Compared to the Corvette C5 and even the C6 it still looked contemporary. A refresh to the interior and rear could have kept it going for a while longer.
The first time I drove an NSX was on the German autobahn in 1998, it was a 1993 model that was in excellent condition. The speed was impressive, the engine sounded incredible, but what really stands out in my mind was it was dead stable at 140 mph and it was just smooth and easy to drive. No shakes, no rattles, it just had that solid “carved from one stone” feel that older Mercedes were famous for.
When I worked at Honda as an engineer in the late 90's they had an employee suggestion points system, where you could cash in "points" for fun benefits. One was an NSX for a week. The only rules were you couldn't take it out of the state. My supervisor won it for a week and took me for a ride around the Ohio backroads. It was a lot of fun!
@@JJ_5289 They probably do to encourage employee suggestions. I wonder if they upgraded the NSX? LOL I raced for their factory team and still stay in touch with my former teammates. They took my son on a hot lap in their new NSX at the track.
I drove my buddy's NSX in Canada many years ago and to this day, even as an E46 M3 owner, remains strong in my memory as an amazing experience. The view of the road ahead is almost panoramic/IMAX, the sound from the engine behind and the driving position and cabin quality. Amazing stuff.
view so low and wide it felt like you were hovering the road. the bucket seat fits like a tailored glove, and the efficient sounding engine growl from behind. it was just amazing.
That's not a quirk. If you look again that whole center peice is darker than the rest of the taillights. This is because JDM NSXs came with tinted tail lights. The owner replaced the center peice with the JDM tinted version but did not buy the left and right sides lol. All USDM cars came with either the word Acura on it or the later cars just had the Acura emblem
Totally agree with most things said here. As an owner of a '94, one of the first things I did was convert to a HID setup (was on Xenon, now on LED) so that I could see the road at night, suspension to make it handle even tighter, upgraded break discs so that I could stop at 'fun speeds,' and making the engine sound a little more exciting with an intake and full exhaust. Now I can see the road, stop when I have too much fun, predictably rotate with enough gas, and makes all the right 'fun enthusiast noises' on par with any OEM V8 or whatever of that era. While it may not be a "supercar" by the sheer lack of horsepower, it IS exotic, though... it's designed by the same studio that designed that F348 Ferrari (Pininfarina) and was entirely hand-built. It also killed that Ferrari and the 911 Turbo on the track in the first few model years, but became less competitive as the years went by when both the Italians and Germans majorly redesigned their cars with new everything , while this one simply made minor improvements. There were also fewer NSX's made in the entire 15-year run than of some modern Ferrari models (i.e. there were just over 9K NSXs made over 15 years compared to 15K-ish F488 models in just 4 years). With Type-R gears and a few tiny other mods it surprises a lot of people (mostly me), but it is absolutely the most fun and enthusiast-recognized cars I have ever owned. Non-enthusiasts still think it's a very cool Corvette :D. Mine has about 122K miles with a full top end motor/gasket/seal rebuild, and it's also been cheaper to maintain than a lot of the other cars, too. Over a decade ago these could go for the price of a fully-loaded V6 Honda Accord. I'm glad I decided to go the NSX route... granted, was it ever really an option?.. I was shopping for a used Corvette. :)
I had an early NA1. I can not agree more. For me, this is the car that gives the driver the most amazing feedback and engagement experience possible. I will never forget it. I love it. It is an engineering masterpiece. If you look at the rear control arms as a passionate engineer you start crying because they are so beautiful. It is that special.
Had a chance to look at the read subframe and suspension at my dealer and i’ve never seen something so beautiful even as a non engineer. I wen’t home and did some research and cried some more.
@@whoknows8678 Agreed. I've dailied my AP2 for almost 7 years, and have driven the NA1 NSX countless times on the canyons. They're definitely different cars. The S2000 is far more raw and visceral, but the NSX feels far more "stable" and drives like a grand tourer. However, I want to touch on the steering feel. Doug saying the wheel is communicative is nonsense. The NA1 doesn't have power steering, it has a manual rack, so it's pain to drive at low speed. I lift weights and I would still have to try harder than I'd like to move the wheel. The EPS rack in the NA2 makes it way more livable, but it is the same EPS rack out of the S2000, and it is absolutely terrible. It does NOT communicate at all. If you lose traction, the steering wheel doesn't do jerk, shake, or anything. You learn to rely on feeling through your butt (seat), hands (wheel), and feet (firewall). But it's an amazing car and I wouldn't sell it for anything. Toss that sucker on Ohlins and it'll change your life.
I got to drive an NSX at a few track days while trading a dentist for my S2000. Honestly the NSX felt sterile and a little passionless. Great stability and great body control, but it glides more than it shreds. The crazy thing is that it stayed in production for 14 years without changing much; notice how the odometer is the old-fashioned "roll over" style. This must be the last Honda with a non-digital odometer.
The mid 2000's was the golden era for a lot of things. I fix lawn mowers on the side and let me tell ya, my personal mower is a 2005 john deere zero turn. Since then they're literally built as cheap as possible to make it past the warranty.
Vacuum cleaners. I can lift them with one finger these days. Which is great for old folks or people who have handicaps but the quality is so cheap. I remember my parents making me carry the vacuum upstairs to clean and feeling like I was competing in World Strong Man. They lasted forever
The days when china didnt make everything. I still have my lawn mower from 2002, it is rusting but still working and only have 2 oil change so far. One of the reason toyota still havent changed the 4runner. Old school tried and true technology.
I think the "subdued" styling really helps this car. Even though the design was pretty much the same for 15 years, to me it showed that they got the design down because it really is timeless. There are few cars I would consider to look timeless, but the NSX is absolutely one of them, in fact a lot of Japanese cars from this era were just beautiful.
Great design is where every great line intersects with another great line. Nothing stops your eye from moving through it. This is why some cars stand the test of time from a beauty perspective while others start to look dated and old.
@@austinhaight2446 agreed most cars dont have that especially nowadays where theres crazy lines everywhere and sometimes the design language doesnt really make sense
@@jagamaphone2684 Some lines today have a lot more of a structural component to them than they used to, but corners are cut for cost savings on the production line. The NSX had a purpose designed monocoque whereas many more modern cars use a welded unibody that just add structural integration into body panels that are then welded together. It's no surprise that the NSX appears to be one whole idea and other modern cars look kind of pieced together, with similar themes abound as panels get stamped by the same lines prior to assembly.
I’ve dreamed of owning a first gen NSX or R34 but man, the prices have skyrocketed. I was fortunate enough to buy a stock ‘94 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, with less than 100K miles, which I absolutely love. Japanese sports cars from the 90s have aged so gracefully (when taken care of)
How perfect was this car in 1990? Barely tweaked for 15yrs. Added another gear, added 200cc of displacement, added fixed headlights, thats just about it. Perfect color combo on this one IMO. THE perfect interior layout IMO. Supremely balanced, with the reliability and drivability of a Honda Accord. Beautiful.
Doug smokin crack by by saying it's not drop dead gorgeous or crazy head turning! I know Doug was never fond of Hondas and didn't like all the love they get but come on bro, the NSX is one of the best looking cars of all time and that's a fact.
On any given day I’ll see Ferrari’s,Lambo’s, 918 Spyders,R8’s etc etc but nothing will make my head turn like an NSX….and if it were a white Type R in the US I’d literally faint lol.
HI Doug! Another thing that make this car so special is the fact that Honda developed it with close help from McLaren - Honda F1 Champion Ayrton Senna. Probably thats why it is so well balanced. Keep On The Good Work
It's not a *fact* that Senna helped with this car, that is simply what Honda's PR told us. We have no idea whether Senna had any involvement in the development of this car or not.
