The first-generation Honda NSX (sold under the Acura brand in North America) is an absolute icon in automotive history. Designed to compete with Ferrari and Porsche while offering the reliability of a Honda sedan, it is the world's first production car with a 100% aluminum monocoque chassis. Developed with the help of the legendary Ayrton Senna, it stands out for its mid-rear V6 VTEC engine and exceptional road handling. Production is divided into two main technical phases: the NA1 (1990-1996) equipped with the 3.0L V6 (C30A) and a 5-speed gearbox, and the NA2 (1997-2005) which introduced the 3.2L V6 (C32B) coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox. In 2002, a major restyling (facelift) replaced the iconic pop-up headlights with fixed optics for aerodynamic reasons and pedestrian safety standa
The first-generation Honda/Acura NSX is a masterpiece of engineering. It proved that a supercar could start every morning without requiring Formula 1-level maintenance. Today, the mechanics (engine block, internals) remain indestructible, but the car is over 20 to 30 years old. Failures do not come from major design flaws (apart from the Snap Ring issue in '91-'92 models), but from the natural aging of components: electronic capacitors (CCU, Bose), rubber seals, and cooling hoses. The purchase of an NSX should be based on its maintenance history, not its mileage. An NA2 (3.2L 6-speed manual) is the absolute grail in terms of driving pleasure, but a well-maintained NA1 (3.0L) with its pop-up headlights offers the purest original experience.