User:Bravada/Honda Legend

The Honda Legend, marketed as Acura Legend (1985-1995) and Acura RL (since 1996) in North America, is a full-size luxury car made by the Japanese automaker Honda. It was originally developed as part of a joint venture with UK's Austin Rover Group. The development resulted in two closely related cars - the British one was known internally as Project XX, and was launched as the Rover 800 series, while the Legend was developed under the codename Project HX. It was the model which launched Honda's upscale Acura brand in the United States.

The Legend was initially a four-door sedan, with a two-door coupé added in 1987, and dropped when the third generation was launched in 1996. The original Project HX/XX provided for a front-wheel drive platform, albeit with a longitudinally-mounted engine, and this platform was used until the fourth generation, launched in 2004, which is based on a stretched Honda Accord platform, with a transverse engine, but powering all four wheels. All Legends have been built in Saitama, Japan.

First generation
Honda introduced the model in 1985 in Japan to be their premier luxury model and in 1986 in North America as the range-topping model in the then-new Acura lineup. Sedan models came to market first, powered by a 151 hp 2.5 L (C25A) V6 with coupes appearing for 1987 powered by a new 161 hp 2.7 L C27A engine. Sedans received the new engine for 1988. Production of the first generation models ended in 1990 as a second generation version became available.

In 1990, the Legend LS was revamped with a woodgrain interior and clear/red tail lights for the coupes. The sedans also received the woodgrain interior for the LS model.

Awards
The Legend coupe was Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1987. The coupe also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1988 through 1990.

Second generation
Second generation units became available for the 1991 model year, now using a 200 hp SOHC (C32A) engine. Looking significantly different from its first generation processor, the second generation Legend was a larger, more streamlined automobile featuring a .32 drag coefficient which helped it cruise at speeds of 130+ on some of Europe's more demanding highways. The models could be had with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. By this time, the Integra was using a DOHC, VTEC equipped I4 engine, so Honda's choice to utilize a SOHC, non-VTEC engine in the Legend came as a disappointment to some fans who were hoping that the NSX's 270 hp 3.0 L (C30A) engine would be used as-is in the Legend. Ultimately though, the DOHC engine proved too expensive to manufacture to be a cost-feasible option in the Legend. As a luxury car, the Legend offered a host of features seen on luxury cars of today including speed sensitive steering, hands-free telephone, climate control, 4-wheel disc brakes, seat belt pre-tensioners and soft close vacuum operated doors (2-door models only). For 1991 and 1992 the Legend was available in three trim lines (Base, L, LS) for the sedan and two trim lines for the coupe (L, LS). The higher end LS cars added climate control, sportier Michelin tires, a power 4-way passenger seat, walnut interior trim, and body colored side moldings. Honda made significant upgrades to the model for 1993, and a 230 hp "Type II" version of the SOHC C32A engine became available, appeasing some of those who had hoped for the NSX's powerplant.

More changes were made for 1994; both coupe and sedan versions received new front bumpers and revised trunk lids and a new GS sedan took over as the top of the line variant, sporting the "Type II" engine, upgraded brakes and a sports-suspension along with a unique grill and wheels. Minor changes were made again for 1995 before the model was discontinued. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on 1993 and newer LS coupes and 1994-1995 GS sedans.

1996-1998
In 1996, the replacement for the Acura Legend was introduced. Known internally as "KA9", officially, RL originally stood for "Road Luxury," however some suggest that it stood for "Replaces Legend." Whatever its meaning, the 1996 Acura 3.5RL was introduced to lackluster reviews. The automotive world had been expecting a true competitor to the Lexus LS to emerge. The RL fell short and was continuing to drop in sales until it was finally redesigned for the 2005 model year. The main problems holding back the car seemed to be the option of a V8 powerplant and rear-wheel-drive. So in 1996, laying to rest predictions of a VTEC V8 powerplant, the 3.5RL was powered by a 3.5 L V6 engine, derived from the previous Legend's 3.2 L unit. The engine provided 210 hp (later 225 hp). Handling was soft and ponderous. Interior space was adequate.

Despite all the compromises, the RL was still a competent vehicle. Few could find fault in it and it provided a serene, almost silent highway ride. The transmission, a 4-speed automatic, was smooth and silky. Reliability and fit-and-finish were excellent. Still, a lot was lacking in the car and sales suffered in the first three years.

The 1996-1998 Acura 3.5RL was a conservative, well-designed, and well-mannered luxury vehicle. The 3.5RL provided all of the expected luxury features of vehicles costing much more, yet provided the practicality of a 3.5L, 210HP V6 with excellent low-end torque reaching a peak at a low 2800 RPM. The 1998 3.5RL was upgraded with a refined suspension. Acura engineers, as usual, found a way to increase the firmness of the suspension without any additional harshness. It provided better driving dynamics as well as overall vehicle control. Other additions for 1998 included new wheels that improved overall style with a subtle sportiness.

The very first Acura RL rolled off the assembly line on January 4, 1996.

1999-2004
In 1999, addressing those concerns, the RL received a front and rear facelift that included the addition of newer, more stylish xenon HID headlamps and integrated foglights along with new bumpers and hood. The difference, while seemingly subtle, gave the car an new more assertive stance. Suspension and chassis were stiffened and the alloys featured a new look. For safety, driver and front passenger side airbags were added. The Acura RL was back in the fold and sales increased.

In 2000, a larger navigation system screen was added. Along with that larger screen was the conversion to easy-to-replace DVD map databases. In 2002, another subtle change was given to the RL with painted lower trim and mudflaps along with redesigned alloys and a newer, more sportier suspension. Perhapse more importantly was the engine which now was upgraded to produce 225 horsepower and 231 lbs.-ft. of torque along with more insulation in the engine compartment as well as the fact that OnStar was added in 2002 as well as XM Satellite Radio in 2003. Absent a major redesign in 8 years, however, the RL's sales slipped to their lowest levels in the 2004 model year. Acura and dealers both provided generous incentives on the final models.

The 2004 3.5RL's engine was the last in the Honda and Acura lineup not to use VTEC, Honda's variable valve timing system. The 2004 RL was also the last Acura to use the numeric designator for its engine displacement.

2005-present
A revised car, known internally as "KB1", was launched in late 2004 for the 2005 model year, and is much reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Still without the much-rumored V8 engine, it features a sophisticated all wheel drive system Acura calls "Super Handling All Wheel Drive". It integrates active differentials with the all wheel drive system and traction control to improve handling, similar to the "ATTS" system featured on the 1997 Honda Prelude SH. This all wheel drive system was in an issue of Popular Science as one of the best automotive innovations of 2004 and earned the 2005 "Tech car of the year" from cnet.com.

The 225 hp (168 kW) 90° C-series V6 engine was replaced with a new 60° J-series 3.5 L motor delivering 300 hp (224 kW; later revised to 290 hp). To give the car a more sporty feel, the car features a five-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel in the current, racing-car derived fashion. Other features found on the 2005 RL include DVD Audio, the ability to see traffic movement in real time utilizing XM Satellite radio, as well as extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber. Pricing is up to US$49,100 without destination.

The second-generation RL appeared on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2005.

For 2006, the Acura RL was also sold with the optional 'Technology Package' including features such as adaptive cruise control, Collision Mitigation Avoidance System, and Michelin PAX run flat tires.

Due to sluggish sales, Acura now plans to sell a lower level model with less options and at a lower price.