The Honda Legend has been Honda's top luxury sedan since 1985. It shows the brand's mix of smart engineering and comfort. The first generation was built with help from the Austin Rover Group. It shared its base with the Rover 800 and came with Honda's first V6 engine. Honda fully developed the second generation. It had a sleeker design, stronger V6 engines, and better luxury features.

The third generation continued this progress. In North America, it was sold as the Acura RL. It was bigger, more comfortable, and helped Honda grow in the global luxury market. The fourth generation added Honda's SH-AWD system, new safety tech, and a sharper design. The fifth and final generation brought in hybrid technology. It used a 3.5L V6 with three electric motors.

Latest Updates

• Introduction of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) when the fourth generation launched in 2004, giving the sedan superior handling and grip compared to front-wheel-drive rivals.

• Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) added in the car with features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist.

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) became available in cars from 2004, combining radar monitoring with seatbelt pre-tensioners.

Price and Variants (PKR)

The Honda Legend was never officially introduced in Pakistan, but is available through used imports from Japan, the UK, and other markets. Prices in the local market .

Honda Legend price in Pakistan in 2025 is 32.0 lacs depending on the condition and trim. Internationally, the Legend was offered in multiple specifications, with the key difference being between the 3.5i VTEC EX and the 3.5i VTEC EX with ADAS & CMBS, the latter adding advanced safety systems and driver-assist technology.

Engine and Performance

• 3.5L SOHC VTEC V6, 24-valve, all-aluminium construction

• Power output: 295 PS at 6,200 rpm

• Torque: 351 Nm at 5,000 rpm

• Transmission: 5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift and paddle shifters.

• Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system for torque distribution between front/rear and left/right wheels.

• Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in approx. 7.3 seconds.

• Top speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)

• Fuel economy: 7-10 km/l (combined cycle depending on specification)

• CO2 emissions: 273-282 g/km

Features and Technology (Interior + Convenience)

• Dual-zone climate control with GPS-linked solar sensors for optimal cabin temperature.

• Eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with memory and lumbar support.

• Heated and ventilated front seats with air-conditioning (on ADAS models).

• Voice-activated DVD satellite navigation system with multi-jog dial control

• Premium Bose 10-speaker surround sound system with 6-disc CD changer

• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system for a quieter cabin

• Bluetooth hands-free telephone integration with steering-mounted controls.

• Rear electric sunshade and manual side sunshades for passenger comfort.

• Keyless entry with engine immobilizer and power door locks.

• Paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel for sportier control.

Safety

The Honda Legend was among the safest sedans of its time, combining both structural integrity and electronic driver aids. Its Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure dispersed crash forces across the frame, while front and rear crumple zones, side-impact beams, and high-tensile steel construction ensured cabin protection.

Active safety features included ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). Honda also introduced innovative systems, such as the Pedestrian Pop-Up Bonnet, which raised the hood during impact to reduce head injuries, and the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), which utilized radar sensors to warn the driver, apply light braking, and tighten seatbelts before a collision.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) made long journeys safer and less tiring. Additional protection was provided by dual front, side, and curtain airbags, along with active head restraints and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Exterior and Interior Styling

The exterior of the Legend balanced elegance with practicality. Its low bonnet and short overhangs gave it a sleek profile, while HID headlights paired with Adaptive Front Lighting improved nighttime visibility by swiveling into corners. LED taillights and twin chrome exhaust outlets added presence at the rear, while 17 and 18-inch alloy wheel options emphasized its executive stance.

Subtle body contours and carefully integrated chrome accents highlighted its luxury appeal without being overstated. Inside, the cabin combined fine materials with ergonomic design. Leather upholstery in ivory, grey, or black, matched with walnut or metallic trim, created a calm and refined environment. The wide seats were designed for long-distance comfort, with heating and ventilation available on higher trim levels. Blue ambient lighting around the cabin and under the seats added to the sense of sophistication, while a driver-focused dashboard layout kept controls within easy reach.

Comparisons with Similar Cars

The Honda Legend competed in the executive sedan category, positioned against Japanese rivals such as the Toyota Crown and Nissan Fuga, as well as established European sedans including the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6.

Against its Japanese competitors, the Legend stood out for its SH-AWD system and advanced driver-assist features, such as CMBS, which were unusual at the time. Compared to German rivals, it offered similar levels of technology and comfort, complemented by Honda's reputation for reliability. However, its conservative styling made it less of a status symbol than the European options.

Maintenance and Resale Value in Pakistan

As a CBU import, the Honda Legend faces challenges in Pakistan due to the limited availability of spare parts and inadequate after-sales support. Routine servicing can be managed through third parties; however, specialized parts for SH-AWD or CMBS systems often need to be imported, resulting in higher costs. Resale is limited, as most buyers in this segment prefer Toyota Crown or German sedans due to their stronger recognition and demand. However, for enthusiasts seeking a rare and advanced Japanese luxury sedan, the Legend remains a distinctive option that combines reliability with innovative safety features.

Conclusion

The Honda Legend represented Honda's most ambitious step into the luxury sedan world. With its powerful V6 engine, SH-AWD handling, and a suite of advanced safety systems including CMBS and ADAS, it delivered a driving experience that blended performance with peace of mind.