The NSX - When Honda took on Ferrari and WON!

When Gordon Murray designed the all-conquering McLaren F1 supercar, he didn’t use a Porsche, Lamborghini or even a Ferrari for inspiration. It was the Honda NSX. Yes, Honda, makers of the humdrum, practical Civic. He liked it so much, he bought one with his own money used it as a daily driver. The NSX was a revolution in supercar design when it launched in 1990. There had been plenty of cool-looking exotic cars, but none had combined this with a truly practical car that could be used, as Gordon Murray found out, day in, day out. The NSX had set a pattern for supercars to come. The bar had been raised. So, just why did Honda make a left turn from practical family cars into making a supercar, and why did it take 26 years between the first generation and second generation car?
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#bigcar

[@philips6182]

Senna heel-toe wearing loafers in the NSX at Suzuka is timeless

[@Icedcoffee03]

I have that video printed in my mind forever. I love it!

[@lushhush4485]

dude i bought a toddler powerwheels honda nsx wearing a adidas t shirt with my shoe air jordan 1

[@tony_5156]

That’s a Brazilian uncle power move right there

[@S70AMG]

Too bad it was all a plagiarized video of an actual legendary driver, motoharu kurosawa aka gan san

[@tolismouzakis9378]

It's called punta taco

[@sfkeepay]

I think this (excellent, as always) video actually understates the initial impact of the NSX. It was “the $60,000 Ferrari killer” on release. It forced the entire industry to recalculate the relationship between price, performance and reliability, and it helped legitimate the futures of Lexus and Audi.

[@jedemmerichcabrera1564]

Dont forget the R35 debut impact when it was brand new. It was just like the NSX

[@HorrorUberAlles]

I swear the 1st gen NSX has, to this day, the freshest styling of any Japanese car I've ever seen. It _still_ looks modern and its performance is nothing to sneeze at!

[@beelbug2396]

todays accord outperforms that NSX in almost every aspect

[@DBGE001]

Apples and oranges, mate.@@beelbug2396

[@marmite226]

@@beelbug2396Nah bro

[@joshjlmgproductions3313]

Man, I never realized how good the new NSX actually looks. I just never bothered to pay attention to it because nobody else did either.

[@rosswilliam2472]

In person they are stunning!

[@ooohhenrybmblm]

It looks good but it feels different

[@coletrick8748]

They look good no doubt but the lines are too soft and not exotic enough.. kinda like the R8, a bit boring

[@dragonkrieg4444]

i thought it was just a bad R8

[@ManasD30]

I like the car, but not the front. It just looks a little to overdone for me

[@keeganmetcalf9043]

Remember when car manufacturers actually took care and time in making a car

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

Pepperidge farm remembers.

[@jeusvox2878]

Didn’t realize they stopped

[@joaogarcia6170]

I mean, imagine owning a restaurant and putting all the work to make your food as good As possible, but you realize people don't care about how good it tastes as long as it fills their stomachs and doesn't taste like crap. That's basically what happened the way i see it, people don't care that much about the car's design as long as it's cheap, reliable and is economical fuel-wise.

[@jeusvox2878]

@@joaogarcia6170 well too me that would depend on the individual consumer, and from my experience, I’ve noticed most if not all road vehicle companies make something to suit the customers need no matter what it is. Fuel economy, reliability, affordability, power, style, capability, value, show car, rarity, comfort, work, etc. Sure Mercedes doesn’t make a regular pick up for people, but for the most part they have something to suit all, besides maybe those who can’t afford their products outside of Germany. Honda is a great example of trying to create designs for customers needs, whether it be affordability, reliability, sport, luxury, work, biking, water, anything really. I think there’s a lot of attention to deal that goes into products now a days, as well as back then. Some people are presumptuous and bias when looking at a new car before they see it. Prepared to say I don’t like it before they know anything about it. There are those who just wait to see what it is offered and then base their opinion on that. All up to the individual.

[@kitko33]

Some still do. Some let their accounting depts to have the biggest say.

[@I_hate_Vegemite]

In Australia, nobody laughed at the early Civic/Accord Econoboxes because they had amazing reliability and quality for the day. What we did laugh at was the complete shit that British Leyland offered as competition. The only Rovers that were worth buying in the 80/90s were the ones underpinned by Honda engineering. In regard to the 2nd Gen NSX, never saw one in Oz whereas the Ferrari, Audi R8, Mercedes, BWW i8 and McLaren competition are fairly commonplace.

[@kaneo1]

One recent 'What killed British car companies' (Top Gear maybe?) mentioned British car companies HATED the Japanese because they demonstrated cars could start Every Day, inexpensively, and not need 4 repair days per month. Then Honda showed Ferraris were crap cars with NSX.

[@vernonbear]

I’m not sure any car offered by British Leyland could be considered ‘competition’ to anything that was offered by the Japanese, for reliability, efficiency and comfort the British were comprehensively outgunned.

