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 11 through 20 of 109.00

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  90% of Porsche 918 at 80% discount - 2017 Acura NSX
  By T. F Malik - September 12 - 4:53 pm

  Super handling super car that blends the qualities of Ferrari and Porsche nicely in a relatively affordable package if ordered with the only essential option of Carbon Ceramic disk brakes. Can be a daily use car except in snow and ice unless equipped with proper tires and clearance issues with snow as it has pretty low clearance and no option to raise the car to clear the snow. Acceleration is instant, thanks to electric assist that takes away the turbo lag, torque vectoring with the front electric motors works transparently to assist in carving turns at any speed.

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  WOW - 2004 Acura NSX
  By matthew - March 7 - 8:11 pm

  What can I say? This is the exotic all cars that have come after it have had to set as a benchmark in terms of reliability and performance, and many cars costing twice as much still fail to meet the goal 15 years after the car was introduced.

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  92 NSX, truly remarkable exotic - 1992 Acura NSX
  By Steves NSX - December 29 - 11:27 pm

  Design & production of the NSX is truly remarkable. Probably one of the most thought out designs of any exotic sports car ever built. The NSX was hand-built, making it a rare & special high performance car. An all aluminum/magnesium body coupled with 270 hp produces a potent pound/hp ratio. The NSX had the 1st VTEC engine in a mass produced car. Handling is excellent. Interior & exterior design is like nothing else. I dont plan on changing any features, performance nor visual.

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  2 year follow up - 2002 Acura NSX
  By Easygo711 - December 27 - 10:19 am

  Its been 2 years and 17,000 miles since my last review of my 2002 NSX. This car has 28,000 miles on it and is amazing. I have not spent a cent on the car except for normal maintenance and an upgrade to a Comptec exhaust system. I didnt notice a change in performance, just a better exhaust sound. I just had an oil change and the tech said I still had 60% left on the brakes. There are no squeaks or rattles and everything works perfectly. I will need to replace the tires soon. The short throw shifter and 6 speed are a pleasure to drive. A tip of the hat to Acura and this car. Its no wonder that used NSXes hold their value.

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  this is the best car that i have ever owned - 2017 Acura NSX
  By Eric - September 18 - 6:16 pm

  Ive owned a Ferrari, Audi R8, Porsche, Jaguar, Lexus and others. i had the old Acura NSX and this blows away all of the cars that Ive owned.

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  Best Honda/Acura Yet!! - 2002 Acura NSX
  By mostafa nosrati - August 15 - 4:27 pm

  very fun vehicle, would definetly buy another, looking forward to the new model comming out in late 2008, a fast vehicle, fun, quick, very responcive, and threlling.

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  The Exotic Without the Headache - 1997 Acura NSX
  By ticomba74 - April 11 - 2:14 pm

  Not only was this car the fulfillment of a young mans dream, but it exceeded every expectation driving, appearance, satisfaction, value (yeah, value in an exotic). Its fast, and has looks and technology that 15 years later still excels. Every owner Ive ever met has been classy and that says a lot about the type that drives this car. Ive had Ferraris and a Porsche, and the NS is the most satisfying.

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  A smart mans exotic car - 2005 Acura NSX
  By Brad Tuski - February 1 - 8:39 pm

  The car is unbelievable it handles like a gem and is a constant head turner.

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  2005 Acura NSX - 2005 Acura NSX
  By Harry Leff - January 31 - 11:07 am

  This my second NSX. I had purchased the first one in 1991 and and in 2003 purchased the anniversary corvette. After a year of the corvette, had to sell it and purchase another NSX. The NSX is agile, quick, responsive and beautiful. The car is pure, not fancy regarding features ...lacks navigation, heated seats, bluetooth, etc. But if you are looking for a great sportscar that virtually has not changed for 15 years, its because Honda created perfection from day one.

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  Excellent Overall Sports Car - 2002 Acura NSX
  By Dyno Dave - December 2 - 3:19 am

  Great Looks, Great Performance, Fantastic Reliability, Ive had this car over 3 years and other than normal maintenance, not a cent of repairs. No squeaks or rattles. This car gets looks from everyone. Bumper to bumper traffic, mountain roads or high speed runs. Just a blast to drive.