The Honda/Acura Legend History

*Thai.95LCoupe* · 12-15-03, 02:46 PM

Automotive World in 1980s

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In US, automakers were sound in their course to produce floaty boats with

large displacement engines that lasted no more than 60-100k miles,

underengineered front end suspension components, and poorly engineered

braking systems. There were other types - small, heavily underpowered

econoboxes that lived longer and broke less often for one reason - if all

you have is a box on wheels with an engine and steering, there aren't too

many things that can go wrong.

In Europe, Germany's premier autohauses were turning out everything from

world class sports cars to sporting sedans to megabuck luxury cruzers. There

automakers continued to push the edge of what is possible with such

cars as Audi 5000 Turbo Quattro. However, all the German cars of that age

were plauged with problems and reliability issues. Their drive train and

engines were strong, but electronics were weak, suspension parts would

wear out fast, hydraulic and cooling systems leaked...

In Japan, the speed was picking up. Such cars as Honda Accord were making

big headlines as the pennacle of relaibility, efficiency, and value. In 85,

the unveiling of the first Accord SE model made fully electronic fuel

injected engine, aluminum wheels, leather seats, sunroof, and other

amenities considered relaitively uncommon on todays cars, within reach of

an average consumer. All with reliability of going past 100k miles without

any major problems. But the Japanese looked to the future and took

knowledge from the past. The Accord was built essentially using the same

system layout and overall design as the original Civic CVCC. Only the

parts were better quality and more heavy duty. Sochiro Honda, once again,

prepared his company to take another step in evolution, to create a new

chapter in automotive history.

*Thai.95LCoupe* · 12-15-03, 02:48 PM

The Recipe for Revolution

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The plan was simple. Build the car that would functionally compete with

the best of the best - Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Volvo. That meant many things.

The car must be designed to, mechanically at least, last at least 200-300k

miles. The power must be impressive while efficiency, the trademark of

Japanese car industry as well as German, must also be on par. The

suspension must provide smooth ride that is well controlled and lively.

Inside, the car must be well designed, the control layout must be stately,

well positioned, and easy to operate. The seats must be flawless in

providing comfort, spirited driving stability, and position the driver to

have the best view of the road all around. The car must also be beautiful

- elegant with a hint of Japanese styling.

The principles of engineering and construction were to be different. The

car was to use the same outline as smaller models such as Civic and

Accord, but to be quantitatively better - MUCH better. The body was to be

stronger, the engine was to be overengineered to the point where it can

suffer use and abuse. All gadgets and electronics must have bullet-proof

reliability. This method insured that, to the user, the car was intuitive,

relaible, while evoking all the emotions of other cars Legend was designed

to compete against.

To a mechanic and engineer, that meant that the car was simple, easy

to service and work on - something German cars still lack today.

*Thai.95LCoupe* · 12-15-03, 02:50 PM

Introducing the Legend

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And so it was, the car was 1986 Legend. Styling that many manufactueres

are coming back to today, durability that keeps many Legends going over

200k miles with no problems. The car was powered by 2.5L 90 degree 24

valve all-aluminum V6 delivering 151HP. The engine is a jewel in

itself. While Germans were fighting engine vibrations by making straght 6

engines, Japanese solved the problem by a simple trick of positioning the

cylinder banks at 90 degree angle. A simple and elegant design allowed for

shorter hood and better packing. While the vast majority of Germans were

either using turbocharging or larger displacement to produce power, Legend

V6 was simply optimised to breath better using 4 valves per cylinder,

variable length intake runners, and a fairly non-restrictive exhaust

manifold. So where does it leave the original Legend engine?? Well,

looking at the specs, features, and perfromance, it is still a very potent

powerplant by today's standards.

The suspension was nothing, but the best. The front is handled by a racing

style "double-wishbone" suspension geometry which allows for precise

steering, crisp turnins while providing a very smooth ride. It also

allows a lower hood to aid in visibility. In there rear - an independent

arrangement of springs and shocks side by side - one of the best designs,

still very popular today on high performance sedans and coupes. Both front

and rear are also augmented by anti-roll bars.

