2017–2022 Acura NSX (Second Generation) Ownership Guide
Garage Guide Verdict
🟢 Highly Recommended
The second-generation Acura NSX may be one of the most misunderstood supercars ever built.
Many expected a successor to the raw, analog original.
What Acura delivered instead was a technological masterpiece—a hybrid supercar capable of daily driving, all-weather confidence, and world-class performance.
Over time, enthusiasts began to realize what it truly is:
Not a replacement for the original.
A completely different legend.
Garage Guide Ownership Score
🟢 9.1 / 10
🏆 Hall of Fame Series
“The Hybrid Samurai.”
Why It Made The Hall Of Fame
The NSX accomplished something very few supercars ever achieve:
It made exotic ownership easy.
While competitors chased outrageous horsepower and maintenance bills, the NSX focused on balance.
Reliability.
Precision.
Innovation.
And everyday usability.
The result is one of the smartest supercars ever built.
Reliability Snapshot
Reliability
🟢 Excellent
Maintenance Costs
🟡 Moderate
Performance
🟢 Exceptional
Daily Usability
🟢 Outstanding
Collector Potential
🟢 Strong
Long-Term Ownership
🟢 Excellent
Buying Checklist
Documentation
✅ Clean Title
✅ Service Records
✅ No Accident Damage
✅ Hybrid System History
✅ Factory Software Updates
Engine Inspection
3.5L Twin-Turbo V6
✅ No Oil Leaks
✅ Turbocharger Health
✅ Cooling System Inspection
✅ Proper Service History
Hybrid System Inspection
Sport Hybrid SH-AWD
✅ Battery Health Check
✅ Hybrid Motor Inspection
✅ No Warning Lights
✅ Regenerative Braking Operation
Transmission Inspection
9-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission
✅ Smooth Shifts
✅ No Hesitation
✅ No Fault Codes
Suspension Inspection
Adaptive Suspension
✅ Drive Mode Operation
✅ No Leaks
✅ Proper Damping Response
Best Model Years
🥇 2019–2022
Ultimate Ownership Choice
• Suspension updates
• Sharper handling
• Improved software
• Most refined examples
🥈 2017–2018
Best Value
• Same core drivetrain
• Lower entry cost
• Excellent reliability
Ownership Priorities
🔧 Oil Changes
🔧 Hybrid System Monitoring
🔧 Brake Fluid Service
🔧 Tire Maintenance
🔧 Cooling System Care
🔧 Software Updates
Vehicle Highlights
⚡ 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6
⚡ Three Electric Motors
⚡ 573 Horsepower
⚡ SH-AWD System
⚡ 9-Speed Dual-Clutch
⚡ Instant Torque
⚡ Aluminum Space Frame
⚡ Carbon Fiber Components
⚡ Everyday Comfort
⚡ Supercar Performance
Watch Out For
⚠️ Tire Costs
Performance tires wear quickly.
⚠️ Carbon Ceramic Brake Costs
Expensive replacement parts.
⚠️ Hybrid System Diagnostics
Repairs require specialized technicians.
⚠️ Low Production Numbers
Certain parts may become expensive.
Mileage Expectations
Under 15,000 Miles
🟢 Collector Grade
15,000–50,000 Miles
🟢 Prime Ownership Range
50,000–100,000 Miles
🟢 Excellent If Maintained
100,000+ Miles
🟡 Monitor Hybrid Components Closely
Estimated Annual Ownership Costs
Insurance
$2,000–$5,000
Maintenance
$1,000–$3,000
Fuel
$1,500–$3,000
Repairs (As Needed)
$1,000–$5,000
Miscellaneous
$500–$2,000
Estimated Annual Ownership Total
💰 $6,000–$18,000+
Ownership Score Summary
Pros
✅ Honda Reliability DNA
✅ Everyday Supercar
✅ Incredible AWD Grip
✅ Exotic Looks
✅ Comfortable Interior
✅ Future Collector Potential
✅ Exceptional Build Quality
✅ Unique Hybrid Technology
Cons
❌ Expensive Tires
❌ Carbon Ceramic Brake Costs
❌ Specialized Service Requirements
❌ Limited Aftermarket Compared To GT-R
❌ Underappreciated By Purists
Garage Guide Final Verdict
The second-generation NSX never tried to be the loudest supercar.
It never tried to be the fastest.
Instead, it became one of the most intelligent performance cars ever built.
It blends Japanese reliability, hybrid technology, exotic styling, and real-world usability into a package that still feels special every time you drive it.
As enthusiasts continue to appreciate what Acura achieved, the NSX is rapidly becoming one of the most respected modern supercars.
PRECISION.
TECHNOLOGY.
PERFORMANCE.
THE HYBRID SAMURAI.
THAT’S NSX.
Garage Guide Ownership Score
🟢 9.1 / 10
Garage Guide Verdict
🟢 Highly Recommended
🏆 Hall of Fame Series
“The Hybrid Samurai.”
Garage Guide #73 🇯🇵⚡🏆
🏁 Build Smarter. Drive Longer.™