2002 Acura NSX: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.