Acura NSX First Generation - Legend on Wheels - Test Drive | Everyday Driver

[@GlennsCarCollection]

I had a 1995 NSX for many years. I bought it in 2011 for $31k which was all the money back then. I sold it in 2016 to buy my dream NSX, a low mileage 2005 NSX in Long Beach Blue Pearl. Last year of production. I've had that car 8 years now and every time I drive it feels like the first time. She's a keeper. The great thing about the NSX is that 90% of them have manual transmissions. I disagree with your opinion that it is not worth $100k plus. I have been lucky enough to own over 100 sports cars with manual transmissions, Porsche, Mclaren, I have driven every exotic, Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc for my YT channel and the NSX is still my favorite. To describe the NSX in one word is Balance. The handling is spot on and that high revving engine! perfect combo and its reliable and unlike the competition, cheap to run. Honda Accord servicing costs and they never break down and leave you stranded. Even my Porsche 993 Turbo left me stranded. Keep up the good work. I really enjoy the videos.

[@facetiousmonkey5322]

@@GlennsCarCollection NSX is a great car, but the fact that it’s rare because no one bought them when new is one of, if not the main reason for the crazy prices for used ones.

[@GlennsCarCollection]

@@facetiousmonkey5322production numbers do effect values but in this case it is not the main reason. Approximately 8,900 NSX were produced for our market vs a low production car like the BMW 1 Series M which only produced 740 cars. I’ve owned both, the NSX is worth a lot more.

[@facetiousmonkey5322]

@@GlennsCarCollection the BMW was way more affordable than the NSX. Adjusted for inflation the 1M is less than half the price of the NSX. Also not a valid comparison as the NSX is a bespoke car that was not based on a cheaper platform like the 1M. BTW, prices for those aren’t exactly affordable either. Low mileage examples are starting to creep up. The NSX checks all the boxes for a collectors car. Legendary status and low volume. For the wealthy 1% like you, congratulations you get talk about how great the car is. For rest of us mere mortals, the chance at owning one on the used market has sadly passed and not likely to ever come back down.

[@facetiousmonkey5322]

@@GlennsCarCollection BTW take 8900 and divide it by 15years and you end up with 556 cars per year on avg. also, the 1M was limited but we later got the M2, M2 competition and M2 CS. AND Please don’t say these cars are different because I promise you the 1M & M2 are more similar than the NSX vs ANY 4 wheel Honda product (just in case you wanted to start mentioning how awesome Honda motorcycles are!)

[@rickyc6463]

2005 Nsx are worth over $200,000❤ and will only increase over time.

[@MChannel75]

I own a 1991 NSX and it’s a head turner way more than a 911 top dog. Its proportions are perfect and timeless. People follow me just to take a look at a rare thing that they may not see in person again.

[@_TrueDesire_]

Honda NSX Type R will always be a dream, can't afford them these days. Totally different animal from the "standard" NSX.

[@spyharpy]

I owned a 91 silver from 97-05 and now on my second one that I bought in 2008, a red 92 currently with 35K miles. All stock but with 97-01 satin 7-spoke wheels. Had a recent full timing belt service and luckily was able to get the JDM short gears and Typre-R final drive. The car is way more usable in town and just feels faster. The 6-speed is just a costly option and nearly impossible to find to upgrade to but the JDM short gear 5-speed is real good. After 16 years of owning this one, no way I’m selling it as there’s really nothing out there that can replace it. I thought about a 991.2 Carrera T, that I test drove a few times, and when I get back in the NSX, I just can’t bear to sell it. I’m destined to keep this car for as long as I can drive. Having it triple in value over what I paid for it I never expected. The engineers really did a fantastic job designing this car. There’s even a sticker underneath the climate control unit (once you remove it from the dash) that says “An Eternal Sports Mind for You.” Now what other car company would put a hidden message like that in their car?

[@drummerdoingstuff5020]

I don’t blame you. It’s a game changer car that is an important part of supercar history. The first reliable USABLE supercar and there’s a reason Gordon Murray studied and praised that car! Enjoy you lucky bastard! 😜

[@DC5Brandon]

Shout out to the gracious owner allowing Paul and Todd to film and put miles on it. I never see these on the road, so thanks!