Braking was accomplished using a dual diagonal 4-wheel disk system with

ventilated disks up front and solid in the rear. Later the system was

equipped with ABS and, in 2nd generation Legend, traction control as well.

The styling was timeless, muscular, sleek and classic. Bulged fenders

allowed both for agressive look and wide track. Low racing style belt

line looked both slick and allowed excellent visibility. Aluminum

alloy wheels allowed for low unsprung weight, good

brake ventilation and offered a view at the brake rotors through their

spokes.

Inside, the owner as well as his guests were greeted with comfortable seats

covered with nice upholstery or rich soft leather. Air conditioning, full

assortment of power options, clear lens reading lights for all 4 outboard

seating positions, automatic climate control, and stereo were available on

Legend. What was most impressive is that all these options were intergated

in a way that ten years later they still function flawlessly.

The driver controls were Honda crystal clear and precise. Simple in

excecution, and layout, intuitive, and formal. The chrome was kept to a

minimum to keep the styling and feel in line with Europeans.

But all the specifications and fancy gadgets are useless if, on the road,

the car can't function as a signle package inspiring the driver. Let's

face it, Germans are know for cars that do more than simply get you

places. In many ways those cars are know for making people take the

longest route (as I fairly often do :-). Honda wanted to do more. It

wanted all the feelings, plus ability to easily operate the vehicle for

any person, minus the hassles of repairs.

*Thai.95LCoupe* · 12-15-03, 02:51 PM

The Greatest Achievement of the Legend

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And they have done just that! Take the Legend for a spin - a 1995 GS high

performance sedan, a 1991 2 door, or the very original 1986 sedan and they'll

blow you away. The engine is quiet while zooming around town or obeying

the local speedlimits, but should you travel to the track or decide to get

arrested, the engine rewards you with highly refined, almost Formula 1,

high pitched tune. There is plenty of power even though Legend was never

designed to be all-out race car. Floor the pedal and 100 MPH comes up soon

- VERY soon. Drive it 100k miles, 200k miles, the engine still pulls like

when it just broke in.

The handling is pure Honda. Easy to park (thanks to speed sensitive power

steering), easy to maneuver through traffic, yet stable at high speeds.

And just like with any Honda, the handling is predictable, progressive,

while offering so much confidence at the limit that anybody can tackle a

winding road or fast corner with ease. The controls are so

responsive, exact and linear, that the car becomes an extension of the

driver.

In many ways, the greatest achivement of the Legend is it's ability to be

driver's and passanger's car all at the same time. The ride is ultra smooth -

so smooth that many opt for firmer riding suspension components to give

more sporting feel. Yet sit in the driver's seat, and you're connected to the

outside. Even this connection has been tuned and engineered to be smooth

and fluid, unlike many European cars such as some BMWs and Audis which I find

sometimes too sharp and abrupt.

The experiment in building approach worked. The Legend is vastly more

realiable than even most new European cars. The parts and service, while

being rediculusly inflated by Acura in US, are still most of the time

considerably cheaper than that for European vehicles. What is most

impressive is that because the Legend is designed to be a vehicle with

minimum number of components (Audi 5000 has 4 radiators!!!), it is easy to

trouble shoot and work on.

*Thai.95LCoupe* · 12-15-03, 02:51 PM

The Birth of a New Class

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thus, the new class of vehicles was born - Luxury/Sport. In the next few

years Legend will be refined, features added. A more sports oriented 2 door

model comes out with such features as power rear windows, a trick seatbelt

positioning system to lessen the hassle of getting into the back seat,

wishbone rear suspension, larger brakes, etc... The 4-door catches up a

year later, the engine grows to 2.7L, clutch system gets stronger...

