Acura NSX Road Test
1991-2005 Acura NSX
Our road test for this generation Acura NSX includes a full evaluation from the inside out.
We've evaluated every aspect of the Acura NSX and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons.
Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation Acura NSX is right for you.
1991-2005 Acura NSX Road Test
Pros - Acceleration | Steering and Handling | Antilock Brakes | Standard Traction Control | Build Quality
| Exterior Finish | Interior Materials and Equipment
Cons - Fuel Economy | Rear Visibility | Ride | Price | Cargo Room | Entry and Exit
Acura NSX Road-Test Evaluation
Honda's luxury division basically broke the sports-car rules with the NSX. For a high performance "exotic,"
the NSX is extremely refined, reliable, and very practical. Acura's sports car offers a unique
combination of race-car engineering, performance, and looks. This 2-seater is extremely fast and very smooth,
surprisingly quiet, and easier to drive than most high-performance exotic cars. Despite the small engines,
acceleration rivals that of the V8 Corvette and the late-'90s Porsche 911. Our tests bore out Acura's performance
claim, with 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.8 seconds. Even fuel economy is impressive. A late-model 6-speed NSX averaged
less than 22 mpg. The NSX offers most of the rewards of a true exotic with none of the usual drawbacks--except for
its high price. The well-behaved automatic transmission is only slightly less rewarding than the 5- or 6-speed stick.
Handling ranks among the world's best. Steering is precise, though a bit heavy for parking if it's not equipped with
the power assist option. Cornering is flat and stable, braking short and true, noise levels acceptable. The ride is
firm, but supple enough for such a high level of performance. Standard traction control enhances wet-road safety,
but can be switched off when not needed. On the down side, the low nose demands some caution around dips, parking-lot
barriers, and certain speed bumps. Despite road-hugging styling and a mid-engine layout, an NSX affords easier
entry and exit than most sports cars, including the Corvette, plus the best visibility of any exotic automobile.
Over-the-shoulder views are poor, however, and the top of the dashboard reflects in the windshield. Strong sunlight
can wash out the electronic climate and audio displays, too. There's enough cockpit space for husky 6-footers, and
the dashboard is as user friendly as a Legend's. Seating is low-slung but comfortable. Luggage space is sparse.
Value for the Money
Although early models were selling new for as much as $100,000 (or even higher), demand eased after a year or
two, sending transaction prices to MSRP. Secondhand too, an NSX is a lot more expensive than a Corvette or
a Porsche 911, yet it lacks the pedigree of similarly priced Ferraris. Still, it's definitely worth that high dollar
figure because of its blend of refinement, performance, and appealing ergonomics.