[@bullittwood3320]

I remember Todd and Paul both thought $37K was a lot of money to pay for my 15 year old NSX 10 years ago. Though if I put it on the market now at twice that price I’d have people breaking down my door. The classic car market, over time, is self regulating in its determination of a cars lasting value. And its not about raw performance numbers, else C8s would be instant classics and you could pick up a Merc 300 SL at 1st Gen NSX prices. But the NSX has stood the test of time and like the 300SL it has earned its place in automotive history. Its a special car from a special time that changed the sports car world and it delivers flawlessly on every promise it ever made. And what any long term NSX owner will tell you is it's a car that is much more than the sum of its parts or its performance specs. Which is what made it great in the first place. And it doesn't hurt that its Civic reliable and Accord daily practical.h

[@INTOTH3LIGHT]

Just remember that is about 50k in today's money and I think 50k is probably what they are worth. 65 for a great one

[@bullittwood3320]

@@INTOTH3LIGHT Granted you're entitled to your opinion, as were Todd and Paul back then but Haggerty valuation tools says an Excellent condition 95 is worth $130K. I don't know if that's realistic, I doubt I'd take it if it was offered, but I've turned down a $90K offer, a $100K offer and a $105K offer. All left business cards with commitments to buy if I ever sell. Many other offers but they weren't serious. Granted my car is an adjudicated excellent example but any "great" condition, all original NSX will be nearer to $100K than $50K and its not going down for the reasons stated. So if you can find a "great one", and you know what a "great" NSX is when you see it, then for $65K just make sure you have cash in hand .

[@clubracer6]

Such a gorgeous car and I think the proportions are perfect!

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

That gauge cluster is what dreams are made of. I could stare at it for hours. In fact I might pause the video and do just that.

[@ghostNSX]

Great review guys. My '96 is now 28 years old and it is still as much fun to drive today as it was the first day I bought it. I've driven lots of newer cars with bigger "numbers" but none that feel as satisfying as the NSX.

[@bullittwood3320]

Todd, loved the new NSX video. And all your others. I thoroughly enjoyed filming my car with you and Paul a decade ago. I still have the NSX, it recently won Best In Class at a local car show so its holding up nicely since you drove it. The "tall man" mods you asked about to get more head room is to replace the foam in two of the seat bottom segments with some very low density memory foam. It compresses down to about a 1/2 in thick when you sit on it, bounces right back and gives you about an extra inch of headroom. Also for track use you can just take the seat cushion out completely and replace it with a thin foam pad. All the best, Butch.

[@georgel9734]

The manual steering rack is a gem with tons of feel and feedback. Swap it from a unit from 91-94 or a 99 Zanardi

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

Todd. As a fellow former 300zx owner, I concur about the interior. It is very reminiscent of the 300zx interior, which is very good, but it's even better. Sharper. Cleaner. Both more elegant and more functional. It's so close to perfect.

[@tedadamgreen]

If I won the lotto, I would get 1st Gen NSX, right hand drive, pop up headlights in red. Thanks for this delightful surprise review today!

[@markthibault8579]

The NSX remains an iconic design. However, I too have struggled a bit with it's rear-end proportions. Somehow, I think removing the requirement to store a set of golf clubs would have served the design better. This also applies to the last 4 generations of the Corvette too in fairness.

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

Todd it's not ridiculous to say the buttons thing AT ALL. I am such a sucker for good feeling switchgear. I adore the old bmw turn signal switch so much I have 2 cars with it. I also like vintage hifi equipment because of the feeling of the buttons.

[@G.Uppercut123]

This and the Dodge Viper were my OG loves growing up !

[@axledog7297]

I desperately want a late model gen 1 NSX (I'm pro-fixed headlights), but just as I want a Tag Heuer but decide to only wear Seikos/Citizens, I will likely never own one because my ND2 Miata provides 8/10 of the experience for 3/10 the price.

[@rdiamond655]

The Price of Fun and budgets are a real thing, you've done well.

[@richcracknell]

I'll give you 8/10 of the dynamics, no way 8/10 of the experience. It's a special machine, you feel like a rockstar driving one and people talk to you about them every time you stop. I had one and a Miata - both great but the NSX is way, way more of an event

[@lawrencelin272]

@@richcracknell 8/10 the dynamics for 3/10 of the price while being 25 years newer isn't a bad trade-off personally i prefer not getting stopped to talk every time, sometimes it's nice, most times i'm just trying to get fuel then get going, nod politely reply with half a sentence then tell them have a nice day

[@josevargas1897]

Amazing video! Thank you very much!

[@rdiamond655]

I've had the good pleasure of driving a NA1, I prefer the lack of power assisted steering, so much road feel and nuance to it.

