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2002 Acura NSX Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2002 Acura NSX Review:
2002 Acura NSX Review
The midengine sports car from Honda's premium division gets the first noticeable appearance changes in its 12-year history. Acura says reshaped nose and lower-body areas are designed to make the 2002 NSX look more "substantial." Flip-up headlamps give way to fixed, glass-covered Xenon units. Also new are gold-colored brake calipers, larger exhaust ports, slightly wider rear tires and axle, 17-inch wheels all-around instead of 16s in front, suspension revisions, and reinforced roof pillars. The sole NSX-T model comes with a lift-off "targa" roof panel, 290-hp 3.2-liter V6, 6-speed manual transmission, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and a leather upholstery that can be newly keyed to exterior color. The previous fixed-roof model is dropped. A 4-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift feature is available by special order and teams with a 252-hp 3.0-liter V6. Side airbags are unavailable.
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.
Audi's TT is solid, stylish, and loaded with features making it fit for the Recommended list. Like no other in its class, TT offers the all-weather advantage of available quattro AWD at a great price. Of course, 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.
Audi's TT is solid, stylish, and loaded with features making it fit for the Recommended list. Like no other in its class, TT offers the all-weather advantage of available quattro AWD at a great price. Of course, 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.
News
U.S. NSX sales totaled just 182 units in calendar 2001, down from 221 the previous year and 238 in calendar '99. Despite these paltry numbers, Honda/Acura seems committed to continuing the NSX, if only as a technological showcase with great image rub-off for the rest of the lineup.
Having just received its first major changes in many a year for 2002, the NSX should continue pretty much as is for the foreseeable future. A full redesign with rumored V8 power is apparently still in the works, but sources don't expect it until model-year 2006.
Having just received its first major changes in many a year for 2002, the NSX should continue pretty much as is for the foreseeable future. A full redesign with rumored V8 power is apparently still in the works, but sources don't expect it until model-year 2006.
2002 Acura NSX Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Cargo room |
| Steering/handling | Ride |
| Build quality | Entry/exit |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
Excellent for a high-performance sports car. Test manual-transmission model averaged 22 mpg. Premium gas mandatory.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Engine right behind seats, so that's what you hear most, though it's not unduly wearing. Prominent tire noise on coarse pavement.
| 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
Mostly logical and convenient, as in other Acuras.
| NSX-T, man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.3 |
Mostly logical and convenient, as in other Acuras.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
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.
| 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)
(No rear seating.)
| NSX-T, man. | Class Average |
| 0 | .6 |
(No rear seating.)
Cargo Room
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
| NSX-T, man. | Class Average |
| 49 | 45.6 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 34 | |
| Average Score | 45 | |
| High Score | 61 |
2002 Acura NSX Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/28/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door coupe, automatic | $89,000 | $79,213 | $765 |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door coupe, manual | $89,000 | $79,213 | $765 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base automatic
Powertrain
3.0-liter dohc V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, power steering, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, 4-way power bucket seats, center console, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, Bose AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, remote fuel-door and decklid releases, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, removable roof panel, rear spoiler, xenon headlights, 215/40ZR17 front tires, 255/40ZR17 rear tires, alloy wheels.
Base manual adds to Base automatic:
Powertrain
3.2-liter dohc V6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
2002 Acura NSX Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Acura NSX 2-door coupe |
| Wheelbase, in. | 99.6 |
| Overall Length, in. | 174.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 46.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3153 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 5.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 36.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 44.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.0 /181 | 3.2 /194 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 252 @ 6600 | 290 @ 7100 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 210 @ 5300 | 224 @ 5500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | 17/24 |
| 4-speed automatic | 17/24 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Acura NSX 2-door coupe |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2002 Acura NSX Review:
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