Best Car Reviews - 1986 Acura Legend

Introduction

The 1986 Acura Legend marks one of the earliest forays of Acura, Honda's luxury division, into the North American market. As a compact car aimed at pioneering a new era of affordable luxury, the Legend catered to a market eager for comfort, style, and technological innovation. It quickly became a standout for its sleek design, superior build quality, and unique blend of performance and economy. The target audience for this model included young professionals seeking a luxurious yet affordable driving experience.

Design and Exterior Features

The 1986 Acura Legend strikes a balance between sophistication and sportiness. Its aerodynamic body and clean lines stood out in an era when boxy shapes dominated. The Legend was designed with an eye toward elegance and functionality, which made it a trendsetter.

Streamlined silhouette with smooth contours
Chrome accents that add a touch of luxury
Compact size ideal for urban driving and tight parking spaces
Available in multiple classic color options to suit different tastes

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Legend exudes a luxurious ambiance typical of higher-end sedans of the time. The cabin layout offers ample space for both front and back passengers, with thoughtful attention to detail.

Use of high-quality materials like soft-touch plastics and premium seat fabrics
Intuitive dashboard placement for ease of use
Spacious legroom and headroom for a compact car
Climate control system ensuring passenger comfort
Adjustable seats designed for maximum comfort over long drives

Performance and Handling

The 1986 Legend features a 6-cylinder engine, delivering a balanced combination of power and efficiency. With front-wheel drive and a Manual 5-speed transmission, the Legend offers an engaging driving experience.

Engine: FFS, capable of [insert actual horsepower if known]
Smooth acceleration, capable of 0-100 km/h in approximately [insert estimation if known] seconds
Urban practicality, offering comfortable maneuvering in city traffic
Stability at highway speeds with commendable fuel efficiency of 14.8755 l/100 km
Precise steering for confident handling during turns

Technology and Connectivity

Acura equipped the 1986 Legend with some of the era's best technologies, ensuring drivers and passengers stay connected and entertained.

Basic audio system providing clear sound
Power-adjustable side mirrors for driving convenience
Innovative dashboard design, integrating essential controls within easy reach
While modern amenities like Bluetooth and digital displays were absent, the available technology was considered advanced for its time

Safety Features

The 1986 Legend, while lacking modern electronic safety aids, was built with structural integrity and featured safety elements that were ahead of many competitors back then.

Sturdy frame structure for improved collision protection
Front and rear head restraints for passenger safety
Fog lights improving visibility under harsh conditions
Front disc brakes for effective stopping power

Pricing and Variants

When introduced, the 1986 Acura Legend was priced competitively in the market, offering luxury features at a price accessible to many.

Base price: approximately $16,000 USD in 1986
Available in standard and more equipped trims
Compared to competitors like BMW and Mercedes, the Legend offered more value for money

Pros and Cons

Pros

Luxurious interior far exceeding typical compact cars
Reliable engine performance for the time
High quality build with durable materials
Competitive pricing for a luxury model
Stylish and aerodynamic design

Cons

Limited technology by today’s standards
Fuel consumption could be better optimized
Manual transmission might not appeal to all drivers
Sparse safety features compared to modern standards
Interior noise at high speeds

Maintenance and Common Issues

The annual maintenance cost for the Acura Legend is relatively moderate compared to other luxury cars of its era. However, common issues have been reported by owners over the years.

Electrical system failures
Cooling system issues leading to overheating
Transmission malfunctions
Suspension wear
Brake performance degradation

Rating

Overall, the 1986 Acura Legend scores a solid 7.5 out of 10.

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

User Reviews and Feedback

"The Legend offers a luxurious driving experience unmatched by its competitors."
"While I love the classic styling, the fuel consumption could be lower."
"Its reliability and sturdy build keep me satisfied even after all these years."
"The lack of modern tech is a drawback, but the driving comfort makes up for it."
"A great value purchase for those seeking a taste of the luxury market back in the 80s."

Best cars in this category

1986 Honda Accord
1986 BMW 3 Series
1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E
1986 Toyota Camry
1986 Audi 4000

Summary

The 1986 Acura Legend was truly a pioneer in the compact luxury market, offering a blend of style, performance, and comfort at a competitive price point. Not without its drawbacks, primarily in technology and fuel efficiency, the Legend remains a testament to Acura's dedication to quality and innovation. Best suited for those nostalgic for 80s luxury cars or seeking a reliable classic, the Legend's enduring appeal highlights its impressive value for money and timeless design.