2002 Acura NSX Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2002 Acura NSX includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Acura NSX from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Acura NSX, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Acura NSX help you decide if a 2002 Acura NSX is right for you.

2002 Acura NSX Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Cargo room

Steering/handling	Ride

Build quality	Entry/exit

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

NSX-T, man.	Class Average
9	7.8

A smooth rush with either powerteam, though the manual/3.2-liter packs the bigger wallop. Manual shifts with crisp, easy precision. Automatic transmission has only four speeds, can jolt in hard-throttle downshifts.

Fuel Economy

NSX-T, man.	Class Average
6	4.6

Excellent for a high-performance sports car. Test manual-transmission model averaged 22 mpg. Premium gas mandatory.

Ride Quality

NSX-T, man.	Class Average
2	4

Firm chassis and low-profile tires mean choppy ride except on very smooth roads. Still, not punishing like a Dodge Viper or some Chevrolet Corvettes.

Steering/Handling/Braking

NSX-T, man.	Class Average
10	8.3

As racy as the looks suggest. Steering effort a bit high, especially in tight turns, but virtually flat cornering, fine grip and stability, plus powerful braking.

Quietness

NSX-T, man.	Class Average
4	3.6

Engine right behind seats, so that's what you hear most, though it's not unduly wearing. Prominent tire noise on coarse pavement.

Controls

NSX-T, man.	Class Average
7	5.3

Mostly logical and convenient, as in other Acuras.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

NSX-T, man.	Class Average
5	5.1

Snug but not cramped, though head room limited for 6-footers. Racy-looking seats hug well in hard cornering. Visibility great despite low-slung positioning, but entry/exit is the usual sports-car limbo dance.

Room/Comfort (rear)

NSX-T, man.	Class Average
0	.6

(No rear seating.)

Cargo Room

NSX-T, man.	Class Average
1	2.1

Never a strong point with midengine designs, but space here only passable even for a 2-seater. Lightweight roof panel is easily managed, stows conveniently atop the engine cover beneath the lift-up rear window.

Value within Class

NSX-T, man.	Class Average
5	4.2

The 2002 changes aren't the major improvements some had hoped for, and the NSX still trails most rivals for sheer horsepower. It also costs a mint, and aluminum-intensive construction means expensive repairs for even minor damage. But this sophisticated, well-built, high-performance sports car provides plenty of thrills, yet is fairly practical day-to-day. It's also exclusive, with just 200 a year shipped to the U.S.

Total Score