[@projectilequestion]

@@vernonbear Also in terms of style, our cars like the Austin Allegro, and Morris Marina were a fucking embarrassment.

[@jeffallinson8089]

@@projectilequestion Totally disagree, both were decent cars. everybody I know who owned a Marina or an Allegro never had any issues with them

[@julioroda5128]

Because honda is affordable and quality

[@tommykarate6226]

That footage of Senna heel and toeing it around Suzuka in his slip ons is legendary mate 👍

[@m_g_khatravinsky]

I think you really should have given the Honda HSV-010 GT a shout on that it has at least partially fulfilled the promise of a V10-powered supercar on the race tracks. Now looking back at the Super GT races it competed in the sound of that engine was instantly recognizable amongst the other machines, absolutely fabulous.

[@RedLP5000S]

First time I ever saw a gen 1 NSX, I saw it pull out of a subdivision. I immediately knew what it was from seeing photos in Car & Driver. I wanted to get a good look at it so I tried to catch up to it, but it took off so fast that I was just left way behind. Beautiful machine. 👌🏻

[@Jorge-Tamacas]

Honda NSX from the 90's is my favorite sportscar from Japan. I'm a Porsche guy, but if I had to choose between the 911 (964) and the early NSX, I would choose the NSX. I couldn't choose between the 993 and the following NSX, so If I had the money I would have to buy both, hahaha. Great story about the NSX

[@fffanman]

Best car I had for 10 years. 1991 red # 43. I put a whopper supercharge on it and exhaust and loved it!!! Beautiful 360 view out the cabin.

[@Fastvoice]

311.8 degrees to be precise. 😉

[@fffanman]

@@Fastvoice Ha ha,, tooo funny. I sure miss mine.

[@fuzzynutter8344]

I recall when the NSX was first launched and the impact it made, just like Lexus and how their LS400 shook up the luxury car class and showed the established marques how refined, comfortable and supremely built a car in this class could be. And Honda showed that a sports car could be reliable, totally usable and easy but thrilling to drive without being wayward or wanting to throw you in a hedge. It may well be why the 348GTB/S was a big improvement over the original 348, which then lead to the brilliant F355, and why the 993 911 was miles better compared to the 994. And yet somehow, IMO, the current NSX just hasn’t made the same impact like the original, including the looks.

[@PresidentEvil]

lol Honda's six cylinder is not comparable to super car engines, keep pretending

[@hybridAbsol]

Lexus cars are great but the problem are the stereotypical consumers and also being a new manufacturer compare to its rivals

[@aaaabababa]

@@PresidentEvil well, i mean, thenn you can't really call the V8 in the Ferrari 328 a Super car engine either.

[@TheChill001]

two reasons why the new NSX simply isn't of the same caliber as the original. 1. The original felt fast, even when it wasn't...which is essentially the bedrock of any successful sportscar, the current NSX feels sluggish when it isn't. I've had the luck of driving an imported one at Spa and ...well, let's say it's a disappointment. You get more fun and excitement out of driving a Opel/vauxhal astra Diesel than you get from the current NSX. 2. Even though I don't want to say it, you can feel the difference between japan made stuff and american made stuff. It has good quality, that's certain...for an american built car. For some reason, even with honda supervising it in Ohio, it is not of the same level and standard as an actual japanese built car...which especially for the price they're now asking for one, is a bit...sad.

[@paulsz6194]

President Evil if you look at the engine in complete isolation, then of course it’s not. It’s the complete package of the car, the handling , the suspension, the comfort and the technology used for the NSX is ground breaking for its day . Just like a well known band that makes great music, the lead singer isn’t the sum of all the band, just like the engine isn’t the sum of all its achievements to compare it to European sports cars of its day. No other manufacturer was using Vtec ( VVT) technology, let alone aluminium bodies.

[@deandeily9489]

I'd just like to tell you how much I (and the rest of your viewers) appreciate the wonderful content that you produce. I always enjoy watching a Big Car episode to end my day. Thank you.

[@markstuckey6639]

The Honda Legend and Prelude so shocked the Japanese market that Toyota established Lexus.

[@OlJackBurton]

Toyota was already working on their Lexus project well before the Legend came out in 1985...

[@assassinkingautisticdrivin9370]

Agreed, I have a 98 Prelude Type-S manual in black, although it's a front-wheel-drive I absolutely love it, so smooth, quick and stylish, everyone looks at it, especially when you let the V-Tec get a bit loud lol.

[@jonathantatler]

I always loved the NSX, a supercar without the irritations and reliability issues. Fast Car had one on long term test and actually found they spent more on the extremely expensive at the time tyres than they did on fuel per mile!

