For decades, Honda has been an extremely popular manufacturer of cars that anyone could buy, but also cars that would produce a healthy amount of smiles per miles. The brand has a large fan base among petrol heads, especially thanks to models such as the Honda Civic Type R. 

While Honda’s newer models feature all kinds of cool tech, there are plenty of drivers out there who would rather enjoy something more traditional, with less technology, and with sleeker looks. For them, we chose the five best old Honda models that are can still give modern sports cars a run for their money.

Honda S2000 (1999-2003, 2004-2009)

The Honda S2000 is one of the purest sports cars by Honda. From the looks alone, you can tell that making this a performance model was not just an afterthought. The first generation was available between 1999 and 2003, and in its relatively short life, it has become widely popular. This made space for the existence of the second generation, which introduced a number of significant changes, and almost perfected this model.

The latest units, being produced more than 13 years ago, on paper, might seem just like “some old Hondas” but this could not be further from the truth. The exterior has aged extremely well, and the cabin surprises even today. It features a digital gauge cluster with a retro-futuristic look, and a dashboard tilted towards the driver. Of course, it would not be a proper sports car without tight bucket seats.

Now to the most important part; the engine. Located at the front, and behind the front axle, is a naturally aspirated F20C that features Honda’s legendary VTEC technology. The engine generates 237 hp and 153 lb.-ft of torque, which may not seem like much, but is enough to propel this coupe from 0-60 in 6.8 seconds. 

All S2000s are fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission and send power to the rear wheels. The second generation of the S2000 was equipped with the F22C1 motor, that featured a larger displacement at 2,157 cc. However, the power output has remained more or less the same. 

This, together with other changes, resulted in a higher maximum torque at 162 lb.-ft. Although using the same gearbox, its gear ratios were adjusted, and the first five gears are shorter on models starting in 2004.

The 1999 model S2000 was one of the rare cars to use electrically assisted steering. Also, this old Honda features a 50:50 weight distribution, which means perfect driving characteristics. Later versions also used carbon fiber brass synchronizers in the gearbox and LED taillights. The Honda S2000 was simply an extremely technologically advanced car for its time.

Honda Prelude (1996-2001)

In 1996 Honda has released the 5th generation of their Prelude series, marking an important milestone for the model. Design wise, it went closer to the third generation Prelude, as the 4th gen was not as well received by customers, and sales stagnated. Back in the day, this Honda Prelude was a synonym for performance, quality, and superb engineering.

Two trim levels were available in the US market — labeled as Base and Type SH. Both were generously equipped. The 5th generation Prelude was available with only one engine in North America, and it was a 2.2L H22A4 inline four-cylinder. With 200 hp and 156 lb.-ft of torque, this old Honda has enough power even by today’s standards. The only transmission option is a 5-speed manual.

When you step on the gas, the Prelude treated you with a throaty NA roar. In fact, it sounds somewhat like the famous NSX from that period. The sound note also makes you feel like you are driving faster than you really are. This makes for a lot of fun, and it gets even better once you get the engine past 5,250 RPM. 

At that point, the VTEC variable timing and lift system kicks in and adjusts the cam profile to a higher lift, which finally makes all of the torque available. Not only that, but the steering is extremely precise and gives you heaps of feedback from the road. The same goes for the brakes, which are sharp but easy to modulate. The shifter is notchy and makes changing gears so satisfying.

The Honda Prelude is a truly amazing car. Just look at the luxurious interior which looks great even today. Not only the design but even the materials stood up against time successfully and the same goes for the exterior.

Honda Accord Coupe (2003-2007)

The seventh generation Honda Accord was released in 2002, with the Coupe coming a year later. It was the first time that the Accord was made into a driver-focused model. To make it sportier, Honda fitted the Accord Coupe with a sports suspension, bigger wheels, and many other performance upgrades. This, now old Honda, has been received extremely well by the public and critics alike. With the use of powerful engines and notchy transmissions, the Accord was a pleasant surprise.

