1995 Acura NSX: 90s Automotive Perfection That Drives Forever

If you’re looking for a car that redefines the concept of a “daily supercar,” the 1995 Acura NSX is a perfect example. Despite not sparkling like modern exotics and lacking the power or flamboyant styling of its European rivals from the era, the NSX delivers a driving experience that’s nothing short of sublime - even 30 years after its release.

The History and Concept The NSX launched in the early 90s as Honda’s answer to Japanese sports cars like the Toyota Supra and Mazda RX7, but it aimed higher. The goal was to compete with mid-engined European exotics, particularly Ferrari, and offer an exotic driving experience without the difficulties and issues that plagued Italian performance cars of that era. Honda tried to do for supercars what the Miata did for British roadsters: make them more usable, practical, and reliable.

Proof of Unbelievable Reliability The specific vehicle reviewed in this post is a 1995 model with an astonishing figure: it has over 320,000 miles (approximately 515,000 km) on the odometer. There’s no way a Ferrari from that era would survive such mileage, and if it did, the maintenance costs would be astronomical. The NSX offered a more affordable alternative that still delivered the mid-engine experience. The interior has been preserved in surprisingly excellent condition, testament to the build quality and the fact that the car was driven primarily on long highway journeys.

Quirks and Features 1995 brought a significant change: the Targa Top, which replaced the fixed roof. Additionally, starting this year, the roof was painted in the car’s body color (instead of black), although Honda oddly kept the door handles in black, which looks somewhat mismatched.

Here are some of the most interesting features of the car:

• Pop-up headlights: The NSX was one of the last cars to use these iconic headlights, which remained in production until 2001.
• Massive antenna: In keeping with 90s fashion, the car has a power antenna that rises to a ridiculous height when you turn on the radio.
• Trunk and practicality: Despite the mid-engine layout, Honda didn’t compromise on storage. There’s a decent rear trunk behind the engine, and even a dedicated compartment above the engine for storing the Targa top when removed. Additionally, there’s a front trunk, though most of it is occupied by a spare tire - something very rare in exotic cars.
• “Cockpit” design: The passenger compartment is tight and wraps around the driver, with AC vents located on the doors to save space on the dashboard.

Driving Experience Under the hood (in this model) lies a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 hp. Despite not having a V8 or V12 like its rivals, the NSX is light and very well-balanced, weighing only about 3,000 lbs.

Compared to a Porsche 993 Turbo from the same era, the NSX wins in several areas:

1. The transmission: The shift feel is perfect, with no slack, precise weighting, and smooth engagement into every gear.
2. The chassis: The chassis is remarkably flat and balanced in corners, better and more dynamic than the 993.
3. The sound: The engine’s induction noise is aggressive and stunning, especially at high RPM.

Summary The NSX is a special car that combines great driving experience, exotic looks, and relatively reasonable maintenance costs. The fact that this car has driven over 320,000 miles and still feels fantastic to drive is the greatest proof of Honda’s genius in the 90s.

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