Honda Legend For Sale

Honda Legend From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This page is about this vehicle's Japanese model. See Acura Legend for information on the North American model. Sections of this article are translated from Japanese Wikipedia. Honda Legend Manufacturer Honda Also called Acura RL (1996-present) Acura Legend (1985-1995) Daewoo Arcadia (1991-1994) Production 1985-present Assembly Saitama, Sayama, Japan Cowley, Oxfordshire, England Class Mid-size luxury car / Executive car (UK) Body style(s) 4-door sedan 2-door coupé The Honda Legend is a mid-size luxury car made by the Japanese automaker Honda. It was the result of Project XX, a joint agreement started in November 1981 with the Austin Rover Group of Great Britain and was mechanically related to the Rover 800 series. When the Legend made its appearance into the market, rival companies in Europe, Japan and North America took notice, and quickly introduced or revised current products that could be compared to it. Toyota began development in 1983 with the F1 project, the code name for a secret flagship sedan effort that became the Lexus LS, and Nissan updated their premium flagship the President initially introduced in 1966. In 1990 the Mitsubishi Diamante joined the Mitsubishi Debonair (introduced in 1964), and in 1988 Lincoln took a new approach to the venerable Continental offering for the first time a front wheel drive sedan with a V6 engine. General Motors introduced the GM H platform (FWD), Audi took a fresh approach to the 100 and in 1994 introduced the A6, and BMW introduced the BMW 5 Series (E34) in 1988. Honda introduced the Legend as a flagship sedan to compete with the popular JDM Nissan Cedric / Nissan Gloria twins, and the Toyota Crown. In North America, the Legend competed with larger rear wheel drive V8 sedans Lexus LS, Infiniti Q45, Cadillac Sedan de Ville, Lincoln Town Car, and the large German sedans, however, the Legend was packaged to compete in the slightly smaller Executive car class, such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus ES, Infiniti J30, Alfa Romeo 164, and the Volvo 940 sold at the time. The Legend was initially a four-door sedan, with a two-door coupé added later. It was the model which launched Honda's upscale Acura brand in the United States. Honda was inspired by the word "legend" to create the first Honda vehicle with a V6. The first and second-generation Honda Legend was known as the Acura Legend in North American markets from 1986–1995, and in 1996 the third-generation was renamed as the Acura RL, while the Legend name is still used in Japan and other markets. The Legend hardtop coupe was introduced to compete with the Nissan Leopard coupe, the Toyota Soarer, and Mazda Cosmo and shared many mechanicals with the Rover 800 coupe. Recently there is some market based pressure for Honda to upgrade the engine from a V6 to a V8, as products identified as Acura have the same refinement and engine efficiency as the top line Legend/RL. There is speculation that Honda has developed both a V8 and V10 engine used in racing models, but no decision has been made to actually install any engine larger than a V6 into the Honda flagship as of yet. Contents 1 First generation (KA1-KA6, 1985-1990) 2 Japanese market 2.1 "Wing Turbo" version 3 North American market 4 European market 5 Legend coupe and other changes 5.1 Engine specifications 6 Second generation (KA7/KA8, 1990-1996) 7 Third generation (KA9, 1996-2004) 7.1 North American model 8 Fourth generation (KB1, 2004-current) 8.1 North American Acura Model 8.2 2005-2008 A-Spec Performance Package 8.3 2009 Mid Model Change (KB2) 8.4 Reception 9 See also 10 References 11 External links [edit] First generation (KA1-KA6, 1985-1990) First generation Also called Acura Legend Production 1985–1990 Engine(s) 2.5 L C25A V6 2.7 L C27A V6 2.0 L C20A V6 (Japan) 2.0 L C20AT V6 turbo (Japan) Transmission(s) 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic Wheelbase Sedan: 108.7 in (2761 mm) Coupe: 106.5 in (2705 mm) Length Sedan 189.4 in (4811 mm) '86-'88 Sedan 190.6 in (4841 mm) '89-'90 Sedan (Japan): 184.6 in (4689 mm) Coupe: 188 in (4775.2 mm) Width Sedan 68.3 in (1735 mm) '86-'88 Sedan 68.9 in (1750 mm) '89-'90 Sedan (Japan): 66.7 in (1694 mm) Coupe: 68.7 in (1745 mm) Height Sedan: 54.7 in (1389 mm) Coupe: 53.9 in (1369 mm) Related Honda Accord Honda Vigor Rover 800 The first-generation Legend, introduced to Japan October 22, 1985, was the first production Honda vehicle to offer only a SOHC V6 engine worldwide. The Legend was a result of a joint venture with Britain's Austin Rover Group called Project XX that started in November 1981 with the Austin Rover-Honda XX letter of intent signed by the two companies to replace the Rover SD1 and to provide a luxury vehicle for Honda, and was codenamed as HX. The Rover Company had a long established reputation as a luxury car in the United Kingdom and Europe, demonstrated with the Rover P6, and Honda wanted to introduce a luxury car for both domestic Japanese and the United States markets. Rover also wanted to return to the American market when they had reportedly sold only 1,500 cars in 1971, and a brief return in 1980, selling 800 Rover SD1s by offering the Sterling which was also a result of the ARG-Honda partnership.[1] The development work was carried out at Rover's Canley, Coventry plant and Honda's Tochigi Prefecture development centre. The European market Legend was produced by Austin-Rover alongside the 800 in the former Morris Plant Oxford in Cowley, Oxfordshire. US-market Legends were built in Japan. [edit] Japanese market Honda wanted to expand its model range above the Honda Accord, and offer a premium level sedan that would appeal to wealthy middle-aged customers who were the traditional buyers of the Toyota Crown and Nissan Cedric/Gloria. The major difference between the Legend and the Toyota and Nissan sedans was that the Legend was front wheel drive, which Honda stated was "quite simply the most logical means to the ends the engineers desired: a true luxury car with a low, aerodynamic hood; a spacious interior with a nearly flat floor, and the superior traction that results from placing the engine and drivetrain transversely over the drive wheels." This provided the Legend with a 63/37 front to rear weight distribution ratio. Efforts to minimize torque steer were achieved by the half shafts and the angles of the joints at the ends of those shafts being equalized, helping the Legend to accelerate in a straight line. The Japanese-spec Legend was offered with three trim levels; the V6Xi with the 2.5 L C25A V6 engine, with the slightly shorter and narrower V6Gi and V6Zi using the 2.0 L C20A V6. The V6Gi had the same level of equipment and luxury features as the V6Xi, whereas the V6Zi had reduced content and a lower price. The V6 engines were available with electronic, multi-port sequential fuel injection Honda called Programmed Fuel Injection, or PGM-FI and a variable length intake manifold on the smaller 2.0 L V6. Transmission selections were either a four speed automatic transaxle with a computer controlled lockup torque converter, or a five speed manual transaxle. The Legend offered many Honda "firsts", such as a driver side airbag, vehicle speed sensitive power assist rack and pinon steering, anti-lock brakes, seat belt pre-tensioners with Emergency Locking Retractors (called E.L.R.), a choice of 100% wool or cloth moquette upholstery, and "TCS" Traction control, the first car to use traction control on a front wheel drive vehicle. Attention was given to make sure the Legend was quiet, so Honda used computer simulation using NASTRAN, a stress analysis program created by NASA, helping the car achieve a drag coefficient of 0.32 and an interior noise level of 63dB (measured while the vehicle was travelling at 100 km/h (62.1 mph) using a manual transmission in 5th gear), and by using triple seals around the tops of door openings. The Legend was introduced with a double wishbone suspension for the front wheels, and a Chapman strut with trailing arm rear suspension Honda called "RF (Reduced Friction) Strut Rear Suspension" with progressive rate rear coil springs that stiffen as they compress to combine smooth ride and good handling. The rear coil spring was separate from the shock absorber and positioned so that vertical pressure was supported by the lower control arm. The term Reduced Friction referred to the minimizing of forces that create friction in the shock absorbers, providing more efficient damping for the full suspension stroke. In order for the sedan to comply with Japanese vehicle size requirements and reduced tax liability, the car with the 2.0 L V6 was slightly shorter and narrower for Japanese buyers by reducing the extension of the front and rear bumper covers, and reducing the overall width to 1,695 mm (66.7 in). This also offered an alternative to the traditional Crown and Cedric/Gloria customer base due to the sedan being in the smaller size classification and reduced tax liability but with a comparable level of luxury equipment found in the larger cars, and the same amount of interior space due to the front wheel drive powertrain, with a wheelbase advantage of 30 mm (1.2 in) over the Cedric / Gloria and Crown. To address the issue of durability, the Legend was manufactured as a Monocoque sedan instead of a four door hardtop, a bodystyle still offered at the time by Toyota and Nissan on the Crown and Cedric/Gloria. Notable owners of the first year Legend were Soichiro Honda the founder of Honda, Satoru Nakajima, Tyrrell Racing F1 driver in 1990, and Ayrton Senna. The Legend V6Xi was used as the pace car for the Suzuka Circuit for 1986. [edit] "Wing Turbo" version In 1989, Honda upgraded the C20A V6 engine used exclusively in the KA5 series Legend with a variable geometry turbocharger calling it the "Wing Turbo" to address the modest power available from the previous engine with variable length intake manifold used in earlier models. The turbocharger compressor housing had four vanes surrounding the turbine wheel on the air intake side that would fluxuate based on engine load and transmission gearing above 2,000 RPM to allow for increased airflow into the engine as needed. The turbo compressor could generate as much as 450mmHg amount of pressure, and was paired with a water cooled intercooler installed inside the intake plenum between the cylinder banks to produce 140 kW (190 PS; 188 bhp) net at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 24.6 kg·m (241 N·m; 178 ft·lbf) at 3500 rpm.