[@docwyte]

This 2002 NSX really fell behind it's rivals of the same era. A Porsche 911 turbo in 2002 could be had with 445hp and weighed slightly more than the NSX. I agree that the NSX is a beautiful car and would love to own one but agree that at the current prices, they don't make sense

[@mkei8973]

Hi, from Japan!! First of all, I couldn’t recognize it is the newest film you bring because the thumbnail is very similar to Ferrari 360 spider for me. I thought this NSX film is that’s film. Ha ha. I always recall the children’s book “TINY RABBITS BIG WISH” when you mention about your sizes and car spaces. I have wanted to be big like you but I always rethink about it when you mention it.Ha ha.

[@drummerdoingstuff5020]

Heck no, be light weight and stealthy! Good racing driver material!

[@mkei8973]

@@drummerdoingstuff5020Tank you, sir!!

[@dunggg]

EveryDay Driver - DOT NOT BUY AN NSX AT CURRENT PRICES! Best advice ever

[@AcuraPerformance]

I always wanted to own an NSX , whether old and new. Although the prices on these first gen NSX have gotten ridiculous! The last gen NSX value has also risen and made it considerably realistically unattainable. This is why i absolutely love my 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD 6 speed manual transmission. It's tastefully modified and it's probably the closest thing i'll ever get to the first gen NSX.

[@meddlingmage23]

I have both. I just got the NSX. 1993, 47k miles, for 82500. I was 12 when I wanted one, I'm 39 now.

[@SleeperHonda]

I love my NSX!

[@Maelstrom8]

Incredible car. Always loved them, but you are right about modern pricing. I'm only a couple inches shorter than you two, but I'm not sure they are big guy friendly either. Still would love to drive one some day.

[@JaredDixon]

I love the original NSX so, so much. It was an icon of my youth. I must disagree and say that the pop-up headlight version is THE best version. My choice: NA/2 (1997-2001) NSX with the 3.2 and the upgraded manual. Spa Yellow is the perfect color and please stop adding mods (like the carbon fiber spoiler).. An upgraded set of wheels/tires and maybe a tasteful audio/nav upgrade is really all you need.

[@ShenmueAtheist]

I remember when the pre-facelift models were in the 20s to mid 30s mostly. There were a few 91 and 92 models even in the high teens. I stupidly went with a 350Z instead when i was thinking about getting one for around that price. I'd say these cars are absolutely worth getting still under 50k, but no way in hell are they worth what people are paying for them now. For the same price you can get cars that handle way better and are way faster. If you buy one now you are simply doing it for nostalgia and collectibility.

[@esqu1re]

A 350z is arguably just as good of a car. I've had both, albiet I had a 07 Nismo. You have to judge the cars at the time they were built. A modern cayman will run all over a NSX and likely have similar driving feel. Similarly, a NSX will run all over a Ferrari 250 gto. I agree that at this point, its about collectability and nostalgia. Thats where it transitions from car to something more akin to art.

[@dmanatan]

I was wondering if you’d do another NSX video. There’s plenty of ‘91s available for mid-$50k. I’m glad I bought my ‘02 with 59k miles for $43k back in 2012. Picked it up in Florida and drove it home to Sacramento,CA. 12 years later I’ve got 129k on the clock with no plans to sell. There isn’t another car I’d trade it for outside of a Cayman GT4, and that’s a maybe.

[@ericcarson342]

'There’s plenty of ‘91s available for mid-$50k.' Where?? 91s are selling for $70K minimum, even with 70k + miles. Your 2002 would still fetch $60k minimum (assuming manual and no accidents) with 129k miles.

[@THETURBROS]

@@ericcarson342 his 2002 at 129k miles is still an $80k+ car.

[@ericcarson342]

@@THETURBROS Probably, assuming a rare color like white, accident free, no modifications, and not an automatic. It's been 10-15 years since I've seen an Nsx in the mid- $50k, and that was for an automatic.

[@THETURBROS]

@ericcarson342 right. Red 100k+ mile NA1 5 speeds are still 65-70k clean title.

[@dmanatan]

@@ericcarson342 the $55-60k cars are ones with over 150k miles. They’re still out there and they’re fine to drive and likely have no deferred maintenance. I purchased mine in 2012 and most ‘91-‘92s were $25-35k with low miles.

[@TheGkump]

I have a 91’ NSX and it’s the best. I have a 22’ NSX Type S as well but the 91’ is way better and more engaging and fun.

[@Cartier_specialist]

I'd get a twin turbo mid 90s Nissan 300zx. I'm sure they're still attainable for sane prices.

[@DodgerBlueRobert]

Man, those are some beautiful roads with some gorgeous scenery. Where are you guys driving at?

[@morganvon5664]

They live in Park City.

[@1855Media]

Everyone says you can’t buy cars like this anymore. A Cayman GTS is a mid-engine sports car that has a much better naturally aspirated engine, a manual transmission, better steering, better brakes and way more power. Plus all kinds of other modern stuff and a 4 year warranty. The NSX is great, but let’s keep things in perspective.

