2001 Acura NSX: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Introduced in 1991 and not fundamentally altered since, the mid-engine 2-seat sports car from Honda's luxury division comes as a fixed-roof coupe and as the NSX-T with removable roof panel. A 6-speed manual transmission teams with a 290-hp 3.2-liter V6, a 4-speed automatic with a 252-hp 3.0-liter V6. The automatic has Acura's SportShift manual-shift feature. Traction control, ABS, power steering, leather interior standard. A revised 2002 model is due in early calendar '02.

COMPETITION

This class features an interesting mix of hard-core performance models and more luxurious touring convertibles. Our Best Buys give you a little of both worlds. The Chevrolet Corvette is fast, comfortable, and reasonably affordable. Unlike previous models it doesn't beat you up with a hard ride, and it will cruise quietly at highway speeds. Our other Best Buy, the Mazda Miata, is a bare-bones roadster with few frills and average acceleration, but for weekend fun on a twisty back road it's hard to beat.

If you don't mind spending a few more bucks, we recommend you take a look at the Mercedes-Benz SLK. The Mercedes offers an interesting mix of performance and luxury. It also has a retractable hardtop, making it more of an all-weather car.