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