[2] The turbo was installed just above the automatic transmission unit; a 5-speed manual transmission was not offered. This engine was only offered in Japan using the shortened sedan bodystyle, labeled as "2.0 Ti Exclusive" and "2.0 Ti". The engine was used for just one year, due to the introduction of the second generation Legend in 1990 with the much larger C32A V6, and as such Wing Turbo sedans are extremely rare. Much of the research on this engine contributed to the VTEC C30A V6 engine used in the 1990 Honda NSX. The Legend Turbo can be identified as sharing the front grille with the all new 1990 Honda Ascot with a "turbo" badge attached to the grille on the bottom right hand side. [edit] North American market When the Legend was introduced, Honda's newly established luxury car division just for the Legend was called Acura, using the advertising slogan "Precision Crafted Automobiles", and the Acura Legend was offered with one factory installed option, the choice of transmission used, and one trim level. In the 1986 sales brochure, the Legend's full name used was "Legend Touring Sedan". The vehicle was virtually identical to the Japanese market V6Zi in terms of luxury equipment offered, but the same size as the V6Xi using the same 2.5 V6 engine and the longer overall length to comply with United States crash standards. The Technics supplied 80W four speaker cassette tape stereo offered the ability to customize equalizer settings with four memory positions, and was equipped with a dual diversity antenna, meaning it had a conventional power antenna and an embedded antenna in the front window. One of the novelty items was a simple volume control rocker switch and a pre-set radio station channel selector installed on the instrument binnacle within reach of the right hand; the opposite side of the instrument binnacle had a button to open, tilt or close the standard equipped glass moonroof with sun shade. The North American Legend was not offered some of the items offered in Japan, such as automatic, one touch climate control, and 100% wool cloth interior. Blue interior was shared with Japan and North America, but brown was not offered in North America, and "Sand Gray" was offered instead. Exterior colors were matched to only one interior color choice and leather was not offered on either the steering wheel or upholstery, unusual for a luxury car of the time. [edit] European market The Honda Legend was introduced for the 1987 model year and was virtually identical in equipment offered and vehicle dimensions to the North American model, with one trim designation called the V6-2.5i. This means very few options were available other than the choice of transmission, and an air conditioning system identical to the North American version. The Europeans were offered an optional "Special Equipment Pack" that offered cruise control, aluminium alloy wheels, a driver's seat with power lumbar support, height, fore/aft and reclining adjusters, adjustable rear headrests, a 4 speaker stereo system provided by Philips and headlight wipers. Front and rear mud flaps were standard in undisclosed countries but not all. The radio volume control rocker switch and preset radio scan button installed on the instrument binnacle was not offered. [edit] Legend coupe and other changes Honda Legend coupe The Legend Coupe was introduced February 6, 1987, which shared the double wishbone suspension and powertrain setup from the moderately improved sedan for the 1987 model year. Incidentally, the Japanese coupe was both longer and wider, which increased its tax liability, yet it had a shorter wheelbase by 2.2 in (56 mm). Starting with the introduction of model year 1988, the trim level "Exclusive" was introduced, offering genuine wood trim on the dashboard and center console with a very large selection of available wood type and hues to choose from, automatic headlights, headlight washer/wipers, separate rear passenger climate control, and chrome-plated power folding mirrors and door handles with infrared remote keyless entry. October 14, 1988 saw a minor restyle offered for the interior and dashboard, to provide a more luxurious appearance in comparison to the Nissan and Toyota uplevel sedans the Legend was competing with. Due to the success Honda had with the Legend, it served as an inspiration for the Subaru Legacy with which it shares many visual resemblances and dimensions both inside and out. [edit] Engine specifications Engine Displacement (cc) / bore×stroke Horsepower Torque C20A V6 SOHC 24 valve PGM-FI 1,996cc / 82.0×63.0 145 PS (107 kW; 143 hp) @6300rpm 172 N·m (127 lb·ft) @5000rpm C20A turbo V6 SOHC 24 valve PGM-FI 1,996cc / 82.0×63.0 190 PS (140 kW; 190 hp) @6000rpm 241 N·m (178 lb·ft) @3500rpm C25A V6 SOHC 24 valve PGM-FI 2,493cc / 84.0×75.0 165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp) @6000rpm 211 N·m (156 lb·ft) @4500rpm C27A V6 SOHC 24 valve PGM-FI 2,675cc / 87.0×75.0 180 PS (130 kW; 180 hp) @6000rpm 226 N·m (167 lb·ft) @4500rpm [edit] Second generation (KA7/KA8, 1990-1996) Second generation Also called Acura Legend Daewoo Arcadia Production 1991–1995 Engine(s) 3.2 L C32A V6 Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual Wheelbase Coupe: 111.4 in (2830 mm) Sedan: 114.6 in (2911 mm) Length Sedan: 194.9 in (4950 mm) Coupe: 192.5 in (4890 mm) Width 71.3 in (1811 mm) Height 1991-92 Coupe: 53.5 in (1359 mm) Sedan: 55.1 in (1400 mm) 1993-95 Coupe: 53.7 in (1364 mm) Related Honda Accord Honda Inspire Honda Vigor Honda Ascot Daewoo Arcadia Honda Legend coupe (Europe) The second generation model was introduced October 24, 1990, and continued to offer both a sedan and coupé. The Rover 800 was not updated to the new platform, and instead continued with the old XX platform. In Japan, this Legend was also known as the "Super Legend" due to the much larger 3.2 C32A engine, which was now the only engine offered in the Legend. The Type I engine was rated at 215 PS (158.1 kW; 212.1 bhp), and the Type II was rated at 235 PS (172.8 kW; 231.8 bhp) and included with the touring system. This Legend benefited from much of the research and testing done for Honda's new mid-engined high performance sports car, the Honda NSX, and the Legend was used as a test platform for new NSX technologies and research. Honda introduced a passenger side airbag on this model, and used off-set collision testing to improve collision performance and safety. Trim level designations were changed to "Alpha" for the top level vehicle, and "Beta" for the lower grade. No other trim levels were offered. The "Alpha" was very well equipped, offering ABS, leather or 100% wool moquette upholstery, projector beam headlights, and dual-zone air conditioning. The rear end appearance of the sedan was adopted from the first generation Legend coupe, as the first generation sedans appearance was very similar to the first generation Subaru Legacy, and Honda wanted to visually align the appearance of both the Legend coupe and sedan with the Ferrari competitor Honda NSX. Honda Legend Alpha Touring coupe (Japan) The Japanese Domestic Market version of the 1990 Legend (2nd generation) was the first vehicle offered with a navigation system called the Electro Gyrocator, although it was not satellite-based and instead relied on a gas gyroscope. September 29, 1992 saw an upgrade to the "Alpha" trim level, called the Touring Series, which added the Honda Progressive Damper suspension system, and included upgraded calipers for the front and rear disc brakes, and increased the wheel size to 16 inches. A Luxman premium sound system was added to the options list. The transmission selections were reduced to a 4 speed automatic transmission only for Japan, and a 5 speed manual transmission was offered for vehicles exported, with a 6 speed manual transmission later offered as well. The prefectural police department of Aomori used "Beta" sedans with the Type II engine for traffic monitoring. American actor Harrison Ford did commercials in Japan for the Legend. The second-generation Legend was also manufactured by Daewoo in South Korea from 1994 to 1999 under the name of Daewoo Arcadia, for the southeast Asian market, replacing the Daewoo Imperial.[3] [edit] Third generation (KA9, 1996-2004) Third generation Also called Acura 3.5RL Production 1996–2004 Layout FF layout Engine(s) 3.5 L C35A V6 Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic 6-speed manual Wheelbase 114.6 in (2911 mm) Length 1996-1998:195.1 in (4956 mm) 1999-2001:196.6 in (4994 mm) 2002-2004:196.7 in (4996 mm) Width 1996-1998:71.3 in (1811 mm) 1999-2001:71.4 in (1814 mm) 2002-2004:71.7 in (1821 mm) Height 1996-1998:54.5 in (1384 mm) 1999-2001:56.5 in (1435 mm) 2002-2004:54.5 in (1384 mm) Related Honda Accord (USA-spec) Honda Inspire Honda Saber The third generation Legend appeared February 14, 1996, continuing the Honda tradition of front wheel drive, and increasing the engine displacement to 3.5 L with the horsepower remaining at 215 PS (158.1 kW; 212.1 bhp). The actual Honda internal platform code for this vehicle is E-KA9. In an attempt by Honda to dispute the call for the Legend to be offered with a V8 to be considered a premium level luxury car, this generation had a wheelbase that compared to the Infiniti Q45 at 2,830 mm (111.4 in) with a length at 5,056 mm (199.1 in) , and the Lexus LS at 2,850 mm (112.2 in) wheelbase and 4,996 mm (196.7 in) length. The trim level "Exclusive" returned as the upper level car, with the standard grade vehicle known as "Euro", with the more performance tuned suspension.The wood trim used was more upscale for the "Exclusive" vehicle with a lower grade wood used on the "Euro". Both vehicles were very well equipped. The instruments used were simplified from previous versions, but 100% wool moquette upholstery was still offered, along with optional leather. The Luxman premium sound system was still available. The styling was said to more closely resemble Mercedes-Benz and a transponder key security system was offered. September 21, 1998 saw a minor styling change, with the front grille cutting into the front bumper, providing a more prominent front grille. Emphasis was increased on providing a luxurious sense of style, both inside and out. Side impact airbags now complemented the dual front airbags as standard equipment. September 24, 1999 saw the engine meet emissions regulations to comply with California LEV requirements. June 19, 2003 saw the interior updated, and maple wood was offered for interior decoration. Electro-luminescent instruments were offered, as well as a higher grade of leather interior. The third-generation Legend was released in 1996, and the third-generation model was offered as a sedan only. A mid-term facelift came in 1999. The Legend went on sale in Australia starting with the 1997 model year. In the USA market, when the Legend coupe was discontinued, they were offered the Acura CL 2 door coupe that was based on the American market Honda Accord coupe so as to continue offering a top level 2 door vehicle. [edit] North American model In 1996, the replacement for the Acura Legend was introduced as the Acura 3.5RL. Known internally as "KA9", officially, RL originally stood for "Road Luxury."[4] Acura dropped the Legend moniker because market research showed that consumers knew Acura products by their model names, "Legend" and "Integra", and did not necessarily associate the names with the manufacturer, Acura.