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2005 Acura NSX Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2005 Acura NSX Review:
2005 Acura NSX Review
The midengine sports car from Honda's premium division is unchanged for 2005. NSX comes with a lift-off "targa" roof panel, a 290-hp 3.2-liter V6, and a 6-speed manual transmission. A 4-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift feature is available by special order and teams with a 252-hp 3.0-liter V6. Standard are ABS, traction control, and 17-inch wheels, plus leather upholstery, keyless entry system, and trunk-mounted CD changer. Side airbags are unavailable.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and 4-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.
Our Best Buy is the Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include the BMW Z4, Chrysler Crossfire, and Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Our Best Buy is the Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include the BMW Z4, Chrysler Crossfire, and Mercedes-Benz CLK.
News
Honda says it will end NSX production by the close of 2005, but will introduce a replacement in 2008 or '09. Company officials aren't talking about the new sports car--probably because it's still in the very early design phases. However, Honda confirms a V-10 engine and a design "just as groundbreaking" as the NSX was on its mid-1990 debut. Over its 15-year career, the NSX has racked up more than 18,000 worldwide sales, with the U.S. accounting for slightly more than a third.
2005 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 a bigger wallop. Manual transmission shifts with easy precision; automatic can jolt in hard-throttle downshifts.
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 9 | 8.1 |
A smooth rush with either powerteam, though the manual/3.2-liter packs a bigger wallop. Manual transmission shifts with easy precision; automatic can jolt in hard-throttle downshifts.
Fuel Economy
Excellent for a high-performance sports car. Test manual-transmission model averaged 22 mpg. Premium-grade fuel mandatory.
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 4.4 |
Excellent for a high-performance sports car. Test manual-transmission model averaged 22 mpg. Premium-grade fuel mandatory.
Ride Quality
Firm chassis and low-profile tires exact a choppy ride except on very smooth roads. Still, not punishing like a Dodge Viper.
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 2 | 4 |
Firm chassis and low-profile tires exact a choppy ride except on very smooth roads. Still, not punishing like a Dodge Viper.
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.
| 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
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.
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 3.9 |
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
Mostly logical and convenient, as in other Acuras.
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.2 |
Mostly logical and convenient, as in other Acuras.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Snug but not cramped, though head room tight for 6-footers. Racy-looking seats hug well during fast cornering. Visibility great despite low-slung positioning, but entry/exit is the usual sports-car limbo dance.
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.6 |
Snug but not cramped, though head room tight for 6-footers. Racy-looking seats hug well during fast cornering. Visibility great despite low-slung positioning, but entry/exit is the usual sports-car limbo dance.
Room/Comfort (rear)
(No rear seating.)
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 0 | .4 |
(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.
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 1 | 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
This sophisticated, well-built high-performer provides plenty of thrills, yet is a fairly practical day-to-day car. But it is also pricey, and its aluminum-intensive construction means expensive repairs for even minor damage.
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.6 |
This sophisticated, well-built high-performer provides plenty of thrills, yet is a fairly practical day-to-day car. But it is also pricey, and its aluminum-intensive construction means expensive repairs for even minor damage.
Total Score
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 48 | 47.8 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 47 | |
| High Score | 59 |
2005 Acura NSX Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 10/15/2003
| 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 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/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, 4-way power bucket seats, center console, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Bose AM/FM/cassette, 6-disc CD changer, power antenna, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, 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 V6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
2005 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 | Optional | 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 2005 Acura NSX Review:
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