@@julianevans9548 With how close McLaren and Honda worked in F1, on top of Ayrton Senna's praise for the car and how there even is a special Senna version of the NSX, why would it not be true though?
@@kenlykkeslett7501 There was a Fiat Seicento Michael Schumacher Edition - with a whopping 1.1 litres of visceral power. How much do you think MS was involved with that? And because PR people lie in order to sell things.
Timeless design. These have always been high on my wish list. I remember when you could get a decent one for $20k. Unfortunately I didn't have $20k back then. 😄
Another dream car of mine. Thank you Doug. You have reviewed: a late 90s Supra, 90s Skyline GTR, your Ferrari 360 Modena, and the older Acura NSX. Now I can sleep at nights and dream sweet dreams about these legends. Thank you, Doug. You are my absolute favorite car journalist/enthusiast. Next to Papa Jay Leno. ❤️❤️💯
I owned a 1992 NSX (bought it in 2005) and kept it for about 2 years. Same color scheme, black exterior and beige leather interior. Restored the interior, gutted it and installed Dynamat. installed all new carpet and had the seats replaced with new leather. Mine had the pop-up headlights, stuck to the road like glue. Awesome car, would love to have it again!!
I still own my 1997 NSX. Monte Carlo blue pearl/ black (onyx) interior. One of 34 made in this combo in the world. I love it. 62k miles. I will never sell it, and it’s even got antique tags on it now, that it’s over 25 years old. “97 NSX”
I prefer the earlier version with the pop-up headlights. I've never liked the fixed headlights. It spoils the look of the front. I do like that they put a larger 3.2L V6 in it later on though over the earlier 3.0L V6. The NSX has been one of my dream cars since my childhood in the 90s. Still a beautiful and interesting car.
Totally agree. The pop-up headlight nose looks way cleaner. I get that by the mid-2000s it was an ancient technology, but it just matched that car so well.
I bet this car is a blast to drive on a track. The 3.2 in the Acura TL from the era was very enjoyable to rev out to redline. It sounded great and begged to be wrung out... having (what I assume is a very similar engine) in a sports car chassis, it's got to be so fun on a track.
The 3.0 automatic 250 hp still carried over to new fixed light body style. The 3.2 manual 290 hp was available to the old pop up body style for 1997 year in place of 3.0 manual 270hp. The new fixed light body style never got a new engine when introduced for 2002 model year. If I could buy one, My choice would be the 1997 3.2 in white if I were to be precise and price was no object. But any year from 1991 to 2001 manual would be great, even the 3.0 But the 2002-2005 also still look great.
Great review Doug. I had the chance to drive a friends '98 last year......Ive always loved the NSX, probably my all time favorite. I was actually surprised at the mid range power and smoothness. Its not a slow car by any means. The V6....while not a V8, sounds really quite good. I was surprised how "present" it seemed in the cabin with being completely stock. You can really hear it! like wearing headphones with the induction sound piped in. Beautiful, and so engaging
Awesome that it has 129K miles. That means the owners actually drove it and whoever buys it won’t worry about putting miles on it. This will always be an iconic car. Such a beautiful car.
@@enriquealomia6399 129k is not a lot. If buying a used car, we usually calculate with 10k km a year as average use. My 03' Jetta had 250k km, diesels can go up to 400k. Toyotas, Volvos can happily go over a million
When this car came out in the early 90s it changed culture immediately. It was beautiful and still is. We didn't know what to think about it we couldn't imagine that kind of car could cost less than $100,000 and be smoother than any Ferrari. Posters that were once only Ferraris and Lamborghinis now had the NSX.
@@atharvabhosale3529 I had a 93 FD RX-7 at the time making 425~rwhp at the time. I liked the NSX fit and finish, but felt it was anemic on the torque (I also have a supercharged LS2 2005 GTO making 550rwhp). But one day my friend asked me if I wanted to buy his NSX with 29k miles on it for $24k back in 2007 and the rest is history.
I loved selling the NSX. When they came out, we had one that the new owner wanted it tricked out. Gold plated wheels tinted windows, extra leather, all the accessories. It added over $15k to the car. Before it went out to be upgraded, I got to drive it fast. But as I'm 6'2" I hit my head on the ceiling, but it was so much fun. It scared a older couple when we pulled up very quickly.
Many people daily drove these because they're reliable and practical. Everything in the interior is where you'd expect it to be and built with Japanese quality. The engines are durable but easy to tune in classic Honda fashion. The handling is consistent and unsurprising.
Design wise, I think the NA2 deserved a higher rating. It managed to update a late 80’s design sold throughout the 90’s, and turned it into a design that aged almost perfectly as a 2000’s design.
Love this car. Always have. I remember seeing one being delivered to a dealer for the first time. Took my lunch break and walked next door to dealership to watch them unload it from an enclosed trailer. Years later a buddy I worked with had one. Use to drive it a bunch. Such a fun car. And IMHO. Black over tan is the best combo.
Doug, I think you missed the boat on the interior. When I test drove the NSX in September of 1990, the first thing I noticed was how much better the interior quality and design and fit and finish (and the visibility) was over its contemporaries - the 911, the 348 and especially the Lotus Esprit (a bunch of square panels) and the Corvette ZR1. The driving position, pedal/shifter placement was in another league. It's part of what made (still makes) the NSX a great driver's car, as you so rightly said. I bought a red '91 in 1997 and I still have it because that pure analog experience will likely never be replicated in a modern car.
Ayrton Senna was closely involved with the development of the NSX, and after seeing him drive one rather quickly around Suzuka, that was all the convincing I needed, and bought a 1992, used. I found it somewhat under powered, but the balance was perfect, and was the most neutral-handling car I'd ever driven. My car was black, and one of the quirks of this particular car was because the car was entirely aluminum, it tended to absorb & retain heat, becoming a big, rolling heat sink, so it was always stiflingly hot inside. Beyond that it was pure automotive perfection, and a dream to drive.
I loved that car! Look at that design! Unless you're paying exotic money, you're not getting that kind of design. And then to come with Honda's reliability. C'mon that's a win for anyone!
@@bindingcurve it's there, but to me that design doesn't blow your sox off. I like them going to mid engine, opens them up to better future designs, but that's not memorable like the NSX..
I remember the first time i actually saw an Acura NSX in person. I was in 6th grade at the time, hanging out with my boys on main st., Patchouge, NY. We see this red Ferrari looking super exotic car, but it wasn't a Ferrari... it had an Acura emblem. It had an alarm that warned to stand back, which was impressive for the time. It was a 1stgen Acura NSX, and even to this day, it is quite impressive.
I had an NSX in the late 90's, it was a 1995, white, NSX with the removable top. Despite going through tires every few thousand miles, I absolutely adored that car. It was unfortunately stolen right out in front of my apartment a few years after I had purchased it. Although the police told me that they expected the car was already half way to South America by the time I realized the theft and reported it, they ended up finding it a year later chopped to pieces in a chop shop a few counties north of where I lived. What a waste of a car, and at that point it was owned by the insurance company. Shame. By far one of my favorite cars I had ever owned, and is a major reason why I got into the Audi R8, because it reminds me of that NSX - even more so than the next gen NSX that was released several years ago. I had the 1995 model, which was a year before they bored the engine a few tenths of a liter adding another 20 horse power and scrapped the five speed for a six speed. Notwithstanding, the shifter was absolutely amazing, and 1st gear was seriously tall. If I recall correctly, I could easily hit 45mph in 1st gear. You could also change gears with your wrist the gears were so close together. Absolutely an amazing car, especially in the high rpm where it shines! Great review on the car! Best of luck to whoever ends up purchasing this very rare specimen.
