Honda Legend (KA1/KA2/KA3/KA4/KA5/KA6/HX/HS). 1985–90 (prod. n/a). 4-door sedan, 2-door coupé. F/F, 1996, 2493, 2675 cm³ (V6 OHC). Very elegant first foray for Honda into the executive market, challenging the Toyota Crown (S120), Nissan Cedric (Y30) and Mazda Luce (HC), part of a joint venture with BL which also produced the Rover 800 Mk I. Originally meant for joint manufacture with each company making the other’s vehicle alongside their own, though very few Legends were ultimately made in England. First Japanese car with driver’s side SRS airbag, and the world’s first traction control for a FWD vehicle installed. Japanese models known for excellent build quality, and all were well equipped. Very refined and easy to drive, and the larger V6s performed well. Ride unsettling only on the roughest surfaces. Renamed Acura Legend for the US, where the car made a huge impact on the sector, and arguably encouraged Toyota and Nissan to set up their own luxury nameplates there, and a significant entry for the Japanese car industry Stateside. Two-litre model for domestic market, and in class 5, narrower and shorter than the 2·5. Coupé arrived in 1987, with 2·7-litre V6; later that year, the 2·7 replaced the 2·5 for all models. Mid-term changes in 1988, with sedan gaining double wishbone rear suspension.

Manufacturing locations: Sayama, Saitama, Japan; Cowley, Oxfordshire, England

Marque: Honda | Model: Honda Legend | Successor: Honda Legend (KA7)