Understanding the fact that Honda has suddenly proposed a revolution,

both European and Japanese car manufactureres (Americans will joint them

later) throw in all efforts to compete... Toyota Cressida, Mercedes

Benz 2.3 16V of 1987, BMW 525, were the earliest challengers. Then came

Lexus and Infinity line from Japan. Both attempted, but failed to

duplicate the spirit of the Legend. While Lexus lacked sporting feel and

Infinity lacked refinement and smoothness of operation, both of them

began a horse-power war that quickly turned into 4.0+L V8 power, monster

car weights, and low efficiency with increased wear. Who cares if you have

a 260HP V8 when the suspension doesn't allow you to keep the car in

control even under a moderate corner?? If roads were all salt-lake flat,

life would be easy. If you wanted a fast car, Thrust SSC was all you need.

In 91, instead of following the other companies, Honda redesigns the

Legend on it's own terms. Making it bigger, more powerful, adding and removing fatures...

The new car also sports a look that is equally timeless in it's appeal. The

sort of styling that is never out-of-date. The ride is smoother, body is

stronger incorporating front strut tower brace and extra interior

structural members. Once again a perfect balance is struck between

handling, efficiency, power, and elegance. Many people argue that Legend

is not as fast, as say, BWM 540i, Mercedes E420, or some Japanese

competitors. The answer is that Legend was never designed for all-out drag racing.

It was designed for seamless touring, safe and sure free-way merges,

predictable and precise road control, and a long dependable life.

In 93, 2 door version gets even more performance oriented engine (TYPE II)

- same 3.2L 90 degree V6, but optimised even more for high rpm power and

efficientcy. In 94 4-door GS designation appears marking the TYPE II

introduction in the sedan. Other enhancments like 16'' alloys, stiffer

shocks add a further sporting flavor to the car.

*Thai.95LCoupe* · 12-15-03, 02:52 PM

The Present

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It seems that through 1995 Honda had a perfrect recipe for a vehicle. Designed years

ago it was still on the cutting edge of engineering, quality, and that

ability to bond with the driver at a very intimate level. In the hearts of

enthusiasts the next generation Legend would go even further by

effectively expanding in every category such as road control, power,

efficiency, style. Honda, with it's VTEC technology has proved that one

does not need a V8 or V12 to produce more power. A highly efficient V6

with the latest technology should provide more power and better

efficiency. The styling was expected to be again stunning in beauty and

practicality. The handling was to be improved without sacrifising a

glass-table smooth ride.

This time however, Honda disappointed all. Acura disappointed even further

by renaming the car RL. The new car is bigger, the ride is floaty and not

well controlled, the engine a 3.5L convential V6 putting out 215HP. That

is 15HP less than previoud generation TYPE II powerplant! The transmition

is a 4-speed automatic - something that has been abandoned by almost all

reputable companies years ago. No manual if offered. Worst of all, is that

the new car does not have the feel nor the looks of the Legend, nor the seemless

integration between human and machine.

*Thai.95LCoupe* · 12-15-03, 02:55 PM

The Future

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What does the future hold? Nobody is certain. The current state of the

world does not value excellence, and perfection, but merely style and

image. Maybe someday, Legend will once again be reborn in a new

revolutionary car that will be worthy of such a memorable name...

All credit is given to: Alexei

I thank him for the research for this fine automobile we own.

http://www.stanford.edu/~voloshin/lcenter.html

LeGenDz · 12-15-03, 03:08 PM

Yes, Alexei was a very intelligent and innovative person..

FutureX 2001 · 12-15-03, 03:14 PM

I remember reading that when i was looking for my FIRST legend.

*Avarice* · 12-16-03, 01:21 AM

Too bad Alexei ain't around any more. I miss his satirical/sarcastic replies to school all the memeber and newbs alike......

95Legend6Spd · 12-16-03, 01:34 AM

A good read, makes me want my old Coupe back... I have to disagree on two points, though:

Inline engines have never had internal balancing or vibration issues that were any worse than ANY V-series, 90-degree, etc...

Also, I believe that Honda DID make a mistake by not developing a commercial V8 for their premier lineup. You look at a GS430, and compare it to an RL, or even a GS300... Compare a GS-series anything to a Legend... on par, yes, but the GS series has the advantage of being backed by Lexus, whereas the Legend was abandoned. The only real way to bring the Legend back is with a nice V8, RWD, and a 5-speed auto. Then it'll be on par with the M45, GS's, and many other automakers' offerings.

