On top of this, the EGR valve needs to be replaced, which will set me back another few hundred I guess.

So, although the car still runs great and looks darn good for its age, I'm starting to hunt around for another vehicle and plan on selling my old friend in the next few months. I still stand by my review despite my recent problems and maintain that the Acura Legend is the finest vehicle ever built!

26th Jan 2008, 08:54

I had one new myself great car til 100,000 miles then heater core went I believe I paid around 24K new about 10K less than a later new TL I bought which was quicker, but more issues especially trans. It's a shame they discontinued Legends and I dislike the RL newest equivalent...

1990 Acura Legend LS 2.6

Summary:

Happy with car, disappointed with reliability and service after 100K.

Faults:

Brakes after 100k miles constantly needed service for worn pads and rotors. New rotors replaced at 100K lasted 30K and could not be turned within specs. Replaced again.

After 120K service transmission would not downshift when coming to a stop. Transmission failed at 132K.

Car shudders at 30 MPH.

Distributor leak at 123K.

Car knocks when accelerating 20 to 40 mph.

Ball joints repaced at 116K.

Front & Top side gaskets repaced at 83K and again at 90K.

General Comments:

All maintenance was performed by original dealer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th September, 2004

8th Dec 2004, 08:41

I have a 1990 Legend and the automatic transmission is still running strong at 194,000 miles.

20th Dec 2004, 07:59

I have been driving a 1990 Acura Legend L for 3 years. I got the car at 116,000 and have driving it to 220,000. The only problem I have is Valves knocking, alt. and battery -- all minor, but all-in-all reliable.