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 71 through 80 of 109.00-
nsx - 1999 Acura NSX
By hk4site - March 12 - 2:00 amI love the car it is everything I though it would be. The build quality is excellent maybe the best cat I have owned
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One of the finest exotic cars even built - 1991 Acura NSX
By sbfnsx - March 9 - 2:00 amA premier exotic. Its origin has kept it from the respect it deserves. Reviewers agree it is one of the best exotics ever made. It willbe superceded by a 2nd version, as it has had an long life span. This car will become a collectors item and will be a rare find in the future. Even with only summer driving, occasional road trips or track events, the car is well worth having in your stable. It can be used as a daily driver, but some, only enjoy its excellence on special occasions. It will perform flawlessly. This is one exotic that wont need $1000 oil changes! If you are lucky enough to drive or own an NSX, you will never be disappointed!
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THE WORLDS BEST CAR - 1991 Acura NSX
By lil m 2002 - March 1 - 2:00 amThis car has everything you ever want in a sports car. It is not only pushing some amazing horse,and is a fun car to drive. It also gives an exotic look, making you definatly stand out.Everything about it just turns you on. The speed,handling,RELIABILITY,comfort, and looks just make this car one to be druelled over.
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Cool Car - 2003 Acura NSX
By Leif Perry - February 9 - 2:00 amStylish, comfortable, luxurious, a nice car but overpriced... I recommend finding a used one.
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EXOTIC to say the least - 2003 Acura NSX
By NSXterblue - February 8 - 2:00 amHaving recently purchased an NSX, i have to say that this car is very specific. what i mean is that its not for everyone. It has the look of a ferrari or lambro, and a similar price,however it doesnt have the performance of them. Its close though. This car isnt one you should get if your looking for pure performance. You should get this if your looking for Exotic with Performance. THis car is more exotic than Ferraris and Lamborginis, its great with the new interiors and 13 seconds is more than enough for me
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The BEST Car - 2003 Acura NSX
By Hector Vaj - February 3 - 2:00 amthis certain type of automotive is a great buy. its an exotic car and a sporty car with many luxerious fundamentals added with its great horsepower and great performance.
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Wonderous - 2003 Acura NSX
By Julius - January 24 - 2:00 amI love the feel of this car. When Im traveling 80 mph, I feel like Im on cloud 9.
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so fine!!!!! - 2002 Acura NSX
By cfirstchoice - January 22 - 2:00 amWe rented a Ferrari for three days and hated it. One test drive in this car, my wife and I found out all our dislikes with Ferrari could be eliminated with an NSX!! Now we have all the power and great ride with amazing mileage but she looks so hot in her red NSX!! Ah what a problem to have - sorry Ferrari.
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best exotic on the market - 1995 Acura NSX
By rchphker - January 21 - 2:00 ami have owned 2 nsxs and both have been reliable, fun and fast. ferarri builds nice cars and the mystique is there, they are neither reliable or worth the price of admission. there are other cars that are faster 0-60 and in the quarter mile, but that isnt what the nsx is about, drive one and youll understand. it is not a car for the camaro lover, if that is your niche, stick to the vette.
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NSX - 2002 Acura NSX
By Long - January 10 - 2:00 amThis is a excellent car. I love it, it is fun to drive. Go and buy this car.