[@christopherprose3881]

The new NSX, like its predecessors, goes under appreciated for the same reasons it did at inception. It's a Honda and that nameplate will never carry the same panache as Ferrari or Lamborghini no matter how good it is under the skin. There are so many ways in which the NSX is both a true sports car and a desirable design, anyone should feel both proud and honored to own and drive it. Its looks too, just like the original, are stunning and will stand the test of time. Now the original NSXs are going for serious money now that collectors have come to realize the genius that was so overlooked during its tenure. I would invest in the new NSX in a heartbeat. I would own something that will become a classic and that I could drive and enjoy daily without breaking the bank in repairs and maintenance.

[@danielmcintyre7405]

The second gen NSX has become my dream super car for that reason.

[@lotusesprit38]

I rather have the good old Nsx than any Ferrari or Lamborghini unreliable , expensive cars

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

I saw a couple of them in my local Honda dealership. They look so good in the flesh. I'd have one over any other supercar.

[@bottomtext5872]

@footballcoreano If you call this Japanese fanboyism you'd bring shame to the tifosi. Honda has beaten Ferarri in F1 on multiple occasions, RedBull is kicking both the asses of Germany and Italy in F1 this year, and guess what they're powered by? Honda. The cars are reliable, quick, and good handling. Look at the Civic Type R, it broke records at Nurburgring.

[@DAGATHire]

sorry, but nope. It's under appreciated cos' is straight up underwhelming. The original was ground breaking this new one is a bog standard, nothing special car.

[@elnino7822]

This has very quickly become one of my favourite channels. Thank you for the wonderful research you out into it. Could you please do Subaru. Perhaps the SVX, or any Subaru for that matter.Cheers

[@BigCar2]

Thanks! I'd like to do the WRX maybe at some point. Or the Outback. I need to find something Brits are aware of, as that's my main market.

[@BrisLS1]

Great review! You hit it spot on when you explained the original car was an "earthquake" while the newer one was just one in a crowd. Back in the 1990's car ownership wealth disparity was much more than it is today. If you bought cheap, you got no speed, and certain breakdown in the near future. Nowadays, you can go cheap and still feel fast in your car, and it may last. The NSX was on a bill board that read "won't burn up on re-entry". My boss had one. I had an Eagle Talon that burst into flames. And to try to get a car that cost almost 6 figures back then, you wouldn't even think about it, while today, (at least pre-Covid ) you can get anything you want on the used market. Thanks.

[@Arsenic71]

The original NSX is the most underrated supercar!

[@josephthomas8318]

*underpowered

[@robertamoyaw1979]

I know guy has owned a Porsche Workshop for years, decades, here in LA, well 👍 it turns out his daily driver is an NSX 😳!

[@kenxiong6830]

He’s smart enough to work on Porsches to make money but also smart enough to own a NSX instead of a Porsche

[@paulsz6194]

Also, it proves that he appreciates the exemplary engineering ( for its day) , and isn’t a brand snob.

[@johancoetzer2165]

He can't afford to have car trouble on the way to work! 😄

[@MiguelGarcia-vj7oo]

@@johancoetzer2165 not really... The 911 has been one of the most reliable sports cars all throughout it's generations...... And also the most race successful road car in Motorsports.........

[@robertamoyaw1979]

@@MiguelGarcia-vj7oo yep, true n 👍, but he works on them 911s n yet drives an NSX! He has owned the shop for years n could easily afford a 911 if he wanted one, yet he is totally 😌 satisfied with his NSX. I couldn't believe it myself but after my first Honda Civic , I came to an enlightening understanding, the quality of automotive motion from A to B, can only be judged by how comfortable you are behind the wheel and most Hondas make it easy on you🙂

[@ukupunkrock3981]

Yay!!! I knew it was an MR2 W10 on first glance, one of my favourite accessible cars ever. Also, great video, many thanks!

[@FerraristDX]

I know there is footage of Senna driving the NSX at Suzuka. But Senna driving at the Nordschleife is like the holy grail. Hope there is some footage of that.

[@Fastvoice]

I guess Senna driving the NSX on the Nordschleife is a myth. Honda never communicated or confirmed that.

[@astronomenov99]

Thanks. I now want a MK1 NSX! The UK demonstrator came to my home town. Someone sent it backwards into a wheat field. No damage, just lots of vegetation in the rear vents!

[@chantalslut]

Drove a NSX for 14 years. Did spend a small fortune on it to keep it in prestigne condition. Only genuine Honde parts, and everything faulty/damaged was immediatly replaced. 8500 RPM normally aspirated. Damn turbo's these days.

[@antraxxslingshots]

Man...those 80s Ferraris are all so stunning...what an amazing designwork that was.

[@dragonskunkstudio7582]

I loved my cheap tinny econobox Civic. I had the 1979 model that was a full hatchback.

[@catjudo1]

My mom bought an 80 Civic wagon with a five speed in 1982. Candy apple red and nothing ever broke. It was comfortable and would run all day without complaint. It was a good car, certainly better than anything from Detroit at the time. The same could be said about dad's 71 Datsun 510 two door.