@@berlingray8058 You got me. I assume they somehow hot-wired the damn thing. It don't believe that model had any special laser key coding. It was a normal metal key. I probably should have inquired after they located the car, but since insurance had already paid me for the loss I referred the investigating officer to the carrier.
@@danielshamy6335 I didn't have a nsx but I had an Integra that I adored dearly and was my first car. Got stolen as well. Back then Hondas/Acuras were so easy to steal. Master keys were very common at the time too I believe that's how mine was stolen
I had a friend whose dad had an NSX in the mid 90s. If we got within 10 ft. of the garage, his dad would get up and watch us through the window. My friend would get in trouble if he touched it, and I mean that literally. He got grounded for a few days for touching it and leaving a fingerprint while his dad was washing it. The man was obsessed with this car. Now that I'm an adult, I can't blame him too much for the obsession.
This generation was a tough one to like for me as my childhood dream car was the 1st generation. The headlights were the main issue of content. Ironically, I now own a 996TT. The same car that many Porsche purists disown due to the headlights. Thanks for 5he cool video Doug. It’s a stroll through memory lane for me.
The 996 Turbo and the extremely rare 996 Turbo S are very underrated cars that're starting to increase in value and popularity now that people are finally realizing what amazing cars they are, and the fact that it's a relative bargain compared to other P-cars.
Thats cool. I'm one of those people who never could understand the smear campaign held up to this day by televised auto auction personalities perpetuating the absolutely ridiculous to me, fried egg, dumbassery. Screw that noise. the 996s are great looking and driving car, especially my TT. I remember the first I heard someone on Top Gear maybe it was, make that reference and thought, what fringe group of round headlight loving, old curmudgeons started that. Sure, like any plastic lens, it will look like crap when it fogs up eventually.
the perfect model would be the 97' Type S Zero. it has the 3.2 with the 6 speed, it has kevlar recaro seats from factory, a type r steering wheel, does only come as a coupe (lighter and stiffer body) and its rare af.
These NSX's are the best cars of there era, I've owned 2 older ones & have a '04 with a supercharger kit which truly makes it so much better & fun, if it's a short drive or a long slog it's magnificent, Rj in Oz
Damn...my favorite. I actually liked the late model NSX's without flip-up headlights. So nice. If I could've afforded it, I would've bought the blue version back in 2015. Man super nice
My all time favorite car. I’ve owned a 1997 for just over 15 years. I don’t drive it as often as I would like. But balanced is the perfect word to describe this car. It IS a head turner, I get more thumbs up and people chasing me down than any thing else I drive. Every time I have to fuel up I allow 10-15 minutes to talk to or show people that ask about it when I’m at the pump. I can sit in the garage and stare at the lines more than any other car that I own. Going 50 feels like 90, plenty fast for what it is. In a stretch of twisties not getting out of third gear you will laugh out loud and giggle like a school girl! I think from time to time about selling and 30 minutes in this resets the clock and reminds me that this is not replaceable. Classic design and perfect out of the box. The aluminum body and craftsmanship is second to nine, when I tell you I have had zero problems from this I mean zero maintenance issues. Love this.
I was the ‘NSX Manager’ at a Honda dealership here in Australia in 1992. I sold one to a 348 owner, who left his Ferrari with me during a week-long test drive. When he returned, he said, “Keep the Ferrari! It’s crap compared to the NSX!” Having driven hundreds of cars in the preceding years working for a car magazine, the NSX was my all time favourite sports car. It remains so to this day.
One of the Best Car Chases i was ever involved in was against a NSX (Birmingham England)! We were in Police Volvo T5's and it lasted for almost an hour.
Great video. I bought my dream NSX, a 2005 in Long Beach Blue back in 2016. I got lucky, prices were dirt cheap back then for my low mileage example. She is a keeper
Nice car. That's a fantastic color. Never sell it, enjoy it. These have always been underrated but now people are starting to wake up and buy them. The nice thing is that miles don't really matter on these because they're well-built and reliable.
I just had the opportunity to drive a 1998 6 speed. Its been my standout favorite since they came out in the early 90's..........I wont ever forget it! Ultra smooth engine, perfect ergonomics, and very , very good suspension and handling. It just all seemed to be greater than the sum of it's parts.
I never saw the early ones as a kid, but I vividly remember the later ones all through high school. I perfered the exposed headlights, and I loved the understated purposefullness of the styling. The vehicular "walk softly and carry a big stick" I looked it up, and I personally liked the early "baseball" shifter knobs.
Honda in the late 1980s and 1990s made excellent cars. I owned a few....my favorites were the 1990 Prelude, 1989 Honda Legend Coupe, 1996 Honda Legend sedan, and one of my absolute favorites was a 1979 Honda Accord Coupe which I bought for #300 UK Pounds in 1993.
great video. I have A silver 2004 23k miles, No mods all OEM! Its the best real driving experience you can have. I also own A 2019 NSX. I like that car as well... But is not the same driving experience as this era NSX
There’s an awesome video on YT of Senna driving the wheels off one these, at I believe Suzuka. He literally drives the car at its limits the whole way round the track. It’s also cool because they put a camera on the pedals so you can watch his footwork.
Such a beautiful car, especially for something designed and built in Japan for the time. I would love to own and drive a 6-speed manual version of this car.
I have a 2006 Acura TL with no trans nor engine light on. 2nd owner. I like to call it an NSX because it’s just really good balanced sedan. Car was truly ahead of its time.
Great video Doug!....Thanks for doing reviews by yourself. Don't bring anyone else on for reviews. Garage talk, sure. But your reviews are something of a work of art. When you bring on random new people into your car reviews, it's like spitting on a Van Gogh or a Picasso. Thanks Doug. Cheers!
I never own one but drove it a few times. Balance is definitely the perfect word to describe this car. I think in a long run (like another 15 years) this NSX going to cost ridiculous amount of money
I place my 1996 Honda Prelude VTEC 5-speed up in the list of super sports cars. Its a second car in my garage today, but still as fun to drive as the day I purchased it.
Aw, I drive an MDX... lol. This is my top three favorite vehicles tho. The late models, especially in blue, or the R with the bigger wing (which we obviously didn't get but still) 300hp in a low mid engine, I'd really just wanna drive one lol. Thanks for showcasing the various versions, so cool, and beautiful! V6s 4lyfe ;)
Don’t forget Ayrton Senna drove the NSX like he drove his Formula One car. ' Senna's appreciation of the car he had helped to fine-tune was apparent in the exuberant way he drove it and the enthusiastic way in which he spoke about it.
@@rturner4205 Yes, It was a joint venture between audi and 'Senna import' to bring them to Brazil, his family still has an s4 avant that was Senna's personal car
We've been an Acura/Honda family for 22 years now. Oddly enough some of the NSX interior elements were also found in my 1989 Ford Probe. A/C vents on the doors, and turn signals, cruise and wiper controls on pods sprouting out from the steering column, with short levers. Turn signals especially are a carbon copy. I think 1980's Porsche 928s also had A/C vents on the door panel.
I was an Acura tech in the early 2000’s and I used to love driving them when they came in. I even had a customer with a twin turbo that someone had built in California that used to come in for regular service. These were as reliable as an Accord and the seats were comfortable enough to drive for hours at a time. These were so good and fun to drive and you could literally go to a Honda dealership for most service.
THANK YOU!! For reviewing this car you've teased me with the last few videos. I know you've done NSX's before, but damn the 2005 one is so sexy and special.
