bengee:
I don't know what magazines you've been reading, but even the ones that trash the NSX and put it up against Ferrari's and Lamborghini's that cost three times as much have to admit that (1) the NSX is a much more comfortable car that you can drive every day, (2) it handles better than anything, and (3) it's about 100 times more reliable than any other exotic car.
My dad has a '91 NSX that has basically been beat to hell. It has over 150,000 miles and gets driven almost every day. Not only is the car 12 years old, but it's also the first year the NSX was made. With most cars, getting the first model year means you'll have all kinds of problems, but this car hasn't needed a single thing. It runs beautifully. The only thing that's ever broken was one of the power windows started acting funny last year so he replaced the motor.
The NSX has fewer TSB's than any car I've ever heard of. The only problems they had with them were a few random stereo-related things, rough power window motors in the first few years, the first 2400 made in 1991 had a recall on 3 coolant hoses that they thought might break in a few years, and a few of the 1991's had the airbag recalled.
Every other exotic car will cost you many thousands each year to keep running. Even the cheaper Porsches get very expensive very fast. And if you're talking about cheaper cars that perform pretty well, go take a look at all the TSB's and recalls on Supras, 3000GT's, or whatever else. If you want a real big laugh look up all the problems people have with RX-7's and Corvettes.
The NSX is the only exotic car in the world that is practical to own if you're not a millionaire.
As far as VTEC, well, it was a pretty big innovation in 1990. Now it's being copied a lot.
How can you say a B16 isn't impressive except for fuel economy? B16's have been around since 1990 and get 160-185hp out of 1.6L. Let's look at some Honda engines.
B16A (Civic Si): 1.6L, 160-170hp = 100-106 hp/L
B16B (Civic Type R): 1.6L, 185hp = 116 hp/L
B18C5 (Integra Type R): 1.8L, 195hp = 108 hp/L
K20A (JDM Integra): 2.0L, 220hp = 110 hp/L
K20A2 (Acura RSX): 2.0L, 200hp = 100 hp/L
F20C (S2000): 2.0L, 240hp = 120 hp/L
CBR900RR: 929cc, 152hp = 164 hp/L
Last I heard, getting over 100 hp per litre was pretty good for a completely stock NA car. The only thing I know of that comes close is the Toyota Celica GT-S, that gets 180hp out of the new 1.8L engine they got Yamaha to help them with.
. As far as handling well? Well they handle better than any other rear heavy FWD Car with such a long(not wide) wheelbase should, which doesn't say much. I know the Prelude Type SH Does .88 Consistantly on the skidpad. Which is less than most other Honda's out there.
the Hondas in my garage have the most miles on them and I drive my ek9 and Spoon s2k everytime i play, i currently have 4 EK9s 2 SiRII, 5 s2ks, 5 RSX, and 4 NSX. lol all tuned differently just for kicks. I wish GT3 could have made the VTEC sound and kick more noticible in the game it would be great.. although when you start tuning the car for race the VTEC crossover point is smoothend out and its not as noticible anymore. and hopefully by gt4 they do some work on the disqusting exhaust note the hondas make it the game.. sounds like plastic bags stuffed inside the exhaust system flapping around. But anyway, its good to know there are some honda circuit/gt racing fans out there 
if only i had the money.......