[5][6] In an effort to associate the model with the manufacturer, Acura changed the model names of its offerings to alpha-numeric designators used by many manufacturers at the time. 3.5RL thus indicated the displacement of the engine and the model designator. Acura also named the rest of its line with such alpha numerics as the 2.5TL and 3.2TL or the 3.2CL. Acura believed that no one would know what a "3.5RL" was, and people would naturally identify their cars as an "Acura 3.5RL", a strategy that seemed to be working so well with archrival Lexus, which was marketing not an "LS 400" but the "Lexus LS 400". Parenthetically, by the time the Acura 3.5RL was introduced, the top of the Japanese car luxury heap was no longer the Acura line-up but those cars sold by Lexus, and to a lesser extent, Infiniti.[7] The very first Acura 3.5RL rolled off the assembly line on January 4, 1996. The 1996 Acura 3.5RL was introduced to lackluster reviews. The automotive world had been expecting a true competitor to the Lexus LS to emerge. The 3.5RL fell short and was continuing to drop in sales until it was finally redesigned for the 2005 model year. The main problems holding back the car seemed to be the lack of an option of a V8 powerplant and rear-wheel drive. So in 1996, laying to rest predictions of a VTEC V8 powerplant, the 3.5RL was powered by a 3.5 L V6 engine, derived from the previous Legend's 3.2 L unit. The engine provided 210 hp (later 225 hp).[8] Of particular note, in the 3.5RL, was the continuation of longitudinally mounted V6 engine. This meant that the center-line of the V6 was mounted in-line with the car's axis, and not transversely (i.e., 90 degrees offset from the vehicle axis) like most other front-wheel drive cars. This longitudinal placement allowed for a smaller turning radius and easy in-town maneuverability, as well as 56/44 front/rear weight distribution. 1999–2004 Acura 3.5RL In 1999, the 3.5RL received a front and rear facelift that included the addition of newer xenon HID headlamps and integrated foglights along with new bumpers and hood. The suspension and chassis were stiffened, and new alloy wheels were offered. For safety, driver and front passenger side airbags were added. The Acura 3.5RL was back in the fold and sales increased. In 2000, a larger navigation system screen was added. Along with that larger screen was the conversion to easy-to-replace DVD map databases. In 2002, another subtle change was given to the 3.5RL with painted lower trim and mudflaps along with redesigned alloys and a newer, sportier suspension setup. Perhaps more important was the engine which now was upgraded to produce 225 hp (168 kW) and 231 lb·ft (313 N·m) of torque along with more insulation in the engine compartment as well as the fact that OnStar was added in 2002. The 2003 and 2004 RL's received clear turn signals in the rear lights, another new wheel design, as well as various interior upgrades including new color schemes. For 2004, the navigation system came as standard as well as a redesigned center console and chrome door lock pulls. Absent a major redesign in 8 years, however, the 3.5RL's sales slipped to their lowest levels in the 2004 model year. Acura and dealers both provided generous incentives on the final models. The 1996–2004 3.5RL's engine was the last in the Honda and Acura lineup not to use VTEC, Honda's variable valve timing system. This 3.5 L 90 degree V6 engine was internally designated as the C35A, and the last of the Honda C engine V6 engines used in Honda and Acura lineups, being replaced by the newer Honda J engine 60 degree V6 engines. The 2004 RL was also the last Acura to use the numeric designator (i.e., 3.5) for its engine displacement. [edit] Fourth generation (KB1, 2004-current) Fourth generation Also called Acura RL Production 2004-current Layout F4 layout Engine(s) 2005-08: 3.5L J35A 290 hp (220 kW) 2009: 3.7L 300 hp (220 kW) Transmission(s) 5-speed automatic with sequential sport shift Wheelbase 2005-09: 110.2 in (2799 mm) Length 2005-08: 193.6 in (4917 mm) 2009: 195.8 in (4973 mm) Width 2005-9: 72.7 in (1847 mm) Height 2005-08: 57.1 in (1450 mm) 2009: 57.2 in (1453 mm) Related Honda Accord (USA-spec) Honda Odyssey Honda Inspire Honda Elysion The swoopier fourth-generation Honda Legend was launched on October 7, 2004 and became Japan's Car of the Year for 2004–5, marking the fourth time in five years that Honda has taken the award. The new car has a 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp) engine and available in the Japanese market Honda Legend an intelligent night-vision system with automatic pedestrians detection in or approaching the vehicle's path.[9][10] The newly designed J35A 3.5 L V6 was changed from a 90 degree "v" to a 60 degree, and added VTEC to improve efficiency. The horsepower no longer complied with Japanese auto industry self imposed horsepower restrictions, and the engine was capable of 300 PS (220.6 kW; 295.9 bhp). Honda began to expand the Acura division into Mexico, Hong Kong, and China. Plans to introduce the Acura brand in Japan haven't been formally announced, relying on speculation. This generation Legend shares large sedan duties with the Honda Inspire, known in North America as the Honda Accord starting with model year 2003 (series UC1) and continuing with the series CP3 sedan. Honda introduced four wheel drive technology on the Legend, called SH-AWD, which earned Honda the Japan Car of the Year, and Mosuto 2005 Annual RJC technology of the Year award. Select-Shift was introduced on the 5 speed automatic transmission. VTEC technology was introduced on this vehicle for the first time. M-TEC was added by the MUGEN division, called the M1 package. September 15, 2005 saw a mild body restyle, which included a rear backup camera. The Akita and Kumamoto Prefectures adopted this Legend as the official car for local senior government officials. The Legend received a Mid-Model Change (MMC) for the 2009 model year. The Honda Legend offered some additional optional safety features, including Lane Keeping Assistance System (LKAS), Intelligent Night Vision with the world's first pedestrian detection feature, and a standard pop-up hood for pedestrian safety. The LKAS could actually make small steering adjustments to keep a car in lane so long as the radius of the turn was more than 220 meters, which was the legal minimum in Japan. The LKAS would relinquish control at the slightest steering input so the driver had control at all times. The night vision system uses a separate heads up type display on the center of the windshield. Far infrared cameras do not require a light source, and the software is able to detect human like figures, surround the image with a red box and give audible caution tones. The pop-up hood uses a series of sensors that can detect a pedestrian-like object being thrown onto the hood. An actuator will pop the hood up at the rear, close to the base of the windshield, 10 cm (4 inches) to help minimize pedestrian injuries, especially head trauma. All markets feature energy absorbing hood and fender supports and deformable windshield wiper pivots to minimize pedestrian injury. In October 2010, it is reported that Brake Defect from Honda Honda Legend were delivered to customers before the problem is discovered. Honda says that it doesn’t know how many of its vehicles have suffered a faulty brake system. The U.S. Honda outfit says it will replace the faulty seal and, if leaking has occurred, the brake booster will be replaced as well. At least some owners in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries are likely affected. Honda told that no stop-sale is issued.[11] [edit] North American Acura Model A new generation car, known internally as "KB1", was launched in late 2004 for the 2005 model year. Still without the much-rumored V8 engine, it features a sophisticated all-wheel drive system Acura calls "Super Handling All-Wheel Drive" (SH-AWD). It integrates active differentials with the all-wheel drive system and traction control to improve handling, similar to the "ATTS" system featured on the 1997 Honda Prelude SH. At the time of its introduction, the Acura RL's SH-AWD was unique among all wheel drive systems because not only could it vary traction from front to back, but also side to side in rear using a technique called torque vectoring, becoming the first such system. The RL can direct up to 70% of available torque to the rear wheels, and up to 100% of that available rear torque can be directed to just one wheel. In combination with a specially designed planetary gear set which can over-drive the rear wheels up to 5% greater speed than the front wheels, the torque direction to one wheel, or torque vectoring, can have a steering effect. As the car speeds around a curve, torque vectored to the outside rear wheel will pull the rear end around the curve faster, just as paddling the outside oar of a row boat faster than the inside oar will cause the row boat to turn. The first-generation RL was powered by a 225 hp (168 kW) 90° C-series V6 non-VTEC engine. The second-generation RL uses a newer design 60° J-series 3.5 L V6 SOHC VTEC engine delivering 300 hp (224 kW; later revised to 290 hp (220 kW) due to new SAE testing procedures). To give the car a more sporty feel, the car features drive-by-wire throttle control and a five-speed sequential sport shifting automatic transmission with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. As with the first-generation Acura RL, the second-generation Acura RL uses premium unleaded fuel rated at 91 (R+M)/2 octane. A first for the RL is the use of aluminum 4-piston front brake calipers over 12.6-inch cast-iron ventilated front rotors. These multi-piston calipers are extremely rigid, and are derived from racing applications. In the rear, 12.2-inch cast-iron ventilated discs attach to their hub with lightweight aluminum collets and are gripped by one-piston aluminum brake calipers[12]. The RL was equipped with a unique five spoke 17-inch alloy wheel with Michelin Pilot HX MXM 4 245/50-R-17 98V[12] all season grand touring tires. These wheels were one inch larger in diameter, and the tires 20 mm wider in section than those found on the first-generation Acura RL. New features found on the 2005 RL include an keyless entry system which allows the driver to both lock and unlock the car by touching the door handle, without having to use the remote control, and a keyless start system. A new 260 watt, ten speaker Bose DVD-Audio 5.1 sound system [13] equalized for the RL cabin features several Bose technologies. Bose AudioPilot is a noise compensation technology which analyzes background environmental cabin noise, uses an algorithm based on cabin acoustics to boost certain portions of the musical signal so that it may be heard more clearly above environmental sound "clutter" without any apparent change in volume [14]. Bose Centerpoint processes stereo and matrix surround sound recordings to allow play through the 5.1 sound system even though the source may only be a stereo sound track. Bose Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) rounds out the suite. Always on, whether the stereo is on or not, ANC takes input from two microphones placed in the cabin to analyze drivetrain related low end frequencies entering the cabin. The ANC sends information to the sound system to create precisely shaped and timed reverse phased audio signal from the door speakers and the subwoofer. The result is a dramatic reduction of engine and exhaust noise. XM Satellite Radio, integrated Bluetooth hands-free technology for wireless phone use, voice recognition technology with over 560 voice commands to control navigation system and displays, wireless phone, audio system, heating and ventilation controls round out the cabin's technological features. Heating and air conditioning systems were also tied into a solar sensor and GPS positioning so that cabin temperature would stay constant in a mixed sun and shade situation. Based on sun position and cabin orientation, additional cooling air would be automatically added to the sunny side of the car to keep that occupant comfortable while not freezing out the occupant on the shady side. The Alpine Electronics DVD-based navigation system is integrated with an 8 inch LCD display and a multi use Interface Dial, which can act like a mouse moving up down left right, like a knob, scrolling through preset menus, and a selector by clicking. Unlike many in-car navigation systems, the Alpine DVD based navigation unit allows the driver to change destinations and routes "on the fly" while driving, rather than being locked out unless the car is park. The deeply integrated voice recognition system works with the navigation system and can also recognize city and street names. Also unique at the time was two way communication via AcuraLink satellite communication. Using a facility of XM Radio service, the system can send a variety of messages to the car including service appointment reminders (appointments first made via Internet) or important messages such as recall notices. The use of OnStar is carried over from the previous generation RL. Use of digital/analog trimode (two digital bands and one analog band) technology allows the 2005 RL OnStar technology to survive the planned 2007 phase out of the analog OnStar to all digital OnStar service in 2007. Other new features include the Active Front Lighting System, in which the high intensity discharge headlamps swivel with the steering up to twenty degrees, offering improved night cornering vision. Light emitting diodes (LED) replace traditional incandescent lighting is used for many rear tail and brake as well as in the side mirror housing integrated turn signals, and many interior cabin lights. Engine bay of the Acura RL The 2005 RL was also the first Honda vehicle to use the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which is now proliferating throughout every newly-introduced Honda and Acura vehicle design. The ACE structure features extensive use of high-tensile steel and lightweight aluminum components in a front-mounted polygonal main frame, designed engage vehicles of differing size and weight in a frontal collision and spread the forces through multiple structural pathways, while preventing or minimizing cabin deformation. In practical terms, this means in an SUV versus ACE structure car collision, there is a greater chance that the ACE body structure will engage with the SUV's frame and dissipate collision forces around the passenger compartment. In more conventional non-ACE car structures, the SUV frame has a much greater chance of missing or over-riding the conventional car's major structural components and a greater chance of deforming the passenger compartment. The 2005 RL car structure features extensive use of somewhat "exotic" materials for a car at this price point including aluminum alloy hood, front fenders, trunk lid and frame, front and rear subframes, suspension arms, front knuckles and bumper beams. Magnesium is used in the intake manifold, and the two-piece center drive shaft is made of a carbon reinforced composite. The new RL features extensive aerodynamic design treatment including details such an industry first flush side glass, as well underbody covers and diffusers to reduce lift, resulting in a very low drag coefficient of 0.29. 2005 RL Exterior Colors[15] 2005 RL Interior Colors Premium White Pearl Parchment, Ebony Opulent Blue Pearl Ebony, Taupe Redondo Red Pearl Parchment' Ebony Meteor Silver Metallic Ebony, Taupe Nighthawk Black Pearl Parchment, Ebony Lakeshore Silver Metallic Ebony, Taupe Celestial Silver Metallic Ebony, Taupe Desert Mist Metallic Parchment, Ebony 2005 RL Retail Price US $49,100 2006 Honda Legend For 2006, the Acura RL was also offered in a second trim level, the optional 'Technology Package' which included three new features adaptive cruise control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System, and Michelin PAX System run-flat tires on unique PAX 235 mm x 460 mm A ("A" for asymmetric) aluminum alloy wheels with unique 245-680R460A Michelin Pilot HX MXM 4 all season grand touring type radials designed for the Michelin PAX System. The metric sized, run flat Michelin PAX System wheels and tires are equivalent to 18" x 9" wheels and 245/45-R18 conventional tires. The previously standard color-matched mud guards were deleted in 2006. All 2006 models had a slight change to the navigation system that also allowed the installation of an optional rearview camera. MSRP increased by just $200 for the equivalent 2005 model[16]. 2006 RL Exterior Colors[17] 2006 RL Interior Colors Premium White Pearl Parchment, Ebony Opulent Blue Pearl Ebony, Taupe Redondo Red Pearl Parchment, Ebony Carbon Gray Pearl Ebony, Taupe Meteor Silver Metallic Ebony, Taupe Nighthawk Black Pearl Parchment, Ebony Lakeshore Silver Metallic Ebony, Taupe Celestial Silver Metallic Ebony, Taupe Desert Mist Metallic Parchment, Ebony 2006 RL Base Package US$ 49,300 2006 RL Technology Package (ACC/CMBS/PAX) US$ 53,100 For 2007, the Acura RL was offered in three trim levels, detailed in the table below, including a "standard" or "base" package, a newly defined "Technology Package" and the highest level trim, the "Technology Package with CMBS/PAX". Base Model cars were well equipped, but deleted certain features such as the Navigation System, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), and substituted plastic for wood trim. Technology Package cars were essentially the same as the 2005 and 2006 standard models, coming with Navigation, AFS, while also adding as standard equipment, a rear backup camera and a 3.5mm stereo input jack for Apple iPod and other mp3 type devices. Technology Package plus CMBS/PAX had no 2005 equivalent, and was most similar to the 2006 Technology Package, because it included ACC/CMBS and PAX technologies. While the label "CMBS/PAX" might appear to indicate ACC was dropped as a feature, in reality, ACC an extension of the CMBS system, and so was included. As noted above mp3 audio player feature (really any device with a 3.5 mm headphone jack) was added to all trim levels. An integrated rearview camera was added to the top two trim levels. An integrated rearview camera could be added to the non-navigation Base model as a dealer installed option. The Base model optional rearview camera installed in the same manner and position as on the 2006 models, being mounted dead center of the trunk trim, and having a new trunk release button installed to the right of center (passenger side). The difference is subtle, but the factory rearview camera installation on the Technology Package and the Technology Package with CMBS/PAX is to left of center (driver side) of the trunk release. In 2005 and 2006, all models came standard with "genuine curly maple wood dashboard trim". With the introduction of three trim levels, the genuine curly maple wood dashboard trim now only appeared on the two higher level cars, Technology Package with CMBS/PAX. OnStar was deleted as a feature from all trim levels. Colors were added and deleted. MSRP increased by just $100 from the roughly equivalent 2006 trims[18]. 2007 RL Exterior Colors[19] 2007 RL Interior Colors Premium White Pearl Parchment, Ebony Opulent Blue Pearl Ebony, Taupe Redondo Red Pearl Parchment, Ebony Carbon Gray Pearl Ebony, Taupe Platinum Frost Metallic replaces Celestial Silver and Meteor Silver Ebony, Taupe Nighthawk Black Pearl Parchment, Ebony Lakeshore Silver Metallic Ebony, Taupe Desert Mist Metallic Parchment, Ebony 2007 RL Base Package US$ 45,780 2007 RL Technology Package US$ 49,400 2007 RL Technology + ACC/CMBS/PAX US$ 53,200 2007 RL 2007 RL with Technology Package (in addition to the base package) 2007 RL with Technology and ACC/CMBS/PAX Packages (in addition to the Technology Package) 290 horsepower (220 kW) Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC VTEC V-6 aluminum-alloy engine Rearview camera Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) AcuraLink satellite communication system with real-time traffic Michelin PAX Run-Flat Technology Acura/Bose 10-speaker Surround Sound System GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control system XM Satellite Radio Active Front Lighting System (AFS) Keyless Access System Genuine curlywood maple interior trim The 2008 Acura RL continues unchanged in the US market from the 2007 model. Colors were added and deleted. MSRP increases $500 in each trim:[20] 2008 RL Exterior Colors[21] 2008 RL Interior Colors Premium White Pearl Parchment, Ebony Opulent Blue Pearl Taupe, (Ebony is dropped) Redondo Red Pearl Parchment, (Ebony is dropped) Carbon Gray Pearl Ebony, Taupe Platinum Frost Metallic Ebony, Taupe Nighthawk Black Pearl Parchment, Ebony Lakeshore Silver Metallic Ebony, Taupe Desert Mist Metallic Parchment, (Ebony is dropped) 2008 RL Base Package US$ 46,280 2008 RL Technology Package US$ 49,900 2008 RL Technology + ACC/CMBS/PAX US$ 53,700 In Canada, the 2008 Acura RL is available with two different models, Base and Elite Package. The Elite Package adds Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Active Front Lighting System (AFS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), heated and cooled ventilated front seats and burled maple wood trim. [edit] 2005-2008 A-Spec Performance Package For the 2005-2008 models, Acura offered an A-Spec package for the RL. The package consisted of two performance upgrades, which were dealer installed, and several appearance package upgrades. The package was first announced at a late 2004 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas[22]. It should be noted that the A-Spec package for sale was distinctly different from the Acura RL A-Spec Concept Vehicle