Acura Legend, RL and RLX history: Acura's flagship sedan from 1986 to 2020

Acura Legend, RL and RLX history history

Acura opened on March 27, 1986, with the Legend sedan as its luxury model, alongside the Integra. The first Legend used a 2.5-liter, 24-valve V6 rated at 151 hp. A Legend Coupe with a 2.7-liter V6 joined for 1987 and was the first Acura with an airbag; the 2.7-liter engine became standard in the sedan for 1988.

The second-generation Legend arrived for 1991 with a new body, a longitudinally mounted 3.2-liter V6 and 202 hp. Acura's timeline lists the Legend as the best-selling luxury import model in the US in 1988–1990 and as the best-selling luxury nameplate through 1993. A 230-hp “Type II” V6 with a six-speed manual came to the coupe for 1993 and to the new Legend GS sedan for 1994.

In February 1996 the 3.5 RL replaced the Legend as part of Acura's move to alphanumeric names. The second-generation RL, on sale in November 2004, brought a 300-hp V6 and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. The RLX took over for the 2014 model year, adding a three-motor Sport Hybrid version, and EPA lists it through 2020, the last model year of the line.[1],[2],[4],[6],[8],[11]

Years and production numbers

Generations and key variants

Engine and drivetrain facts

• The 1986 Legend used a 2.5-liter SOHC 24-valve V6 with 151 hp and 154 lb-ft; the 1987 Legend Coupe used a 2.7-liter V6 rated at 160 hp.
• The 1991 Legend moved to a longitudinally mounted 3.2-liter V6 with 202 hp and 210 lb-ft; the 230-hp Type II version came with a six-speed manual.
• The 3.5RL's 3.5-liter V6 made 210 hp and 224 lb-ft with a 4-speed automatic, rising to 225 hp and 231 lb-ft for 2002.
• The 2005 RL's 3.5-liter V6 made 300 hp (290 hp under the revised SAE test from 2006); a 300-hp 3.7-liter V6 arrived with the 2009 refresh.
• The 2020 RLX used a 310-hp 3.5-liter direct-injected V6 with a 10-speed automatic, EPA-rated 20/29/23 mpg; the RLX Sport Hybrid made 377 hp and 341 lb-ft, rated 28/29/28 mpg.

Sources:[2],[3],[4],[5],[10],[12]

What changed over the years

1. March 27, 1986Legend sedan launches with Acura.
2. 1987Legend Coupe added.
3. 1991Second-generation Legend sedan; coupe on sale in spring 1991.
4. 1994Legend GS sedan introduced; base Legend dropped.
5. February 19963.5 RL replaces the Legend.
6. 1999RL restyled; side airbags standard.
7. November 2004All-new RL goes on sale with SH-AWD.
8. 2009RL refreshed with a 3.7-liter V6.
9. 2012Final RL model year.
10. March 15, 20132014 RLX goes on sale.
11. November 2017Restyled 2018 RLX on sale, with the diamond pentagon grille.
12. 2020Last RLX model year in EPA listings.

Sources:[1],[2],[3],[8],[9],[11]

What to check before you buy one

• Match the model year to the generation table; the Legend, 3.5RL, RL and RLX share a role but not a platform or engine.
• On a 2014–2020 RLX, confirm from the VIN whether it is the front-drive P-AWS car or the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD; the two drivetrains are very different.
• Check the VIN for open recalls at NHTSA. Recalls 20V-026 and 20V-027 cover driver air bag inflators on 1998–2003 3.5RL sedans; the remedy is a free inspection and inflator replacement.
• On a 2006–2007 RL with the Technology Package, ask whether it still runs the PAX run-flat tires that package offered.

Acura Legend, RL and RLX history prices and values

Mileage: across 103 used Acura RL listings in our November 2026 study (all model years), the median odometer reading was 140,729 miles and 19.4% showed 200,000 miles or more. See how long a Acura RL lasts.

How to verify a Acura Legend, RL and RLX history's factory options

An Acura's model, engine and drivetrain are fixed at the factory. CarWhere decodes the 17-character VIN and, where licensed factory build data exists, lists the equipment the car was built with. It does not promise a complete option list for every VIN.