994x4

I am currently torn between these two vehicles and would like to hear some opinions from the forum. I know they are both very reliable cars and they are very similar in performance. I also know the technical specs of both cars.

What I really want is just some feedback from people who have owned or just driven both cars and what they feel are the pros and cons of each car. My last car was a 99 Maxima SE-Limited 5-speed. That was a very dependable car but this time I want something more luxury oriented.

My current vehicle is a 99 GMC Yukon that is typical american quality. It has nickeled and dimed me to death and it is time to send it on its way.

I appreciate any help in deciding which car is better for me. Thanks in advance.

dj.ctwatt

I can see your dilemma. . . personally, I would stick with Lexus, but since this is clubLEXUS, I think almost any opinion you get will be a little bit biased. However that would be for a very good reason. In terms of performance and feel, I have a lot of experience with Legends. I have to admit that they have a great feel and seem a bit sportier, but time and time again I've been able to beat my good friend's Legend. . . but I'm not sure if the numbers will agree, but from my experience it holds true. You can thank that extra performance to the extra displacement our V8 provides. That difference alone would sway me. In terms of looks, both interior and exterior, the LS seems to fool just about anyone into thinking it is a 96 or something around that age. The design is very classic and seamless, giving it a very upscale look. IMO the Acura Legend, and even Acura to this day(except the new TL) seem to have the problem of looking very upscale. They look very nice, but not BMW MB competition in my mind. The older LS's even look nice to today's standards of Luxury cars. Maintainence. . . now this is where the Acura can excell. I'm sure the Lexus will win every quality and reliability test, but nowadays Lexus maintainence prices are rising. Some Toyota dealers even refuse to service us! If your budget is very tight I'd go with the Acura, if you have a little bit more to spend on maintainence I'd go for the Lexus. BTW, if you can shell out a few thousand dollars more, go for a newer year, like a 96. In that case maintainence won't even be an issue. And the newer Lexus would obliterate the Acura and perhaps even a brand new one(except TL). I don't think you'd be disappointed with the Acura, but again I don't think there's really any controversy at all-- Lexus all the way!One more thing. . . is that year of Legend front or rear drive? To sum up:
Lexus: for the power, the reliability, the exclusivity, the luxury, and the name.
Acura: for the feel, and for the price.
Oh and you should seriously consider a newer Q45 as well, like a 95 or 96, but still I'd go Lexus

USLEX

dj,

All Legends are Front wheel drive. The only Honda auto products in the U.S. that are rear wheel drive are the NSX and the S2000, FYI.

994X4,

What are you spending on each and how many miles on each?
What is your budget?

I have always liked the Acura Legend. Very reliable and for the years you're looking at, very stylish. And if you are looking at coupes, the Legend had power door closers to boot. I almost bought one at a fraction of the cost of my current LS 430 and would own one today if someone wouldn't have bought it before I called the owner. I bought my LS430 instead which is an upgrade but it is almost 10 years newer and about 5 times the cost.

Let us know so we can better answer your question.

gs400998

I had a 93 LS400 and owned it between 54K - 95K miles. Not a single problem and it is a great highway cruiser. My experience with Acura is my TL Type-S. If you want something more luxury oriented then get the Lexus. Lexus service and Customer Satisfaction are great. In addition, Lexus is recognized as the the best Japanese luxury vehicle in my opinion.

Pianoman72

Also check out the Lexus GS300 '93-'95 model.

Same engine as the NA-Supra (inline 6 2JZ-GE), a lot like the LS400 on the inside also reliable like the LS.

good luck!

cnacne

CAR magazine sumed it up quite well:
Acura: Buy a used Lexus


Joe

ATSOU

LS400 no doubt

rogers2

I guess I'll be the first to say go for the Acura Legend. This was the first car I fell in love with back in the day.
Back in the day nobody knew what the hell an LS400 was b/c the Legend was killing everybody.
I truely feel the big body Legend is a classic most so than the old LS. It's just something about an old Legend that takes the cake everytime. To be honest the old Legend gets more respect than any Acura today. A matter fact i'm about to try my best to find one on carmax. Good luck on you purchase.

jpcdmd

LS400

I liked the Legends back in the mid 90s, I thought they were smooth and quiet and luxurious. Then in 2000 I bought a 93 LS400 with 118K miles and put 80K miles on it since. My ex bought a 1997 Legend in 2001 and I'll tell you, it doesn't even compare to the LS400. The lexus felt way heavier, more luxurious and much more of a car than the legend. The legend felt like a stretched Accord with a hard leather interior compared to the lex. (I was driving an 87 accord before the LS)

994x4

jpcdmd,

The Legends were not made after 1995. I assume you made a typo. I am curious what year the car is. I am getting closer to my decision though. Thanks.

Spyder187

That's right they weren't made after 1995...

Anyways, I've driven a 1992 Legend and a 1995 Legend and the difference was huge. The '92 Legend didn't feel as sure-footed as the '95, plus the '92 had pretty hard leather (i guess it was never taken care of). The transmission shifted pretty badly and the engine didn't sound so good revving up either.

The '95 on the other hand really impressed me by it's handling, comfortable seats and really soft leather. The transmission shifted ok (not the smoothest by the Legend's aren't known for the smoothest auto tranny).

Basically in conclusion, one of the factors on choosing is how well the car was maintained.

Unfortunately, I have yet to drive a Lexus LS400 and am still on the market to buying a car mainly deciding between a '95 Legend, 1989 Mercedes 420SEL or 560SEL, '92 - '93 Lexus LS400. Anyways therefore, I'm unable to accurately compare both cars...

Good luck with your decision though~

thailegend

I own a 91 Legend driven 94 and 95 Legends yet to drive the 6 spd. I have to say the quality of the 94 Lexus LS surpasses that of the Legend. Dont get me wrong the Legend is a great first car (thats where the legend came in on my handle) But, I would choose a LS400 over day over any Legend.

jpcdmd

Sorry, it must have been a 95. It had only 67K miles on it but it was a Chicago car and the previous owner was an idiot. I see a bunch of 93-94 LS400s on ebay for under 10 grand with less than 100k miles on them, these are a steal for a car. I just bought a 2001 LS430 and am kinda hesitant to get rid of my 93 just because I love the way it drives. Do yourself a favor and drive a clean LS before you buy.