Honda NSX import guide
NA1 · NA2 · mid-engine VTEC V6 · everyday supercar
The Honda NSX is the everyday supercar — a mid-engine, VTEC-V6 exotic engineered with Ayrton Senna's input to be usable, reliable, and endlessly rewarding. Sold as the Acura NSX in the U.S., Japan-market cars are prized for spec and condition. We source NSXs direct from Japan.
- Mid-engine V6 VTEC
- All-aluminium body
- Usable supercar
At a glance
Honda NSX quick facts
- Type
- Mid-engine supercar
- Engine
- 3.0L C30A / 3.2L C32B V6 VTEC
- Drivetrain
- Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
- Chassis
- NA1 (1990–97), NA2 (1997–2005)
- Notable
- Type R / Type S (JDM-only performance trims)
- Import eligibility
- NA1 eligible; NA2 rolling in year by year
Overview
Why import a Honda NSX
The NSX rewrote the supercar rulebook: a lightweight all-aluminium body, a jewel of a mid-mounted VTEC V6, and Honda reliability that made it usable every day. Its balance and steering feel remain benchmarks decades on.
Japan-market cars carry the NSX badge (rather than Acura) and include the coveted JDM-only Type R and Type S trims — and the domestic market is where the best-kept examples surface.
- Mid-engine V6 VTEC, all-aluminium construction
- Developed with input from Ayrton Senna
- JDM-only Type R / Type S variants
- Usable, reliable supercar with strong values
Chassis
NA1 vs NA2 explained
The NA1 (1990–1997) uses the 3.0L C30A and is fully import-eligible — early pop-up-headlight cars are the classic shape. The NA2 (1997–2005) brought the larger 3.2L C32B, a 6-speed, and later fixed headlights, becoming eligible model year by model year.
- NA1 — 1990–97, 3.0L C30A, pop-up headlights, eligible
- NA2 — 1997–2005, 3.2L C32B, 6-speed, rolling in
- Type R — stripped, focused, JDM-only and very rare
- Type S / Type S Zero — sharper JDM performance trims
Buyer notes
What to look for at auction
- Full service history — timing belt and valve adjustments
- Originality; verify Type R/Type S authenticity if claimed
- Accident history and chassis straightness (auction sheet)
- Snap-oversteer-era suspension condition and any upgrades
- Clutch and gearbox health on manual cars
Importing
Importing an NSX to the U.S.
NA1 NSXs are eligible now; the NA2 becomes eligible on the 25th anniversary of its build date. We verify eligibility before purchase and only source cars you can legally land.
Under the U.S. 25-year rule, a vehicle is exempt from FMVSS once it is at least 25 years old. Eligibility is rolling — each model year becomes importable on the anniversary of its build date.
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FAQ
Honda NSX import — common questions
- Is the Honda NSX the same as the Acura NSX?
- Yes — it's the same car. Honda sold it as the NSX in Japan and most markets, and as the Acura NSX in North America. Japan-market cars wear the Honda badge and include JDM-only trims.
- Is the NSX legal to import?
- The NA1 (1990–1997) is fully eligible now. The NA2 (1997–2005) becomes eligible on the 25th anniversary of each car's build date — we confirm the build month before purchase.
- What engine does the NSX have?
- A mid-mounted V6 with VTEC — the 3.0L C30A in the NA1 and the larger 3.2L C32B in the NA2. Both are naturally aspirated and famously sweet-revving.
- What is the NSX Type R?
- A stripped-out, track-focused, JDM-only version with reduced weight and sharpened dynamics. It's rare and highly collectible — verify authenticity carefully before buying.
- Is a Honda NSX street-legal in the U.S.?
- Once 25+ years old and federally cleared, yes. As a passenger car, registration is generally straightforward — confirm your state's emissions and titling rules.
Import eligibility and state registration rules change over time and vary by vehicle. Confirm current requirements before purchasing. This page is informational only and not legal advice.
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