Is the old Honda NSX a supercar?

The original Honda NSX, produced from 1990 to 2005, is widely regarded as a supercar by enthusiasts and historians due to its mid‑engine layout, advanced construction, and standout performance for its era.

Defining the NSX's place in the supercar conversation

Supercars are typically imagined as high-performance machines that push the boundaries of speed, handling, and exclusivity, often wrapped in striking styling. When the NSX arrived, it challenged assumptions about what a Japanese brand could deliver in the exotic car arena, blending race-bred engineering with everyday usability.

What makes a car a "supercar"?

Below are the elements critics commonly reference when evaluating whether a car fits the supercar category. The NSX checks many of these boxes, especially for its era.

• Mid-engine layout delivering balanced handling and cornering grip


• All-aluminum chassis and bodywork that reduced weight and improved rigidity


• High-performance V6 with advanced tech for the time (notably the VTEC system)


• Performance figures that impressed contemporaries and challenged rivals


• Distinctive styling and an aura of exclusivity that elevate the overall perception

In summary, the NSX aligned closely with many criteria used to define a supercar in the 1990s and early 2000s, contributing to its enduring status in the genre.

Why many classify the NSX as a supercar

The following points illustrate why the NSX is frequently placed in the same conversation as other top-tier supercars of its generation.

• Engineered around a mid-mounted V6, the NSX offered agile handling and high-speed stability that rivaled exotic rivals


• Construction emphasized light weight and rigidity through an all-aluminum chassis and components


• VTEC technology helped deliver strong, wide-ranging power and a distinct driving experience


• Performance benchmarks for its era were competitive with many prestige brands


• Its design, engineering philosophy, and Honda’s precision manufacturing contributed to a lasting exotic-car image

These features collectively anchored the NSX’s reputation as a true performance icon, even as it remained comparatively more accessible and reliability-focused than some peers.

Why some people hesitate to label it a classic supercar

Not everyone applies the label in the same way. Critics point to certain factors that differ from the archetypal supercar cachet of the era.

• Pricing and exclusivity were high, but not as extreme as some contemporaries from Ferrari or Lamborghini


• Interior materials and branding leaned toward practicality and daily usability rather than overt luxury


• Horsepower, while formidable for its time, sits below the peak figures of later hypercars


• Honda’s mainstream brand image contrasted with the more aspirational reputations of some rivals

Even with these considerations, the NSX’s engineering breakthroughs and performance credentials keep it firmly in the broader supercar narrative, especially when discussing the 1990s industry landscape.

Technical and design highlights

The NSX’s engineering choices helped redefine what could be expected from a high-performance street car. Its all‑aluminum structure contributed to light weight and responsive handling, while the mid‑engine configuration prioritized balance and dynamics. The V6 powerplant, paired with a driver-focused transmission and chassis tuning, produced a compelling package that aided its reputation as a capable and engaging driver’s car.

These technical decisions—coupled with Honda/Acura’s emphasis on reliability and build quality—made the NSX a standout in a market dominated by more ostentatious exotica, reinforcing its status as a legitimate performance icon of its era.

Historical significance and legacy

The NSX is frequently credited with introducing a new paradigm: a high-performance car with the everyday usability and reliability typically associated with mass-market brands. It proved that exotic-level performance could be paired with practical maintenance and daily drivability, a combination that influenced subsequent sports cars from many manufacturers. Its use of an all‑aluminum chassis, along with advanced electronics and a turbocharged culture of innovation in later years, helped set benchmarks for handling, braking, and acceleration that echoed across the industry.

Summary

In the view of most automotive historians and enthusiasts, the original Honda NSX fits within the broad, evolving definition of a supercar. It delivered race-informed performance, advanced engineering for its time, and a distinctive driving experience that placed it alongside the era’s elite machines. While it may differ from some exotics in branding and perceived exclusivity, its impact on the genre is undeniable. The NSX remains a touchstone in the history of Japanese performance cars and a benchmark for driver-focused engineering.

Is the Honda NSX supercar?

Yes, the Acura/Honda NSX is considered a supercar, as it was designed to compete with and outperform other supercars, and both generations have been referred to as such by the automotive press and enthusiasts. The first generation was a high-performance, reliable sports car, while the second generation is a hybrid supercar that uses electric motors to enhance performance.
 

• First Generation (1990-2005): The original NSX was hailed as Japan's first true supercar. It was praised for its precision, lightweight aluminum monocoque chassis, driver-focused cockpit, and everyday usability, which set it apart from more temperamental Italian exotics of the era. Ayrton Senna even helped fine-tune its suspension. 
• Second Generation (2016-2022): The re-envisioned NSX is a hybrid supercar that combines a twin-turbocharged V6 engine with three electric motors for all-wheel drive and torque vectoring. This technology allows for enhanced performance, including impressive acceleration and handling, while also providing silent, efficient operation when needed. 

How much is a 90s NSX worth?

A 90s Acura NSX typically costs between $60,000 and over $150,000, depending heavily on the model year, condition, mileage, and rarity. While a good condition, average spec NSX from the early 90s might be found in the $60k-$90k range, rarer models like the 1999 Zanardi Edition can command prices around $142,000, and even higher for special editions like the Type-R models, notes HotCars.
 
Price breakdown by factors

• Condition and mileage: Lower mileage and excellent condition will always command a higher price. High-mileage or fair-condition cars can be significantly cheaper, sometimes starting around $60,000–$85,000, says Classic.com. 
• Model year: Early 90s models (1991-1993) have a different price point than later models. The price increased over the years, and some later model year examples can be found for around $100,000, notes Classics on Autotrader. 
• Rarity: Certain versions are far more expensive due to their limited production numbers. 
  • Zanardi Edition: The 1999 model is a highly sought-after and collectible version with an average price of about $142,000, according to Hagerty. 
  • Type-R: The original Type-R models can be extremely expensive, with average prices for certain model years approaching $362,000, states HotCars. 
• Transmission: The original NSX was available with a manual or automatic transmission. Manuals are generally more desired by collectors and can command a higher price. 
• Targa top vs. fixed roof: The targa top versions of the NSX are also less common and tend to be more expensive than the fixed-roof versions.

Where to find 90s NSX listings
CarGurus, Cars.com, Classics on Autotrader, Classic.com, and Reddit.

Is the 1990 NSX a supercar?

As Japan's first true supercar, the Acura NSX took the exotic car arena by storm in the early 1990's, pairing everyday usability with a responsive powerplant and lightweight body and chassis and opening the door to younger supercar enthusiasts.

What made the 1990 NSX so special?

Thus, it was decided that the NSX would have the world's first all-aluminum, monocoque body. The world's first mass-production car to offer an all-aluminum, monocoque body. No other automaker had yet to build a car primarily of aluminum, however, even though the material was pollution-free and in abundant supply.