[@wearetomorrowspast.5617]

Cool vid. Always wanted to know more about the NSX. Toyota MR2 , such a beauty. I can't believe Toyota doesn't make this anymore.

[@RagedContinuum]

yeah if I ever become a millionaire I will get an NSX, MR2, and WRX

[@hoedenbesteller]

Back when Honda dared and delivered..

[@richsackett3423]

Yeah but it cost them a bundle.

[@KardiFan2000]

@@richsackett3423 And it ultimately paid off.

[@highthai7]

Now they space out and make space ships.

[@antraxxslingshots]

What a coincidence...yesterday at the MOT i had an NSX right next to me and i thought, what a rare, yet beautiful, yet cheap looking, yet practical...car that is.

[@stevenjoyce421]

I haven’t seen an NSX in public for years

[@opedroefeio]

nowadays it would be all but cheap, with the way these late 80s, early 90s sports cars are hiking up in prices..

[@antraxxslingshots]

@@opedroefeio totally, i think you can ask the price you payed for in in the 90s no problem. with cheap i mainly meant the interior tho. typical jpanese end of 80s styling. boring but practical.

[@astronomenov99]

@@antraxxslingshots Japanese sportscars always look bad from the back. They've never got rear light clusters to look cool.

[@antraxxslingshots]

@@astronomenov99 I like the back of the 1st Celica GT quite a lot. Not really a "Sportscar" but ... :)

[@MacMelmac]

Another japanese supercar that was a head turner was the Mitsubishi 3000GT

[@loofloof1441]

Very underated

[@2006gtobob]

Nice car, but fwd based and difficult to work on. Loved the styling though!

[@owenshebbeare2999]

@@2006gtobob Yes, even AWD couldn't hide the understeer without expensive aftermarket suspension tuning, and it was always too heavy as well.

[@BatCaveOz]

3000GT was a fine sports car, but it wasn't a supercar.

[@mohammedaljanahi]

My dream car 😭

[@paulphillipson2378]

The humble practical Civic? They weren't all humble and I would love to see a video on the Civic with all it's milestones in development please 😁

[@BigCar2]

Eventually! I owned one for 7 years.

[@2006gtobob]

I agree. I owned an 86 Si, a 91 CRX Si, and, just for fun, a 91 CRX Hf. I pretty much consider Civics to have gone downhill after 95. Sure, today's models may be faster, but they seem to be lacking in soul, that magic something. I say all that while sitting in my last of the line of great Accords, a 2017 EX-L V6 with a 6 speed. This car, while super quick and fast for what it is, just doesn't sing or have the throw-about nature of those 91 Hondas. I also have a 2012 Accord EX-L V6 coupe that just received a new engine 6 months ago, after only 130,047 miles. I love my 2012 due to its styling, so, it got a new engine. Yeah. I'm a 30 year long Honda man and fan, but 2017 is the end of the line for me due to the lack of coupes, sticks, and V6's in their line ups. I test drove the 2017 Civic Si, and it was disappointing. So, Accord coupe.

[@nobodynoone2500]

​@@BigCar2 I would love a civic rundown. Be sure to highlight the "golden years" of 1988 through 2000, when they had double wishbone/multilink suspension, before throwing in to towel to make commuter appliances with the ubiq-shit mc-strut suspension. The integra, wagovan, crx, and 1st gen crv deserve a special mention, being based on the same platform.

[@paulphillipson2378]

@@BigCar2 gunna be a long video, CVCC, VTEC, Real Time AWD Shuttle, CRX, Integra and Ballade, TypeR's, Fast and Furious Coupes, Time Attack records, race track records, tuner market, there's so much to tell 😁

[@paulphillipson2378]

@@2006gtobob My lad has a 95 EG with H22A engine and U2Q7 gearbox, check it out on Dan AYP channel, he's just reviewed an EK9 and a Honda Logo with a CRX engine 😁

[@countach27]

Three points! Mat from Carwow recently did a review of the Mk1 MR2, so it’s still fresh on my mind

[@Psych0technic]

Same here!

[@shaunwilding4509]

Another excellent video. Love it when I get a notification that another one has been uploaded, and I purposely make sure I've got a brew and half hour undisturbed lol. Great work.

[@BigCar2]

Glad you like them Shaun!

[@briangriffin9872]

Do the lotus carlton that’s a car that needs to be appreciated

[@BigCar2]

I was tossing up between the Senator and the Carlton a while ago, the Carlton, with its Lotus edition is worth a look.

[@matthewgodwin3050]

@@BigCar2 I'd love to see a video on the Carlton and the Senator, either as separate episodes, or in a combined 'big Vauxhall saloons' edition. They're both great cars, and equally worthy of our appreciation 🚗🚗👍

[@LoftyVisions]

How about the Holden Commodore? That'd be a great story as it would encompass the Senator and Omega too 👍

[@speedoman1234]

Vauxhall = symbol of a council estate 🤮🤮

[@marnuscoreyempanadaslooseb6760]

@@LoftyVisions Mate I asked him about 6 months ago and he said no unfortunately.

