Segment: Medium
Production years: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Honda introduced the third generation of its flagship model, the Legend, in 1996 as a sedan-only body version and aimed directly to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The Japanese carmaker tried its best to make an executive sedan able to offer a comfortable ride and good performances. It was its key-vehicle to enter in the premium segment, but it couldn't match the engine choice offered by the European carmakers.
While its look resembled its predecessor, the third generation of the Legend was a new vehicle. It showed the same flat-horizontal lines on the hood and trunk lid. Other European carmakers might have inspired it, but the front grille and the headlights were similar to the Legend's second generation. Its body-colored bumpers and side moldings made it look like an executive vehicle.
Inside, there was enough room for five adult-sized occupants. Its center tunnel was narrow and short. The wide heated seats with leather upholstery were designed for comfort. In the instrument cluster, Honda installed three binocular-style dials, where the speedometer took center stage while the tachometer was on the left. Its wood-trims on the dashboard and the ergonomic center stack layout made the car looks more upmarket.
Unfortunately, Honda offered the 1996 Legend with only one engine option, a 3.5-liter V-6 that provided 205 hp. It was paired as standard to a four-speed automatic transmission.
ENGINE SPECS - 3.5i V6 4AT (205 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 3474 cm3 |
Power: | 151 KW @ 5200 RPM 205 HP @ 5200 RPM 202 BHP @ 5200 RPM |
Torque: | 219 lb-ft @ 2800 RPM 297 Nm @ 2800 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 133.6 mph (215 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 215/55VR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 196.1 in (4981 mm) |
Width: | 71.3 in (1811 mm) |
Height: | 56.3 in (1430 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.4/60.6 in (1,560/1,539 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 114.2 in (2901 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.3 in (160 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 15.9 cuFT (450 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.35 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3803 lbs (1725 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4806.1 lbs (2180 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 13.8 mpg US (17 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 25 mpg US (9.4 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 19.3 mpg US (12.2 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 290 g/km |