cars

Acura

Japan · Founded 1986

Honda's luxury division. Proof that Japanese manufacturers could build world-class sports cars and make them reliable too.

Heritage

Acura was created when Honda realized American buyers would pay more for a premium badge. The Legend sedan was nice. But the NSX changed everything. Ayrton Senna helped develop it. Honda engineers created the first all-aluminum monocoque production car, with a mid-mounted V6 that revved like a motorcycle. Ferrari was alarmed enough to respond with the F355. The NSX proved that a supercar could be driven to work every day, then track-day'd on weekends, without drama. That was revolutionary.

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Acura Vehicles (1)

1991 Acura NSX

$60,000-225,000 Car

Engine: 3.0L V6 (NA1)

Power: 270 hp (NA1)

Trans: 5-speed manual

Years: 1991-2001

The NSX was Honda's declaration that Japanese engineering had caught up to — and surpassed — the European supercar establishment. Ayrton Senna helped develop the chassis at Suzuka. Honda engineers built the first all-aluminum monocoque for a production car. The 3.0L VTEC V6 made modest power but revved to 8,000 RPM with mechanical precision that made Italian engines seem agricultural. And unlike a Ferrari, you could drive the NSX to work every day, park it outside, and never worry about it not starting. The NSX didn't just compete with the Ferrari 348 — it embarrassed it. Ferrari responded with the F355, arguably designed specifically to answer Honda's challenge.