Honda NSX NA1 — The Everyday Supercar That Stole Our Hearts ❤️
By Paquito Jr Conde | August 12, 2025
The Honda NSX NA1 (1990–1997) isn’t just a car — it’s a piece of motorsport history. Born from Formula 1 engineering with input from Ayrton Senna, it combines exotic looks, everyday comfort, and rock-solid Honda reliability in a way few supercars ever have.
Honda NSX NA1 (1990–1997) — Full Breakdown 🚗🔥
Overview 📜
The Honda NSX NA1 (sold as the Acura NSX in some markets) launched in 1990 and immediately became an icon. It blended Formula 1–level engineering with everyday usability. Ayrton Senna contributed to the chassis setup, so the car feels precise and confidence-inspiring on the road. The NA1 is the original 3.0L model — lighter and more “purist” than the later NA2 3.2L cars.
Quick Specs ⚙️
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L DOHC V6 (C30A), naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | VTEC (variable valve timing & lift) |
| Power | ~270 hp @ 7,300 rpm (manual) / ~252 hp (auto) |
| Torque | ~210 lb-ft (284 Nm) @ 5,300 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive (MR) |
| 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | ~5.7 seconds (manual) |
| Top Speed | ~270 km/h (168 mph) |
| Chassis | All-aluminium monocoque (one of the first mass-produced all-aluminium cars) |
| Weight | ~1,350 kg (manual) / ~1,400 kg (auto) |
| Brakes | Ventilated discs, front & rear |
| Suspension | Fully independent double-wishbone (front & rear) |
| Fuel Economy | ~9–11 km/L (~21–26 mpg US) |
| Production (NA1) | 1990–1997 |
Why it’s great — Pros ✅
- Timeless design — still turns heads decades later. 😍
- Everyday usability — comfortable, good visibility, and actually livable compared to many exotics. 👍
- Honda reliability — legendary build quality; many survive with few major issues. 🛠️
- Balanced handling — mid-engine balance and F1-tuned chassis = confidence in the corners. 🏁
- Lightweight aluminium body — stiff and corrosion-resistant. 🧩
- VTEC personality — smooth at low revs, exhilarating at high revs. 🎯
- Lower running costs than contemporary Ferraris/Lambos — still a collectible but cheaper to maintain. 💸
- Cultural icon — numerous videogame, movie, and motorsport appearances. 🌟
- Investment potential — values have been trending up for clean examples. 📈
Drawbacks — Cons ❌
- Not as fast as modern sports cars — newer cars can out-accelerate it for less money. ⚡
- Parts availability — some OEM parts are pricey or limited. 🔧
- Age-related wear — suspension bushings, cooling systems, and some electronics may need attention. ⚙️
- Small cabin — tall drivers can feel cramped, especially on track with a helmet. 🧑🚀
- Insurance can be expensive — collectible exotic premiums add up. 🧾
- Lacks modern safety/driver aids — early cars miss traction control, and the earliest examples had limited airbags. 🛡️
Should you buy one? 💡
Buy an NSX NA1 if you want a pure, analog driving experience with strong build quality and exotic looks, but without the maintenance headaches of an Italian supercar. It’s more about driver connection and balance than outright horsepower. If you value reliability, daily usability, and classic status, the NA1 is a brilliant pick.
Market value (2025) 💰
Typical prices in 2025 (approximate):
- Fair condition: ~$65,000–$80,000 USD
- Excellent condition: $100,000–$150,000+
- Rare editions (Zanardi, JDM Type R examples): $200,000+
Values have been climbing as collectors favor low-mileage, well-kept examples.