2003 Acura NSX: Road Test
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2003 Acura NSX ▼
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- MSRP: $89,000
- Invoice: $79,213
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Our road test for the 2003 Acura NSX includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Acura NSX from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Acura NSX, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Acura NSX help you decide if a 2003 Acura NSX is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 7.7 |
A smooth rush with either powerteam, though the manual/3.2 liter packs a bigger wallop. Manual shifts with precision. Automatic transmission can jolt in hard-throttle downshifts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.8 |
Excellent for a high-performance sports car. Test manual-transmission model averaged 22 mpg. Premium gas mandatory.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 4.1 |
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
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 8.6 |
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
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4 |
The engine's right behind you, so that's what you hear most, though it's not unduly wearing. Prominent tire noise on coarse pavement.
CONTROLS
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6 |
Mostly logical and convenient, as in other Acuras.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.4 |
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)
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 0 | .7 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2.2 |
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
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.6 |
Last year's changes weren't the major improvements some had hoped for, and 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-performer provides plenty of thrills, yet is fairly practical day-to-day.
Total Score
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 49 | 48.1 |
Total Score: 49
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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