The automotive world often forces trade-offs: raw performance versus everyday usability, exotic thrills versus bulletproof reliability. The Honda (and Acura) NSX stands apart. It’s a supercar that doesn’t demand sacrifice, offering explosive speed, razor-sharp handling, and the dependability expected of a Honda. This is not simply a fast car; it’s a uniquely practical high-performance machine.
A Legacy of Innovation: Two Generations of Excellence
The NSX first appeared in 1990, a revolutionary mid-engine sports car co-developed with Ayrton Senna, the legendary Formula 1 driver. This original NSX was built to beat Ferraris at a fraction of the cost while offering an unparalleled driving experience through its simplicity and elegance.
The second generation, launched in 2016 after a long hiatus, took a different approach. It’s a heavier, all-wheel-drive hybrid with 573 horsepower (or 600 in Type S trim). Yet, it retained the core philosophy of the original: uncompromising performance with real-world usability. The NSX isn’t just a track toy; it’s engineered to be driven, enjoyed, and dependably owned.
Unmatched Reliability in the Supercar Segment
Reliability is where the NSX truly shines. According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost is a mere $354. This makes it significantly cheaper to maintain than most supercars – even cheaper than a Mazda MX-5 Miata. This is thanks to Honda’s renowned engineering, readily available parts, and the fact that many components are shared with other Honda models.
Acura further backed this reliability with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty, and an eight-year/100,000-mile coverage for its hybrid components. This is unheard of in the supercar realm.
A Daily Driver That Happens to Be Incredibly Fast
Despite being a 190-mph machine, the NSX is designed to be enjoyed daily. It’s understated enough to blend in, and its robust construction means it won’t fall apart after a few hard runs. The NSX achieves a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg, and its 15.6-gallon tank allows for over 328 miles between fill-ups. This is a supercar that doesn’t require constant pampering.
The powertrain consists of a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid with three electric motors, delivering neck-breaking acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 191 mph. The NSX isn’t the gentle cruiser like a BMW i8 or Lexus LC 500h; it’s a raw, unapologetic performance machine.
Cornering Confidence: The SH-AWD Advantage
The NSX’s handling is where it truly separates itself. The SH-AWD (super-handling all-wheel drive) system provides exceptional grip, while the active vectoring system individually manages power to each wheel, ensuring consistent traction. Weight distribution is optimized with two electric motors powering the front wheels and one at the rear. This setup makes the NSX remarkably forgiving for less experienced drivers while offering a limitless playground for those who push its limits.
Comfort and Practicality Without Compromise
The NSX adapts to any situation. Sport mode unleashes its full potential, while Comfort mode transforms it into a quiet, semi-practical daily driver. The steering lightens, the throttle becomes less sensitive, and the suspension softens. Despite being a high-performance machine, the NSX offers 4.4 cubic feet of cargo space, more than many other supercars.
The interior is premium, featuring comfortable seats, dual-zone climate control, parking sensors, and a multi-view rear camera. While it may lack the carbon fiber and roll cages of some exotics, the NSX doesn’t sacrifice comfort for performance.
A Future Classic: Value and Appreciation
With production ending in 2022, the NSX is now available on the used market at a compelling price. Expect to find well-maintained models between $135,000 and $160,000, undercutting rivals like the Porsche 911 Turbo and Audi R8 V10 while offering comparable performance.
The NSX stands out with its hybrid technology and active torque vectoring, features typically found in hypercars costing ten times as much. This makes it a unique value proposition, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and accessible performance.
Given its rarity and engineering prowess, the NSX is poised to appreciate in value. The first-generation NSX is already a collector’s item, and the second generation is likely to follow suit. Now is an opportune time to acquire one before prices climb further.
The Honda NSX doesn’t just perform; it proves that a supercar can be reliable, usable, and even affordable. It’s a machine built for enthusiasts who demand everything without compromise.
