The first-generation Honda NSX (NA1/NA2) debuted in 1990 as the world's first mass-production car with an all-aluminum monocoque chassis and suspension. Formula One legend Ayrton Senna assisted in fine-tuning chassis dynamics. Body styles included a fixed-roof coupe and a removable targa roof (NSX-T).

Mid-mounted powertrains featured a 3.0-liter C30A V6 (274 hp) with titanium connecting rods, upgraded in 1997 to a 3.2-liter C32B V6 (290 hp) paired with a 6-speed manual. A 2001 facelift replaced pop-up headlights with fixed HID units and revised suspension geometry. Lightweight Type R variants set benchmarks for track precision.