[@KJohansson]

And then we have the strange stance, different wheel sizes front and back, the front suspension with parts looking like art.. This is still on my "bucket list of cars". Good video!

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

We imported a red Honda NSX straight from Japan once. ( With pop ups ) Not the Acura model. I hope she found a good home. I'm gonna take a wild guess and say that's na Lancia under the covers.

[@jamesrichards5601]

Great video, I think I'm the only one in saying this but I actually much prefer the 2002 look of the NSX to the 1991. For me, the 2002 NSX-R is perfection and I'd pay literally anything to have one!

[@elicaul6506]

Fantastic video, thank you! The first generation NSX was very exciting when it was released - I got to drive one at moderate speeds once, and it was very nice. I had never looked at the second generation NSX. It is a shame it didn't sell well, it is a very impressive mechanical design. I am still getting used to the looks of the second gen :)

[@Mike-rk8px]

I bought a 1995 NSX three years ago, I’d always loved them but the price was too steep when I was younger. It’s just as amazing as I was expecting it would be. Sure, I’d prefer a car that looks like a Lamborghini Miura SV, but the drawbacks of most exotics are extreme. The NSX is very fast, and FEELS fast. The handling is telepathic. The engine sound under hard acceleration is addictive. AND it’s so reliable I can drive it daily without any worries. I’ve only done the proper recommend maintenance, and like most Japanese cars, that’s all you need to do. It’s only got 76,000 miles and still feels brand new. It’s not the fastest car around, but it’s still very fast. You can also putter around a city or town and it never complains.

[@e.l.4409]

I'm just imagining a Rover-rebadged NSX.

[@freddieparrydrums]

What a shame it never happened! Would've been... *Interesting*

[@CynicalBastard511]

I presume it would've been re-badged as an MG.

[@smorris12]

It would have somehow become unreliable

[@thefontofallgarbage8480]

With the rover v8 that shakes you like it does in the TVR Griffith.

[@CynicalBastard511]

@@thefontofallgarbage8480 Then thank f**k Honda didn't let Rover touch the NSX.

[@rnyellow]

This channel is going from strength to strength. Loved this one. Chapeau for the FixaFiat Ferrari tyre sealant moment

[@BigCar2]

Thanks!

[@freddieparrydrums]

The NSX is amazing. Like the in between of an MR2 and a proper super car.

[@abc20002koonrsr]

You have no idea mate keep imageing what the nsx is in your head . It is as proper superrcar as they come .

[@paulmartin4971]

Loved the nsx then still love it now. Shame you never see them on the road.

[@Tommyblueeyes]

Depends where you live..They have an NSX meet in Perth Western Australia near where I fish every so often on a Sunday...Some rare birds there too.

[@freddieparrydrums]

Ayy, I got the MR2 MK1 full points :D

[@philiprodney7884]

I’ve read so much about the NSX over the years, but this is the best overview. Thanks!

[@BigCar2]

Wow, thanks!

[@stevethomas760]

If I may. The electric power steering was only on the automatic on the 5 sp cars had manual steering . Some useless weight saving triva, aluminum seat frames and jack. The NSX I own was the 22nd one in the US (#85). Original owner paid 20K over list, 83K. Enjoyed the video

[@death2pc]

The greatest asset of the NSX was Honda's unparalleled steering/handling capability. via its chassis and suspension architecture. THAT net result handling is pure Honda and few remotely understand how exceptional it is.

[@joshthemediocre7824]

The 1st gen NSX has aged beautifully. It was an awesome car in it's debut and before the New Nissan GTR came out in 2009 it was the most important Japanese sports car ever built. In my uneducated opinion.

[@BlitzkriegRap]

NSX is one of my favourite cars ever. In the Top 10 EASY. Ahh what would I do for a NA2 NSX-R!

[@MrNegativecreep07]

Still such a great looking car. Plus it was one of my favourites in Gran Turismo as well

[@palebeachbum]

The late 80s and early 90s were the heydays of Japanese engineering and design. Everything from home electronics to automobiles. I was not at all a fan when they replaced the cool popup headlights with the clear lens fixed units. It looked kind of ugly. It blows my mind, and makes me feel a little old, to think the first-generation NSX is a 30yr old design now. 30yrs! It still looks sexy and fresh to my eyes. This has been my dream car since 1994.

[@lancergt1000]

That's because between 1986 and 1991 Japan experienced a massive economic bubble: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_asset_price_bubble

[@mateuszzimon8216]

NSX with ZX300 headlights or irc mugen (bubbles) headlight

[@Tommyblueeyes]

@@mateuszzimon8216 Not close to 300zx headlights (which the later Lamborghini Diablo certainly used)

[@gregjarvis3288]

Great video. I ran one for four years. A 3 litre fmatic targa. One word fantastic! Really wish I still had it. Did not fail once just serviced it when reqd.