91LSMAN · 12-16-03, 02:30 AM

That's nice to read. I got all warm and fuzzy.

JTJohnny102 · 12-16-03, 03:49 AM

Jacob_Koopmans · 12-16-03, 12:19 PM

I have also read that before. I would have to agree about %100, I hated the RL when it first came out, and it was horrible. I am embarrassed today when I see the original RL on the road; I think our Legends are by far better. Replacing the Legend with the RL was one of the biggest mistakes Honda ever made, that and canceling the Prelude. I think the general public was shocked at what they came out with next!!!

Honda did a great job in designing the Legend from start to finish and they really made a big finish with the GS, it is too bad they didn't work with it. However, they had a goal for the car to go for 200,000+ miles with little eminence. The timing belt and water pump is a big chunk of change, but that is acceptable, but how many of us out there maintained our cars to the best of our ability, and after just a slight, I mean slight Over Heat did we lose our HGs. I think the HG was the biggest down fall for the Legend and it is to bad, because otherwise I think the car would be near flawless. If only the HG was not so prone to damage, we would have the perfect car. Yet compared to all the other cars on the road, I think we still have the perfect car.

JTJohnny102 · 12-16-03, 01:38 PM

personally if i hadnt read anything or ever been on this forum i wouldnt have thought the rl was the replacement for the legend. doesnt look anything or resemble anything like a legend. from driving a coupe, i always woulda thought the closest replacement would be the CL. i dunno, jmo.

12-15-03, 02:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
Thai.95LCoupe K L E A N M O D™ Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Roswell, Georgia Posts: 5,345 Car 1: 1995 KA8 R.I.P Car 2: 1997 S14 SOLD Car 3: Millenia S & S14 iTrader: (6)	The Honda/Acura Legend History Automotive World in 1980s -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In US, automakers were sound in their course to produce floaty boats with large displacement engines that lasted no more than 60-100k miles, underengineered front end suspension components, and poorly engineered braking systems. There were other types - small, heavily underpowered econoboxes that lived longer and broke less often for one reason - if all you have is a box on wheels with an engine and steering, there aren't too many things that can go wrong. In Europe, Germany's premier autohauses were turning out everything from world class sports cars to sporting sedans to megabuck luxury cruzers. There automakers continued to push the edge of what is possible with such cars as Audi 5000 Turbo Quattro. However, all the German cars of that age were plauged with problems and reliability issues. Their drive train and engines were strong, but electronics were weak, suspension parts would wear out fast, hydraulic and cooling systems leaked... In Japan, the speed was picking up. Such cars as Honda Accord were making big headlines as the pennacle of relaibility, efficiency, and value. In 85, the unveiling of the first Accord SE model made fully electronic fuel injected engine, aluminum wheels, leather seats, sunroof, and other amenities considered relaitively uncommon on todays cars, within reach of an average consumer. All with reliability of going past 100k miles without any major problems. But the Japanese looked to the future and took knowledge from the past. The Accord was built essentially using the same system layout and overall design as the original Civic CVCC. Only the parts were better quality and more heavy duty. Sochiro Honda, once again, prepared his company to take another step in evolution, to create a new chapter in automotive history. __________________ -1995 KA8 MODIFIED-R.I.P -1997 S14a-SOLD -2000 Millenia S -1995.8 S14a -Holy Rollerz CCC Member- -Inspiration™- My KA8's totaled and still greater than.... Imitatated. Never duplicated.™

