Honda · NA1
Honda NSX NA1
Developed with input from Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna, the NSX proved a Japanese manufacturer could build a genuine everyday-usable supercar — one with all-aluminum construction, mid-engine balance, and Honda's obsessive reliability standards.
Spec Sheet
- Generation / Chassis Code
- NA1
- Years Produced
- 1990–1997
- Manufacturer
- Honda
- Country
- Japan
- Body Style
- 2-door mid-engine coupe
- Engine
- 3.0L V6 (C30A, DOHC VTEC)
- Horsepower
- 270 hp
- Torque
- 210 lb-ft
- Transmission
- 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Weight
- ~3,000 lbs
- 0–60 mph
- ~5.5 seconds
History
Honda set out to beat Ferrari at its own game with everyday usability rather than raw drama, using an all-aluminum monocoque (a first for a production car) and tuning input from Senna himself to sharpen the chassis before launch.
Why It Became Famous
It redefined what a supercar could be — genuinely reliable, comfortable, and easy to drive daily while still delivering real mid-engine dynamics, directly influencing how Ferrari and others approached usability in later models.
Strengths
- All-aluminum construction keeps weight low and rigidity high
- Legendary Honda reliability in a genuine exotic-car package
- Mid-engine balance gives communicative, confidence-inspiring handling
- Senna's chassis-tuning input is a genuine piece of motorsport history
Weaknesses
- Values have climbed sharply, especially for clean manual examples
- Modest power by modern supercar standards without modification
- Aluminum body repairs require specialist knowledge and equipment
- Early cars lack some of the refinement of later NA2 updates
Common Problems
- Timing belt service is critical and interval-sensitive on the C30A
- Aging suspension bushings affecting the car's famed handling precision
- Power window and pop-up headlight motor wear
- Rock chips and aluminum panel damage that require specialist repair
Modification Potential
Moderate but genuine — supercharger kits, individual throttle bodies, and suspension upgrades are well documented, though the community favors preserving originality over extreme modification.
Buying Guide
Verify timing belt service history closely, inspect aluminum body panels for improperly repaired damage, and prioritize matching-numbers manual examples for the strongest collector value.
Enthusiast Popularity Today
Globally revered as a groundbreaking supercar and one of Honda's most celebrated engineering achievements, with values reflecting its growing legend status.
Fun Facts
- Ayrton Senna personally tested prototypes at Suzuka and requested chassis stiffening changes that made it into production
- It was the first production car with an all-aluminum monocoque body
- Gordon Murray, designer of the McLaren F1, cited the NSX as a benchmark for everyday supercar usability
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