[@ChoPi-Eww]

Good point, maybe drive them back to back?

[@nissanhonda25]

they mean to say you can’t buy hondas like this anymore

[@Love2Cruise]

Waited for 1.5 years for a GTS 4.0 allocation. None to be had. It’s pretty much unobtanium.

[@Ahmadaly7777]

Also Emira & Evora

[@rdiamond655]

@@Ahmadaly7777 Especially since they are new!

[@marloon88]

I've been watching since you guys made the first nsx video. Hopefully you guys will get a chance to drive an NSX coupe from 1991 with manual steering.

[@oldaccord]

I'm curious when the electronic power steering was added and if anyone has driven the older hydraulic racks. Was it like 1990-1995ish? How were the hydraulic racks?

[@scratch90]

91-95 No Power Steering. No Hydrylic. 96-05 Elcetronic assist. Only up to 30mph then it is manual anything above.

[@edwardavilajr8935]

@@scratch90 Not entirely true. The 91-95 AT's did indeed come with power steering. Granted they were about as popular as a cold. But if you are a collector who digs production numbers versus popularity. They made I think around 750 AT units give or take, or something like that in total over the 15 year run. Most today are gone, or were converted to the manual transmission.

[@barryrodgers3039]

IN a world where a 992 Carrera T can be optioned to $150k, the NSX is worth $100k. The driving experience is much more exciting. The only modern car I've found that competes is the C8 Z06. Like the NSX, the Z06 is the result of a normal car company taking on Ferrari. The NSX though is my forever car. I can't ever see letting it go.

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

I want to try driving one so bad

[@rickyc6463]

I’ll take an Nsx over the Porsche any day. Thats just my opinion. I never get tired of looking at the beauty of an Nsx.

[@jimiverson3085]

The NSX had a cool engine, but at the time this car was produced the S2000 engine was Honda's most sophisticated offering.

[@richcracknell]

Put 80k miles on mine. 6'6, long torso. With a thinner seat cushion was genuinely comfortable, and could just about make a helmet work. Hilarious every time someone new saw someone our height emerge from such a low car. Wonderful things. Pre '94 they had manual steering - genuine feel (better than NA Miata), I'd argue these very early cars are the ones to have. 15" rims up front, real sidewall depth. And pop-ups. Intake noise the real highlight for me. And that you could drive it to, on and back from the 'Ring from London without breaking a sweat. Agree ref the best 6-speed - whisper it but to use the 5-speed from the pre-97 cars is even better... And yes, absolutely not a $100k car. When you get above Evora and R8 V8 (let alone 12C) money then you're paying for nostalgia more than dynamics. Which, it seems, plenty are willing to do and fair play to them.

[@THETURBROS]

"Don't mod your NSX" I'm over here like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epTMlHyFZ9hnbtk You're right, you don't need 800hp in an NSX. Add a turbo kit and tune to safe PSI (10-12) and you've got a literal monster. It's an overengineered Honda. It's not gonna blow up unless you intentionally blow it up by being irresponsible. I picked mine up in 2018 and drove it stock for 2 years and yes, it was amazing. By far the best vehicle I've ever owned. I added a turbo kit and I would never ever go back. 425whp/360wtq on stock internals in a chassis that weighs 2950 is PLENTY. I have two boys under 3 now, so I've shelved the C and swapped in a J series that I got for $400 at the junkyard. C parts are getting crazy expensive and I don't want to ruin the low mileage example that I had. No cutting the car whatsoever just custom mounts. I chose a J32a2 Type S motor because it is a very similar motor to the C. It revs fast and high and is a great match for the trans. I kept the same turbo setup and I've loved every second. The things that companies are doing with the J series is awesome and cheap. They're Frankensteining them together. (J35 block, J32a2 heads, J37 intake) I'll do that someday, but for now, the stock J32a2 is amazing. When I roll raced before I had kids (just for sh*t's and giggles), I walked 700+ hp mustangs and cars that had way more power. I've read some comments and I can verify, balanced is the key word. Mid engine traction and gearing were key in those races.

[@Accost2u]

I test drove a 2001 with 40k miles. I wasn’t really impressed by it considering the seller wanted 85k for it. It was a clean one, but I left thinking that’s a great 30k driving experience and that’s all that I’d pay.

[@vnitto]

You realize that's the price of a new civic hybrid.

[@Accost2u]

@@vnitto and you don’t see a problem with a civic costing 30k?