12-15-03, 02:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
Thai.95LCoupe K L E A N M O D™ Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Roswell, Georgia Posts: 5,345 Car 1: 1995 KA8 R.I.P Car 2: 1997 S14 SOLD Car 3: Millenia S & S14 iTrader: (6)	The Recipe for Revolution -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The plan was simple. Build the car that would functionally compete with the best of the best - Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Volvo. That meant many things. The car must be designed to, mechanically at least, last at least 200-300k miles. The power must be impressive while efficiency, the trademark of Japanese car industry as well as German, must also be on par. The suspension must provide smooth ride that is well controlled and lively. Inside, the car must be well designed, the control layout must be stately, well positioned, and easy to operate. The seats must be flawless in providing comfort, spirited driving stability, and position the driver to have the best view of the road all around. The car must also be beautiful - elegant with a hint of Japanese styling. The principles of engineering and construction were to be different. The car was to use the same outline as smaller models such as Civic and Accord, but to be quantitatively better - MUCH better. The body was to be stronger, the engine was to be overengineered to the point where it can suffer use and abuse. All gadgets and electronics must have bullet-proof reliability. This method insured that, to the user, the car was intuitive, relaible, while evoking all the emotions of other cars Legend was designed to compete against. To a mechanic and engineer, that meant that the car was simple, easy to service and work on - something German cars still lack today. __________________ -1995 KA8 MODIFIED-R.I.P -1997 S14a-SOLD -2000 Millenia S -1995.8 S14a -Holy Rollerz CCC Member- -Inspiration™- My KA8's totaled and still greater than.... Imitatated. Never duplicated.™

12-15-03, 02:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
Thai.95LCoupe K L E A N M O D™ Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Roswell, Georgia Posts: 5,345 Car 1: 1995 KA8 R.I.P Car 2: 1997 S14 SOLD Car 3: Millenia S & S14 iTrader: (6)	Introducing the Legend -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And so it was, the car was 1986 Legend. Styling that many manufactueres are coming back to today, durability that keeps many Legends going over 200k miles with no problems. The car was powered by 2.5L 90 degree 24 valve all-aluminum V6 delivering 151HP. The engine is a jewel in itself. While Germans were fighting engine vibrations by making straght 6 engines, Japanese solved the problem by a simple trick of positioning the cylinder banks at 90 degree angle. A simple and elegant design allowed for shorter hood and better packing. While the vast majority of Germans were either using turbocharging or larger displacement to produce power, Legend V6 was simply optimised to breath better using 4 valves per cylinder, variable length intake runners, and a fairly non-restrictive exhaust manifold. So where does it leave the original Legend engine?? Well, looking at the specs, features, and perfromance, it is still a very potent powerplant by today's standards. The suspension was nothing, but the best. The front is handled by a racing style "double-wishbone" suspension geometry which allows for precise steering, crisp turnins while providing a very smooth ride. It also allows a lower hood to aid in visibility. In there rear - an independent arrangement of springs and shocks side by side - one of the best designs, still very popular today on high performance sedans and coupes. Both front and rear are also augmented by anti-roll bars. Braking was accomplished using a dual diagonal 4-wheel disk system with ventilated disks up front and solid in the rear. Later the system was equipped with ABS and, in 2nd generation Legend, traction control as well. The styling was timeless, muscular, sleek and classic. Bulged fenders allowed both for agressive look and wide track. Low racing style belt line looked both slick and allowed excellent visibility. Aluminum alloy wheels allowed for low unsprung weight, good brake ventilation and offered a view at the brake rotors through their spokes. Inside, the owner as well as his guests were greeted with comfortable seats covered with nice upholstery or rich soft leather. Air conditioning, full assortment of power options, clear lens reading lights for all 4 outboard seating positions, automatic climate control, and stereo were available on Legend. What was most impressive is that all these options were intergated in a way that ten years later they still function flawlessly. The driver controls were Honda crystal clear and precise. Simple in excecution, and layout, intuitive, and formal. The chrome was kept to a minimum to keep the styling and feel in line with Europeans. But all the specifications and fancy gadgets are useless if, on the road, the car can't function as a signle package inspiring the driver. Let's face it, Germans are know for cars that do more than simply get you places. In many ways those cars are know for making people take the longest route (as I fairly often do :-). Honda wanted to do more. It wanted all the feelings, plus ability to easily operate the vehicle for any person, minus the hassles of repairs. __________________ -1995 KA8 MODIFIED-R.I.P -1997 S14a-SOLD -2000 Millenia S -1995.8 S14a -Holy Rollerz CCC Member- -Inspiration™- My KA8's totaled and still greater than.... Imitatated. Never duplicated.™

