Overview & Reviews
The Acura NSX was the first production car to feature aluminum construction for its body structure, body panels, suspension and engine. Its engine was the first to feature variable valve timing and a variable-volume intake manifold. It was the first Japanese sports car sold in America to truly go head-to-head with the world's best. And it came from an automotive brand that, at the time, had been in existence for just five years.
Despite being a car of innovative firsts, the Acura NSX never saw big sales numbers after its initial debut. After 15 years of production, Acura sold only about 8,900 NSXs; Chevrolet easily sells at least that many Corvettes in just one year.
Perhaps the NSX's fatal "flaw" was that it wasn't exotic enough. We'll see, as Acura will be trying again with an all-new NSX, slated to arrive for 2015. As a candidate for a used sports car, though, the first-generation NSX makes for a savvy choice. It's relatively rare, rewarding to drive and still looks every bit as exotic as it did in 1991. Plus, the lack of major revisions means that you can buy an earlier model and know that you're not missing out on much.
Upcoming Acura NSX
After many years of rumors and false starts, the Acura NSX is set to return by 2015. Shown at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in concept form, the next NSX, as expected, will be a midengine two-seater. It will be powered by a high-output V6 hybrid powertrain and sport Acura's latest version of its SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive) system as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Acura claims that the future NSX will provide "supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency."
Most Recent Acura NSX Models
The original Acura NSX went on sale as a 1991 model and continued uninterrupted through the 2005 model year. Product highlights included a midmounted V6 engine, aluminum body construction, solid build quality and crisp handling.
For its debut, the NSX featured a 3.0-liter V6. The engine was equipped with VTEC (Variable valve Timing and lift Electronic Control) and a variable-volume intake manifold to increase power and tractability. Titanium connecting rods allowed a high redline. Developing 270 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, the engine sent its power to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. Acura also made a four-speed automatic available but with a reduced-output V6 (252 hp).
Acura used aluminum to build much of the car to keep curb weight at a minimum. Racecarlike double-wishbone suspension design was used at each corner. Standard equipment highlights included antilock brakes, automatic climate control and leather upholstery. In 1995, a targa-roof model (the NSX-T) became available.
Two years later the NSX finally received its first and only powertrain upgrade. The 1997 manual-equipped models featured a new six-speed transmission and a larger 3.2-liter engine producing 290 hp. Those with the automatic kept the previous 3.0-liter V6. A limited-production Alex Zanardi Edition was available for 1999; available only as a fixed roof coupe, it had special wheels and a more stiffly tuned suspension.
Acura performed its last NSX update in 2002. The coupe model was discontinued and out-of-fashion elements like flip-up headlights and monochromatic interior panels were axed in favor of fixed HID headlights and updated metallic-look trim. Functional changes included a firmer suspension (though it wasn't as stiff as the Zanardi's), larger wheels with wider tires, and a sequential-shift mode for the automatic transmission.
When it debuted, the NSX stood out more than just for its innovation. In the early '90s, most high-performance exotics suffered from poor visibility, awful ergonomics and very high running costs. The NSX demonstrated that high performance and a comfortable driving experience weren't mutually exclusive after all. Like it or not, the NSX was about as easy to drive as an Integra and just about as reliable.
Less defensible is that the car simply went on too long without a major redesign while the price crept up, the latter due more to exchange rates than any greed on Acura's part. By the time the new millennium hit, redesigned (and less expensive) competitors outclassed it in terms of performance and value by a significant margin.
Highlights of driving a used NSX include an easy-to-drive nature, excellent forward visibility, its sweet-sounding V6 and a very smooth shifter. The major downsides to the car are limited practicality and mediocre outright performance for an exotic. Finding an unmolested NSX might also be hard, as many cars have been modified with aftermarket parts over the years.
User Reviews:
Showing 91 through 100 of 109.00-
Former Corvette owner - 2002 Acura NSX
By NSX Owner - October 16 - 2:00 amAdvantage of driving a corvette: It goes fast Advantage of driving an NSX: Luxury Style Handling It turns heads feels solid at ANY speed a real gearbox STREETABLE TORQUE! (ever heard of TOO MUCH TORQUE? The Corvette was rediculous - had to start it like a grandma or risk standing still in a burnout) havent had a single reliability issue with it in 23,000 miles.
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Awesome! - 1995 Acura NSX
By nsx - October 13 - 2:00 amA work of art!!!
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i love this car - 2002 Acura NSX
By tony1912 - September 24 - 2:00 ami love this car, most fun thing ive ever owned. buy one.
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I love it! - 2002 Acura NSX
By HondaBoy - September 23 - 2:00 amWhat a great car! Its my 4th NSX and certainly not my last!
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nsx - 1996 Acura NSX
By dargos - July 23 - 2:00 amthis car iz cool, you cant get any thing better for that price.it is like a lamborginie but cheaper.
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Dream car - 1997 Acura NSX
By ash - June 12 - 2:00 amEdmunds price is ridiculously low. good luck finding a car at that price. I paid mid 50s for a 27mi, 97 NSX-T.
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the best of both worlds... - 1997 Acura NSX
By dave jones - May 28 - 2:00 amsome say the nsx fails in both classes - its not "exotic" enuff (power, agressiv e looks) to be a great exotic and its not "friendly" enuff (more seats, quiet, truck space) to be a luxury car for commuting/cruising. but I say what acura has done well with the nsx is find the perfect balance of b oth. if you can buy a viper and a mercedes than go for it... but if you have the money for only 1 car the nsx gets both jobs done well. I commuted in mine for over a year - its possible to enjoy both worlds at the same time day in and day out... but only in an nsx.
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This NSX is awesome compared to Z06 - 2002 Acura NSX
By laseca - May 18 - 2:00 amIve driven a ZO6 for a few days before buying the NSX. Heres a comparison: The Z06s steering is too light No feel. Shifting is truck-like. Body rigidity is worse than my 11 year old Honda. Ergonomics are pathetic. Controls vintage 1970. Build quality poor. Wavy panels, uneven gaps. Acceleration and braking are much better than the NSX. Handling is about equal. The Z06 feels half sports car and half truck. The shift feel is horribly coarse. This car feels like an old rattly crapbox with a big engine stuffed into it. There is none of the hi-tech feel one gets from most modern cars. Sure it costs less than a new NSX but I dont see the attraction at all. You get what you pay for.
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The Fabulous NSX - 2002 Acura NSX
By Dverpr - May 14 - 2:00 amMy Blue Beauty has been my dream car all of my life. It was well worth the money I spent. It hums down the highway at exciti9ng speeds. If you have the money buy one. Haggle with the dealer, they will always knock down the price. Not everyday does someone want to buy an NSX.
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Americans expect more for $90,000 - 2002 Acura NSX
By Potential Buyer - May 9 - 2:00 amYes, Im impressed that it has a top speed of 175 mph for only having 290 hp. Yes, I like the way it looks and handles and all the exotic materials like the all aluminum body and titanium connecting rods. The interior leaves little to be desired. I mean even the Acura RSX has a more modern looking interior then the NSX. I especially like the white gauges in the RSX. Come on Acura, or actually the Honda Motor Company, if you want to sell more NSXs you have got to get with the program. High "Horsepower" equals to high sales in America. Ok you got the looks, dont be stingy with the power.
