Modern Honda Sports Cars: Speed and Style Reinvented
Top-Tier Honda Sports Vehicles: Setting the Standard for Years
Get ready to rev up and explore the thrilling world of Honda sports cars! Beyond their renowned reliability, these speedsters offer an enthralling blend of power, agility, and, in some cases, luxury. Let's dive into the coolest Honda sports cars that have cemented their legendary status in the automotive world.
Top 9 Honda Sports Cars for Speed Enthusiasts
1. Honda S660
Ever since its introduction exclusively in Japan in 2015, the Honda S660 has taken the mini sports car scene by storm. With a mid-mounted engine and a six-speed manual transmission, the S660 was designed to handle Japan's winding roads with finesse. Despite its modest power of 63 horsepower, the compact roadster's nimbleness in the corners more than makes up for its modest acceleration[1][2].
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2. Honda Prelude Type SH
The Honda Prelude Type SH may be overlooked in the Honda lineup, but it's been gaining a dedicated following among enthusiasts. With its refined design, chassis, and an Active Torque Transfer System, the Type SH offers spirited driving dynamics, enhanced by a proficient five-speed manual gearbox[3]. Its naturally aspirated 2.2L DOHC VTEC inline-four engine pumps out 200 horsepower and 156 pound feet of torque[4].
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3. Honda CRX Si
The Honda CRX Si might not have been the quickest in its prime, but its distinctive features have elevated it to collectible status. Inspired by the Alfa Romeo Junior, the Si variant, boasting 108 horsepower in the U.S., was an instant sales hit when it debuted in 1985[5]. SCCA GT-4 class victories from 1985 to 1987 further solidify the CRX's racing legacy[6].
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4. Honda 1300
Despite Honda's struggles in the 1970s, the unsung hero, the Honda 1300, stands as a remarkable sports car. It was the first car to adopt an air-cooled engine for mass-produced Hondas while pioneering the innovative Mohican structure[7]. The sedan variant laid the foundation for the legendary Civic through design evolution and reverse operation in auto production tech.
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5. Honda S800
Manufactured from 1966 to 1970, the Honda S800 marked a significant era for the automaker. With a sleek two-door design and options for a coupe or roadster, the S800 fused Japanese ingenuity with British sports influences[8]. Its impressive DOHC inline-four engine, producing 70 horsepower, made it Honda's first car to reach 100 mph[9].
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6. Honda S2000
Step into the world of JDM prestige with the Honda S2000, a top-tier open-roof two-seater that rivals iconic models like the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R and modified Toyota Supra. Equipped with a 2.2L four-cylinder engine, the S2000 generates 237 horsepower, offering a distinctive roar as it accelerates[10]. The S2000's sleek design, agile handling, and balanced chassis have endeared it to drivers both on the track and on the open road.
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7. First Generation Honda NSX
Introduced in 1990, the NSX revolutionized the supercar landscape through a perfect balance of aesthetics, potency, and ingenuity. With a 3.0L V6 engine, the NSX pulled 270 horsepower, thanks to advanced suspension and a sleek design[11]. With a well-designed cockpit, improved climate control, and excellent visibility, the NSX remained practical for daily use, while its 1992 Le Mans triumph and championship victories cemented its enduring symbolism[12].
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8. Honda Civic Type R
Unleash your need for speed with the exhilarating Honda Civic Type R, engineered for the track and urban roads alike. Powered by a 315-hp turbocharged inline-four, the Type R boasts impressive grip, hugging the asphalt as it roars its way to speed. While the cabin might not be top-notch, its great safety and reliability ratings, coupled with affordable pricing, make it a smart buy[13].
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9. Second-Generation Honda NSX
Undeniably, the second-generation Honda NSX stands as one of the fastest cars in Honda's fleet. With a hybrid powertrain, it combines a twin turbo V-6 with three electric motors, giving it rapid acceleration[14]. Though it may lack the raw power of some competitors, the NSX's everyday usability makes it a phenomenal choice for both casual drivers and racing enthusiasts.
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Conclusion
In the burgeoning US sports car market, Honda offers a lineup of surprising and affordable options. Despite not fitting the conventional sports car mold, their punchy engines, manual transmission choices, sporty interiors, and mainstream appeal make them an intelligent investment for American consumers. While the Type R and NSX models take speed to a new level, other models like the Civic, CR-V, and Civic Hybrid Touring emphasize efficiency, practicality, and luxury[15]. With Honda, you get both performance and reliability – what more could a speed enthusiast ask for?
FAQs
What are the top Honda sports cars?
While the Civic undeniably provides an enjoyable ride, the Type R hatchback version offers an authentic sports car experience, with optional rear-wheel drive, a six-speed manual transmission, and Brembo front brakes. The CR-S and Si models also provide impressive performance, balancing power and fuel efficiency in their respective classes.
What is the price of new Honda sports cars?
The cost of the Civic Type R starts around $40,000, while the CR-S and Si models clock in around $25,000 – $30,000. The NSX models, however, come with a luxury price tag, starting at around $160,000[16].
[1] Honda S660 Exclusive to Japan[2] Honda S660 Details and Specs[3] Honda Prelude Type SH[4] Honda Prelude Type SH Specs[5] Honda CRX Si History[6] Honda CRX Si Racing Success[7] Honda 1300 History[8] Honda S800 Details and Specs[9] Honda S800 Production Figures[10] Honda S2000 Racing Triumphs[11] First Generation Honda NSX Details and Specs[12] Honda NSX Racing Success[13] Honda Civic Type R Features and Pricing[14] Second-Generation Honda NSX Details and Specs[15] Overview of Honda's U.S. Lineup[16] Honda Motorsports Pricing
- The Honda S2000, a Japanese sports car, is a top-tier choice for speed enthusiasts, combining a 2.2L four-cylinder engine with a distinctive roar and a sleek design for an exhilarating driving experience.
- The Honda Civic Type R, engineered for both the track and urban roads, offers an authentic sports car feel with its turbocharged inline-four engine, optional rear-wheel drive, and six-speed manual transmission. Despite its cabin not being top-notch, its great safety and reliability ratings make it a smart buy.