[@mattgreen9507]

Thanks for the entertaining video :-) And yes please to an MR2 "story", I used to have a Mk3..... but those days are gone... sigh....

[@BigCar2]

I wanted a mk3 and sat in one, but my knee hit the steering wheel whenever I used the clutch. And I'm not that tall! Such a disappointment.

[@mattgreen9507]

@@BigCar2 It's certainly a tight space but I can't remember having that problem and I'm around 180cm... I must have been lucky with which part of my legs were long :-) It was certainly not a practical car with two cubby holes behind the seats and a tiny "froot". I read that when they asked the designer why there wasn't more space to put stuff he said putting more stuff would upset the balance... no idea if that's true but it sounds like a fun legend.

[@ahmadahmal2942]

Honda NSX is perfection! One of the best looking cars ever made!

[@davidcontini7217]

It depends what you were looking for. For a European driver, the Porsche 928 was the ultimate fast touring car. A lot more comfortable and practical. The NSX was very sophisticated, the engine had variable valve timing and could rev very high, the aluminum chassis was light and rigid. The NSX could be driven by a regular Sunday driver, whereas the 348, without power steering, was fatiguing and edgy at the limit. Then they improved the car, introducing the 348GTB first and then the magnificent 355.

[@jorehir]

That's because it was pretty much copied from the Ferrari 408.

[@ahmadahmal2942]

@@jorehir 408 prototype looked unrefined with ugly back design. But If honda did use the 408 as their inspiration for the NSX, I think they did a magical transformation from an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan. The design of the NSX was a vast improvement of the Ferrari 408 prototype. Not a copy. And that's why NSX is one most beautiful shaped cars along side Alfa romeo stradale.

[@jorehir]

@@ahmadahmal2942 Of course the Ferrari design was unrefined, because it was a prototype, not a production car. Actually, even less: it was just a technology demonstrator for their 4WD system. Still, to the untrained eye, the two cars look identical from certain angles, like this one: www.looksmartmodels.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ferrari-408-rm.jpg

[@anthonyward335]

Brillant your best yet thank you for taking the time to make this

[@assassinkingautisticdrivin9370]

I have dreamt for years of buying an NSX one day, great video! And I got the 3 points for guessing the car under the cover, I own a mk1 MR2, the one I have currently is the 8th one I've owned, it's my daily and the NSX is about the only thing I'd ever dream of changing my daily to lol.

[@gergoantal1066]

Daily driving an MR2? That's like, Bear Grylls levels of survival with that oversteer tendency haha! Just kidding, I love those cars.Great daily.

[@davethetaswegian]

The first NSX was from an era when Honda was riding high and was arguably the leading Japanese car maker for technology and innovation. The last NSX was from a era when Honda had lost its way following the GFC. I am not saying it was a bad car, it just didn't stand out from the crowd like the class redefining original did.

[@aaronbryan5095]

Honda has become brain damaged ever since the GFC happened, though not quite to the same degree as Nissan and Mitsubishi.

[@ilyasovich]

What does GFC means

[@davethetaswegian]

@@aaronbryan5095 very true, the companies that tried to economise their way out of problems by reducing investment in new products have suffered the most.

[@davethetaswegian]

@@ilyasovich the Global Financial Crisis of 2008

[@ilyasovich]

@@davethetaswegian Thanks bro

[@ramoncf7]

I knew the NSX was a big inspiration for the McLaren F1, but looking at the interior design makes it even more obvious.

[@0222tomi]

NSX is all about that driving feel. Pure pleasure and fun.

[@brucewayne2773]

After watching this video, I appreciate my 94 NSX even more. It however does not have power steering. It was not available until 95 models with a manual transmission.

[@nadeemchaudhry6585]

Another great and well researched video!! Thank you.

[@ManasD30]

In an era when you had a car to go to office and another to go to the track for thrashing, the NSX combined those 2 categories, meaning you could drive it to the office from Monday to Friday, and thrash it on a track on a Saturday. Sadly, the 276bhp agreement in Japan meant that the NSX (and all other Japanese monsters like the Skyline, RX7, etc.) could never truly compete with the Europeans, who could give as much power as they wanted

[@zhirafique]

Beautiful! I love this videos so much and waiting for new ones every time

[@BigCar2]

Glad you like them!

[@Runningbowels]

That Toyota Supra at 3:02 still looks good in this day and age. Classic!

[@ceyhunpasaoglu]

I just discovered your channel! I love the content. I started using car wallpapers again. :D Thanks a lot!

[@bowlampar]

HP-X is a beauty.

[@uweheinrich6784]

thank you for a great story.....you always provide so much detail about the otherwise "behind the curtain" stuff, which makes your channel my favorite car story channel.....

[@BigCar2]

Thanks Uwe!

[@JeffKing310]

Another great automotive history lesson. Brilliant work Andy. Thank you.

