Neil4Speed

I am in this Scientific Writing class and was recently shown how to access old newspaper archives. I found some cool stuff when I typed in Acura Legend, so let me share some of it. Most of it is for coupes, but let me know if there is anything in particular you want me to access, I think I can get most US newspapers too.

'93 Acura Legend Coupes likely to become collectibles; [Final Edition]
Jeremy Cato. The Record. Kitchener, Ont.: Nov 7, 1997. pg. D.4


Acura's Legend Coupe is a prime example of a very good car that almost nobody wanted to buy -- although those who did fell in love and are now loathe to part with them. Thus, used ones go for a premium.

What's more, Acura hasn't made any new Legend Coupes since the third generation Legend was reborn in 1996 as only a sedan with the new moniker 3.5RL. My bet is that someday, say in 15 or 20 years, Coupes built from 1992 to 1995, the recommended years, will be considered interesting and valuable collectibles.

For the present, it's worth remembering that the second and last generation Coupe arrived with high hopes just as Canada had become gripped in the worst recession since the Great Depression. Try selling a $40,000-plus two-door in that climate. Acura did and lost money in the effort.

Nonetheless, for its time the Coupe proved to be a sophisticated personal luxury car, with lots of technological innovations and elegant styling.

Those who bought were slightly greying baby boom executives who are most likely to have done a good job of caring for their cars -- or paying someone to do so.

So if you find one for sale today, don't be surprised to find all the service records at the ready, for the asking.

Back at its introduction, the chief engineer for the coupe, a fellow named Sugiyama, described how they used an America's Cup racing yacht as the image on which they hoped to model the Legend. Their plan was to create a car with the looks and driving characteristics of a sleek, fast,

manoeuvrable ocean-going champion. In most respects they succeeded.

More aggressive than luxurious

Compared to the four-door Legend sedan of the time, the coupe is much more aggressive than luxurious. It was also smaller between the axles (wheelbase) and in overall length. As you might expect, that meant a penalty in interior room -- especially the back seat. The coupe also had firmer suspension tuning and if you test drive an older one, make sure things haven't gotten soft over the years.

The only engine choice in those years was 3.2-litre, single-cam V6 engine with 24 valves. At 3.2-litres, it's almost 20-per-cent larger in displacement than the engine in the first Legend, and with 200 horsepower, it's 26-per-cent more powerful.

Bottom line: if you go for an older Legend Coupe, you'll be trading down in power.

Acura Canada began selling the last generation Coupe in the spring of '92 and, as in the past, the lineup included in L and super-equipped LS versions. The latter had everything from burled walnut and leather upholstery to a great sound system.

1993 Acura Legend Coupe LS

Red Book pricing (average retail):

1996: Not available.

1995: $35,025 ($53,000 original manufacturer's suggested retail price).

1994: $27,7750 ($49,400).

1993: $23,600 ($50,000).

1992: $18,525 ($45,460).

1991: $15,825 ($43,565).

1990: $11,675 ($42,295).

Buyer's alerts: Surprisingly, some fit issues cropped up in 1994, along with dealer service bulletins on poor radio reception and a steering wheel shimmy. Worth making sure they've been addressed. In particular, look for scratches on the door glass indicating metal clips are rubbing.

The verdict: Good car, bad timing. The '93 model year is probably your best bet.

Check the Specs

1993 Acura Legend Coupe

Market segment: Luxury coupe.

Typical market competition: Jaguar XJ-S, Mercedes-Benz 300SL, Lexus SC400.

Drive system: 3.2-litre V-6 single overhead cam, 24-valves; 200 horsepower at 5,500 revolutions per minute; 210 pound-feet torque at 4,500 rpm.

Steering: Speed sensitive variable-assist power.

Brakes: Discs front/rear; anti-lock (ABS), standard.

Tires: 205/60HR15.

Fuel economy (litres/100 kilometres): five-speed manual transmission, 13 city/8.6 highway; four-speed automatic, 12.9 city/ 9.2 highway.

Pros

Excellent ride and handling.

Fine exterior styling.

Roomy front seat area.

Generally very well built and reliable.

Cons

More cabin noise at highway speeds than might be expected.

Service can be expensive and Acura Canada argues that not all U.S. service bulletins apply in Canada.

Road test report card

Acceleration: Very good.

Handling: Good.

Ride: Good.

Noise: Good.

Controls: Good.

Front seat comfort: Very good.

Rear seat comfort: Fair.

Trunk/cargo room: Fair.

Underhood access: Good.

Reliability: Good.

Body durability:Good.

Best-buy rating: Good.

Credit: Edmonton Journal, Southam Newspapers

__________________
My Legend:
Its a love hate kind of thing, but with allot more love.

I am a cowboy, Legend Coupe I ride - Wanted Dead or Alive