NSX = longest production run of any car?

Terminus · 4 December 2001

With the upcoming model change, I got to thinking that 10 years is a very long time for a car company to produce (basically) one version of a car. I know there have been many changes to the NSX, but it's nothing compared to the major redesigns that most models get every 3 to 4 years.

I'm no car buff, so does anyone know of a model (generation) that has been around longer?

[This message has been edited by Terminus (edited 04 December 2001).]

DocL · 4 December 2001

Yes, there is one car that has been around longer.

The Porsche 911.

JohnC · 4 December 2001

Other than a minor face-lift and a new engine the C4 Vette's ran for 13 years. 1984--1996 Their sales volume also dropped off considerably near the end. Kinda like the NSX

Norm · 4 December 2001

I don't know the dates or numbers but the VW bug and the Mini Cooper have to be way up there.

NetViper · 4 December 2001

I think the current model mercedes SL500 has been around for 14 years.

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NetViper -= 100% Stock EBP 2000 Civic Si =- Still looking to get an NSX, but at least I can live life at 8,000 RPM!

galvatron · 4 December 2001

C3 vette 1968-1982, 14 years
Porsche 928, 1979-1995, 17 years

these are the longest I know of... probably some others as well

ak · 4 December 2001

how about Honda accord or civic?

lemansnsx · 4 December 2001

Originally posted by Dr.Lane:
Yes, there is one car that has been around longer.

The Porsche 911.

Oh, there are several that have been around a lot longer than the NSX! The VW Beetle would be one - produced in South America for years after they stopped in Germany.
The longest production run might well be the Austin Mini - which ran for 40 years!!

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Andrew Henderson
The NSX Model List Page

"We have long acknowledged that enthusiasm for things automotive is a sure
sign of emotional instability if not outright dementia" - Brock Yates

nsxtasy · 4 December 2001

Originally posted by ak:
how about Honda accord or civic?

I think the question is, how long has a given generation of a car nameplate been around, not how long the nameplate itself has been around.

While the Accord and Civic nameplates have been around for twenty-odd years, they come out with a new generation of each every 4-5 years.

ak · 4 December 2001

Originally posted by nsxtasy:
I think the question is, how long has a given generation of a car nameplate been around, not how long the nameplate itself has been around.

While the Accord and Civic nameplates have been around for twenty-odd years, they come out with a new generation of each every 4-5 years.

ohh my b!

POWERED by HONDA · 4 December 2001

Originally posted by ak:
how about Honda accord or civic?

The Honda Accord and Civic get redesigned every 5 years. (They used to have 4 year model cycles).

POWERED by HONDA · 4 December 2001

nsxtasy is QUICK! I need to hit refresh before I send a reply next time!

Then again, I should be doing this from work. =)

H-carWizKid · 4 December 2001

Just some factoids for your review...

Lamborghini Diablo 1990-2002
Lamborghini Countach 1974-1990
Lotus Esprit 1972-2002 (Thirty Years!)

Acura NSX 1991-200?

Phil

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randall · 4 December 2001

the "FOX-BODIED" Mustang was produced for 14 years,1979-1993.

lemansnsx · 4 December 2001

Originally posted by H-carWizKid:
Just some factoids for your review...

Lamborghini Diablo 1990-2002
Lamborghini Countach 1974-1990
Lotus Esprit 1972-2002 (Thirty Years!)

Acura NSX 1991-200?

Phil

The Esprit is borderline - the changes to the Stevens re-design should qualify it as a different car!

Still think the Mini is probably the winner here.

------------------
Andrew Henderson
The NSX Model List Page

"We have long acknowledged that enthusiasm for things automotive is a sure
sign of emotional instability if not outright dementia" - Brock Yates

H-carWizKid · 5 December 2001

Originally posted by lemansnsx:
The Esprit is borderline - the changes to the Stevens re-design should qualify it as a different car!

Still think the Mini is probably the winner here.

Concessions

1.I agree. The Esprit is borderline considering how many evolutions it has been through, but the same basic shape has been retained, and that was my basis for comparison. 30 years is a long time without a clean sheet of paper redesign, wouldn't you agree?

2.The Mini is probably the longest continuously produced performance car.

But lets remember...
the Beetle goes back to Dr. Porsche in Pre WWII Germany. It is still in production today in Mexico, so I would have to say that it is the clear winner here for longest running production model.

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[This message has been edited by H-carWizKid (edited 04 December 2001).]

Terminus · 5 December 2001

Thanks for the replies, there is some interesting info here. And yes, I was definitely thinking in terms of generations.

lemansnsx · 5 December 2001

Originally posted by H-carWizKid:

But lets remember...
the Beetle goes back to Dr. Porsche in Pre WWII Germany. It is still in production today in Mexico, so I would have to say that it is the clear winner here for longest running production model.

I wasn't sure about the Beetle - thought there was a chance it was still being produced but was too busy (oh ok, lazy) to verify...
The "people's wagon" wins! Not that I'd be seen dead in one...

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Andrew Henderson
The NSX Model List Page

"We have long acknowledged that enthusiasm for things automotive is a sure
sign of emotional instability if not outright dementia" - Brock Yates

gerald · 5 December 2001

how about Mercedes G class - 20 years with almost no redesign on the out side.

NSX = longest production run of any car?

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