The Honda S2000 is the best among the Honda sports cars model, its all round pick for most buyers. The Civic Type R is the best new car. The Honda Beat is the best rare and cheap pick. The NSX is the best supercar. Always check import rules and total cost before you pay.
Quick Fa cts About Honda Sports Cars
Honda has built sports cars since the 1960s and still builds them today. The table gives the key facts in one place.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Honda sports car era | 1960s with the S500 and S600 and S800 |
| Highest revving classic | S800 at about 9500 rpm |
| Mid engine icon | NSX from 1990 |
| Best current hot hatch | Civic Type R |
| Newest sports name | Prelude hybrid coupe for 2026 |
| Luxury badge | Acura sells the NSX and Integra Type R in the US |
| Last checked | October 26 2026 |
What Counts as a Honda Sports Car?
A Honda sports car is a two door or hot hatch model built for driving fun. The group includes roadsters and coupes and Type R models. It also includes tiny kei sports cars from Japan.
Some of the best cars wore an Acura badge in the US. The NSX and the Integra Type R are good examples. We list them here because they come from the same maker and the same team. Honda also ranks among the top 10 Japanese car manufacturers.
Two short terms help you read the rest of this guide:
- JDM means Japanese Domestic Market. These cars were built for sale in Japan.
- Kei car means a tiny Japanese car with a 660cc engine limit.
The 10 Best Honda Sports Cars at a Glance
The ten cars below cover every budget from cheap fun to supercar. The order is not a quality score. Prices are rough used market ranges and not quotes.
| # | Model | Years | Engine | Best for | Rough used price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda S2000 | 1999 to 2009 | 2.0L VTEC four cylinder | All round fun | $20000 to $40000 |
| 2 | Honda NSX first generation | 1990 to 2005 | 3.0L V6 and later 3.2L | Collectors | $70000 and up |
| 3 | Honda NSX second generation | 2016 to 2022 | 3.5L twin turbo V6 hybrid | Modern supercar fans | $120000 and up |
| 4 | Civic Type R | 1997 to now | 1.6L VTEC then 2.0L turbo | Daily speed | By model year |
| 5 | Integra Type R | 1995 to 2001 | 1.8L VTEC | Track and cult fans | $50000 and up |
| 6 | Honda S800 | 1966 to 1970 | 0.8L four cylinder | Classic collectors | $30000 and up |
| 7 | Honda Beat | 1991 to 1996 | 660cc kei engine | Rare cheap fun | $7000 to $10000 |
| 8 | Honda S660 | 2015 to 2022 | 660cc turbo | Small city roadster | $12000 to $20000 |
| 9 | Honda CR-X Si | 1985 to 1991 | 1.5L and 1.6L | Cheap light fun | $5000 to $15000 |
| 10 | Honda Prelude | 1978 to 2001 and 2026 | VTEC then hybrid | Smooth sport coupe | $8000 to $15000 for Type SH |
The 10 Best Honda Sports Cars Reviewed
1. Honda S2000
The S2000 is the best all round Honda sports car for most buyers. Honda launched it in 1999 as a rear drive roadster. It has a near 50/50 weight split and a high revving 2.0L VTEC engine. Power is about 240 hp in many markets. The six speed manual feels sharp and short.
- Power: About 240 hp
- Price: $20000 to $40000
- Key feature: 50/50 weight split and 2.0L VTEC engine
- Best for: drivers who want one car for road and track.
Watch for worn soft tops and rust and heavy modification. Early cars can snap at the limit so drive with care.
2. Honda NSX First Generation
The first NSX proved that a supercar can also be easy to live with. It arrived in 1990 with an aluminum body and a mid engine 3.0L V6. Power was 270 hp in early cars. It won its class at Le Mans in 1992 according to Sports Car Digest.
- Power: 270 hp in early cars
- Price: $70000 and up
- Key feature: Aluminum body and mid engine layout
- Best for: collectors who want a classic Japanese supercar.
Check for body repairs and clutch wear. Parts cost more than for other Hondas.
3. Honda NSX Second Generation
The second NSX is a hybrid sports car that mixes speed and low fuel use. This hybrid sports car has a 3.5L twin turbo V6 and three electric motors. The Type S made about 600 hp. Honda sold it as an Acura in the US and stopped production in 2022.
- Power: About 600 hp in the Type S
- Price: $120000 and up
- Key feature: Hybrid power with three electric motors
- Best for: buyers who want modern tech and strong speed.
Ask for software and battery health reports before you buy.
4. Civic Type R
The Civic Type R is the best new Honda sports car for daily use. The 2023 model has a 2.0L turbo engine with 329 hp. It reaches 60 mph in about 5.4 seconds with a six speed manual. CarExpert reports a facelifted 2027 model ahead of the 30th year in 2027. It also says new cars are hard to buy and costly right now.
- Power: 329 hp in the 2023 model
- Price: Varies by year and market
- Key feature: 2.0L turbo engine and six speed manual
- Best for: drivers who want speed and a usable back seat.