Seeing 1st gen NSX is just as rare as some truly exotic cars, and it's always a special moment! So yes it IS exotic. At least now, IMO, when they have become rare(-er... Than when they were released)
One of the best ways to look at an Acura is to think of it as nothing more than a Honda in a much nicer suit. 😊 That 290hp 3.2L is the same engine they put in the 3rd generation TL Type S and it was, as you stated, silky smooth.... even when the VTEC changeover happened high in the rev range. I have a 2010 TSX with the venerable K24 four cylinder that has proven absolutely bulletproof over a 1/4 million miles now. Maintained regularly they can run durn near indefinitely.
Not true. The TL Type S always had a J-series engine (J32 for the 2nd gen, J35 for the 3rd gen). While the 1st gen NSX always had a C-series engine. The C30A and C32B were exclusive to the NSX (and the Vemac Super GT).
I had a 95:Acura Legend that had the 3.2 liter V6 and I would be doing 135 mph and floating down the highway so I know a NSX must be amazing. My favorite car, I want one so bad
My all time favorite car. The story of production is also incredible, and at launch it beat all other supercars. Ferrari is so good now because they had to step up their game after Honda destroyed them with the NSX.
precisely what they all forget when talking about the nsx supposed "lack of power in comparsion" "only a v6" that v6 was enough to put ferrari and porsche in thier place back then. at least with compareable models. porsches turbo 911 was still faster but not the n/a models.
Love this car ❤ - It was totally undervalued in Germany when it was on sale. Nickname „Japanese Ferrari“ It was sold under the Honda Brandname (Acura didn‘t exist and is still not) So it has to share the showroom with a Kei-car Honda Jazz, not inviting to potential buyers. As a result this car in Germany is even more rare than the Ferraris of that era today. The interior seems to be inspired by the Porsche 928
You didn't mention that when they first came out the tires they put on them didn't last 8000 miles. They had to put the softest rubber on them to get the numbers in the handling department they wanted.
One drove by my house in Toronto the other day. Brought back great 90's memories. It was indeed old by 05 but still looked amazing. I love how quiet it was while passing by as I despise loud vehicles of any kind.
The NA2 NSX was only offered in the Targa version in America, from 2002-5. That's why they were "all" targas by the end. You could still get a fixed-roof version in other markets until the end of production in 2005.
You could special order a coupe in America but they are super rare and command top dollar. All Zanardi edition NSXs (US version of the type s) were all coupes also
@@MHounan I did not know the coupes were available via special order. The Zanardi Edition however was based on an 1999 NA1 Type S. I was referring to NA2 only.
Great review ! Quite rightly Doug talks about the balanced nature of the NSX. That is exactly what the Honda designers concluded after studying what made a sports car special - balance is the most important thing. Balance was also key to those other world changing Japanese cars of 1990 - the Mazda MX5 and Lexus LS400.
Working in Santa Barbara, I see a few Ferrari each week. As much as I'd love something crazy like an F40 or a 488, I've only ever seen one NSX ever. And I've never wanted a car so bad in my life. Doug has his Ford GT and his Carrera, but for me it's the NSX.
The 15" wheels fit the shape of the car better. It's so low and thin, like an airplane, and big wheels only spoil that look. I also like the "older" design with pop-up headlights more
The NSX is probably the only sports car from this era that I'd try to keep if you gave me one. The rest of them, I'd sell without a second thought. As I've gotten older and become more of a fossil than T-Rex, my tastes have shifted from flashy cars to practical cars. The NSX was one of the rare cars that was both. You could drive it without breaking it, and I like that. The car I own today has more horsepower than the NSX, but I'm sure the NSX kills my modern car where the driving experience is concerned.
I don’t think the styling looked “old” in ‘05… this design is simple, sleek and timeless! It still looks great to this day!
The dash didlook old by 2005 , that alumiplastic stuff madeit worse. Should have gotten a revised hvac controls and EL gauges
Maybe not old, but surely a little dated.
Which isn't necessarily a bad thing for a classic like this, though
It's essentially a wedge-shaped car with obviously replaced popup headlights. That's the definition of dated
Compared to the Corvette C5 and even the C6 it still looked contemporary. A refresh to the interior and rear could have kept it going for a while longer.
It's elegant.
The first time I drove an NSX was on the German autobahn in 1998, it was a 1993 model that was in excellent condition. The speed was impressive, the engine sounded incredible, but what really stands out in my mind was it was dead stable at 140 mph and it was just smooth and easy to drive. No shakes, no rattles, it just had that solid “carved from one stone” feel that older Mercedes were famous for.
Nice to read that.
But no one bought these.
When I worked at Honda as an engineer in the late 90's they had an employee suggestion points system, where you could cash in "points" for fun benefits. One was an NSX for a week. The only rules were you couldn't take it out of the state. My supervisor won it for a week and took me for a ride around the Ohio backroads. It was a lot of fun!
That's pretty cool. I wonder if they still have a system like that
@@JJ_5289 They probably do to encourage employee suggestions. I wonder if they upgraded the NSX? LOL I raced for their factory team and still stay in touch with my former teammates. They took my son on a hot lap in their new NSX at the track.
@@kimber1911 that's awsome
Ehne-sex
Your supervisor? Like your nanny?
I drove my buddy's NSX in Canada many years ago and to this day, even as an E46 M3 owner, remains strong in my memory as an amazing experience. The view of the road ahead is almost panoramic/IMAX, the sound from the engine behind and the driving position and cabin quality. Amazing stuff.
view so low and wide it felt like you were hovering the road. the bucket seat fits like a tailored glove, and the efficient sounding engine growl from behind. it was just amazing.
panoramic/imax
when doug makes 4 videos on a single car, u know how good the car is
This is the 5th video; possibly 6th video about the NSX.
Those car are different in terms of model year and some of them is limited edition
@@saman_tabieb I'd still rather have an NSX than a Ferrari.
3rd video on the 1st gen nsx
More like you know it's for sale on Cars and Bids.
This is probably stylistically one of my all-time favorites. I adore this car, but I admit I'm heavily clouded by nostalgia. Truly an automotive icon.
I'm surprised that Doug didn't mention the Honda badge on the back when the rest are Acura. Seems like a quirk that he'd normally talk about.
That's not a quirk. If you look again that whole center peice is darker than the rest of the taillights. This is because JDM NSXs came with tinted tail lights. The owner replaced the center peice with the JDM tinted version but did not buy the left and right sides lol. All USDM cars came with either the word Acura on it or the later cars just had the Acura emblem
In my opinion the quirk that he should've mentioned is the car has 2 rear windows.
He also forgot to say that the car stereo was not original because it had a sony stereo screen....
Acura is rebadged Honda
@@edwardvalivonis23 Yes everyone knows that
Totally agree with most things said here. As an owner of a '94, one of the first things I did was convert to a HID setup (was on Xenon, now on LED) so that I could see the road at night, suspension to make it handle even tighter, upgraded break discs so that I could stop at 'fun speeds,' and making the engine sound a little more exciting with an intake and full exhaust. Now I can see the road, stop when I have too much fun, predictably rotate with enough gas, and makes all the right 'fun enthusiast noises' on par with any OEM V8 or whatever of that era. While it may not be a "supercar" by the sheer lack of horsepower, it IS exotic, though... it's designed by the same studio that designed that F348 Ferrari (Pininfarina) and was entirely hand-built. It also killed that Ferrari and the 911 Turbo on the track in the first few model years, but became less competitive as the years went by when both the Italians and Germans majorly redesigned their cars with new everything , while this one simply made minor improvements. There were also fewer NSX's made in the entire 15-year run than of some modern Ferrari models (i.e. there were just over 9K NSXs made over 15 years compared to 15K-ish F488 models in just 4 years). With Type-R gears and a few tiny other mods it surprises a lot of people (mostly me), but it is absolutely the most fun and enthusiast-recognized cars I have ever owned. Non-enthusiasts still think it's a very cool Corvette :D. Mine has about 122K miles with a full top end motor/gasket/seal rebuild, and it's also been cheaper to maintain than a lot of the other cars, too. Over a decade ago these could go for the price of a fully-loaded V6 Honda Accord. I'm glad I decided to go the NSX route... granted, was it ever really an option?.. I was shopping for a used Corvette. :)
These NSX's are much more valuable if they are left stock.
