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 51 through 60 of 109.00

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  My NSX car - 2004 Acura NSX
  By NicknPDX - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd NSX and for the price, its the best car Ive owned. Very comfortable interior and exterior. Its a head turner!

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  great car - 2004 Acura NSX
  By adam dinan - February 17 - 2:00 am

  this is with out a doubt the most exciting car i have ever had. the power is relentless! driving this car truely lets you feel in touch with the road.

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  reality of nsx - 2004 Acura NSX
  By duke3333333333333 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  STUNNING, AND LESS THAN 200 PER YEAR ARE MFD, MAKING MY RIDE SPECIAL. MAJOR PROBLEMS ARE FACTORY TIRES ARE TOO SOFT, LIFETIME OF RUBBER IS APX 6000 MILES IN DAY TO DAY DRIVING.ACURA SHOULD USE GOODYEAR F1S.RIDE WOULD BE BETTER AND RUBBER LAST TWICE AS LONG. THE LAST TIME I BURNT A CLUTCH OUT ON A SPORTSCAR- WAS IN 82, ON A 74 TRIUMPH TR6. CLUTCH ON THE NSX WEAR INCREDIBLY FAST & ACURA CHARGES 3G+ TO REPLACE. REASON 1 PURCHASES EXOTIC FROM HONDA/ACURA WOULD BE RELIABILITY. HOPEFULLY THE NEXT NSX WILL BE DESIGNED WITH THAT IN MIND. HOWEVER, I LOVE MY NSX!

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  BEST OF JAPAN - 2004 Acura NSX
  By Dan Dude - February 3 - 2:00 am

  i have driven many many super car in my lifetime, and this is by far the easiest to drive. At first i thought 300 bhp wasnt going to be enough, but was i wrong. this car is all about balance.. HONDA really did a good job. Cars i have driven: 2001 corvette, 1998 viper, 2003 M3, 1999 911 turbo.

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  Still on top - 1992 Acura NSX
  By swbatte - January 1 - 2:00 am

  If you want a reliable supercar, that will turn more heads than any Porsche, the NSX is for you! Still one of the finest cars on the road.

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  Greatest car Ive ever owned - 1991 Acura NSX
  By CanadaCraig - December 28 - 2:00 am

  The funny thing about owning an NSX is that you feel like youre in on a wonderful secret that not too many people know about. The NSX truly is a wonderful car. Its been over 8 years now - since I bought my 91 - and I STILL get excited whenever I even THINK of going for a drive. That said - both power window regulators were replaced [to include the stronger plastic clip that holds the windows in place] and the little a/c auto-temperature fan [the little fan behind that small grill on the dashboard] was replaced twice. I also replaced the clutch - once - and the clutch master cylinder.

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  Exotic thrill ride - 2004 Acura NSX
  By Pipster - December 6 - 2:00 am

  If you enjoy drving a Indy type race car on the street, which grabs more attention then a naked lady riding a horse. Then Acura has just the car for you, the NSX will cause severe neck injury to fellow motorist and pedestrians, while giving you the ultimate diriving experience for under 100K.

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  Fun to Drive - 1991 Acura NSX
  By Davidinvermont - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Since I bought my 91 Acura NSX (it had 36k on it) I have begun to enjoy driving again. So many of the new cars just float over the road, kind of unconnected. The NSX kind of fits around you and you become part of the car. The car has great acceleration, cornering and handling in general. I always get asked what kind of car it is. It is a real eye catcher. The sight lines are excellent. The vision at night is great due to the excellent headlights. All in all, a very fun car. Also, so far I have had little or no expenses from the car.

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  best car i have owned - 2004 Acura NSX
  By dan canter - November 25 - 2:00 am

  until you have the opportunity to drive this car every day, it is hard to give the car enough credit. everyone talks about the lack of horsepower for an exotic but if you know how to drive the car it is plenty!!! the build quality is superb and the handling is unbelievable. what a joy to get in every day!

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  chris - 2003 Acura NSX
  By chris0897687 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  a fast car with great duribility.