Older Type R cars such as the EK9 are rare and popular in Japan. Check for crash repair and loud exhaust mods.
5. Integra Type R
The Integra Type R is the most loved track focused Honda of the 1990s. It ran from 1995 to 2001. Only about 3000 reached the US according to Jalopnik. Prices keep rising and theft is a real risk.
- Power: About 195 hp in US cars
- Price: $50000 and up
- Key feature: High revving 1.8L VTEC for track use
- Best for: fans who want a pure front drive track car.
Ask for photos of the chassis and the original paint. Many cars have hidden damage.
6. Honda S800
The S800 is the classic that made the world take Honda seriously. It ran from 1966 to 1970 with a 0.8L engine and about 70 hp. It could rev near 9500 rpm. Honda built 11536 cars and it was the first Honda to reach 100 mph.
- Power: About 70 hp
- Price: $30000 and up
- Key feature: 9500 rpm limit and first Honda to reach 100 mph
- Best for: collectors who want a small and historic roadster.
Parts are rare so buy from a known specialist.
7. Honda Beat
The Beat is the cheapest way to own a rare Honda roadster. It is a kei sized mid engine car from 1991 to 1996. The engine is a 660cc three cylinder. A good one costs about $7000 to $10000 in 2026.
- Power: About 64 hp (kei limit)
- Price: $7000 to $10000
- Key feature: Mid engine kei roadster with a 660cc engine
- Best for: collectors who like tiny and playful cars.
Kei cars face limits in some countries so check your rules first.
8. Honda S660
The S660 is the modern kei roadster with a mid engine. It was built from 2015 to 2022 with a 660cc turbo engine. It is tiny and light and very fun on twisty roads. Most cars are Japan only.
- Power: About 64 hp (kei limit)
- Price: $12000 to $20000
- Key feature: Mid engine layout with a 660cc turbo
- Best for: city drivers who want a small and quick roadster.
Check the roof and the service record. Some buyers find the cabin too small.
9. Honda CR-X Si
The CR-X Si is a light and cheap hot hatch with real racing roots. Honda added fuel injection in 1985. The 1988 model has a 1.6L engine with 105 hp and double wishbone suspension. It reached 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds with the manual gearbox. It won SCCA GT-4 titles from 1985 to 1987.
- Power: 105 hp in the 1988 Si
- Price: $5000 to $15000
- Key feature: Light body and double wishbone suspension
- Best for: buyers who want cheap fun and low weight.
Rust and worn bushings are the main problems.
10. Honda Prelude
The Prelude is a smooth sport coupe and not a hard core Type R. The old Prelude ran from 1978 to 2001. The Type SH had a 2.2L VTEC with about 200 hp. The new 2026 Prelude is a hybrid coupe. Honda says it uses the Civic Type R suspension and wide tracks and Brembo front brakes. Honda has said it has no plan for a Prelude Type R or Type S.
- Power: About 200 hp in the Type SH
- Price: $8000 to $15000 for the Type SH
- Key feature: Smooth VTEC power and a refined chassis
- Best for: drivers who want comfort and style with a sporty feel.
Honda Sports Cars by Budget
Under $20000 you can buy a Beat or a CR-X or an older Prelude. Higher budgets open the S2000 and the legends. Prices below are rough ranges. Always check live listings.
| Budget | Cars that fit | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Under $10000 | CR-X Si and Prelude Type SH and Beat | Rust and wear |
| Under $20000 | Older Civic Type R and S660 and rough S2000 | Mods and service papers |
| Under $50000 | Clean S2000 and Integra Type R entry cars | Crash repair and original parts |
| Above $50000 | NSX and S800 and new Civic Type R | Full papers and provenance |
Honda Sports Cars Compared Side by Side
The S2000 offers the best balance and the NSX offers the most prestige. The Beat is the cheapest and the Type R is the easiest to use daily. Use the table to compare the four main picks.
| Factor | S2000 | Civic Type R | NSX | Beat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive | Rear | Front | Mid engine rear | Mid engine rear |
| Seats | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Daily use | Fair | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Parts cost | Low | Low | High | Medium |
| Rarity | Medium | Medium | High | High |
Which Honda Sports Car Fits You?
Pick the car that matches your daily needs and your budget. Use this short list.
- First sports car: choose the S2000.
- Daily use with friends: choose the Civic Type R.
- Tight budget: choose the CR-X or the Beat.
- Collector: choose the NSX or the S800.
- Small city streets: choose the S660 or the Beat.
- Track days: choose the Integra Type R.
Unsure about long term cost? Read our Toyota vs Honda reliability guide first.
Used Buying Checklist
Check the auction sheet and the chassis first. These checks save money and stress.
- Read the auction sheet and ask about every repair mark.
- Look for rust at the sills and the wheel arches.
- Test that the VTEC change feels smooth.
- Ask for the full service record.
- Ask for a live cold start video.
- Match the chassis number to the papers.
- Look for hidden crash repair under the paint.
Our used car buying checklist adds more checks for any import.
