The Acura Legend was the flagship sedan and coupe that launched Honda's luxury brand in 1986. Developed with Britain's Rover Group, the first generation established a reputation for quality and performance. It was the second generation (1991-1995), however, that became an icon of 90s Japanese engineering. With its larger, more aggressive styling and powerful 3.2L V6, it directly challenged established German luxury brands.
Collectors seek out the Legend for its historical significance and exceptional build quality. The second-generation coupe is the most desirable model, especially the Type II variant paired with the 6-speed manual transmission introduced in 1993. These cars represent a high point for Honda's engineering prowess, offering a blend of luxury, reliability, and analogue driving pleasure that's hard to find today.
The market for Legends is still emerging, with an average sale price around $11,500. This figure is heavily skewed by high-mileage automatic sedans. Pristine, low-mileage manual coupes are the exception, regularly selling for over $20,000 and occasionally topping $30,000. It's a market where condition, mileage, and transmission type create a massive price delta.
Buying Tips
- Check for rust in the rear quarter panels and around the sunroof, as clogged drains are a common issue.
- The automatic transmissions can be a weak point; look for jerky shifts or signs of fluid leaks. The 6-speed manual is preferred and much more durable.
- Test all electronics. Failing climate control displays, Bose amplifiers, and power window regulators are frequent and can be difficult to source.
- Ask for service records. The C32A V6 engine is known for head gasket issues, so proof of replacement is a significant plus.
- Inspect the main relay. A faulty relay can cause intermittent starting problems and is a simple but often overlooked fix.
Prices range from $495 for project cars to $32,000 for pristine, low-mileage examples.
370 Acura Legend vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 136 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
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