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Saloon

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

LEGEND

Lots of car for your cash, but it's pretty mediocre

Used Honda Legend Saloon 1996 - 2004

The Legend has always suffered from crippling depreciation, which means second-hand prices are very attractive. And, of course, once it's lost much value early in life, there's not much more left to lose over your time with it. On thing's for sure - you get an awful lot of car for your money, considering the standard equipment.

There's no diesel option, though, so buyers are stuck with the thirsty petrol. It has an official average fuel economy of just 23.2mpg, which means you'll make plenty of visits to the fuel station, particularly if you use the engine's full potential. It's costly to insure, too, attracting a group 17 rating.

At least servicing costs are reasonable compared with many manufacturers - about 30% lower than many of the Legend's executive rivals.

Lots of car for your cash, but it's pretty mediocre

Just one engine is available in the Legend - a 3.5-litre V6 - and a single trim level is available, too, which provides plenty of equipment.

This includes an automatic gearbox, metallic paint, alloy wheels, climate control, an electric sunroof, power steering, remote central locking, cruise control, electric windows all-round, a CD multichanger and leather seats. Despite this long list, though, Honda never offered the Legend with the kind of options executive buyers expect, such as sat-nav.

Standard safety kit includes twin front airbags (side 'bags from February 1999), anti-lock brakes and traction control - reasonable, but not especially generous. The Legend was face-lifted in February 1999, and revisions included wood trim on the centre console, steering wheel-mounted stereo controls and a different alloy wheel design.

Given the specialist nature of the car, it's probably safer to buy from a main dealer or Honda specialist than from a classified advert.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.

The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes.

Executive

Honda regularly tops What Car?'s reliability surveys, which should provide peace of mind to Legend buyers. A cherished high-miler can be a bargain, but only buy a car that has been serviced exactly on schedule.

However, when things do go wrong, they can be costly to fix, as average repair costs are on the pricey side. For instance, automatic gearboxes can fail and are expensive to replace - sometimes costing as much as the car is worth. Suspension faults have been reported and these too can be costly to put right, while warped brake discs are also common.

Check that recall work has been carried out - Legends built between January 2000 and March 2002 were recalled due to concerns with the brake-light switch.

As a rival to German executives such as the Mercedes E-Class, the Legend was never able to cut the mustard, especially in terms of image. As a used car, it's rare - but don't assume that means it's exotic; rather, it just wasn't very popular as a new car.

Performance is adequate, but never outstanding; the standard automatic gearbox is nowhere near as smooth as those fitted to its rivals. The Legend's drive is something of a disappointment, too: it never feels like anything other than a big car, and body roll is pronounced. The steering is lifeless, too, although at least the car cruises well at motorway speeds.

On the plus side, the Legend is comfortable, spacious and solidly built, even if the quality of materials can't match the class standard. And, the boot is a decent size and well shaped.

Used Honda Legend Saloon 1996 - 2004 reliability

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Used Honda Legend Saloon 1996 - 2004 review

Honda regularly tops What Car?'s reliability surveys, which should provide peace of mind to Legend buyers. A cherished high-miler can be a bargain, but only buy a car that has been serviced exactly on schedule.,However, when things do go wrong, they can be costly to fix, as average repair costs are on the pricey side. For instance, automatic gearboxes can fail and are expensive to replace - sometimes costing as much as the car is worth. Suspension faults have been reported and these too can be costly to put right, while warped brake discs are also common.,Check that recall work has been carried out - Legends built between January 2000 and March 2002 were recalled due to concerns with the brake-light switch.

What to look for when buying a Honda Legend 1996 - 2004, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Honda Legend Saloon 1996 - 2004 reliability

What should I look for in a used Honda Legend saloon?

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Is a used Honda Legend saloon reliable?

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