1989 Acura Legend L 2.7 V6

Summary:

Acura Legends are touted as good bets in the used car world, but mine was a severe disappointment

Faults:

Both front springs cracked.

Front rotors wore out.

Replaced timing belt at 65,000 miles.

Galloping rust eventually consumed the car: leaks developed through the sunroof, front doors and trunk.

Perhaps because of the rust causing intermittent ground connections, I had an annoying variety of electrical problems, leading eventually to the car dying for no reason.

General Comments:

I bought the car largely for its V-6 engine and 5-speed gearbox. (I had been looking at a 4 cylinder automatic transmission Accord.)

The clutch was miserable in standing starts: grabby and imprecise, though the gearbox was smooth and snick-snick precise.

Handling was quite enjoyable, the smooth V-6 motor flexible, quick-revving and well-matched to the chassis.

Brakes were mushy and only so-so, and no one wanted to go near the anti-lock brakes to fix them.

Rust eventually devoured the car in the prime of its mechanical life and I had to get rid of it at only 90,000 miles. The car had the tell-tale rust-out of the gas filler door area that seems to be the badge of similar era Hondas. Since I had planned on keeping the car to at least 175,000 miles, its premature rust-out soured me severely on the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 28th March, 2003

11th Jul 2004, 10:56

I am really surprised by this review. I had an 89' L model. My father bought it new in 89, drove it for 5 years, and sold it to me with 89,000 miles on it. I drove it until it reached 181,000 in September of 2002. By far and large, this car was THE BEST car I have EVER owned!

Yes, rust was a major problem in the rear wheel wells and gas filler area. At one time I had a mysterious electrical problem that because the sun roof drains were clogged, water leaked on the electrical box, resulting in the car not starting. After the drain holes were cleared, I never had the problem again.

Timing chain and water pump replacement are recommended at every 90,000 mile interval. Leather seats were of poor quality, but then again, all leather during that year was not up to the standards as they are today.

The only reason I got rid of my car was because of age. Little problems (yet expensive) were starting to develop, and it made no sense financially to repair the vehicle any longer. I sold it for $900, and it is STILL running today.

This car never broke down, and had the original automatic transmission, engine, struts, head gasket, oxygen sensor, etc.

I am sorry you were disappointed with your car.

-E Miller.

1989 Acura Legend LS 2.7 litre fuel injection

Summary:

The nicest loo (king) car on the streets and 1 out of 1 million

Faults:

Basically the things that have gone wrong with the car are the bearings have been used up in the front wheels. The alternator has gone once and was changed bought used at a reasonable price at 195000 kms. The clutch burned out and was changed at 197000 kms, last time clutch was changed at 89000 kms. These were the only problems with repairs no more than $600 dollars.

General Comments:

The car handles amazing. Going 140 on the highway it drives on a straight line. The handling on turns is great too and you don't feel the turns.

The power of the car since its standard 5-speed is unbeatable. 175 hp at stock, now at 280 hp tested on the dyno. Air cold intake was added, Custom dual exhaust, Custom made performance headers, Venom Nitrous Oxide System and performance clutch ordered from Japan. This 89' Legend 5-speed LS coupe really is a Legend. Acura Rules.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th November, 2002

15th May 2003, 06:02

Hi, where did you get the nitrous system from, I have to upgrade my engine, and when using nitrous systems do the engine not burn down without change anything, like in turbo's, thanks' k-stage@ofir.dk.