12-15-03, 02:51 PM	#4 (permalink)
Thai.95LCoupe K L E A N M O D™ Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Roswell, Georgia Posts: 5,345 Car 1: 1995 KA8 R.I.P Car 2: 1997 S14 SOLD Car 3: Millenia S & S14 iTrader: (6)	The Greatest Achievement of the Legend -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And they have done just that! Take the Legend for a spin - a 1995 GS high performance sedan, a 1991 2 door, or the very original 1986 sedan and they'll blow you away. The engine is quiet while zooming around town or obeying the local speedlimits, but should you travel to the track or decide to get arrested, the engine rewards you with highly refined, almost Formula 1, high pitched tune. There is plenty of power even though Legend was never designed to be all-out race car. Floor the pedal and 100 MPH comes up soon - VERY soon. Drive it 100k miles, 200k miles, the engine still pulls like when it just broke in. The handling is pure Honda. Easy to park (thanks to speed sensitive power steering), easy to maneuver through traffic, yet stable at high speeds. And just like with any Honda, the handling is predictable, progressive, while offering so much confidence at the limit that anybody can tackle a winding road or fast corner with ease. The controls are so responsive, exact and linear, that the car becomes an extension of the driver. In many ways, the greatest achivement of the Legend is it's ability to be driver's and passanger's car all at the same time. The ride is ultra smooth - so smooth that many opt for firmer riding suspension components to give more sporting feel. Yet sit in the driver's seat, and you're connected to the outside. Even this connection has been tuned and engineered to be smooth and fluid, unlike many European cars such as some BMWs and Audis which I find sometimes too sharp and abrupt. The experiment in building approach worked. The Legend is vastly more realiable than even most new European cars. The parts and service, while being rediculusly inflated by Acura in US, are still most of the time considerably cheaper than that for European vehicles. What is most impressive is that because the Legend is designed to be a vehicle with minimum number of components (Audi 5000 has 4 radiators!!!), it is easy to trouble shoot and work on. __________________ -1995 KA8 MODIFIED-R.I.P -1997 S14a-SOLD -2000 Millenia S -1995.8 S14a -Holy Rollerz CCC Member- -Inspiration™- My KA8's totaled and still greater than.... Imitatated. Never duplicated.™

12-15-03, 02:51 PM	#5 (permalink)
Thai.95LCoupe K L E A N M O D™ Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Roswell, Georgia Posts: 5,345 Car 1: 1995 KA8 R.I.P Car 2: 1997 S14 SOLD Car 3: Millenia S & S14 iTrader: (6)	The Birth of a New Class -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thus, the new class of vehicles was born - Luxury/Sport. In the next few years Legend will be refined, features added. A more sports oriented 2 door model comes out with such features as power rear windows, a trick seatbelt positioning system to lessen the hassle of getting into the back seat, wishbone rear suspension, larger brakes, etc... The 4-door catches up a year later, the engine grows to 2.7L, clutch system gets stronger... Understanding the fact that Honda has suddenly proposed a revolution, both European and Japanese car manufactureres (Americans will joint them later) throw in all efforts to compete... Toyota Cressida, Mercedes Benz 2.3 16V of 1987, BMW 525, were the earliest challengers. Then came Lexus and Infinity line from Japan. Both attempted, but failed to duplicate the spirit of the Legend. While Lexus lacked sporting feel and Infinity lacked refinement and smoothness of operation, both of them began a horse-power war that quickly turned into 4.0+L V8 power, monster car weights, and low efficiency with increased wear. Who cares if you have a 260HP V8 when the suspension doesn't allow you to keep the car in control even under a moderate corner?? If roads were all salt-lake flat, life would be easy. If you wanted a fast car, Thrust SSC was all you need. In 91, instead of following the other companies, Honda redesigns the Legend on it's own terms. Making it bigger, more powerful, adding and removing fatures... The new car also sports a look that is equally timeless in it's appeal. The sort of styling that is never out-of-date. The ride is smoother, body is stronger incorporating front strut tower brace and extra interior structural members. Once again a perfect balance is struck between handling, efficiency, power, and elegance. Many people argue that Legend is not as fast, as say, BWM 540i, Mercedes E420, or some Japanese competitors. The answer is that Legend was never designed for all-out drag racing. It was designed for seamless touring, safe and sure free-way merges, predictable and precise road control, and a long dependable life. In 93, 2 door version gets even more performance oriented engine (TYPE II) - same 3.2L 90 degree V6, but optimised even more for high rpm power and efficientcy. In 94 4-door GS designation appears marking the TYPE II introduction in the sedan. Other enhancments like 16'' alloys, stiffer shocks add a further sporting flavor to the car. __________________ -1995 KA8 MODIFIED-R.I.P -1997 S14a-SOLD -2000 Millenia S -1995.8 S14a -Holy Rollerz CCC Member- -Inspiration™- My KA8's totaled and still greater than.... Imitatated. Never duplicated.™