announced and shown as a striking dark red one-of-a-kind custom creation in early 2005 at the Detroit Auto Show[23]. The performance upgrades came in the form of A-Spec sport suspension upgrade, and A-Spec 18 inch alloy wheels, which allowed the use of more sporty lower profile tires. The A-Spec sport suspension changed out the four springs and dampers (shocks) assemblies. The A-Spec suspension featured lowering springs (approximately 0.75 inch)and revalved dampers. The ride stiffness increased, but not overly so, and handling improved with less body roll, more controlled cornering and enhanced feel. Reportedly the suspension stiffness was not to same level as the much stiffer A-Spec sport suspension upgrade in the Acura TL, in keeping with the two different missions of the cars, luxury for the RL, luxury sport for the TL. Acura RL A-Spec suspension geometry remained the same as the stock Acura RL suspension alignment specifications. The other performance upgrade was the A-Spec 18x8 inch alloy wheels, a 10 spoke lighter weight design (about the same weight as the 5 spoke 17x8 inch OEM wheels). Recommended tires were either 245/45-18 sized Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ultra high performance summer tires or Michelin Pilot Sport A/S ultra high performance all-season tires. Alternatively, less sport oriented, Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 Grand Touring All Season tires were also available in the same size. Typical of Acura optional wheels, the 55 mm offset of the stock 17x8 inch wheels was maintained so that suspension geometry could remain untouched. The A-Spec appearance package consisted of a front air dam, side skirts, rear bumper air diffuser and a subtle trunk decklid lip style spoiler, all designed to give the car a more aggressive "aero" look. The parts came pre-painted from the factory to match factory colors. All parts were dealer installable. Interestingly, if the dealer installed the A-Spec parts at the time of purchase, the original new car warranty of four years/50,000 miles would apply. If installed after purchase, the normal one year/12,000 mile parts warranty would apply. A-Spec options were not offered for the 2009 mid model change. There is a widely held belief that the A-Spec suspension should have been the standard suspension on the Acura RL, and that the stock suspension was too soft, and hampered the very capable chassis and drivetrain. Interestingly the 2009 mid model change incorporated a revised stiffer suspension and 18x8 inch wheels as standard, equipped with lower profile 245/45-18 size tires. More aggressive "aero" look body work was also incorporated as standard, but a revised trunk decklid spoiler was made available as a dealer installed option. [edit] 2009 Mid Model Change (KB2) 2009-present Acura RL For the 2009 model year, the RL received an extensive mid-model change (MMC), and made its introduction at the Chicago Auto Show on February 6, 2008, billed as "the most extensive Acura MMC ever". The new sedan was designated KB2 in the VIN codes, differentiating it from the 2005–2008 KB1 chassis VIN code. The revised sedan was released on July 1, 2008 to dealerships. The engine is upgraded to 3.7L with 300 hp (220 kW). While on paper, the engine may seem to be the same unit as shared with the Acura MDX, it is actually a variant that introduces for the first time ever on a SOHC Honda V6, an implementation of the Honda VTEC variable valve train technology on the exhaust side for improved horsepower and torque. Heretofore, all previous SOHC Honda V6 with VTEC used the technology on the intake side only[24]. The engine emissions has been improved to meet the stricter U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) TIER 2 – BIN 5 and California Air Resources Board ULEV-2 standards. Implementation of the SH-AWD was adjusted for earlier intervention and a greater rear wheel bias for better handling dynamics. The MMC RL suspension was upgraded with higher rate coil springs, larger diameter anti-sway bars and stiffer bushings all around[25]. The MMC RL sports a new larger front anti-sway bar of hollow construction, 30 mm diameter overall with a 6.5 mm wall thickness and a larger rear solid anti-sway bar, 19 mm diameter solid[26]. The pre-MMC models sported a solid 29 mm front and 17 mm rear sway bar[27]. Standard 18" x 8" seven spoke alloy wheels with 245/45-18 tires replace the previous years' 17" x 8" five spoke offerings for not only the base and tech package models, but also for the highest trim ACC/CMBS equipped model. Previous years' ACC/CMBS equipped models were equipped with [Michelin PAX System] run flat tires on 18 inch equivalent (460 mm diameter) five spoke wheels. Unlike the previous years (2005–2008), there is no A-Spec offering, which included a body kit, suspension, wheels and badging. Changes to the interior include more comfortable front seats and slightly increased rear leg room. The passenger front seat now has the same full 10-way power control as the driver's seat and both front seats feature active head restraint systems and six levels of cooling ventilation, as well as heated surfaces. Controls for heating and air-conditioning have been simplified and additional individual vent control is available to driver and passenger. The shift gear no longer has a gated sequence, but goes straight down to match the new ones used for the current Acura TSX and Acura TL. The steering wheel and shift gear top are now trimmed with wood to emphasize the RL's upscale luxury feel over its other two sedan siblings. Additional insulation, improved acoustic isolation windshield design, and a new implementation of the active noise cancellation system (ANC) combine to make the car's interior more quiet over a variety of different conditions. Whereas the pre-MMC models ANC was set to cancel out low frequency boominess from the engine and exhaust, the MMC system, called Active Sound Control, has been extended in range to cancel some higher frequency road and tire noise as well. Unlike its predecessor ANC, Active Sound Control is now linked to throttle position and engine rpm to provide a more quiet cockpit during normal cruising, but will allow more of the new "3.7L's muscular sound" to be heard during higher rpm, higher speed excursions. An additional microphone as well as some switchable directionality has been added to the HFL (Hands Free Link) and Voice Activated Navigation and Convenience controls. The new microphone system provides more accurate system "understanding" of the driver voice only when the systems are in command mode. Extraneous sounds, such as other voices in the cabin and wind noise are better distinguished and filtered out by the dual microphone system. Directionality is removed when an HFL voice call is established so that all passengers may participate in the phone call as in the pre-MMC model. The new dual microphone system uses real estate that was previously used in the 2005 and 2006 models for OnStar control electronics. Voice recognition commands have been increased to over 700[28], up from 560[29] previously. The DVD based navigation system improves on previous XM satellite linked traffic flow reporting to include rerouting based on current traffic conditions and new continuously updated real time weather reporting. The DVD Audio capable 10 speaker sound system remains, but integration with the audio system is improved with the addition of Bluetooth stereo and a USB port that allows integration and operation of Apple iPod and other MP3 type devices. Also new is the ability to display iPod or other MP3 device (such as a USB flash memory device) folder and playlist information on the car's 8-inch central navigation display screen[30]. New shifter and center console arrangements have been added including a Sport mode. The steering wheel paddle shifters have been reprogrammed for faster response, and the paddle shifters can now be operated in both Drive and Sport Mode. In pre-MMC models, the gear selector had to be put in manual mode for the paddle shifters to operate. The 2009 RL is slightly longer in its exterior dimensions by 2.2 inches (56 mm). The height is up a scant 0.1 inches (2.5 mm), while the width, track and wheelbase remain the same[26],[27]. The front end including the hood and the rear, including the trunkline have been revised along with redesigned headlights and taillights. One of the most controversial features of the 2009 RL may be its "Power Plenum" grill design, the first of three similar designs that have been recently revealed in the new-second generation 2009 Acura TSX, and the fourth-generation 2009 Acura TL. Curb weights have increased. The MMC Base weighs in at 4083 lbs, the Technology Package weighs in at 4085 lbs, and the ACC/CMBS with no PAX now weighs in at 4110[31]. The equivalent 2006 pre-MMC Technology Package weighed in at 4012 lbs, and the pre-MMC with ACC/CMBS/PAX weighed in at 4074 lbs[32]. The 2009 Acura RL continues to offer three trim levels in the US market. MSRP increases by $500 over the 2008 model for each trim[33]. For 2009, the Michelin PAX Run Flat Tire system is no longer offered in combination with the CMBS/ACC package. ACC is now featured alongside CMBS as part of the package name, after a two year hiatus. In reality, ACC was always included as a part of the CMBS. Colors were added and deleted. 2009 RL Exterior Colors[34] 2009 RL Interior Colors Alberta White Pearl replaces Premium White Pearl Parchment, Ebony Crystal Black Pearl replaces Nighthawk Black Pearl Parchment, Ebony Opulent Blue Pearl Ebony, Taupe Redondo Red Pearl Parchment, Ebony Grigio Metallic replaces Carbon Gray Pearl Parchment, Ebony Platinum Frost Metallic Ebony, Taupe Silver Jade Metallic replaces Lakeshore Silver Metallic Ebony, Taupe Tuscan Beige Metallic replaces Desert Mist Metallic Parchment 2009 RL Base Package US$ 46,680 2009 RL Technology Package US$ 50,300 2009 RL Technology + ACC/CMBS US$ 54,100 The 2010 Acura RL continues with few changes, in the US market from the 2009 model, as indicated on the current Acura.com website for the RL.[35] Colors were added and deleted. MSRP increases $150 in each trim: 2010 RL Exterior Colors[36] 2010 RL Interior Colors Alberta White Pearl Parchment, Ebony Crystal Black Pearl Parchment, Ebony Opulent Blue Pearl Taupe, (Ebony is dropped) Redondo Red Pearl is dropped Grigio Metallic Parchment, Ebony Platinum Frost Metallic Ebony, Taupe Silver Jade Metallic Ebony, Taupe Tuscan Beige Metallic is dropped 2010 RL Base Package US$ 46,830 2010 RL Technology Package US$ 50,450 2010 RL Technology + ACC/CMBS US$ 54,250 The 2011 Acura RL appears to be set for production with some additional features, according to the Summer 2010 Acura Style magazine, a limited distribution publication for Acura owners, and later confirmed by the popular Honda and Acura product website "Temple of VTEC" [37]. New features and color combinations are reported by Temple of VTEC to be: Six-speed automatic transmission, power folding mirrors, rear backup/parking sensors. The six-speed automatic transmission, which was first introduced on the 2010 Acura ZDX, is a genuinely new feature. Power folding mirrors have been available, in other than the North American market, since the 2004 introduction in Japan. Parking/backup sensors have been available in the North American market as a dealer installed option since the second generation Acura RL introduction in late 2004. A host of other features have also been available since the car's introduction in 2004, some of which are detailed in the Safety section below. 