[@BigCar2]

Thx Jeff!

[@eriktempelman2097]

Great car. I love the details: the NSX had an aluminium jack in the toolkit.

[@anthonyxuereb792]

I had a beautiful aluminium jack in my Audi

[@Nard0_R0N1N]

Senna with his unique throttle technique. Nice to see that again.

[@vana4054]

I saw this car in Montreal at the Motor Show in 2015... I'll never forget that moment..... it was beautifuuuuuuuuuuul!

[@anthonyperkins7556]

The NSX was a brilliant 2 seater saloon that was just enough for a couple going on holiday or going shopping while transporting you both in reasonable comfort.

[@AlfaGiuliaQV]

All of that monstrous engineering work only for the car to be used as a shopping cart for an elderly couple...

[@dm5374]

Great video as always! Honestly, though, I think what Honda didn't get is that to take on a Ferrari V8 you needed a V8. The soundtrack of a flat-plane V8 will offset the prowess of the stereo, and the power steering means the car communicates the road less to the driver. Yes, it's just a personal opinion, but it explains why I have a 348 in the garage.

[@TassieLorenzo]

Japanese cars were restricted to the 276hp agreement though. In that context, the smaller, lighter V6 engine made more sense. It's a shame Honda never updated the car with a 4.0-4.4 V8 based on two (Honda) K series engines. Jack from Number27 preferred the NSX Type S to the 355, even despite the lack of a V8... Most NSXs had manual steering rather than the electric system anyway.

[@paullacey2999]

With a dreadful manual gearbox that wont cooperate when cold and a chassis that wasnt good enough,so it was reengineered into a 355....I will have the Honda thanks....

[@BigCar2]

You could see they were trying with their plans for the mk2 car, but today particularly there's no need (other than the sound).

[@dm5374]

@@paullacey2999 Respectfully, you're missing my point. For me it's all about the overall experience. Yes, the gearbox is very stiff when cold, but who cares? You don't want to push the car until it warms anyway. When the oil temp guage starts heading to 100°C you feel everything finally start to make sense, it almost becomes alive in your hands, the gated shifter works perfectly, the steering is laser focused, even the engine exhaust note changes. You become one with the road, and the 348 is your interface. It's quite something, actually. If I wanted power steering and an auto trans, I would have bought another car. Oh and the F355 has much more in common with the 348 than you probably realize. Cheers!

[@paullacey2999]

@@dm5374 Making excuses for the Ferrari shortcomings when the Honda was properly engineered in the first place...Its gearbox isnt tempremental and a chassis developed by Ayrton Senna ensures it was a well sorted car.A design so good it hardly changed over its life unlike the 348/355 had to.I think the V6 VTEC Honda engine stands comparably as well.For a long time Honda boasted they never had a VTEC engine fail....And it sound incredible.The 355 went to 5 valves per cylinder like many Yamaha bike engines!!Sorry but the Honda is still the better car for me.The general consensous suggests the 348 wasnt the best Ferrari but the 355 was a great one....And Ive driven many examples of both to agree.

[@ainsleyharriott_1849]

Oh God Its finally happened! One of my favourite car youtuber is making a video for one of my favourite cars! I wanted to thank you that you sharing with us your great quality videos

[@BigCar2]

Thanks Ainsley!

[@shamnashamnaahamadshareef7130]

@@BigCar2 Hello Big car My Name Aadhil A . S I am 14 Year year old boy i am from India I like all cars I am Interested about cars On next video story of Toyota Innova at Next Saturday

[@BigCar2]

@@shamnashamnaahamadshareef7130 Hi Aadhil!

[@markfox1545]

Ainsley! Good to see you not dead! 🤣🤣

[@mr.cookie7308]

The NSX is perhaps one of the greatest cars of all time, a revolution in design and engineering.

[@meatpopsicle6244]

A couple decades ago I was at a car show. The owner let me sit in his NSX. Still remember, thanks man that was pretty cool of you!

[@BIsForBudget]

I really miss the Honda of the 80s/90s.... They've gone so astray....

[@gergoantal1066]

Sadly Honda's lineup formula of naturally aspirated but reserved in power, simple and very well handling economy cars and also a few sports cars of the same formula is something that simply won't work in a market where people expect an economy car to do crazy horsepower numbers and also emissions regulations...the new 1.5 turbo engines in the 10th gen Civic are already having problems...Honda was never supposed to start making these downsized turbo engines but the market simply forced them to. And slowly they'll be forced into the electric thing as well. I'm afraid we're not getting the good days of Honda back.