I had an early NA1. I can not agree more. For me, this is the car that gives the driver the most amazing feedback and engagement experience possible. I will never forget it. I love it. It is an engineering masterpiece. If you look at the rear control arms as a passionate engineer you start crying because they are so beautiful. It is that special.
Had a chance to look at the read subframe and suspension at my dealer and i’ve never seen something so beautiful even as a non engineer. I wen’t home and did some research and cried some more.
You've clearly never driven an s2000.
@@sdlausen1 And? They're both great cars and neither one takes anything away from the other.
@@whoknows8678 Agreed. I've dailied my AP2 for almost 7 years, and have driven the NA1 NSX countless times on the canyons. They're definitely different cars. The S2000 is far more raw and visceral, but the NSX feels far more "stable" and drives like a grand tourer.
However, I want to touch on the steering feel. Doug saying the wheel is communicative is nonsense. The NA1 doesn't have power steering, it has a manual rack, so it's pain to drive at low speed. I lift weights and I would still have to try harder than I'd like to move the wheel. The EPS rack in the NA2 makes it way more livable, but it is the same EPS rack out of the S2000, and it is absolutely terrible. It does NOT communicate at all. If you lose traction, the steering wheel doesn't do jerk, shake, or anything. You learn to rely on feeling through your butt (seat), hands (wheel), and feet (firewall). But it's an amazing car and I wouldn't sell it for anything. Toss that sucker on Ohlins and it'll change your life.
I got to drive an NSX at a few track days while trading a dentist for my S2000. Honestly the NSX felt sterile and a little passionless. Great stability and great body control, but it glides more than it shreds. The crazy thing is that it stayed in production for 14 years without changing much; notice how the odometer is the old-fashioned "roll over" style. This must be the last Honda with a non-digital odometer.
The mid 2000's was the golden era for a lot of things. I fix lawn mowers on the side and let me tell ya, my personal mower is a 2005 john deere zero turn. Since then they're literally built as cheap as possible to make it past the warranty.
Vacuum cleaners. I can lift them with one finger these days. Which is great for old folks or people who have handicaps but the quality is so cheap. I remember my parents making me carry the vacuum upstairs to clean and feeling like I was competing in World Strong Man. They lasted forever
The days when china didnt make everything. I still have my lawn mower from 2002, it is rusting but still working and only have 2 oil change so far. One of the reason toyota still havent changed the 4runner. Old school tried and true technology.
I think the "subdued" styling really helps this car. Even though the design was pretty much the same for 15 years, to me it showed that they got the design down because it really is timeless. There are few cars I would consider to look timeless, but the NSX is absolutely one of them, in fact a lot of Japanese cars from this era were just beautiful.
Great design is where every great line intersects with another great line. Nothing stops your eye from moving through it. This is why some cars stand the test of time from a beauty perspective while others start to look dated and old.
This car has that, I just have to have one look & feel. The silhouette is perfect, the car would be perfect to me if it had about 350rwhp.
@@austinhaight2446 agreed most cars dont have that especially nowadays where theres crazy lines everywhere and sometimes the design language doesnt really make sense
The z32 twin tubo too was a timeless design in my opinion. Its also an extremely original design without any borrowed design elements.
@@jagamaphone2684 Some lines today have a lot more of a structural component to them than they used to, but corners are cut for cost savings on the production line. The NSX had a purpose designed monocoque whereas many more modern cars use a welded unibody that just add structural integration into body panels that are then welded together. It's no surprise that the NSX appears to be one whole idea and other modern cars look kind of pieced together, with similar themes abound as panels get stamped by the same lines prior to assembly.
I’ve dreamed of owning a first gen NSX or R34 but man, the prices have skyrocketed. I was fortunate enough to buy a stock ‘94 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, with less than 100K miles, which I absolutely love. Japanese sports cars from the 90s have aged so gracefully (when taken care of)
How perfect was this car in 1990? Barely tweaked for 15yrs. Added another gear, added 200cc of displacement, added fixed headlights, thats just about it. Perfect color combo on this one IMO. THE perfect interior layout IMO. Supremely balanced, with the reliability and drivability of a Honda Accord. Beautiful.
For 2005 they should of put the 3.5L motor....
@@hacatan24 not sure if it would have fitted, the 3.2 is already taking up a lot of space.
Shoulda kept the popups
@@80s_Boombox_Collector I like em both in this particular example. Generally though, I'm with you.
I think there are more differences. The facelift has different brakes for example.
Doug smokin crack by by saying it's not drop dead gorgeous or crazy head turning! I know Doug was never fond of Hondas and didn't like all the love they get but come on bro, the NSX is one of the best looking cars of all time and that's a fact.
On any given day I’ll see Ferrari’s,Lambo’s, 918 Spyders,R8’s etc etc but nothing will make my head turn like an NSX….and if it were a white Type R in the US I’d literally faint lol.
HI Doug! Another thing that make this car so special is the fact that Honda developed it with close help from McLaren - Honda F1 Champion Ayrton Senna.
Probably thats why it is so well balanced.
Keep On The Good Work
Senna also called the NSX a supercar, when a 3x WDC says that about your car, its damn good
It's not a *fact* that Senna helped with this car, that is simply what Honda's PR told us. We have no idea whether Senna had any involvement in the development of this car or not.
@@Icemann336 Or he was a Honda employee.
@@julianevans9548 With how close McLaren and Honda worked in F1, on top of Ayrton Senna's praise for the car and how there even is a special Senna version of the NSX, why would it not be true though?
@@kenlykkeslett7501 There was a Fiat Seicento Michael Schumacher Edition - with a whopping 1.1 litres of visceral power. How much do you think MS was involved with that?
And because PR people lie in order to sell things.
Timeless design. These have always been high on my wish list. I remember when you could get a decent one for $20k. Unfortunately I didn't have $20k back then. 😄
These have never been $20k, maybe a parts car..
@@tianzhou1244 not in a long time, but I promise they were out there 😉
Another dream car of mine.
Thank you Doug. You have reviewed: a late 90s Supra, 90s Skyline GTR, your Ferrari 360 Modena, and the older Acura NSX. Now I can sleep at nights and dream sweet dreams about these legends.
Thank you, Doug. You are my absolute favorite car journalist/enthusiast. Next to Papa Jay Leno. ❤️❤️💯
Hello how is your day going?
Missing MR2 SW20
I saw a lovely Nissan Skyline in Dublin Ireland yesterday. Years since I've seen one. Exchanged a big thumbs up with the driver as he passed.
Dont think he ever touched a celica
This is the best looking Honda ever. Beautiful design. This last generation NSX looks the best.
I owned a 1992 NSX (bought it in 2005) and kept it for about 2 years. Same color scheme, black exterior and beige leather interior. Restored the interior, gutted it and installed Dynamat. installed all new carpet and had the seats replaced with new leather. Mine had the pop-up headlights, stuck to the road like glue. Awesome car, would love to have it again!!
Hi, just my curiosity, why did you sell it?