2011(?) RL Exterior Colors[38] 2011(?) RL Interior Colors Alberta White Pearl Ebony, Seacoast (Seacoast is added; Parchment is dropped) Crystal Black Pearl Ebony, Taupe (Taupe is added, Parchment is dropped) Graphite Luster Metallic Ebony, Taupe Forged Silver Metallic Ebony, Taupe Pomegranate Pearl Seacoast Opulent Blue Pearl is dropped Grigio Metallic is dropped Platinum Frost Metallic is dropped Silver Jade Metallic is dropped 2011 RL Base Package US$ TBD 2011 RL Technology Package US$ TBD 2011 RL Technology + ACC/CMBS US$ TBD Unconfirmed by Temple of VTEC, but discussed in the Acura Style magazine as additional 2011 revisions are a "next-generation grill design", "dramatic 18-inch wheels", "revised lower rear bumper detailing" and a "newly available Light Orchid Interior". It would appear, based on a 2011 RL color chart received by Temple of VTEC, that the "Light Orchid" interior color has been renamed to "Seacoast". [edit] Reception The second-generation 2005 Acura RL appeared on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2005. The car also garnered an CNET.com "Editor's Choice" Award for Top Tech Car. The SH-AWD all-wheel drive system was lauded by Popular Science as one of the best automotive innovations of 2004, and earned the 2005 "Tech Car of the Year" from CNET.com[39]. Subsequent moves by both Audi and BMW to design and market their own versions of torque vectoring all wheel drive systems bear out the innovative nature of the SH-AWD design. While critically acclaimed, sales have not met expectations. Regarding sales of Japanese luxury flagships during the first six months of 2010, Acura has sold only 872 RLs, compared to 5,650 Lexus LS and 6,602 Infiniti M sedans. Enthusiasts and dealers said that the RL was not competitive because it is smaller, uses front-wheel drive, and lacks a V8 option, compared to its larger rivals in the mid-luxury segment that are rear-wheel drive and have a V8 available. [40] Some have suggested that the initial price of the RL is perceived to be out of its bracket. As the new RL offered more features and performance than the base version of its luxury competition's (i.e., the base six-cylinder BMW 5 Series)[41], Honda Japan suggested that it could charge more, though Honda Canada disagreed. The RL's initial MRSP was $69,500 CAD, more than the six-cylinder BMW 525i and close to that of the V8-powered BMW 545i. At the RL's price point, most consumers expected a V8, furthermore they did not perceive Acura as being on par with its German rivals and expected more value from the Japanese marque. The damage from Honda Japan's alleged hubris was done, perhaps giving the RL an unfavorable impression that could not be removed, even though Honda Canada has since reduced the RL's price. In 2009, the new generation of the Acura TL was released and it is expected to offer tough competition to the RL, as the TL has essentially the same engine, the SH-AWD system, and many of the RL's features for only $44,900 CAD.[42]. In October 2010, the Acura RL has been named as one of Consumer Reports [43] most reliable cars, one of among 5 Honda models (Acura TL with front-wheel drive; Acura RL luxury car; Honda CR-V small SUV; Acura RDX small upscale SUV, and Honda Ridgeline compact pickup truck) named as most reliable in various categories. [edit] See also Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Honda Legend Acura Legend Acura RL [edit] References Information added to the first generation Legend was compiled from a 1986 Japanese language Honda Legend brochure, a Japanese market Honda Legend Press Information brochure dated October 22, 1985, a European market brochure dated model year 1987, and a North American Acura Legend sales brochure dated 1986 by American Honda Motor Company. ^ "Austin Rover Online". Aronline.co.uk. http://www.aronline.co.uk/index.htm?xxstoryf.htm. Retrieved 2010-11-20.  ^ "AE: Honda revives turbo". Dwolsten.tripod.com. http://dwolsten.tripod.com/articles/jan89a.html. Retrieved 2010-09-26.  ^ "Daewoo Arcadia". Autocade. JY&A Media. http://autocade.net/index.php/Daewoo_Arcadia. Retrieved 2009-10-17.  ^ "Acura Media Newsroom: 2009 Acura RL - Introduction". Hondanews.com. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/755/releases/4413. Retrieved 2010-10-03.  ^ "The absolute best vehicle under $100,000.web". Edmunds.com. http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=116299. Retrieved 2009-04-28. "Acura Legend and RL"  ^ "Acura RL History". Edmunds.com. 1986-03-27. http://www.edmunds.com/acura/rl/history.html. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ "03/18/96 WHAT'S IN A NAME CHANGE? A CLASSIER ACURA". Businessweek.com. 1997-06-14. http://www.businessweek.com/1996/12/b3467140.htm. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ "2004 Acura RL Review and Specs". Edmunds.com. 2010-02-14. http://www.edmunds.com/acura/rl/2004/review.html. Retrieved 2010-10-03.  ^ "Intelligent Night Vision". World.honda.com. http://world.honda.com/HDTV/IntelligentNightVision/200408/. Retrieved 2010-09-26.  ^ "Honda Night Vision". Carpages.co.uk. http://www.carpages.co.uk/honda/honda_intelligent_night_vision_system_26_10_04.asp. Retrieved 2010-09-26.  ^ Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury (October 24, 2010). "Honda Odyssey & Legend 2005-2007 recall for Toyota defect". drivearabia.com. http://www.drivearabia.com/news/2010/10/24/honda-odyssey-legend-2005-2007-recall-for-toyota-defect/.  ^ a b "Acura Media Newsroom: 2005 Acura RL Chassis". Hondanews.com. 2004-08-31. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/757/releases/2079. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ "Acura Media Newsroom: 2006 Acura RL - Interior". Hondanews.com. 2005-08-17. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/757/releases/2720. Retrieved 2009-09-19.  ^ "AudioPilot - Innovations - Bose Automotive Systems Division". Bose.com. http://www.bose.com/controller?event=VIEW_STATIC_PAGE_EVENT&url=/automotive/innovations/audiopilot.jsp. Retrieved 2009-09-19.  ^ "Acura Media Newsroom: 2005 Acura RL Body Part 2". Hondanews.com. 2004-08-31. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/757/releases/2077. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ "Acura Media Newsroom: 2006 Acura Pricing". Hondanews.com. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/761/releases/3056?archive=2006. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ "Acura Media Newsroom: 2006 Acura RL - Body". Hondanews.com. 2005-08-17. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/757/releases/2722. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ "Acura Media Newsroom: 2007 Acura Pricing". Hondanews.com. 2006-09-22. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/761/releases/3793?archive=2007. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ "Acura Media Newsroom: 2007 Acura RL - Body". Hondanews.com. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/757/releases/3771. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ "Acura Media Newsroom: 2008 Acura Pricing". Hondanews.com. 2007-08-22. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/761/releases/4046?archive=2008. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ "Acura Media Newsroom: 2008 Acura RL - Body". Hondanews.com. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/757/releases/4204. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ "Honda Media Newsroom - Corporate - Acura Announces RL A-SPEC Package At SEMA". Hondanews.com. http://hondanews.com/channels/corporate/releases/507bb9ac-d672-8ee1-cc4e-f0004c34c2c1?query=acura+rl+a-spec. Retrieved 2010-10-03.  ^ "Honda Media Newsroom - Corporate - Acura RL A-SPEC Concept Vehicle Displayed at North American International Auto Show". Hondanews.com. http://hondanews.com/channels/corporate/releases/d094a92d-ea6b-4f7a-dc34-48004c34c29e?query=acura+rl+a-spec. Retrieved 2010-10-03.  ^ "Acura Media Newsroom: 2009 Acura RL - Powertrain". Hondanews.com. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/757/releases/4412. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ "Acura Media Newsroom: 2009 Acura RL - Chassis". Hondanews.com. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/757/releases/4410. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ a b "Acura Media Newsroom: 2009 Acura RL - Specifications". Hondanews.com. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/759/releases/4414. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ a b "Acura Media Newsroom: 2006 Acura RL Specifications". Hondanews.com. 2005-08-17. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/759/releases/2715?archive=2006. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ "Acura Media Newsroom: 2009 Acura RL - Interior". Hondanews.com. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/757/releases/4409. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ "Acura Media Newsroom: 2005 Acura RL Interior Part 2". Hondanews.com. 2004-08-31. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/757/releases/2075. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ "Acura Media Newsroom: 2009 Acura RL - Interior". Hondanews.com. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/755/releases/4409. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ "2010 Acura RL | Specifications". Acura.com. http://www.acura.com/Chassis.aspx?model=RL. Retrieved 2009-09-19.  ^ "Acura Media Newsroom: 2006 Acura RL Specifications". Hondanews.com. 2005-08-17. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/759/releases/2715?archive=2006. Retrieved 2009-09-19.  ^ "Acura Media Newsroom: 2009 Acura Pricing". Hondanews.com. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/761/releases/4609. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ "Acura Media Newsroom: 2009 Acura RL - Body". Hondanews.com. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/757/releases/4411. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ "2010 Acura RL | Photos, Specs, Accessories". Acura.com. http://www.acura.com/ModelLanding.aspx?model=RL. Retrieved 2009-09-19.  ^ "Acura Media Newsroom: 2010 Acura RL - Body". Hondanews.com. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/755/releases/5158. Retrieved 2009-11-23.  ^ "Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - 2011 RL Update - 6AT is coming". Vtec.net. http://vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=917325. Retrieved 2010-10-03.  ^ "Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - 2011 RL Update - 6AT is coming". Vtec.net. http://vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=917325. Retrieved 2010-11-24.  ^ "c|net's Tech Car of the Year". Reviews.cnet.com. 2005-12-15. http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10846_7-6213124-1.html. Retrieved 2010-10-03.  ^ "Acura RL to remain brand’s flagship car". Leftlanenews.com. http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-to-end-acura-rl-production.html. Retrieved 2010-11-24.  ^ "John LeBlanc's 10 worst redesigns". Wheels.ca. http://www.wheels.ca/article/784179. Retrieved 2010-08-13.  ^ "Driving.ca - Road test: 2009 Acura RL". Autos.canada.com. http://autos.canada.com/news/story.html?id=ebd3dab9-f974-4fc2-a4e1-d321bdf1bb5b. Retrieved 2010-10-03.  ^ "Consumer Reports Cars Blog: Consumer Reports' 2010 Annual Car Reliability Survey: GM makes big strides, while Honda, Toyota dominate". Blogs.consumerreports.org. 2010-10-26. http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/10/consumer-reports-2010-annual-car-reliability-survey-gm-makes-big-strides-while-honda-toyota-dominate-pr.html?CMP=OTC-NEWS4. Retrieved 2010-11-24.  [edit] External links v • d • e « previous — Honda road car timeline, 1980s–present 1980s 1990s 2000s 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 kei truck Microvan Acty/Street Acty/Street Acty/Vamos Kei car Today Today Life/Honda Z Life/Zest Subcompact City/Jazz City City/Logo/Capa Fit/Jazz/City/Aria/Mobilio Fit/Jazz/City/Aria/Freed Ballade Ballade Concerto Domani Civic Civic Civic Civic Civic/Orthia/Partner Compact Quint Civic/EL Civic/CSX Accord Accord/Vigor Accord/Vigor Accord Accord/Ascot Mid-size Accord/Ascot Accord/TL/TSX Inspire/Vigor Inspire/Saber/Rafaga Inspire/Saber/Torneo Inspire/Accord Insight Full-size Inspire/Accord Legend Legend Legend/RL Legend/RL Legend/RL Coupé CRX CRX del Sol Insight CR-Z Integra Integra Integra Integra Prelude Prelude Prelude Prelude Prelude Sports Beat S2000 NSX Mini SUV HR-V Crossroad Compact SUV Passport Compact Crossover SUV Element CR-V CR-V CR-V/RDX Mid-size CUV Crossroad Pilot Pilot Luxury CUV MDX Compact MPV S-MX Edix/FR-V Stream Stream Avancier Airwave/Partner Minivan Stepwgn Stepwgn Stepwgn Odyssey Odyssey/LaGreat Odyssey/Elysion Pickup Ridgeline v • d • e Honda Motor Company Current Automobiles Accord • Acty • Airwave/Partner • City • Civic • Civic GX • Civic Hybrid • Civic Si • Civic Type R • CR-Z • Crossroad • CR-V • Element • Elysion • FCX Clarity • Fit • Freed • Insight • Inspire • Jazz • Legend • Life • Odyssey • Pilot/MR-V • Ridgeline • Saber • Stepwgn • Stream • Vamos • Zest Past Automobiles 1300 • Accord Hybrid • Ascot • Avancier • Ballade • Beat • Capa • City/Jazz • CR-X • CR-X del Sol • Concerto • Domani • EV Plus • FR-V • HR-V • Integra • Life Dunk • Logo • Mobilio • Mobilio Spike • N360 • N600 • NSX • Orthia/Partner • Passport • Prelude • Quint • Rafaga • S500 • S600 • S800 • S2000 • That's • Today • Torneo • Z • Acura automobiles CL • CSX • EL • Integra • Legend • MDX • NSX • RDX • RL • RSX • SLX • TL • TSX • Vigor • ZDX Concept automobiles Dualnote • HSC • J-VX • Remix • Sprocket • WOW • New Small Concept Race automobiles HSV-010 GT • R800 • R1300 • RA270 • RA271 • RA272 • RA273 • RA300 • RA301 • RA302 • RA100 • RA099 • RA106 • RA107 • RA108 Acura race automobiles ARX-01 • ARX-02a Motorcycles CB series • CBF series • CBR series • CJ series • CM/CMX series • CR series • CRF series • CX series • DN-01 • Fury • GL series • NR series • NSR series • RC series • ST series • VF/VFR series • VT series • VTX series • XR/XL series • XRE300 • Transalp • Africa Twin • Deauville • Bros/HawkGT • NX250 • Pacific Coast • TL Series (Reflex) • Valkyrie • X4 Mopeds and light motorcycles Ape • CT series • Cub F • Cub series • Gyro • Motra • P50 • PC50 • ST series/Dax • Wave series • Z series Scooters Aero • Big Ruckus • Dio • Elite S • Elite E • Express • Helix • Juno • Metropolitan • Metropolitan II • Motocompo • NH series • Reflex • Spree • Ruckus/Zoomer • Silver Wing Aircraft MH02 • HA-420 Engines A-series • B-series • B20A • C-series • D-series • E-series • E07A • F-series • F20C • G-series • H-series • J-series • K-series • L-series • Circle L Diesel • N-series Diesel • P-engine • R-series • HF120 Turbofan • VTEC • I-DSi • I-CDTi Robots Honda E series • Honda P series • ASIMO Subsidiaries Acura • Hero Honda • Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India • Honda Siel Cars India • Honda Racing • Honda F1 • Honda Aircraft Company • Team G Cross Honda • Honda Performance Development • American Honda Motor Company • Honda of Canada Manufacturing • Honda Manufacturing of Alabama • Honda Automobile (China) Company • Honda Canada • Honda Taiwan • Dongfeng Honda Automobile • Guangqi Honda Automobile • Honda of the UK Manufacturing Keiretsu affiliates Keihin • Showa Corporation • Nippon Seiki Influential people Soichiro Honda • Nobuhiko Kawamoto • Takeo Fukui • Tadao Baba || Object MovedThis object may be found here. || Skip to content Skip to navigation Skip to search Homepage Accessibility help Access keys help Change Country United Kingdom Australia United States Top Gear Account Login Register Top Gear Site search Search topgear.com for Go Site Navigation Home News Car News First Drives Formula One Latest from the Top Gear TV Show Video: Porsche 911 GT2 RS on track Most powerful road-going Porsche ever built hits SilverstoneMore Cars Car Reviews Car Chooser Galleries Ford Mondeo Titanium X Sport driven Still one of the greatest cars in the (real) world and now cheaper to runMore The Show The Top Gear blog Series Guide Latest from Clarkson Latest from Hammond Latest from May Latest from The Stig Who is the Stig? Top Gear over Christmas: more details! We’ve got two new episodes for you, including a rather special festive journey...More Videos Full Video Archive Road Tests The Stig Star In A Reasonably-Priced Car The Big Films Exclusive Online Extras Series 15, episode 3... Rubens rags the Liana Stig-beating F1 ace blitzes TG track in old Reasonably Priced CarMore Games Online Games Cool Wall A Reasonably Brilliant Driving Game How quickly can you get round the test track in the Kia cee’d?More Shop Top Gear Magazine Top Gear Live Top Gear on Amazon Tickets to Top Gear New look mag out now The Top Gear Awards 2010, plus free supercar calendar More Honda Legend Breadcrumbs Home Cars Honda Legend Car details navigation Home Our reviews Specs Cars for sale 360° Car Preview Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player. View the large 360° Overall verdict The Honda Legend is a highly technically complicated and luxurious bit of kit that seems to be making more of a name for itself as the secondhand sale of the century. Expensive new, but a giveaway in a couple of years. Read the full review Latest road tests for the Honda Legend Honda Legend EX with CMBS/ADAS August 2006 Show more road tests £34,750 - £38,725 Exceptional big saloon packed with technology and luxury in equal measure. Ludicrous price tag kills it stone dead, but if you find one secondhand, buy it. Show all the specs Nice car, what next? Advertisement Find your next car now Over 200,000 used and new cars available Search Honda Legend for sale I fancy something else Jaguar XF £28,580 - £61,080 Saab 9-5 £18,699 - £36,365 Volvo S80 £22,510 - £38,600 Cars for sale: Honda Legend Powered by Auto Trader Used car New car You can also search for a new Honda Legend. Postcode Pop your postcode in here (or leave it and search for cars near the Top Gear office. Errr?) Price Go Related stuff News Exclusive first drive in new Stratos supercar Top Gear hits the track in the one-off, Pininfarina-designed special Rhys Millen slides up a mountain Button escapes armed ambush See more news Videos Series 15: more from Andy Garcia Hollywood legend defies hairy top-lip obstacle and attacks TG test track ‘with gusto’. Screeching occurs Watch now Brand new clip: DIY Lancia Stratos Rohrl, the Quattro and the Col de Turini See more videos Links Honda - official UK site Honda - owners club Car manufacturers Alfa Romeo Ariel Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Citroen Corvette Daihatsu Dodge Ferrari Fiat Ford GMC Honda Hummer Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Kia KTM Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lotus Maserati Maybach Mazda Mercedes-Benz MG Mini MINI Mitsubishi Morgan Nissan Pagani Perodua Peugeot Porsche Proton Renault Rolls-Royce Saab SEAT Seat Skoda Smart Ssangyong Subaru Suzuki Toyota Vauxhall Volkswagen Volvo 2 ways to find a car... 01. by make/model Make Model Go 02. with CarChooser It's like speed dating, but with cars. And you always get a result. Go Advertisements Advertisement TG Car Chooser Who says Top Gear doesn't do sensible car buying advice? Use this new interweb tool to find your next car. It's better than talking to a geek... More Subscribe to our magazine Save up to 30% on the cover price Subscribe now Top Gear Shop T-shirts, DVDs, CDs, books and more Buy now Newsletter Top Gear for your inbox Sign up now Accessibility Site Terms Privacy & cookies Code of conduct Contact us Advertise with us © BBC Worldwide Ltd. The Top Gear word mark and logo are trademarks of the BBC and are used under licence Top Gear international sites: UK USA Australia This website is made by BBC Worldwide. More about BBC Worldwide BBC Worldwide is a commercial company that is owned by the BBC (and just the BBC). No money from the licence fee was used to create this website. The profits we make from it go back to BBC programme-makers to help fund great new BBC programmes. Open Car Bar Car Chooser Compare Car Bar fullx Click to add cars to the Car Bar Close Help Advertisement || Web Images Videos Shopping News Maps More | MSN Hotmail Join Ciao|Login|Help|Mobile Browse by category Appliances Books Cameras Cars Computers Electronics DVDs Music Phones Travel More Ciao - for people with opinions Latest reviews Write a review Best picks Latest videos Home > Cars > Cars (By Type) > Luxury Cars Honda Legend Searching for a Honda Legend? You have come to the correct place. You can read the reviews, compare prices and performance and purchase a top quality Honda Legend here now. Shopping » Report a new item Item 1 to 1 out of 1 Show latest products sort by Popularity | Car name | Car rating | Price | Date Compare Honda Legend Saloon - Petrol (On Ciao since: 12/2000) User reviews (4) Read reviews 4 Car reviews Compare products (*) Reviews by Ciao members 1 Car Reviews of Honda Legend » Honda Legend 3.5 1998 Advantages: One of the most Reliable, Refined Executive Motorway Cruisers for PeanutsDisadvantages: Poor Fuel Consumption ...known to be troublesome. The Honda Legend is one of the best buy's on the market at the moment, as long as you