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12-15-03, 02:52 PM	#6 (permalink)
Thai.95LCoupe K L E A N M O D™ Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Roswell, Georgia Posts: 5,345 Car 1: 1995 KA8 R.I.P Car 2: 1997 S14 SOLD Car 3: Millenia S & S14 iTrader: (6)	The Present -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It seems that through 1995 Honda had a perfrect recipe for a vehicle. Designed years ago it was still on the cutting edge of engineering, quality, and that ability to bond with the driver at a very intimate level. In the hearts of enthusiasts the next generation Legend would go even further by effectively expanding in every category such as road control, power, efficiency, style. Honda, with it's VTEC technology has proved that one does not need a V8 or V12 to produce more power. A highly efficient V6 with the latest technology should provide more power and better efficiency. The styling was expected to be again stunning in beauty and practicality. The handling was to be improved without sacrifising a glass-table smooth ride. This time however, Honda disappointed all. Acura disappointed even further by renaming the car RL. The new car is bigger, the ride is floaty and not well controlled, the engine a 3.5L convential V6 putting out 215HP. That is 15HP less than previoud generation TYPE II powerplant! The transmition is a 4-speed automatic - something that has been abandoned by almost all reputable companies years ago. No manual if offered. Worst of all, is that the new car does not have the feel nor the looks of the Legend, nor the seemless integration between human and machine. __________________ -1995 KA8 MODIFIED-R.I.P -1997 S14a-SOLD -2000 Millenia S -1995.8 S14a -Holy Rollerz CCC Member- -Inspiration™- My KA8's totaled and still greater than.... Imitatated. Never duplicated.™

12-15-03, 02:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
Thai.95LCoupe K L E A N M O D™ Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Roswell, Georgia Posts: 5,345 Car 1: 1995 KA8 R.I.P Car 2: 1997 S14 SOLD Car 3: Millenia S & S14 iTrader: (6)	The Future -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What does the future hold? Nobody is certain. The current state of the world does not value excellence, and perfection, but merely style and image. Maybe someday, Legend will once again be reborn in a new revolutionary car that will be worthy of such a memorable name... All credit is given to: Alexei I thank him for the research for this fine automobile we own. http://www.stanford.edu/~voloshin/lcenter.html __________________ -1995 KA8 MODIFIED-R.I.P -1997 S14a-SOLD -2000 Millenia S -1995.8 S14a -Holy Rollerz CCC Member- -Inspiration™- My KA8's totaled and still greater than.... Imitatated. Never duplicated.™ Last edited by Thai.95LCoupe : 12-16-03 at 04:49 AM.

12-15-03, 03:08 PM	#8 (permalink)
LeGenDz Banned Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 726 Car 1: Acura Legend GS Sedan iTrader: (0)	Yes, Alexei was a very intelligent and innovative person..