[@zombiehero1442]

I love the early 90's Acuras, I grew up with my dad driving a Legend coupe, and had a Vigor for a bit. They're great driving cars

[@Shopsmith10er]

Great presentation and thanks for sharing. Some from my memories~ Before the US public release, Acura had a national promotional tour for track day and orientation of the NSX. First class ordeal hosted by racer Parker Johnston whom also was largely instrumental in the chassis tuning for Honda. (Should also be mentioned for his success in racing for Honda). Anyways, this small fleet of cars were lots of fun to thrash around the tracks and found most confident and forgiving. At lunch break, we were treated to steak and lobster! I wasn't aware of the comments in these cars having an unpredictable oversteer. These cars were perfect balanced for road purpose, as all cars for road safety have initial inherit understeer, and take it from there. The transition was nice and confident as the best of the era. I think the first for US cars were 276 hp. After the promotional tour, they were sent to the Federal crash test for certifications, etc..

[@ariyelschoemaker1564]

Was not expecting an NSX video but could not be more pleasantly surprised to have you do a vid on my dream car!

[@unhingedgaming1586]

Man i've always wanted to NSX! now i'm sure im going to buy one

[@Tommyblueeyes]

In the early 2000s, you could pick them up for dirt cheap (especially the autos) You will be paying premium prices these days.

[@zacmich6472]

I miss the pop-up headlights and the long, low silhouettes of cars from the 90's

[@toineleuverink9905]

This is just great car-journalism...as good as it gets. Hats off and deep respect for your work. I just love every second of it. Thank you!

[@BigCar2]

Thanks Toine!

[@johanwejedaldesign]

Really great video, the NS-X has been a personal favorite since it was launched. Btw, I would like to request a future video about the Lotus/Caterham 7-series and all of its derivatives (it´s really hard to keep track of them all). Keep up the great work! Also - Yay! I got all points! :D

[@petrosE75]

Like always, an amazing video!!!

[@dkmorris713]

Don't forget that sweet ruched leather! Thanks for this video about my dream car. I can't think of a vehicle I'd rather own.

[@oscardriver]

I had an Na2 .. for almost 10 years, red, manual ... what a piece of art. Currently I drive a 997S and what the 911 has in overall package the NSX has on it's looks and grace. I wish I had both, incredible cars, they need some work to get a bit more of proper performance out of the --ok-- 290hp, but what a car. Art.

[@erijavec]

I knew this car would become legendary when I first read about it in 1990. Thank you for this awesome story! Subb’d 🔥

[@danbrittain9530]

This car was actually heavily influenced by, or even based on, the Nissan Mid 4. The interior also has a hell of a lot in common with the Z32 300ZX.

[@user-qu3tg1cr4l]

Man those days japanese carmakers had tremendous BALLS!!!

[@SaraSpruce]

Interestingly, Honda took the cancelled V10 second generation NSX racing in Japanese Super GT in 2010, named the Honda HSV-010 GT and equipped with a 3.4 litre V8 engine.

[@PhantomWoIf]

i remember when the honda nsx came out new back then in the 90s, it was a legend already then, people knew and it has gained more today than back then. look at the low straight line, how elegant it looks and it looks exciting from all sides. its something of its own the designer made, an expression of high cultural achievement. I'm not saying that often about cars but this one is even a tip higher in matters of elegancia than the nissan 300zx tt, another iconic japanese sportscar from the 90s. i wish honda would make the 90s nsx again, this time electric with awd and 1900+hp like the rimac nevera.

[@affalterbachamg2094]

Superb video! Loved the NSX in-games and real life, it drove very well and is very grippy with the right suspension setups!

[@SDZKProductions]

My guess before i see a reveal: Toyota MR2

[@Jumpjet701]

Came here to say this. AW11 more specifically. Another mid engine classic.

[@andreamassara590]

The Honda NSX story shows the slight difference between a generalist car maker and a specialist one. The first one can demonstrate he’s able to build a supercar even better than the benchmark, but it will not keep on producing if times change, if some trends change or just it finds it’s no more economically convenient. The specialist keep on its way, doing its best to gain attractiveness, enhance performance and make ends meet. That’s why car enthusiasts fall in love with Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins, Lotuses or even Porsches (thanks to 911), admire the spirit of risky enterprise of - say - a McLaren and, as time passes by, tend to overshadow supercars from Mercedes, Audi, Ford and similar, even if it happens that they were on the top of the hill in their time.

[@Henry_Jones]

Thank you for making this! My whole adult life Ive been huge Honda sports car fan. Hondas beginnings were in motorsports and theyve always put that attention to driving feel into their vehicles and still do today. For a volume oem though supercars require too much capital which is why the original nsx stuck around for so long. Oh and honda haters fyi, Car Wizard trashed the nsx and honda sports cars in his buy this not that Honda video. Then he went out and got a Prelude lol.

[@manuelrodrigues5996]

The legend will never die!!!

[@canadiandragon7069]

Would love to see you're take on the Ford Thunderbird, love you're content and love that car so I think it'd be awesome if you did a video on.

[@jsirkerp]

There is something about the original that makes it for me timeless. I would love to own that car.

[@burtuppercut]

Brilliant video. So much knowledge.