What year did Acura stop making the Legend?
The Acura Legend was a groundbreaking luxury sedan that helped establish Acura as a premium brand in the automotive market. Known for its reliability, performance, and innovative features, the Legend remains a beloved model among car enthusiasts. However, Acura eventually discontinued the Legend nameplate, transitioning to a new naming strategy. Let’s explore when and why this change occurred.
The End of the Acura Legend
Acura stopped producing the Legend after the 1995 model year. In 1996, the company rebranded the Legend as the Acura RL, marking a shift in its naming convention. This change was part of Acura's broader strategy to align its model names with alphanumeric designations, a trend that was gaining popularity among luxury automakers at the time.
Why Did Acura Discontinue the Legend Name?
The decision to discontinue the Legend name was not due to a lack of popularity or performance issues. Instead, it was a strategic move aimed at creating a cohesive and modern brand identity. Here are some key reasons behind the change:
- Brand Consistency: Acura wanted to adopt a uniform alphanumeric naming system, similar to competitors like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, to appeal to a global luxury market.
- Market Positioning: The new naming convention allowed Acura to position its vehicles more clearly within its lineup, making it easier for customers to understand the hierarchy of models.
- Global Strategy: The alphanumeric names were easier to market internationally, as they avoided potential language or cultural barriers associated with traditional names.
The Legacy of the Acura Legend
Although the Legend nameplate was retired, its legacy lives on. The Acura RL, and later the RLX, carried forward the spirit of the Legend with advanced technology, luxurious features, and exceptional performance. Today, the Legend remains a sought-after classic among car enthusiasts, celebrated for its role in shaping the luxury sedan market.
If you’re a fan of the Acura Legend or considering purchasing a used model, be sure to keep up with regular maintenance to preserve its performance and reliability. At Kevin’s Autos, we specialize in servicing all makes and models, including classic vehicles like the Acura Legend. Contact us today for expert care!
Frequently Asked Questions
What replaced the Honda Legend?
In June 2021, it was announced that the Sayama plant that produces the Legend would be closed at the end of 2021 and the current car would not have a successor. With the discontinuation, Honda Accord is once again the largest Honda sedan.
Is the Honda Legend reliable?
Honda regularly tops What Car?'s reliability surveys, which should provide peace of mind to Legend buyers. A cherished high-miler can be a bargain, but only buy a car that has been serviced exactly on schedule. However, when things do go wrong, they can be costly to fix, as average repair costs are on the pricey side.
Why did Acura stop making the Legend?
It remained a popular model until 1995, when increasingly fierce competition in the luxury market led Acura to put it out to pasture. Thus, the Legend was never one of the many Acura models manufactured in the USA since the mid-90s.
Is the Acura Legend coming back?
Segment. The return of the Acura Legend is a cause for celebration for car enthusiasts everywhere. With its promise of stunning design luxurious comfort.
What did the Acura Legend turn into?
Ultimately, the Acura Legend sedan has an 18-year run and served as the basis for later flagship cars, including the Acura RL and Acura RLX. While it can be tough to find an Acura Legend these days, it would certainly turn heads on the Aurora roads if you can find one.
Why did they stop making Acura?
The Acura ILX has been discontinued because the company plans to focus on the Acura Integra for the sedan market in the United States. The Acura NSX, on the other hand, has been discontinued due to declining sales and the company's focus on electric vehicles.
How much is the new Legend car?
$17,500 USD
Legends car racing is a style of auto racing designed primarily to promote exciting racing and to keep costs down (as of 2022, a brand-new Legends car could be purchased in the USA for $17,500 USD).
Why Acura over Honda?
The vehicles under this marque are designed with a greater emphasis on performance, luxury features, and a higher level of craftsmanship. Models like the new 2024 Acura TLX and 2024 Acura MDX offer more powerful engines, advanced tech, and refined interiors when compared to their Honda counterparts.
What replaced the Acura Legend?
The Acura Legend was replaced by the 1996 Acura 3.5 RL, which was itself replaced by the 2004 Acura RL, and then the 2014 Acura RLX.
Why was the Acura Legend so popular?
In 1986, Legend was launched as the Acura flagship along with the new brand. The upscale model featured something never before seen on a Honda vehicle, a V-6 engine. The Legend's larger cabin, power everything, a standard moonroof, and cruise control set it apart from run-of-the-mill Civics and Accords.