12-15-03, 03:14 PM	#9 (permalink)
FutureX 2001 L E G E N D Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Montebello, CA Posts: 4,550 Car 1: '95 Coupe Car 2: '94 Sedan GS Car 3: '90 Coupe iTrader: (2)	I remember reading that when i was looking for my FIRST legend. __________________

12-16-03, 01:21 AM	#10 (permalink)
Avarice Moderator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: New York City Posts: 2,885 Car 1: 2001 VW Jetta 1.8T WE Car 2: 2002 Honda S2000 iTrader: (0)	Too bad Alexei ain't around any more. I miss his satirical/sarcastic replies to school all the memeber and newbs alike...... __________________ [img] My 1991 Legend (SOLD) http://users.erols.com/annsu/newleg.jpg[/img] Contact me if you need the following: HELM Factory Shop/Electrical Manual Sedan Type-F floor mats Driver Side seat (free) OE + Denso Filters for cheap Throttle Body TL Engine Cover

12-16-03, 01:34 AM	#11 (permalink)
95Legend6Spd Pain Machine Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,817 Car 1: Godzilla: Car 2: Tokyo Car 3: Attack! iTrader: (0)	A good read, makes me want my old Coupe back... I have to disagree on two points, though: Inline engines have never had internal balancing or vibration issues that were any worse than ANY V-series, 90-degree, etc... Also, I believe that Honda DID make a mistake by not developing a commercial V8 for their premier lineup. You look at a GS430, and compare it to an RL, or even a GS300... Compare a GS-series anything to a Legend... on par, yes, but the GS series has the advantage of being backed by Lexus, whereas the Legend was abandoned. The only real way to bring the Legend back is with a nice V8, RWD, and a 5-speed auto. Then it'll be on par with the M45, GS's, and many other automakers' offerings. __________________ *\| Chris M \| 1997 Toyota Supra 6-Speed \| 78GTS* \| 17X10s NT-01s All 4 Corners \| \| Old: 1994 "BoostLogic Catalog" TH400/Single 71GTQ \| Advan \| TRUST \| HKS \| RPS \| \|Previous: 1995 Legend Coupe, 6-Speed 1998-2002\|**

12-16-03, 02:30 AM	#12 (permalink)
91LSMAN I like shiny Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 14,882 Car 1: 91 LS Coupe (GONE) Car 2: Current-02 Corvette Car 3: 94 LS Coupe (Bro's) iTrader: (4)	That's nice to read. I got all warm and fuzzy. __________________

12-16-03, 03:49 AM	#13 (permalink)
JTJohnny102 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Nebraska Posts: 3,638 Car 1: 93 Black L Coupe Car 2: 91 Red LS Coupe(RIP) iTrader: (1)	__________________ http://www.cardomain.com/ride/773155

12-16-03, 12:19 PM	#14 (permalink)
Jacob_Koopmans Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Mount Vernon/Spokane Washington Posts: 77 Car 1: 1991 Sedan L Charcoal iTrader: (0)	I have also read that before. I would have to agree about %100, I hated the RL when it first came out, and it was horrible. I am embarrassed today when I see the original RL on the road; I think our Legends are by far better. Replacing the Legend with the RL was one of the biggest mistakes Honda ever made, that and canceling the Prelude. I think the general public was shocked at what they came out with next!!! Honda did a great job in designing the Legend from start to finish and they really made a big finish with the GS, it is too bad they didn't work with it. However, they had a goal for the car to go for 200,000+ miles with little eminence. The timing belt and water pump is a big chunk of change, but that is acceptable, but how many of us out there maintained our cars to the best of our ability, and after just a slight, I mean slight Over Heat did we lose our HGs. I think the HG was the biggest down fall for the Legend and it is to bad, because otherwise I think the car would be near flawless. If only the HG was not so prone to damage, we would have the perfect car. Yet compared to all the other cars on the road, I think we still have the perfect car.

12-16-03, 01:38 PM	#15 (permalink)
JTJohnny102 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Nebraska Posts: 3,638 Car 1: 93 Black L Coupe Car 2: 91 Red LS Coupe(RIP) iTrader: (1)	personally if i hadnt read anything or ever been on this forum i wouldnt have thought the rl was the replacement for the legend. doesnt look anything or resemble anything like a legend. from driving a coupe, i always woulda thought the closest replacement would be the CL. i dunno, jmo. __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/ride/773155