@@deki-chan6922 wanted to pay off the loan
I still own my 1997 NSX. Monte Carlo blue pearl/ black (onyx) interior. One of 34 made in this combo in the world. I love it. 62k miles. I will never sell it, and it’s even got antique tags on it now, that it’s over 25 years old. “97 NSX”
I prefer the earlier version with the pop-up headlights. I've never liked the fixed headlights. It spoils the look of the front. I do like that they put a larger 3.2L V6 in it later on though over the earlier 3.0L V6. The NSX has been one of my dream cars since my childhood in the 90s. Still a beautiful and interesting car.
Better aero at the cost of headlights exposed to UV and getting hazy
Totally agree. The pop-up headlight nose looks way cleaner. I get that by the mid-2000s it was an ancient technology, but it just matched that car so well.
I bet this car is a blast to drive on a track.
The 3.2 in the Acura TL from the era was very enjoyable to rev out to redline. It sounded great and begged to be wrung out... having (what I assume is a very similar engine) in a sports car chassis, it's got to be so fun on a track.
The 3.0 automatic 250 hp still carried over to new fixed light body style. The 3.2 manual 290 hp was available to the old pop up body style for 1997 year in place of 3.0 manual 270hp. The new fixed light body style never got a new engine when introduced for 2002 model year. If I could buy one, My choice would be the 1997 3.2 in white if I were to be precise and price was no object. But any year from 1991 to 2001 manual would be great, even the 3.0 But the 2002-2005 also still look great.
I prefer the 1997 Honda NSX Type S. It had the popup headlights, the larger 3.2 engine, and a 6 speed gearbox.
Great review Doug. I had the chance to drive a friends '98 last year......Ive always loved the NSX, probably my all time favorite. I was actually surprised at the mid range power and smoothness. Its not a slow car by any means. The V6....while not a V8, sounds really quite good. I was surprised how "present" it seemed in the cabin with being completely stock. You can really hear it! like wearing headphones with the induction sound piped in. Beautiful, and so engaging
Awesome that it has 129K miles. That means the owners actually drove it and whoever buys it won’t worry about putting miles on it.
This will always be an iconic car. Such a beautiful car.
Yeah but regardless of what car 129,000 is a lot of miles
@@enriquealomia6399 Not for a Honda/Acura and Toyota.
@@enriquealomia6399 yep. It even can last 500k miles.
@@enriquealomia6399 129k is not a lot. If buying a used car, we usually calculate with 10k km a year as average use. My 03' Jetta had 250k km, diesels can go up to 400k. Toyotas, Volvos can happily go over a million
It’s still only 7,200 miles a year avg not that high.
When this car came out in the early 90s it changed culture immediately. It was beautiful and still is. We didn't know what to think about it we couldn't imagine that kind of car could cost less than $100,000 and be smoother than any Ferrari. Posters that were once only Ferraris and Lamborghinis now had the NSX.
I love my 1993 NSX way more after I had the engine built to handle the 450~500rwhp (Flex Fuel). It just feels so perfect now.
You are one lucky guy! To have an NSX
@@atharvabhosale3529 I had a 93 FD RX-7 at the time making 425~rwhp at the time. I liked the NSX fit and finish, but felt it was anemic on the torque (I also have a supercharged LS2 2005 GTO making 550rwhp). But one day my friend asked me if I wanted to buy his NSX with 29k miles on it for $24k back in 2007 and the rest is history.
Does 500 wheel require rods as well as pistons?
no one asked or was wondering about your car, this is not about you
When an RX-7 (217 tq) owner complains about the NSX's "lack of torque" (210tq)
😂😂
I loved selling the NSX. When they came out, we had one that the new owner wanted it tricked out. Gold plated wheels tinted windows, extra leather, all the accessories. It added over $15k to the car. Before it went out to be upgraded, I got to drive it fast. But as I'm 6'2" I hit my head on the ceiling, but it was so much fun. It scared a older couple when we pulled up very quickly.
I love that this car has the mileage it does. A driver!
Many people daily drove these because they're reliable and practical. Everything in the interior is where you'd expect it to be and built with Japanese quality. The engines are durable but easy to tune in classic Honda fashion. The handling is consistent and unsurprising.
Design wise, I think the NA2 deserved a higher rating. It managed to update a late 80’s design sold throughout the 90’s, and turned it into a design that aged almost perfectly as a 2000’s design.
Love this car. Always have. I remember seeing one being delivered to a dealer for the first time. Took my lunch break and walked next door to dealership to watch them unload it from an enclosed trailer. Years later a buddy I worked with had one. Use to drive it a bunch. Such a fun car.
And IMHO. Black over tan is the best combo.
Doug, I think you missed the boat on the interior. When I test drove the NSX in September of 1990, the first thing I noticed was how much better the interior quality and design and fit and finish (and the visibility) was over its contemporaries - the 911, the 348 and especially the Lotus Esprit (a bunch of square panels) and the Corvette ZR1. The driving position, pedal/shifter placement was in another league. It's part of what made (still makes) the NSX a great driver's car, as you so rightly said. I bought a red '91 in 1997 and I still have it because that pure analog experience will likely never be replicated in a modern car.
Ayrton Senna was closely involved with the development of the NSX, and after seeing him drive one rather quickly around Suzuka, that was all the convincing I needed, and bought a 1992, used. I found it somewhat under powered, but the balance was perfect, and was the most neutral-handling car I'd ever driven. My car was black, and one of the quirks of this particular car was because the car was entirely aluminum, it tended to absorb & retain heat, becoming a big, rolling heat sink, so it was always stiflingly hot inside. Beyond that it was pure automotive perfection, and a dream to drive.
Ayrton had a black 1992 too haha, the car is still with his family
22:26 i’ve seen Doug display joy, giddy excitement, and disappointment, but this is the first time I think I’ve ever seen utter contentment.
I loved that car! Look at that design! Unless you're paying exotic money, you're not getting that kind of design. And then to come with Honda's reliability. C'mon that's a win for anyone!
So the C8 does not exist?
@@bindingcurve it's there, but to me that design doesn't blow your sox off. I like them going to mid engine, opens them up to better future designs, but that's not memorable like the NSX..
@@bindingcurve the c8 doesnt look anywhere near as good as the nsx imo and it doesnt offer the same driver feel
I remember the first time i actually saw an Acura NSX in person. I was in 6th grade at the time, hanging out with my boys on main st., Patchouge, NY. We see this red Ferrari looking super exotic car, but it wasn't a Ferrari... it had an Acura emblem. It had an alarm that warned to stand back, which was impressive for the time. It was a 1stgen Acura NSX, and even to this day, it is quite impressive.
I had an NSX in the late 90's, it was a 1995, white, NSX with the removable top. Despite going through tires every few thousand miles, I absolutely adored that car. It was unfortunately stolen right out in front of my apartment a few years after I had purchased it. Although the police told me that they expected the car was already half way to South America by the time I realized the theft and reported it, they ended up finding it a year later chopped to pieces in a chop shop a few counties north of where I lived. What a waste of a car, and at that point it was owned by the insurance company. Shame. By far one of my favorite cars I had ever owned, and is a major reason why I got into the Audi R8, because it reminds me of that NSX - even more so than the next gen NSX that was released several years ago. I had the 1995 model, which was a year before they bored the engine a few tenths of a liter adding another 20 horse power and scrapped the five speed for a six speed. Notwithstanding, the shifter was absolutely amazing, and 1st gear was seriously tall. If I recall correctly, I could easily hit 45mph in 1st gear. You could also change gears with your wrist the gears were so close together. Absolutely an amazing car, especially in the high rpm where it shines! Great review on the car! Best of luck to whoever ends up purchasing this very rare specimen.
