Is the NSX made by Honda or Acura?
The NSX is a model developed by Honda Motor Co. and is marketed as Acura in North America and many other markets, while it is sold as Honda NSX in Japan. In short, Honda is the maker, and Acura is the regional branding used for the car in several regions.
Branding and Market Identity
Understanding where the NSX comes from requires looking at both branding and regional markets. Honda operates the NSX as part of its corporate lineup, but the badge you see on the car changes depending on where you buy it. This distinction between Honda and Acura is primarily marketing-linked rather than representing two entirely separate vehicles.
- First generation (1990–2005): Sold as Honda NSX in Japan and Acura NSX in North America and other markets; the car was developed and produced under Honda’s umbrella in Japan, with regional branding differences.
- Second generation (2016–present): Built by Honda at its Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio; marketed as Acura NSX in North America and as Honda NSX in Japan and some other markets.
Together, these points show that the NSX is a Honda product, with Acura serving as the regional badge for several markets. The engineering and manufacturing remain overseen by Honda Motor Co., with branding decisions reflecting regional strategy.
Production and Brand Structure
Key manufacturing and branding facts for the NSX across its current generation:
- Production is concentrated at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio, for the global market outside Japan.
- The car is marketed as Acura NSX in the United States and many other markets, while the same model is sold as Honda NSX in Japan.
- Honda Motor Co. oversees the development and manufacturing of the NSX, with Acura functioning as Honda’s luxury-brand badge in several regions.
These details illustrate that the NSX is a Honda-manufactured vehicle, with Acura branding used primarily for regional marketing, especially in North America.
What This Means for Consumers
For buyers, the branding often aligns with the dealership network and warranty coverage you’ll encounter. In practice, Acura NSX owners in North America receive service and support through Acura’s dealer network, while Honda NSX branding in Japan ties service to Honda’s network there. Across regions, the underlying vehicle is Honda engineering, and the differentiation is largely one of branding and market strategy rather than two separate product lines.
Conclusion
In summary, the NSX is a Honda-made model that is marketed under the Acura badge in many markets, including North America, and as Honda NSX in Japan. The current generation is produced in the United States at Honda’s PMC facility, underscoring Honda’s global manufacturing footprint while using Acura as the regional luxury branding. For prospective buyers, this means familiar Honda engineering with branding cues that vary by market.
Summary
The NSX originated from Honda and is produced by Honda Motor Co. The branding you see—Acura NSX in most markets or Honda NSX in Japan—reflects regional marketing practices, not separate manufacturers. The current generation is manufactured in Marysville, Ohio, as a product of Honda’s and Acura’s coordinated branding strategy.
