What was the last year for Acura Legend?
The last year for Acura Legend in North America was 1995. The model ran through two generations in the U.S. market from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, with production ending after the 1995 model year. Globally, the Legend lineage continued in different forms under Honda/Acura branding in other markets.
Two generations and timelines
First generation (1986-1990)
The introductory Legend arrived in North America in the 1986 model year, establishing Acura’s foray into the luxury mid-size sedan segment. It emphasized comfort, a refined ride, and a V6 powertrain, setting the template for subsequent generations. The first generation remained in production through the 1990 model year, when a redesigned version would arrive.
Second generation (1991-1995)
The second-generation Legend, introduced for the 1991 model year, featured updated styling, enhanced packaging, and an enlarged V6 powerplant. This generation carried the Legend name until the end of the 1995 model year, marking the final chapter of the Legend era in the United States.
Market context and successor
In the United States, the Legend’s production ended with the 1995 model year as Acura shifted its lineup toward newer mid-size sedans. The brand subsequently introduced new models to fill the market space once occupied by the Legend, though the exact naming and lineup evolved over the late 1990s. The end of the Legend in North America did not end the name in every market; beyond the U.S., the Legend lineage continued in different forms under Honda and Acura branding in other regions.
International variations
Globally, the Legend name and its associated model lines followed distinct paths. In Japan and other markets, the Legend family continued under different branding and generations that were not simply direct equivalents of the Acura Legend sold in North America. This reflects how automakers often tailor model names and platforms to regional preferences and regulations.
Summary
The concise answer remains: 1995 was the last model year for the Acura Legend in North America. The two-generation run culminated in that year, after which Acura pursued a refreshed mid-size sedan strategy. Across the globe, however, the Legend lineage continued in various forms, underscoring the model’s broader, regionally nuanced history.
What car replaced the Acura Legend?
The Acura Legend was replaced by the Acura RL in 1996, which was then replaced by the RLX in 2014. The RLX was the final replacement, ceasing production after the 2020 model year, and the TLX then became Acura's flagship sedan.
You can watch this video to learn more about the history of Acura Legend: 57sAntique TAGSYouTube · Mar 30, 2022
- Acura RL: After the 1995 model year, the Legend was replaced by the 1996 Acura 3.5 RL, which is now commonly referred to as the RL.
- Acura RLX: The RL was succeeded by the RLX, which was first introduced for the 2014 model year. The RLX was the last in the lineage of the Legend's successors.
- Acura TLX: With the discontinuation of the RLX, the TLX became Acura's flagship sedan, as the market shifted further toward SUVs.
This video discusses the possibility of Acura reviving the Legend name: 39sFuture Concept CARsYouTube · Jun 14, 2025
What Acura to stay away from?
According to CarComplaints.com, the 2003 model is one of the most problematic Acura TL years, with over 400+ NHTSA user complaints. This car's top three most prominent problems are transmission failure, car shakes during acceleration, and the peeling clear coat.
When did they stop making the Acura Legend?
The Acura Legend is a mid-size luxury car manufactured by Honda from Japan. It was sold in the U.S. and Canada under Honda's luxury brand, Acura, from 1985 until 1995. It was the first flagship sedan sold under the Acura nameplate, until being renamed in 1996 as the Acura 3.5RL.