How were they able to start the car????
@@berlingray8058 You got me. I assume they somehow hot-wired the damn thing. It don't believe that model had any special laser key coding. It was a normal metal key. I probably should have inquired after they located the car, but since insurance had already paid me for the loss I referred the investigating officer to the carrier.
@@danielshamy6335 I didn't have a nsx but I had an Integra that I adored dearly and was my first car. Got stolen as well. Back then Hondas/Acuras were so easy to steal. Master keys were very common at the time too I believe that's how mine was stolen
I had a friend whose dad had an NSX in the mid 90s. If we got within 10 ft. of the garage, his dad would get up and watch us through the window. My friend would get in trouble if he touched it, and I mean that literally. He got grounded for a few days for touching it and leaving a fingerprint while his dad was washing it. The man was obsessed with this car. Now that I'm an adult, I can't blame him too much for the obsession.
This generation was a tough one to like for me as my childhood dream car was the 1st generation. The headlights were the main issue of content. Ironically, I now own a 996TT. The same car that many Porsche purists disown due to the headlights.
Thanks for 5he cool video Doug. It’s a stroll through memory lane for me.
The 996 Turbo and the extremely rare 996 Turbo S are very underrated cars that're starting to increase in value and popularity now that people are finally realizing what amazing cars they are, and the fact that it's a relative bargain compared to other P-cars.
I have a ‘99 996 C2. And I do plan on eventually, hopefully, upgrading to a 996TT.
Plus, these later fixed headlights looked straight off a Mitsubishi 3000gt.
Thats cool. I'm one of those people who never could understand the smear campaign held up to this day by televised auto auction personalities perpetuating the absolutely ridiculous to me, fried egg, dumbassery. Screw that noise. the 996s are great looking and driving car, especially my TT. I remember the first I heard someone on Top Gear maybe it was, make that reference and thought, what fringe group of round headlight loving, old curmudgeons started that. Sure, like any plastic lens, it will look like crap when it fogs up eventually.
996.1 still look bad, but the 996.2 are very good looking imho.
Classic NSX’s are my favorite car ever! Saw one the other day and I just get the chills.
It's not the same without the pop up headlight, I prefer the design of the pre facelift version.
Agree that’s the only thing I don’t like. Maybe just me but it reminds me of the Mitsu 3000GT once they too did away with the pop ups.
the perfect model would be the 97' Type S Zero.
it has the 3.2 with the 6 speed, it has kevlar recaro seats from factory, a type r steering wheel, does only come as a coupe (lighter and stiffer body) and its rare af.
James Pumphrey has left the chat.
Perhaps but in the real world I'm going to choose the updated 3.2 engine over pop-up headlights every time.
@@GreenBeats11 but you could have both. the 3.2 6 speed was available from 1997 on. the less atractive headlights came in 2002.
These NSX's are the best cars of there era, I've owned 2 older ones & have a '04 with a supercharger kit which truly makes it so much better & fun, if it's a short drive or a long slog it's magnificent, Rj in Oz
Damn...my favorite. I actually liked the late model NSX's without flip-up headlights. So nice. If I could've afforded it, I would've bought the blue version back in 2015. Man super nice
My all time favorite car. I’ve owned a 1997 for just over 15 years. I don’t drive it as often as I would like. But balanced is the perfect word to describe this car. It IS a head turner, I get more thumbs up and people chasing me down than any thing else I drive. Every time I have to fuel up I allow 10-15 minutes to talk to or show people that ask about it when I’m at the pump. I can sit in the garage and stare at the lines more than any other car that I own. Going 50 feels like 90, plenty fast for what it is. In a stretch of twisties not getting out of third gear you will laugh out loud and giggle like a school girl! I think from time to time about selling and 30 minutes in this resets the clock and reminds me that this is not replaceable. Classic design and perfect out of the box. The aluminum body and craftsmanship is second to nine, when I tell you I have had zero problems from this I mean zero maintenance issues. Love this.
Wow... you exactly sound like me. I still have my 1991 and everything you said resonates with me.
One single thing Doug didn't mention - they STILL look current.
Sadly I have never owned such a beautiful car...if you have, you are truly blessed!
I was the ‘NSX Manager’ at a Honda dealership here in Australia in 1992. I sold one to a 348 owner, who left his Ferrari with me during a week-long test drive. When he returned, he said, “Keep the Ferrari! It’s crap compared to the NSX!” Having driven hundreds of cars in the preceding years working for a car magazine, the NSX was my all time favourite sports car. It remains so to this day.
One of the Best Car Chases i was ever involved in was against a NSX (Birmingham England)! We were in Police Volvo T5's and it lasted for almost an hour.
Well, that's a unique endorsement! 😅👍
Great video. I bought my dream NSX, a 2005 in Long Beach Blue back in 2016. I got lucky, prices were dirt cheap back then for my low mileage example. She is a keeper
Nobody cares
Nice car. That's a fantastic color. Never sell it, enjoy it. These have always been underrated but now people are starting to wake up and buy them. The nice thing is that miles don't really matter on these because they're well-built and reliable.
@@daveclark3829 I care. It's fun to hear about other peoples' cars.
@@daveclark3829 People do care, I’m pleased the guy is driving the car of his dreams. No need for that response.
@@daveclark3829
You cared enough to reply…
I just had the opportunity to drive a 1998 6 speed. Its been my standout favorite since they came out in the early 90's..........I wont ever forget it! Ultra smooth engine, perfect ergonomics, and very , very good suspension and handling. It just all seemed to be greater than the sum of it's parts.
I never saw the early ones as a kid, but I vividly remember the later ones all through high school.
I perfered the exposed headlights, and I loved the understated purposefullness of the styling. The vehicular "walk softly and carry a big stick"
I looked it up, and I personally liked the early "baseball" shifter knobs.
Honda in the late 1980s and 1990s made excellent cars. I owned a few....my favorites were the 1990 Prelude, 1989 Honda Legend Coupe, 1996 Honda Legend sedan, and one of my absolute favorites was a 1979 Honda Accord Coupe which I bought for #300 UK Pounds in 1993.
"so you can drive away with the wind in your hair.""
Editor uses stock footage of a bald guy driving it.
The NSX and F355 have timeless styling.
My Dad took one of these for a test drive in 1996. I got to ride in it. That's something I'll never forget!
great video. I have A silver 2004 23k miles, No mods all OEM! Its the best real driving experience you can have. I also own A 2019 NSX. I like that car as well... But is not the same driving experience as this era NSX
Such a cool car. Game changer for reliability in low volume production.
There’s an awesome video on YT of Senna driving the wheels off one these, at I believe Suzuka. He literally drives the car at its limits the whole way round the track. It’s also cool because they put a camera on the pedals so you can watch his footwork.
Such a beautiful car, especially for something designed and built in Japan for the time. I would love to own and drive a 6-speed manual version of this car.
I have a 2006 Acura TL with no trans nor engine light on. 2nd owner. I like to call it an NSX because it’s just really good balanced sedan. Car was truly ahead of its time.
This is without a doubt my favorite car of all time!
Great video Doug!....Thanks for doing reviews by yourself. Don't bring anyone else on for reviews. Garage talk, sure. But your reviews are something of a work of art. When you bring on random new people into your car reviews, it's like spitting on a Van Gogh or a Picasso. Thanks Doug. Cheers!
I never own one but drove it a few times. Balance is definitely the perfect word to describe this car. I think in a long run (like another 15 years) this NSX going to cost ridiculous amount of money
I place my 1996 Honda Prelude VTEC 5-speed up in the list of super sports cars. Its a second car in my garage today, but still as fun to drive as the day I purchased it.