Can You Import Honda Sports Cars From Japan?
Yes you can import most Honda sports cars if they pass your age rule. Many of the best cars never sold abroad. The Beat and the S660 and the EK9 are examples. Every country sets its own rules so read the official customs page first.
| Market | What to check first |
|---|---|
| United States | The 25 year rule from the build month |
| Canada | The 15 year rule from the build month |
| United Kingdom | HMRC duty and DVLA registration |
| Australia | Federal import approval rules |
| New Zealand | NZTA entry checks |
| Kenya | Kenya Revenue Authority age limit |
| Tanzania | Tanzania Revenue Authority rules |
| Bangladesh | National Board of Revenue limits |
In October 2026 the 25 year rule covers cars built by October 2001. That includes the Beat and the S800 and the CR-X Si. It also includes the Integra Type R and many S2000 cars. Some countries limit kei engines so confirm first. See our cheap JDM cars guide for more import detail. Kenya buyers should read the Kenya import rules. Tanzania buyers should read the Tanzania car import policy and our step by step Tanzania import guide.
What You Really Pay
The car price is only the first part of your total cost. Landed cost adds fees and shipping and duty. Here is an example for an $8000 car. It uses a 10 percent duty rate as a guess.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Car price | $8000 |
| Auction and exporter fee | $700 |
| Shipping | $2500 |
| Inspection | $200 |
| Export papers | $300 |
| Duty on about $10600 | $1060 |
| Registration | $500 |
| Total | $13260 |
An $8000 car becomes a $13000 car. Ask whether the quote is FOB or CIF. FOB ends at the Japan port. CIF adds freight and insurance. Always ask for a full written quote.
Where to Buy Honda Sports Cars
Japan auctions and trusted exporters give the widest choice at fair prices. Local dealers handle the papers for you. Online sales sites list rare cars.
- Japan auctions: thousands of cars sell at wholesale prices.
- Exporters: they bid for you and ship the car.
- Local dealers: you can see the car first.
- Online sales sites: best for rare and collector cars.
Next Drive Japan is an exporter based in Hamamatsu. It lists about 3000 cars and offers live auction bidding. It gives no online quote. Message the sales team for one best price. Browse the Honda cars for sale page. Read our Be Forward alternative guide to compare exporters. See the top 10 Japanese used car exporters and the How to Buy page for each buying route.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most buyers lose money by skipping checks and hidden costs. Avoid these five.
- Buying on looks without an inspection report.
- Ignoring the age rule in your country.
- Paying only the car price and forgetting duty.
- Trusting a seller who hides the auction sheet.
- Sending money to an account that does not match the company name.
Honda Sports Cars News for 2026 and 2027
Honda is bringing back the Prelude and refreshing the Civic Type R. CarExpert says the new Prelude returned after a 25 year break. It also reports a facelifted 2027 Civic Type R. The Type R is hard to buy new right now. Specs and prices can change so check your local Honda dealer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Honda sports cars?
The best Honda sports cars are the S2000 and the NSX and the Civic Type R. The Integra Type R and the Honda Beat also rank high. Pick by budget and by how you plan to drive.
What is the cheapest Honda sports car?
The Honda CR-X Si and the Beat are among the cheapest in this list. Prices run from about $5000 to $10000. Rust and import costs can raise the real price.
What is the fastest Honda sports car?
The second generation NSX Type S is the fastest in this list. It makes about 600 hp. Sports Car Digest lists 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds.
What is the most reliable Honda sports car?
No single model wins for every buyer. The S2000 and Civic Type R have strong records. Service history matters more than the badge. Always check each car.
Is the Honda S2000 a good first sports car?
Yes for most careful drivers. It is light and has a precise manual gearbox. It can snap at the limit so learn it slowly. Parts are easy to find.
Is the new Prelude a sports car?
It is a sporty hybrid coupe. Honda says it uses Civic Type R suspension parts. Honda has also said it has no plan for a Type R or Type S version.
Is the Civic Type R worth it?
Yes if you want speed and daily comfort. The 2023 model has 329 hp and a manual gearbox. CarExpert reports high prices and tight supply right now.
Can I import a Honda Beat or S660?
You can if your country allows kei cars and the car meets the age rule. The Beat is old enough for the US 25 year rule. Check your customs page first.
Which Honda sports car holds its value best?
The NSX and the S2000 and the Integra Type R hold value best. Clean low mileage cars with full papers sell fastest. Modified cars often lose value.
How much does it cost to import a Honda sports car?
Plan for about $3000 to $6000 on top of the car price. Shipping and fees and duty make up that total. Duty rates vary by country so ask for a written quote.
Conclusion
Honda gives you a sports car for almost every budget and taste. Start with the S2000 for balance and the Civic Type R for daily use. Choose the Beat or the S660 if you want rare and tiny fun. Use the tables and checklists to compare Honda sports cars fairly. Next Drive Japan can send one best price for any listed car. Message the sales team on WhatsApp with your car and port. Find more answers on the Next Drive FAQ page or use the contact page.