Base models feature a K24 inline 4-cylinder with a 2.4L displacement and generate 166 hp and 160 lb.-ft of torque. These are rather modest numbers for a sports car but another, much more exciting option, is also available. A 3.0L V6 is the top-of-the-line drivetrain and generates 244 hp and 211 lb.-ft. Both engines can be paired to a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. Of course, both engines are equipped with Honda’s famous VTEC.

Additionally, customers had the option to get a Factory Performance Package at their dealer. It was only available for the V6 drivetrains and added a number of upgrades which made the Accord Coupe a true sports car. The package was based on the SEMA concept car, a prototype of the 7th gen Honda Accord Coupe, and featured an underbody aero kit, rear spoiler, performance 215/50VR-17 tires, reworked shock absorbers and springs, and sports trim in the interior. If you are looking for a sporty coupe that is still very much practical, definitely look for one with this package.

Acura NSX / Honda NSX (1990-2005)

While the NSX is being sold as an Acura in the North American market, it is marketed as a Honda everywhere else. Thus, this ultimate sports car is fit for this list.

The first generation NSX is now a classic sports car and one with an interesting backstory behind it. This mid-engine coupe sports car was first introduced in 1990. Two years later, in 1992, the McLaren F1 came out. Its designer, Gordon Murray, stated that he used the old Honda as an inspiration for the McLaren hypercar. 

The car’s robust design and the driving characteristics, which were one of the best in its segment back in the ‘90s, have left an impression on the famous designer. As a result, McLaren has even asked Honda to develop a more powerful engine based on the NSX, for the use in the McLaren model but Honda declined. For that reason, McLaren ended up using a BMW engine. This story makes the NSX even more special retrospectively. The McLaren designer, now responsible for his own brand called Gordon Murray Automotive, and impressive super car models such as the T.33 or T.50, has even bought an NSX for his personal use.

The first generation of the Acura NSX came with a 3.0L V6 C30A and Honda’s famous VTEC. These are referred to as NA1 models. From 1997 onwards, the NSX was referred to as NA2 and came with a larger 3.2L C30B engine. Apart from a 5-speed manual transmission, a 4-speed automatic was available as an option. 

Models equipped with the automatic gearbox were slightly less powerful, compared to the 270 hp and 210 lb.-ft of torque on the 3.0L drivetrain, and 290 hp and 224 lb.-ft on the later 3.2L.

Acura Integra Type R / Honda Integra Type R (1995-2001)

Another model which was sold as an Acura in North America, but as a Honda almost everywhere else is the Integra Type R. This, now old Honda was a revolutionary model back in the time and remains competent even by today’s standards.

While the third generation of the Integra came to the market in 1993, the most powerful Type R variant was introduced only two years later. It came with a well-known 1.8 B18C engine tuned to 195 hp, although figures varied across markets. The drivetrain was hand-built and made the Integra ever so more special. As standard, it was paired to a 5-speed manual with carefully selected gear ratios, ensuring a 0-60 mph time in close to 6 seconds.

The powerful engine was an extensive upgrade to the lower-positioned Si model, but the Type R did not stop there. Compared to other Integra models, the Type R had a strengthened, yet lighter chassis, and a proper sports exhaust system. Important upgrades also came with a 1998 model year, which modified the engine and made the maximum torque available from lower RPMs. Larger brakes were also a nice addition. The Integra was rather fast for its time, so some serious stopping power was needed.

Overall, this old Honda is seen as one of the best sports cars of the ‘90s. Automotive journalists were impressed with the way it handled but also by the way it performed in a straight line. The old Integra Type R is somewhat of a collectible these days, but it could still give any modern sports car a run for its money. 

Old Hondas — Affordable Performance at Its Finest

With Honda’s revolutionary technology, such as VTEC, it is no wonder that the manufacturer stands behind some of the most competent sports cars of all time, which can stay relevant even decades after their end of production. 

In addition, these cars are often quite affordable for what they are. Sure, the new models are going to be a bit faster, but arguably, these old Hondas are still the crowd favorites. The mechanical feeling of driving a car with no unnecessary assists just beats about any modern sports car.