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:
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King Dudleys WHITE NSX - 2005 Acura NSX
By King Dudley - November 16 - 9:31 amThe automobile is SUPERB. It is STILL what others are trying to evolve to. The handling and performance is incredible for Acura. Fun to drive and looks great, backed by Hondas reliability. An everyday exotic, which is still an "exclusive" exotic as well. KD 1
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My second NSX - 2005 Acura NSX
By High Desert NM - November 5 - 11:30 amThis is my second NSX. I owned a 91 automatic and now own a Spa Yellow 98 6spd targa. I love this car for its beautiful, timeless style, reliablity, and of course its exclusivity. I lived in NM 2+ years and have only seen 2 other NSXs. The view out the front window is the best in the business--- GT Prototype-like. The car is subtly fast-- 0-60 in 5.0 and 30-80 in a snap. The NSX has remarkable handling without too much drama. The car thinks along with you-- I guess thats what they mean when they say you become one with the car. This car looks as good standing still as it does flying by. The six speed transmission is Mazda Miata-like is quickness and short shifting distance.
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Absolutely a wonderful car - 1998 Acura NSX
By Kushbudz - October 27 - 10:14 pmIn this day and age where you see Bimmers and Porsches everywhere its amazing how many heads a 15 year old design turns. True marks of a classic. Besides the looks the car is an absolute thrill to drive. The brakes are amazing, the road feel is unmatched and the engine hits right where you need it.
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1992 NSX - 1992 Acura NSX
By walsh - October 17 - 2:18 amI have owned this car for one year this month. I have driven the car in all weather conditions except for snow, which I plan to do this winter. The car is great in any condition of driving and gets attention everywhere. It could use a little more power especially when shifting to the next gear up. There are plenty of aftermarket items available to remedy this small setback. My car has 68,000 miles on it and still looks brand new with the exception of a few rock chips and slight wear on the drivers seat and it is needing rear tires. I got about 7,000 miles out of them.
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Engineered with brains - 1995 Acura NSX
By TexasAcura - September 30 - 4:00 pmPeople will always love their brand of car. But this Acura NSX surprised me. I wanted a mid engine, reliable car. Difficult to find at any price. My husband checks it out but I drive it!I have never had a problem although I admit this is no longer my everyday car. I hope it becomes a classic. It continues to amaze me that this is a 1995! The technology is still awesome.
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An exotic without the price tag. - 2005 Acura NSX
By kushbudz - September 16 - 9:13 pmNo other car I have owned has attracted so much attention (its almost a problem actually). The ride is exceptional and it corners like a bat outta hell. The interior is simple and free of the usual slew of buttons and oversized LCD screens. I much prefer this to the modern trend of bloating the car out with useless features (its a sports car not a cadillac). Add a supercharger and you will toast Ferraris and Porsches that cost twice as much.
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Great Car - 2005 Acura NSX
By O.C. Dave - September 16 - 7:19 pmThe trill & performance of a Ferrari, with the reliability and low cost maintenance of an Acura. This is my 2nd. NSX and this has the best bang for the buck in the sports car market. I met a 1994 NSX owner whose car had over 200,000 miles on it. His only costs were for normal maintenance. I drove his 1994 and it was still tight and rattle free. People are always stopping me to ask questions or compliment on the car.
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The real exotic car. - 2005 Acura NSX
By Too Exotic - February 24 - 7:11 pmBig time head turner & get many thumbs up, Great PERFORMANCE, oustanding stylish look to it. Does not get blown away from any cars, as a matter of fact, it steals & attention from any car out there. Just way too hot. When I pull up anywere, people have their jaws dropped onto the ground while staring at it. This car steals the show from M3 & any Porshce out there. You need a $250K Ferrari or $450k Carrera GT to compete with the NSX, not any upgraded volkswagen on steriods like the M3 & Porshce. Can a Vette beat the NSX? OF course, but keep in mind, vette is only 1/2 the price of NSX. It really isnt a matter of affording any of the car, it is truely a matter of choice & taste!
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Still A Great Drive - 2005 Acura NSX
By Matt - February 23 - 9:17 pmUnless you are going to go to a racetrack and take on the new vette or vipers, you will not be disappointed by the horsepower. The car is still 5.0 sec to 60 and handles incredibly well. The NSX is very much improved from the 2002 model year forward. There are very few automotive reviews on the post-2002 NSX which is a shame because the driving experience is much imporved over the older car.
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My 2nd NSX - 2002 Acura NSX
By Easygo711 - December 22 - 2:06 amThe thrill and performance of a Ferrari and the reliability of a Honda. This car can be a daily driver and it wont break the bank. This is my 2nd. NSX. My previous one was a green 1996. I sold it with 62,000 miles and the car was tight with no problems. I bought my 2002 with 11,000 miles. I wanted a red one and wanted the 3.2 and 6 speed. My buddy has a Porsche and he said it costs him more than his ex- wife. I drove Vipers, Corvettes and Porsches. I feel the NSX out did them all. In overall driveability, quality and fun factor. My wife loves to drive it. And you dont see one on every corner. ITS A TRUE EXOTIC.
