The Honda NSX: Japan’s Everyday Supercar, Perfected
I remember the first time I slipped behind the wheel of a Honda NSX (badged Acura, this side of the Atlantic). The mood was early-morning quiet, the kind of calm that lets a car speak. And the NSX speaks softly at first—then absolutely howls when you ask. That’s the magic of the Honda NSX: a supercar that doesn’t shout at you in traffic, yet feels utterly alive on a back road.
How the Honda NSX Earned Its Legend
The original NSX landed in 1990 and promptly rewrote the supercar rulebook. Aluminum chassis, mid-mounted V6, daily-drivable ergonomics—plus development input from Ayrton Senna. It was the car that proved you could have Ferrari thrills without Ferrari tantrums.
Second-Gen Honda NSX (2016–2023): Hybrid brains, race-car reflexes
When the NSX returned, it didn’t just evolve—it went electric-assisted. Under the glass sits a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 paired with three electric motors and a 9-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Up front, twin motors vector torque like invisible hands, gently tugging the nose into the apex. Out back, the combined punch hits harder than the spec sheet suggests. On a damp canyon run, I felt the front motors shuffle power the moment the surface greased up—no drama, just grip.
- Power: 573 hp (standard) or 600 hp in the 2022–2023 Type S
- Torque: 476 lb-ft (standard), up to 492 lb-ft in Type S
- 0–60 mph: about 3.0 seconds (2.9 in the Type S when the stars align)
- Drivetrain: hybrid SH-AWD with torque-vectoring front motors
- Transmission: 9-speed dual-clutch automatic
- EPA efficiency: roughly 21 mpg combined—not Prius territory, but tidy for a supercar
What it’s like to drive the Honda NSX daily
It’s the quiet confidence that gets you. Visibility is better than most mid-engine machines, the ride (especially post-2019 updates) is supple in its softer modes, and the cabin isn’t loud unless you want it to be. Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first whether the brake-by-wire pedal would feel natural in traffic; after a week, it faded into the background. The infotainment? Functional, but dated. If you’re used to the latest smartphone mirroring and snappier menus, you’ll raise an eyebrow. Still, the core experience—steering response, the way the chassis breathes over rough roads—makes your commute feel like a treat rather than a chore.
Honda NSX vs The Usual Suspects
On paper, the NSX often gets side-eyed by spec-sheet heroes. On the road, it fights with finesse and grip. Here’s how it stacks up against a few obvious rivals I’ve driven back-to-back.
Honda NSX vs rivals: numbers and nuance
| Car | Power | Drivetrain | 0–60 mph | Character snapshot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda NSX (Acura NSX) | 573–600 hp | Hybrid AWD | ~3.0 s | Ultra-usable supercar; torque-vectoring precision |
| Porsche 911 Turbo S | 640 hp | AWD | ~2.6 s | Relentless pace; benchmark polish |
| Audi R8 V10 | 562–602 hp | RWD/AWD | ~3.1 s | Glorious V10 theater; simple and soulful |
| McLaren Artura | 671 hp | Hybrid RWD | ~3.0 s | Light and sharp; tech-forward Brit |
Where the NSX really earns its keep is the way it shrinks around you. It’s the supercar you take to dinner downtown without flinching at speed bumps—and the one you’ll wake up early to drive, just because.
Inside the Honda NSX: Craft, comfort, and a few quirks
Slip in and it’s low, snug, and purposeful. Seats are long-drive comfortable (I did a 300-mile weekend without a chiropractic bill). Materials feel appropriately premium, and the climate control has enough subtlety to keep you cool after a session of “spirited.” Infotainment, as mentioned, is the one creaky plank—quick enough, but menus can be clunky and the graphics already feel last decade. You’ll live.
Small lifestyle upgrade? Consider tailoring the cabin a bit. For a neat fit-and-finish touch, I’ve seen owners go for premium mats that match their paint or brake calipers. If you’re that kind of detail person:
And for the later cars:
Honda NSX feature highlights
- Mid-engine layout for superb balance and visibility you don’t expect from a supercar
- Hybrid SH-AWD with torque vectoring—feels like all-weather telepathy
- 9-speed dual-clutch that snaps off shifts, yet crawls smoothly in traffic
- Adaptive dampers: slippers when you need them, spikes when you don’t
- Real-world reliability that honors the original NSX promise
Why the Honda NSX still matters
The Honda NSX has always stood for approachable excellence. It’s the rare supercar you can drive hard in the morning, cruise quietly to a meeting after lunch, then head out for a weekend away with someone who doesn’t care about lift coefficients. Even now—especially now—it’s a compelling counterpoint to louder, flashier choices. Consider it a masterclass in restraint, with a wild streak when you twist the dial.
Honda NSX FAQ
Is the Honda NSX a supercar?
Yes. By any reasonable definition—performance, engineering, and presence—the Honda NSX (Acura NSX in North America) is a supercar. It just happens to be one you can live with.
How many Honda NSX were made?
First-generation (1990–2005) production topped 18,000 units globally. The second-generation (2016–2023) was far rarer—roughly under 3,000 units worldwide, including 350 Type S finale cars.
Is the NSX a Honda or an Acura?
Both. It’s marketed as an Acura in North America and as a Honda elsewhere. The NSX nameplate is global; the badge depends on the market.
Does the new NSX have VTEC?
The first-gen NSX used a naturally aspirated VTEC V6. The second-gen moved to a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 hybrid system, so the headline tech is electric torque fill and SH-AWD rather than classic VTEC theatrics.
What’s it like on rough roads?
Surprisingly civilized. In its softer damper settings, the Honda NSX feels composed—even on broken city asphalt. Quiet enough to hear your passenger, or your inner child telling you to find the long way home.
