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2003 Acura NSX Road Test
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2003 Acura NSX Review:

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.
2003 Acura NSX Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Cargo room
Steering/handling Ride
Build quality Entry/exit
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score
38
Average Score
48
High Score
61
Also in the 2003 Acura NSX Review:

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