2002 Acura NSX

Arguably, the Acura NSX may be the most affordable exotic automobile available today. Though it has gone through a few minor changes each year, this sports car has improved with each model revision. Even with a fervent enthusiast following, a strong business case for a limited-production vehicle can be tenuous at best. Fortunately, for those of us who appreciate fine automobiles, Acura has identified the importance of having an image car of NSX magnitude. We hope this automobile will remain in the Acura stable for quite some time to come.

The pop-up headlights are gone because the restyling mandate prioritizes aerodynamics over signature filigree.

The 2002 model year sees the most drastic design change to the familiar form that is known around the world. Certainly the most dramatic difference is the disappearance of the NSX-signature pop-up headlights. In their place is aerodynamic, fixed high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting. Set into the front fenders, these lights are protected by high-impact lenses that help the NSX retain its smooth surface day or night. Along with this change, the NSX receives a new lower hood line as well as a redesigned front bumper and chin spoiler. Increased aerodynamics is the common denominator: Coefficient of drag improves from .32 to .30.


The rear of the '02 NSX also receives styling changes, although much more subtle in execution. An '02 model, parked next to the '01, reveals that the taillights are now in their own housings, set off from the other lights. The rear bumper is slightly restyled with added air strakes. Designers added an unobtrusive trunk-lid lip spoiler that actually adds down force at speed.

New "vivid" interior schemes are offered, although more-subdued hues are still available.

Acura stands for luxurious performance, and the NSX certainly exemplifies that passion. The interior is a cockpit-like environment that gives both driver and passenger a secure feeling. It's also an atmosphere of luxury that you expect in a car like this. New interior colors are meant to spice up an already adventurous inside. Besides the existing black and tan interiors, the new "vivid" choices are orange, red, yellow, and blue in addition to Targa Silver and white. Some of the color combinations compliment each other while others clashed to our eyes. Taste aside, the hand-stitched leather interior exudes opulence while lending a feeling of sports car panache you know lies beneath the NSX.


Which brings us to the business end of this mid-engine two-seater. Two engines are available in the NSX, each mated to its own transmission. The SportShift four-speed automatic is fitted with a 3.0-liter 252-horsepower V-6 that performs well and compliments its transmission. However, for our "money," we thoroughly enjoyed the more powerful 3.2-liter V-6 that's mated to the six-speed manual. And we certainly preferred the ability to shift through six gears when we wanted.