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 41 through 50 of 109.00-
Awesome, just awesome!!! - 1992 Acura NSX
By Bartak59 - August 11 - 2:00 amAll I have to say is that the NSX is a Japanese Ferrari (except with better handling). If youre okay with not having the "prestige" of owning a European sports car, then this is the car. As far as Im concerned, it beats the pants off comparable Porsches, Ferraris, Lotus (junk), etc. Highly recommended!
-
Horsepower is Lagging. - 2004 Acura NSX
By Peter Pantazopoulos - July 24 - 2:00 amIn all it is a fun car and it turns heads. I dont like the fact I need to but a new set of tires every 7000 miles and also that the horsepower is not up to speed with the rest of the exotics in the class. Maintenance wise it is an incredible purchase and a very rugged vehicle.
-
EXOTIC IT IS - 1997 Acura NSX
By MSNFNGR - June 19 - 2:00 amI LOVE MY NSX-T, IT IS AN EYE CATCHER, FAST, THE BEST HANDLING CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. I AM THE SECOND OWNER WITH 24000 MILES, ITS A DREAM.
-
excellent! - 2004 Acura NSX
By Cpat - June 3 - 2:00 amThe car is a very nice looking car. Although i cannot afford such a car like that or any car i would love to just sit in it, i would love to own my on Acura. They are beautiful cars!
-
acura HXS - 2004 Acura NSX
By John zimmermen - May 5 - 2:00 amthe vehicle was very fun to drive and it sounds really great. you guys built this vehicle really sturdy
-
best car on the planet - 2004 Acura NSX
By samsoldit - April 23 - 2:00 amI will never sell this car! There is no better car in all of mankind!If you dont know, now you know!
-
1992 Pristine NSX - 1992 Acura NSX
By JohnS710 - April 14 - 2:00 amThis car is as perfect a sports car get. Handling is superior to all other sports cars in the 30-60k range. Only downfall is the small trunk space
-
Get it if you can! - 1991 Acura NSX
By NSXer4Life - April 14 - 2:00 amBest, fun, exotic, low maintenance vehicle Ive ever driven. Some people complain about the $2,000 to replace the clutch (thats if you do it at an Acura dealership), but if you own a used Ferrari, that $2,000 wont even get you 2 oil changes every 1,500 miles.
-
The perfect sports car? - 1996 Acura NSX
By Mountainbear1 - March 16 - 2:00 amIve owned my NSX for two years now and have been very happy with it. Even though its basic design is 13 years old, it is an ideal combination of style, reliability, economy, price and fun available.
-
2003 NSX - 2004 Acura NSX
By J. Brian - March 3 - 2:00 amThis car is the best price for a car that is an exotic that you can drive every day and not have to worry about the high cost of maintenance.
