The 1995 Acura NSX proves why it’s one of the greatest Japanese sports cars ever made. With 320,000 miles, mid-engine balance, and legendary reliability, this NSX still feels special today.
1995 Acura NSX Review: A Timeless Japanese Supercar That Defied Expectations
The 1995 Acura NSX is one of those rare cars that quietly rewrote the rulebook. It wasn’t the most powerful exotic of its time, nor the flashiest. But even after 30 years and over 320,000 miles, this iconic Japanese sports car still delivers an unforgettable driving experience—something many European rivals could never claim.
This particular NSX stands as living proof of Honda’s bold vision: a mid-engine exotic sports car that could be driven every day, without fear of crippling maintenance costs or reliability nightmares.
Why the 1995 NSX Still Matters
In an era dominated by high-maintenance European exotics, the Acura NSX arrived with a radical idea: exotic performance without exotic headaches. Even today, this philosophy feels revolutionary. With over 320,000 miles on the odometer, this NSX still drives beautifully—something nearly unheard of in the supercar world.
The Birth of a Japanese Sports Car Legend
The NSX debuted in the early 1990s during Japan’s golden era of performance cars. Icons like the Toyota Supra, Mazda RX-7, and Nissan Z were redefining speed and handling. But the NSX stood apart.
Unlike its front-engine rivals, the NSX adopted a true mid-engine layout, placing it closer in spirit to European exotics than Japanese sports coupes.
Mid-Engine Design That Challenged Ferrari
When the NSX launched, it went head-to-head with cars like the Ferrari 348 and later the Ferrari F355. Yet Acura delivered a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive experience without the unreliability Italian supercars were known for.
This NSX’s longevity—over 320,000 miles—would be nearly impossible for most Ferraris from that era.
Exterior Design & 1995 Targa-Top Changes
The 1995 model year brought a major update: the fixed roof was replaced with a removable targa top. Acura also stopped painting the upper half of the car black, opting instead for full body-color paint—an easy way to distinguish 1995+ models.
Other standout exterior features include:
- Larger wheels introduced in 1995
- Integrated rear spoiler for added visual drama
- Iconic pop-up headlights, used until 2001
Yes, there’s even a motorized radio antenna that rises dramatically when the radio is switched on—a quirky reminder of 1990s automotive design.Read More
Practicality: The Most Usable Exotic Ever?
Despite its mid-engine layout, the NSX offers impressive storage solutions:
- A rear trunk behind the engine
- A front trunk with a full-size spare tire
- A clever storage compartment above the engine designed to hold the targa roof
Amazingly, after hundreds of thousands of miles, the interior still looks remarkably fresh—highlighting Honda’s legendary build quality.
Performance, Engine & Driving Experience
This 1995 NSX uses a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated V6 producing 270 horsepower. Later models gained more power, but even here, performance remains strong thanks to:
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- Near-perfect weight distribution
- An exceptional manual gearbox
The induction sound at high RPM is intoxicating—proof that raw horsepower isn’t everything.
NSX vs Ferrari F355: Value Comparison
In 1995:
- Acura NSX price: ~$84,000
- Ferrari F355 price: ~$135,000
Final Verdict: A Supercar Built to Last
The 1995 Acura NSX isn’t just a classic—it’s a milestone in automotive history. It delivered exotic performance with real-world reliability, proving that a supercar could be thrilling and dependable.
Even after 30 years and 320,000 miles, this NSX remains smooth, engaging, and deeply special. Few cars—past or present—can claim that legacy.