Aw, I drive an MDX... lol. This is my top three favorite vehicles tho. The late models, especially in blue, or the R with the bigger wing (which we obviously didn't get but still) 300hp in a low mid engine, I'd really just wanna drive one lol. Thanks for showcasing the various versions, so cool, and beautiful! V6s 4lyfe ;)
Honda badge would make so much difference to the steering wheel, the previous wheel was so much better narrow and race like
Don’t forget Ayrton Senna drove the NSX like he drove his Formula One car. ' Senna's appreciation of the car he had helped to fine-tune was apparent in the exuberant way he drove it and the enthusiastic way in which he spoke about it.
There is a video of Senna driving one of these around Suzuka. In Loafers.
This car is very rare here in Brazil, we only have 10 units and one of them belonged to Ayrton, who is still with his family
@@AntonioMontanhas Didn't he also help Audi break into Brazil?
@@rturner4205 Yes, It was a joint venture between audi and 'Senna import' to bring them to Brazil, his family still has an s4 avant that was Senna's personal car
We've been an Acura/Honda family for 22 years now. Oddly enough some of the NSX interior elements were also found in my 1989 Ford Probe. A/C vents on the doors, and turn signals, cruise and wiper controls on pods sprouting out from the steering column, with short levers. Turn signals especially are a carbon copy. I think 1980's Porsche 928s also had A/C vents on the door panel.
I really think the pop up headlights look alot better on this particular, they match the lines of the car better
I was an Acura tech in the early 2000’s and I used to love driving them when they came in. I even had a customer with a twin turbo that someone had built in California that used to come in for regular service. These were as reliable as an Accord and the seats were comfortable enough to drive for hours at a time. These were so good and fun to drive and you could literally go to a Honda dealership for most service.
Doug has really unlocked the holy grail where he has an endless supply of quirky cars he can review from his auction business
Jesus Doug, how many times a day do you see these unicorns? I can't remember the last time I saw one. They are absolutely exotic cars.
I like the pop up headlights better
Can't wait for your next NSX review, Doug.
I have always loved the NSX. Timeless style and iconic car. Drove one years ago. What a car.
THANK YOU!! For reviewing this car you've teased me with the last few videos. I know you've done NSX's before, but damn the 2005 one is so sexy and special.
Such an unmistakable shape.
Bring the spirit of the NSX back Honda!
Seeing 1st gen NSX is just as rare as some truly exotic cars, and it's always a special moment!
So yes it IS exotic. At least now, IMO, when they have become rare(-er... Than when they were released)
Truly one of the best cars ever made! 😍
Timeless design! It holds up today against brand new sports cars. So ahead of it’s time! It’s so beautiful.
wind in your hair and he shows a picture of a bald guy.. savage
Love seeing a review where the car’s so good Doug just pauses and smiles at the camera.
One of the best ways to look at an Acura is to think of it as nothing more than a Honda in a much nicer suit. 😊 That 290hp 3.2L is the same engine they put in the 3rd generation TL Type S and it was, as you stated, silky smooth.... even when the VTEC changeover happened high in the rev range. I have a 2010 TSX with the venerable K24 four cylinder that has proven absolutely bulletproof over a 1/4 million miles now. Maintained regularly they can run durn near indefinitely.
Not true. The TL Type S always had a J-series engine (J32 for the 2nd gen, J35 for the 3rd gen). While the 1st gen NSX always had a C-series engine. The C30A and C32B were exclusive to the NSX (and the Vemac Super GT).
I had a 95:Acura Legend that had the 3.2 liter V6 and I would be doing 135 mph and floating down the highway so I know a NSX must be amazing. My favorite car, I want one so bad
My all time favorite car. The story of production is also incredible, and at launch it beat all other supercars. Ferrari is so good now because they had to step up their game after Honda destroyed them with the NSX.
precisely what they all forget when talking about the nsx supposed "lack of power in comparsion" "only a v6"
that v6 was enough to put ferrari and porsche in thier place back then. at least with compareable models. porsches turbo 911 was still faster but not the n/a models.
Love this car ❤ - It was totally undervalued in Germany when it was on sale. Nickname „Japanese Ferrari“ It was sold under the Honda Brandname (Acura didn‘t exist and is still not) So it has to share the showroom with a Kei-car Honda Jazz, not inviting to potential buyers. As a result this car in Germany is even more rare than the Ferraris of that era today. The interior seems to be inspired by the Porsche 928
You didn't mention that when they first came out the tires they put on them didn't last 8000 miles. They had to put the softest rubber on them to get the numbers in the handling department they wanted.
Absolutely nothing wrong with that.
One drove by my house in Toronto the other day. Brought back great 90's memories. It was indeed old by 05 but still looked amazing. I love how quiet it was while passing by as I despise loud vehicles of any kind.
The NA2 NSX was only offered in the Targa version in America, from 2002-5. That's why they were "all" targas by the end. You could still get a fixed-roof version in other markets until the end of production in 2005.
You could special order a coupe in America but they are super rare and command top dollar. All Zanardi edition NSXs (US version of the type s) were all coupes also
@@MHounan I did not know the coupes were available via special order. The Zanardi Edition however was based on an 1999 NA1 Type S. I was referring to NA2 only.
I have always wanted to drive one. One of my favorite cars of all time. Fun fact. Those roof latches look exactly like the ones on a Del Sol.
This car isn't that special, but when you're sitting here (driver's seat) it is. That line is a great description of the NSX.
I laughed at the screenshot at 3:13
When Doug said “you can drive around with the wind in your hair” 😂
An Icon car that most of us knew from Gran turismo, childhood was great!
nobody came here hopng to here about your age group or if you played video games
@@slowery43
Well your cranky… I meet more young people whenever I take mine out…I’m not saying that’s a positive…actually it is…
Great review ! Quite rightly Doug talks about the balanced nature of the NSX. That is exactly what the Honda designers concluded after studying what made a sports car special - balance is the most important thing. Balance was also key to those other world changing Japanese cars of 1990 - the Mazda MX5 and Lexus LS400.
They did a lot of upgrades, but one huge downgrade. The headlights.
True, looks like a prelude
I think it was an upgrade. I love fixed headlights on this, especially the Type R
The Canadian one came with fixed headlights stock. Just another reason Canada sucks.
nah the fixed headlights really updated the look
Unfortunately, the change was probably due to safety regulations at the time. Mazda did the same for the Miata.
Working in Santa Barbara, I see a few Ferrari each week. As much as I'd love something crazy like an F40 or a 488, I've only ever seen one NSX ever. And I've never wanted a car so bad in my life.
Doug has his Ford GT and his Carrera, but for me it's the NSX.
The 15" wheels fit the shape of the car better. It's so low and thin, like an airplane, and big wheels only spoil that look. I also like the "older" design with pop-up headlights more
youre high about the smaller wheels
Absolutely not. Those tiny 15” wheels make this look like a toy car
The NSX is probably the only sports car from this era that I'd try to keep if you gave me one. The rest of them, I'd sell without a second thought. As I've gotten older and become more of a fossil than T-Rex, my tastes have shifted from flashy cars to practical cars. The NSX was one of the rare cars that was both. You could drive it without breaking it, and I like that. The car I own today has more horsepower than the NSX, but I'm sure the NSX kills my modern car where the driving experience is concerned.
By 2005, it did look old. But Doug wears khaki shorts and old t-shirts, so what does he know about style
Great video Doug. I always loved the NSX.
A true Icon that was driven and promoted by a true Icon. We miss you Ayrton Senna