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    Honda NSX
    sports car

    Honda NSX

    by Honda

    "The supercar that redefined everyday usability"

    92%

    Rating

    4.6/5

    $60,000 (1991 base) – $200,000+ (used)Discontinued
    Community

    Overview

    The Honda NSX, sold in North America under the Acura brand, is a two-seat mid-engine sports car produced across two generations. The first-generation NSX (1990–2005) was a landmark vehicle: the first production car with an all-aluminum monocoque body, featuring a naturally aspirated V6 engine with Honda's VTEC variable valve timing. It aimed to deliver supercar performance with the reliability and refinement of a Honda. Legendary Formula One driver Ayrton Senna contributed to chassis development at the Nürburgring. The car earned near-universal acclaim for its handling, build quality, and daily usability, challenging established European exotics like the Ferrari 348 and Porsche 911.

    The second-generation NSX (2016–2022) reimagined the concept as a hybrid supercar. It paired a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, producing a combined 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed dual-clutch transmission and Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) provided torque vectoring and all-weather capability. The car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and reached a top speed of 191 mph. Despite its technological sophistication, sales underperformed Honda's projections, with about 2,600 units built over seven years. The second generation was discontinued after the 2022 model year, with a 600-horsepower Type S limited edition of 350 units marking the finale.

    Key Features

    • All-aluminum monocoque body (first production car to use it)
    • VTEC variable valve timing
    • Titanium connecting rods (first generation)
    • Sport Hybrid SH-AWD with torque vectoring (second generation)
    • Nine-speed dual-clutch transmission (second generation)
    • Multiple drive modes: Quiet, Sport, Sport+, Track (second generation)
    • Pop-up headlights (1990-1996), fixed headlights (1997-2005)
    • NSX-T targa top variant (from 1995)

    Specifications

    GenerationFirst (NA1/NA2), Second (NC1)
    Engine (First Gen)3.0L C30A V6 (1991-1996), 3.2L C32B V6 (1997-2005)
    Power (First Gen)270 hp (3.0L), 290 hp (3.2L)
    Engine (Second Gen)3.5L twin-turbo V6 + three electric motors
    Combined Power (Second Gen)573 hp (581 hp from 2019)
    Combined Torque (Second Gen)476 lb-ft
    Transmission (First Gen)5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
    Transmission (Second Gen)9-speed dual-clutch automatic
    0-60 mph (First Gen)5.0 seconds
    0-60 mph (Second Gen)2.9 seconds
    Top Speed (First Gen)168 mph
    Top Speed (Second Gen)191 mph
    Curb Weight (First Gen)3,010 lbs
    Curb Weight (Second Gen)3,803 lbs
    Drivetrain (Second Gen)Sport Hybrid SH-AWD
    Body ConstructionAll-aluminum monocoque

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • • Revolutionary all-aluminum construction
    • • Exceptional reliability for a supercar
    • • Everyday usability and refinement
    • • Advanced hybrid all-wheel-drive system (second gen)
    • • Strong owner community and aftermarket support

    Cons

    • • Limited interior space and cargo capacity
    • • Modest power compared to later competitors
    • • Second gen heavy and less emotionally engaging than rivals
    • • High pricing for second gen relative to brand perception
    • • Second gen sales underperformed, leading to early discontinuation

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does a Honda NSX cost?
    A used first-generation NSX (1991-2005) ranges from $40,000 for high-mileage examples to over $200,000 for low-mileage, well-maintained cars. The second-generation NSX (2017-2022) typically sells for $120,000 to $180,000 used, while the limited Type S can exceed $250,000.
    Is the Honda NSX worth it?
    The first-generation NSX offers exceptional reliability and driving experience for its price, making it a strong value in the used supercar market. The second-generation NSX provides all-weather capability and advanced hybrid technology but faces stiff competition from more emotionally engaging rivals.
    What are the Honda NSX specs?
    First generation: 270-290 hp, 3.0L or 3.2L V6, 0-60 in 5.0 seconds, top speed 168 mph. Second generation: 573-600 hp, 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid, 0-60 in 2.9 seconds, top speed 191 mph, all-wheel drive.
    When was the Honda NSX released?
    The first-generation NSX launched in Japan in August 1990 and in North America as a 1991 model. The second-generation NSX debuted for the 2017 model year, with production beginning in 2016. Production ended in 2005 for the first generation and 2022 for the second.
    Honda NSX vs Acura NSX: What's the difference?
    The Honda NSX and Acura NSX are the same car sold under different brand names in different markets. In North America, it is branded as an Acura, while in Japan and most other global markets, it is sold as a Honda. There are no mechanical differences between the two.

    Keywords

    Honda NSXAcura NSXmid-engine sports carVTECall-aluminumhybrid supercarSH-AWDJapanese supercar

    Product Info

    Brand
    Honda
    Manufacturer
    Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Category
    sports car
    Released
    1990-08-01
    Price
    $60,000 (1991 base) – $200,000+ (used)
    Availability
    Discontinued
    First Generation Production
    1990–2005
    Second Generation Production
    2016–2022
    Chief Engineer (First Gen)
    Shigeru Uehara
    Development Driver
    Ayrton Senna
    Total Production (First Gen)
    ~18,000 units
    Total Production (Second Gen)
    ~2,600 units

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