[@TeeDee-j9u]

Show me a Porche that age that drives like a NSX 😂😂😂

[@vnitto]

@@Accost2u you’re missing the point. If you think the driving experience of a 30k civic and an nsx are equal, they’re not. I’ve driven both. Not even in the same sport let alone the same league

[@apt62]

@@Accost2uin 2024? Nope

[@Darylrb1983]

Torque seems low for a 3.2...I still want it

[@dmanatan]

Because it revs to 8200.

[@drummerdoingstuff5020]

Imagine this car with the LFA engine in it…

[@vnitto]

They complain about headroom, but he's driving NSX-T ... TARGA Remove the roof?

[@richcracknell]

A great point, but perhaps for a different reason! The NSX-T has that beam across the top behind the roof panel which reduces headroom. The coupes (sold until basically end of production outside the US) have noticeably more headroom than the as-Paul-will-explain-not-a-targa...

[@dongypooh]

Oh boy! It's really cool, but Cayman GTS 4.0 might be a better car to buy and drive for the money.

[@dmanatan]

A Cayman GT4 can be had for just over $100k new. I drove one at the Porsche Experience Center. It’s probably the only car I can imagine that could replace the feel and experience of my ‘02 NSX

[@rdiamond655]

That's really compelling, the GT4 is such a beast and more raw than this though, somewhat different experience and I can't argue with you.

[@nissanhonda25]

Today Acura sells zero coupes. Bring the old Honda back

[@renaldoharris7951]

no company sells coupes

[@nissanhonda25]

@@renaldoharris7951 bmw sells coupes. Ford sells the mustang. Chevy has the vette. Toyota has the supra and gr86. Nissan the Z and GTR.. Lexus the RC and LC Honda is just lame

[@BerryA86]

Now try finding a Type S Zero variant.

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Great review. Cool car.

[@drummerdoingstuff5020]

Why can’t Honda make another one of THESE!

[@sivuyiledumalisile6308]

There is a new Honda NSX , it's been around since 2015 😂😂😂😂😂

[@MrRaitzi]

Good for it's time. Not for the price.

[@Eremite2109]

Don't like those headlights

[@kcw9313]

looks weird with the fake type R wing on a non type R without all the other type R bits and bobs

[@guypepe9478]

That's Ferrari 360 land.

[@RuthJackiewicz-s3k]

Lukas Keys

[@Boatfisherz1]

290hp in 2002? 😂

[@valentinorossi7771]

$100 grand? 1/4 millions? Only fools, dumbed people spend that much for an NSX. One can have more fun for less money say in Honda's own civic type R or GR Corolla, both under new car warranty or a more "sedate" Golf Type R, allof which are cheaper and quicker.

[@cdnstache]

No pop ups no dice 😂

[@lawrencelin272]

not a pop-up elitist but i agree, nsx is 100% an 80s pinifarina design and thus should have the sleek no headlight look most of the time

[@07wrxtr1]

Welp- at this rate - with Cox's "smart cities" and "new america" initiatives = We won't even be able to own cars.

[@numberonebacon]

My C5 Corvette has a cassette player and a CD changer. So that means I should charge $100k when I sell it

[@truongnd1]

not worth 100k , price inflation

[@bradkalman2353]

I prefer the 2023 model more.

[@TexasRiverRat31254]

Yup, it's got a big ugly BUTT! Otherwise it was way ahead of the time and Hondas still were bulletproof.

[@morganvon5664]

Never liked the looks of the rear. Reminds me of an old Honda Prelude.

[@menguardingtheirownwallets6791]

Try driving a new 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid ($28,000 MSPR) and you will find that it drives almost as good and almost as fast as the 2002 Acura NSX that now sells for $128,000. If you want an Automatic: 2025 Civic Hybrid = 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, 1999 NSX automatic = 252 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque (same performance).

[@bullittwood3320]

Uh…no. I owned a Civic Hybrid, briefly. Not even on the same planet.

[@THETURBROS]

share the drugs

[@Wolfen_Argent]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@TheLavadiver]

The NSX is a Japanese car legend and that's part of what you're paying for. It's worth every dime of 100k. These cars cost 90k new in 2005 which is a lot more than 100k in todays devalued/inflated money. The NSX is returning to mean, what is is truly worth. The NSX IS a super car, and it deserves its supercar price. If you didn't see the writing on the wall and get one when you could afford it, that's a you problem, not because the car isn't worth it. It's ONLY going to go up too, so better figure out a way to make money, or resign yourself to play with one in Gran Turismo for the rest of your life. Any view on the perceived value of the NSX thinking it should be lower is just one's personal copium.

[@morganvon5664]

Never liked the looks of the rear. Reminds me of an old Honda Prelude.