Acura Legend Sales Figures

Acura Legend

The Acura Legend was a mid size luxury/executive car that launched with the Acura brand for the 1986 model year. Developed in partnership with Honda to spearhead its new luxury division, the Legend was sold in the United States, Canada and a handful of other markets until 1995. Offered initially as a four door sedan and later as a two door coupe, the Legend combined refined V‑6 power, independent suspension and high levels of standard equipment. Its strong reliability and build quality helped establish Acura’s reputation in North America. Alongside the compact Integra, it helped launch the brand, and after the 1995 model year the Legend nameplate was retired when Acura adopted alphanumeric naming; its successor was the Acura RL.

First Generation Acura Legend (1986‑1990)

The original Legend was based on a rear drive platform jointly developed by Honda and the UK’s Austin Rover. In the U.S., it was offered as a sedan from 1986 and a coupe from 1987. Early cars used a 2.5 litre SOHC V‑6 engine rated around 151 hp and 154 lb‑ft of torque. A five‑speed manual transmission was standard on the sedan, with a four‑speed automatic optional; the coupe introduced a larger 2.7‑litre V‑6 (161 hp) and available four‑speed automatic. Independent suspension at all four corners and rack‑and‑pinion steering gave the Legend agile handling for its class. These first‑generation models demonstrated that a Japanese luxury car could match established European brands for refinement and reliability. The Legend’s early success also paved the way for other Acura models like the Acura Vigor to fill the gap between the Integra and the flagship sedan.

Second Generation Acura Legend (1991‑1995)

An all‑new Legend arrived for 1991 with a larger body and a longitudinally mounted 3.2‑litre V‑6. The new engine produced about 200 hp and 210 lb‑ft of torque and used a variable induction system for a broad torque curve. The suspension was revised with double wishbones and four‑wheel disc brakes with anti‑lock braking, while the interior offered more space and premium features. In 1993 Acura introduced the GS sedan with a “Type II” 3.2‑litre engine rated at 230 hp paired with a six‑speed manual transmission. Safety equipment expanded to include driver and passenger airbags and traction control. The second‑generation Legend remained on sale through the 1995 model year, after which Acura replaced it with the RL; the platform and powertrain developments would later influence the Acura TL and other models.

Acura Legend Sales Data & Trends

During its decade on sale, the Legend consistently ranked among the best‑selling imported luxury sedans in the United States. Early success helped establish Acura in the premium market, but by the mid‑1990s the model faced increased competition and Acura shifted to a new naming strategy. The Legend was discontinued after 1995 and replaced by the RL, which continued Acura’s flagship role.

Acura Legend U.S. Sales Data & Charts

Annual Sales

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