Best Car Reviews - 1986 Acura Legend

Introduction

Released in 1986, the Acura Legend marked a significant milestone for Honda's luxury division, Acura. Aimed at consumers seeking the balance of luxury and performance in a compact package, this model is often seen as a pioneering vehicle in the premium automobile segment. The Acura Legend stood out for its sleek design, solid engineering, and a host of features that appealed to both young professionals and those looking for a reliable yet luxurious vehicle.

Design and Exterior Features

The 1986 Acura Legend boasts a compact and aerodynamic design that was quite advanced for its time. Its timeless silhouette features well-defined lines and a purposeful stance that marked a departure from the more boxy vehicles of the era. Some of the standout exterior features include:

Sleek front grille with integrated headlights
Crisp character lines that flow from front to back
Distinctive alloy wheels
Streamlined side profile contributing to its aerodynamic efficiency
Suspension that provides a smooth ride on varied terrains

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Acura Legend offers a cabin that is spacious for a compact car, with comfortable seating for five. The use of high-quality materials and intuitive layout makes it quite appealing. Key features include:

Leather upholstery options for added luxury
Ergonomically designed dashboard for driver accessibility
Adjustable steering column for personalized comfort
Spacious trunk space for practical use
Soft-touch materials throughout the cabin

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the Acura Legend comes equipped with a Front-engine, Front-wheel-drive (FFS) layout powered by a V6 engine. This setup was revolutionary for the time, providing a balance of power and efficiency. The vehicle features an automatic 4-speed transmission that facilitates smooth city and highway driving. Key performance details include:

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 9 seconds
A fuel consumption rate of 15.7 l/100 km, offering decent efficiency given its era and performance
Responsive steering that makes city driving a breeze
Stable handling around tight corners
Comfortable ride quality on highways

Technology and Connectivity

Even for a 1986 model, the Acura Legend came with a fair array of technology features that ensured drivers and passengers remained connected and entertained. Some of these features include:

AM/FM stereo system with cassette player
Basic climate control for interior comfort
Cruise control for long highway journeys
Minimal yet functional dashboard controls for ease of use

Safety Features

In an era when safety features were beginning to gain traction, the Acura Legend was equipped with several standard and advanced safety options. These include:

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Driver and passenger airbags
Rear and front impact zones for enhanced safety
Child safety locks for the rear doors
Solid body structure enhancing safety in collisions

Pricing and Variants

The base price for the 1986 Acura Legend started around $20,000 USD, which was competitive given its features and luxury appeal. Compared to other luxury compacts of its time, it offered an appealing package. The vehicle was available in several trims, catering to varied preferences.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Innovative design that still holds appeal today
Comfortable and luxury interior
Reliable V6 engine providing smooth performance
Respected brand reputation
Competitive pricing for a luxury vehicle

Cons

Higher fuel consumption compared to modern standards
Limited technology and connectivity options
Potential high maintenance costs for older components
Compact dimensions might not suit all needs
Basic safety features compared to contemporary vehicles

Maintenance and Common Issues

The yearly maintenance costs for a vintage model like the Acura Legend can climb given parts might be harder to find and repairs more technical. The top 5 most common problems faced by owners include:

Electrical system issues
Problems with the automatic transmission
Aging suspension system requiring frequent adjustments
Wear on interior materials
Brake system maintenance needs

Rating

Assigning an overall rating of 7/10, the breakdown of ratings is as follows:

Design: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Technology: 6/10
Safety: 7/10

User Reviews and Feedback

"The car is very comfortable and reliable, perfect for my daily commute."
"It has a classic design that still turns heads today."
"I've encountered issues with the transmission system, but it’s expected with older models."
"The fuel economy is not the best, but the driving experience makes up for it."
"Maintenance can be tricky, yet I love the drive and comfort."

Best cars in this category

1986 BMW 3 Series
1986 Lexus LS
1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E
1986 Audi 5000
1986 Saab 900

Summary

The 1986 Acura Legend caters perfectly to enthusiasts of vintage vehicles who appreciate the craftsmanship and styling of the late 20th century. Its combination of luxury and performance, along with Acura's reputation for reliability, makes it a valuable model for collectors and fans of classic cars. Despite its few drawbacks in technology and fuel consumption, the overall experience and value it offers remain strong selling points. This model acts as a fine testament to Acura's entrance into the luxury automobile world, carving a niche for itself with unique design, enduring luxury, and respectable performance.