can live with 25 to the gallon you can get a beauty Pre-VTech for under �3000. New they'd have cost �35K. I bought mine just over 2 years ago private for �3000, a 1998 R with 40K miles and full Honda Service History. It's now covered 75K with out any problems apart from one, the autobox can be a bit jerky from 1st to 2nd under hard accelleration ......Although I like Full Main Dealer History when bought I then always service myself, I've just replaced Front and Rear Discs and Pads for under �200, I change Oil & Filter every 4-5K as with all my cars and it still drives like new. It's at home on the motorway with massive comfy heated leather seats, top quality sound system and a whisper quite engine, it's one of the nicest cars I've owned it beats the Vauxhall Senator, Audi A6 & Mazda Xedos 9 which ... DJPCleveland 05.04.2010 � Read full review Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Honda Legend SafetyComfortRoad HandlingLooksFeatures My best last minute purchase Advantages: Seats, design, gadgets, honda reliabilityDisadvantages: petrol consumption! - V6 baby! ...who had aquired a 92' Honda Legend 3.2 V6 a little over 9 months ago and who might be willing to part with it. One succesful journey later (and a Measly �200 ! ) and I was the proud owner of 'Lady Legend'. We left for france the next day and over the course of the next month we covered over 3000 miles of high speed (day-long) driving, high altitude (2900 metres!) and the occasional sleep in the car (not to be reccomended near public bins!) During ......indefinitely. I would reccomend a Honda to anyone as 'Lady Legend' was 15 years old, had done 180000 miles, cost us next to nothing and yet still every gadget and mechanical part worked like new - What a fantastic car! PostScript; Several people have written to me requiring a few more figures, so for you guys here is what I know! Whilst we were on the trip she managed 30 mpg on several occasions but was usually around the 25mpg mark, I suspect ... ChrisMoon 01.09.2005 � Read full review Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Honda Legend SafetyComfortRoad HandlingLooksFeatures Legend Saloon 3.2 V6 Advantages: Performance, audio system, boot spaceDisadvantages: Fuel consumption if driven hard The car is perfect in almost every way. Bought second hand, after buying a coupe the difference is noticable straight away. The saloon has a much larger passenger compartment, with a lot more leg room in the rear. The boot is also bigger. With remove central locking and boot release the functions are amazing. A crisp sound system, thanks to good quality speakers and the factory fit Bose amplifier is fantastic. The controls are easy and well laid ......a few years old now, the car does lack some modern technology. But with SRS and electric seats, seatbelts and door closers (like on Rolls-Royces!) it is well loaded. The leather quality is second to none, and the car is the equivelent to a much more expensive luxuary car of other brands. The performance is astonishing, achieving 60mph in aorund 6 seconds. The 3.2 litre V6 engine is torquey and sounds gorgeous. Fuel consumption is ok, at around 30-35miles ... a_t_b321 01.03.2005 � Read full review Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Honda Legend SafetyComfortRoad HandlingLooksFeatures Honda Legend buy 1 get a gas station free Advantages: Lovely carDisadvantages: Size and petrol consumation ...how owned a baby blue Honda Legend for two months.Its the six cylinder 2.7 litres 2 door coupe auto version in metallic blue on a 1988 E plate.I bought it for �550 quid, up to now what a bargain.Its got leather electric seats, power steering, electric sunroof , electric windows and mirrors and central locking.Best of all its got cruise control and aircon....but heres the down side.The aircon was disconnected by a previous owner due to the low miles ......thankfully due to a full Honda service history.It runs very smooth , no bangs or anything.Since this car was �26,500 new, I consider it to be a bargain even with the 156,000 miles on the clock.Someone had cared for this car as it use to have a private plate VCS 3 which i believe is worth about 10 grand, sadly it was remove a year before I bought it.If this car had been one of its rivals a Mercedes,Jag or BMW 5 series i would have paid a near to �3000 ... bazza1603 11.12.2000 � Read full review Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Honda Legend SafetyComfortRoad HandlingLooksFeatures More popular products » Acer Aspire One 521 10.1 - AMD V105 - 1.2 - HDD: 160 - RAM: 1024 Xoro HTL 400T Men In Wax Jackets - Roy's Iron DNA 1 CD(s) - Ambient - Label: Alex Tronic - Distributor: Arabesque - Released: 03/12/2007 - 5060142636524 Links Choice Golf Trolley Bag Car Boot Saver LG GD550 Slider - Features: MP3 player, FM radio, 5 MP digital camera - Quad Band - TFT - Weight: 132 Gold - Bing Crosby Nostalgia - StudioRecording - 2 CD(s) - Label: Island - Distributor: Universal Music - Released: 07/04/2008 - 42288238416 Thinkgizmos USB Christmas Tree Blinking marvelous after downing several beverages (*) Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG20 Camcorder - Optical Zoom: 5, 5x - Digital Zoom: 12x - Weight: 157 g - Supported Media Type: Flash card Insect Pheromones and Their Use in Pest Management - P. Howse Non-Fiction - Science & Technology - Biology - ISBN: 0412804700 ELC My First Trampoline Great exercise for little legs, lightweight, sturdy, lots of fun! (*) Servis M0262 Refrigerators - Freestanding - Energy Efficiency: A - Total Capacity: 215 litres Indesit IP 751 S C (IX) UK Built in Hobs - Gas Hob - without Warmplate - Sealed - with Integrated Controls - Stainless Steel (*) Reviews by Ciao members Gift ideas » Renault Grand Scenic 1.9 dCi BMW X5 4.4 Citroen C3 Pluriel 1.6i 16v Sensodrive Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi Peugeot 307 2.0 HDi SEAT Leon 2.0 TDi Generic Trigger SM 50cc BMW 320i BMW 320d '); move_sticky_fullsize(); //]]> About Us - Jobs - Advertise with Us - Press - Become a Partner - Our Shopping Partners - Ciao Quality Seal Ciao Deutschland - Ciao France - Ciao Italia - Ciao España - Ciao Nederland - Ciao Sverige - Bing Shopping Site Index - Product Index - Ciao Charts - Most searched products © 2010 Ciao GmbH || Home Buy Used Cars Sell Your Car FREE Dealer Directory News & Reviews Buying Advice My Account News & Reviews Back to News & Reviews 00:00, Aug 31 2010 | Patrick James Honda Legend 3.5 i-VTEC Road Test YOU are more likely to see a Hollywood legend than a Honda wearing a Legend badge. Honda's flagship has all the attributes of a luxury cruiser and it's bristling with technology but it's battling one of the toughest markets in motoring. But it is a real alternative to the German armlock on the executive sector and offers real luxury for its occupants. It looks the part from the outside with a sleek design that features double chrome exhaust and striking chrome trim along the length of the body. But it does not have the road presence of say a Jaguar XF. The car is superbly made. The wood-panelled cabin is luxurious, despite looking a little bit dated in places, and the controls are well placed and easy to use. The wood trim works well with thick carpets, all set off with some blue ambient lighting under the heated and air conditioned leather seats. Despite a large interior the middle rear seat is not that big and neither is the boot, but you do get a proper spare wheel. It gets much better underneath the bonnet where an impressive 3.5-litre V6 engine is housed, mated with a slick automatic gearbox. But, it's a thirsty beast. The huge power plant may be smooth and powerful when pushed, but it's woeful in the frugality stakes and the best economy claimed by the company are 24mpg. You should be so lucky. The high C02 emissions will also put it in the highest company car tax bracket and there is no diesel option. The ride is comfortable and there is excellent body control for such a big car. Its all-wheel drive system splits power between the mainly rear driven axle and front. This and the electronic stability programme makes it feel precise and stable, particulary when cornering. It also has precise and nicely balanced steering The standard fit list is extensive with just about every creature comfort including rain sensing wipers, gear shift paddles behind the steering wheel, bluetooth, a premium six CD system, tinted glass, a rear view reversing camera, swivelling headlights and satellite navigation with DVD and voice recognition. With all the technology crammed into the Legend it is odd that the bulky key looks like it belongs to a 1990s Rover and has not been replaced with an electronic key fob. The safety specification is also comprehensive and includes curtain, front and side airbags, emergency brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, Isofix seats and side impact protection. There is also technologically advanced kit like the Lane Keeping Assist System, which keeps you in the motorway lanes and works with radar on adaptive cruise control to keep you a safe distance from the car in front. The Legend also has what Honda calls Super handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and vehicle stability assist which work together to divert power not just to the either axle, but also to the to the wheel that needs it most when control is lost. It clearly deserves the luxury car tag and carries with it Honda's excellent reliability history, but I can see why they may be rare sighting. Competitors, like Toyota and Nissan, brand their luxury cars with a different name, Lexus and Infiniti and that may be the way forward for Honda for the Legend. Priced at nearly 40 grand and despite all the cutting edge technology, gadgets and standard luxury fittings, it struggles against cars like the Jaguar XF, the Audi A6, the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes E-Class. Hang around and as a used model it would make a great buy - if you don't mind a hefty fuel bill. FAST FACTS Honda Legend 3.5 i-VTEC Price: £38,585 Mechanical: 3,471cc, 295bhp, V6 petrol engine, driving all four wheels via 5-spd dual mode automatic transmission Maximum speed: 155mph 0-62mph: 7.3secs Combined mpg: 24.6mpg Insurance group: 20 CO2 emissions: 273g/km BiK rating: 35% Warranty: 3yrs/90,000 miles Honda Legend for sale in RoadRecord.co.uk Bookmark with: Delicious Digg Reddit Facebook StumbleUpon Back to News & Reviews Home Buying Selling News & Reviews Contact Us Sitemap Accessibility Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Dealers Buying a car Selling a car Glasgow Edinburgh Aberdeen Dundee Perth Used cars in Scotland Used cars Glasgow Used cars Edinburgh Used cars Aberdeen Used cars Dundee Used cars Perth Volkswagen Glasgow Ford Edinburgh Vauxhall Edinburgh Honda Glasgow Audi Glasgow Copyright and Trade Mark Notice ©2010 owned by or licensed to Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail Ltd.