#10 CRXBased on the Civic platform, the CRX was introduced in 1983 as a 2 seat hatchback. The second generation in 1988 featured an improved suspension and an optional si trim level. Weighing less than a ton, the CRX could get over 50Mpg with its 100+Hp 1600cc engine. It was sporty, economical and fun to drive. #9 Integra Type-RAlthough Integra and RSX models are known under the Acura brand in North America, around the world they wear the Honda badge. Launched in 1985 and sized between the Civic and Accord, the Integra developed into a sports car by the late 1990s with a Type R option of a 1.8l engine and capable of 0-60 in less than 7 seconds. #8 Civic, 4th GenerationWhile the third generation of Civic, Honda's flagship economy car, was given a sport variant, it was the fourth iteration, beginning in 1988, when the chassis and suspension provided capable handling. Enthusiasts could even swap in the newly developed VTEC engines for better performance. The car was competitive in SCCA autocross competitions as well as being a fine example of the 'hot hatch' category. #7 S800The S500 coupe was supposed to be Honda's first 4-wheel vehicle, but political pressure forced the company to release the T360 truck a few months earlier in 1963. The S series of coupes were designated by displacement and the S800, with a 791cc engine, was the last roadster Honda would make for 30 years. Although water cooled, the S800 belied Honda's motorcycle roots with a chain drive and 10,000RPM redline. #6 Del SolThe Del Sol was a two-seater that succeeded the CRX in 1992. Production ran until 1998, by which time the roadster could be fitted with the 160Hp 1.6l engine of the Civic Si. The hard 'Targa' top could be stowed in the trunk ( Considerably reducing the available storage ) and the rear window lowered for a convertible feel. In Europe and Japan there was an optional powered TransTop to automatically retract the roof. #5 S660Japan has long had a Kei Car standard of engine and chassis size. With this 660cc limitation, manufacturers have produced a wide range of vehicles. To produce the next generation Kei roadster, Honda had an internal design competition which was won by Ryo Mukumoto, who was just 22 years-old at the time. The S660, powered by a mid-mounted 3-cylinder engine, is the result. #4 PreludeThe Prelude was a Honda coupe initially based on the Accord produced from 1978 until 2001. During that time I went through 5 generations. The fifth was available in Japan as a Type S, capable of over 200Hp from a 2.2l VTEC engine. Unfortunately, the Accord received the V6 engine and that line's coupe spelled the end for the Prelude. #3 S2000Released in 1999 to almost universal acclaim, the S2000 revived the Honda roadster with gusto. While the design and handling were noteworthy, it was the F20C engine that stole the show. With high compression and a red line above 9000rpm, the unit produced over 200Hp. It remains one of the highest horsepower to displacement ratios among naturally aspirated engines. #2 1300 Coupe 9The Honda 1300 was produced from 1969 until 1973. It was available in both a sedan and coupe model, the ultimate expression was the Coupe 9. This was the last car Soichiro personally engineered and it shows his innovative thinking: Air-cooled engine in a dedicated subframe, dry-sump lubrication and redundant electrical system. With 4 carburetors, the Coupe 9 produced 116Hp from just a 1.3l engine. Unfortunately, very few of these cars were produced and none exported to the US. #1 NSXIn 1984 Honda commissioned a mid-engine sports car design from the renowned Italian Pininfarina and named it the NP-X. It wasn't until 1990 that a different design, the NSX, was launched under the Acura name in America. Aimed at the Ferrari 328, the NSX would feature a 3l VTEC engine and an aluminium semi-monocoque unit body. At the time Honda was deeply involved in Formula 1 and their racing acumen, as well as that of champion Ayrton Senna who enjoyed a close relationship with Honda, produced a true super car.
