Honda has a long history of building efficient, tough, and reliable cars with low running costs. Besides being upscale and comfortable, mainstream Honda cars also boast a generous range of equipment. Its lineup of vehicles has many luxurious and practical sedans and hatchbacks that meet the needs of customers in various ways. Although Honda has a limited list of sports cars to its name, it has a reputation for building some fast track toys. Over the years, Honda has rolled out game changers such as the iconic NSX and the Integra Type R. Even the small high-revving and perfectly-balanced S2000 is a marvel of Honda’s craftsmanship.
To squeeze as much performance as possible from the engine, Honda’s engineers use a lot of lightweight materials during the manufacturing process. This improves the power-to-weight ratio of the car, and results in quicker acceleration and sharper handling. Honda performance cars also feature a range of aerodynamic enhancements that allow them to hug the pavement while slicing through the air. Some fast Honda cars like the Civic Type R and the Accord Type R reflect Honda’s commitment to practicality. But with their track-readiness, they also reflect Honda’s racing pedigree.
10 2017 Honda Accord Coupe
Top Speed: 155 Mph
The Accord is one of Honda’s best-selling cars for a reason. For 2017, the stylish Accord Coupe came in five trim levels including the EX-L V6. In a spacious and refined interior, it offered dual-zone automatic climate control and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Performance
|
0-60 MPH |
5.6 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
155 mph |
|
Curb Weight |
3,523 pounds |
|
Horsepower |
278 hp |
|
Torque |
251 lb-ft |
|
Layout |
Front-engine, front-wheel drive |
Under the hood, it featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine that put down 278 hp through either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. With this powertrain, it needed 5.6 seconds to hit 60 mph from zero, and 14.2 seconds to cross the quarter-mile mark. The 2017 EX-L also boasted a range of advanced tech features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring.
9 2023 Honda Civic Type R
Top Speed: 169 Mph
Returning for 2023, the Civic Type R continues to blend everyday usability with outstanding performance. It features an adaptive suspension setup, a rear wing, and high-performance Brembo brakes. Inside, it sports 2-tone synthetic suede upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control. For infotainment, it offers a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. Besides, it also comes with a generous lineup of advanced safety/driver-assist tech features.
Performance
|
0-60 MPH |
5.1 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
169 mph |
|
Curb Weight |
3,188 pounds |
|
Horsepower |
315 hp |
|
Torque |
310 lb-ft |
|
Layout |
Front engine, front-wheel drive |
Under the hood, it has a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 engine hooked to a 6-speed manual gearbox. With 315 hp and 310 lb-ft on tap, the Honda Civic Type R is a bargain track beast and can hit 60 mph from zero in 5.1 seconds. Boasting terrific road grip and strong brakes, the Civic Type R is a joy to drive at any speed.
8 2009 Honda S2000 CR
Top Speed: 160 Mph
The S2000 CR appeared in 2008 as a performance-oriented trim level of the Honda S2000. Debuting at the New York International Auto Show in 2007, the S2000 CR featured a stiffer chassis/suspension, revised body kit, and performance tires. To shed weight, it came without a spare tire. Amenities such as air conditioning and stereo were optional. But due to poor sales, only 699 copies of this track toy left the production line.
Performance
|
0-60 MPH |
5.5 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
160 mph |
|
Curb Weight |
2,813 pounds |
|
Horsepower |
237 hp |
|
Torque |
162 lb-ft |
|
Layout |
Front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive |
Under the hood, a 2.2-liter I-4 engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission to feed the rear wheels. Despite sharing the same engine as the legendary Honda S2000 roadster, the CR, with its aerodynamic improvements, is the better performer. It handles like a dream, and tackles corners with confidence, even at high speeds.
7 1995 Honda Prelude VTEC
Top Speed: 140 Mph
Boasting a sleek aerodynamic design and a large rear spoiler, the 1995 Prelude VTEC was part of the fourth generation of Honda’s underrated Prelude. Inside a driver-focused interior, it sported supportive leather bucket seats. Other features include a power sunroof and a premium sound system. Underneath, it had a set of antilock brakes for confident stopping power.
Performance
|
0-60 MPH |
6.7 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
140 mph |
|
Curb Weight |
2,932 pounds |
|
Horsepower |
190 hp |
|
Torque |
158 lb-ft |
|
Layout |
Front engine, front-wheel drive |
The 1995 Prelude VTEC sported a 2.2-liter 4-banger that cranked out 190 hp and 158 lb-ft through a 5-speed manual transmission. With a 0-60 mph time of less than seven seconds, it was quick for its time. Thanks to a sport-tuned suspension and a well-balanced chassis, it was a hoot to drive. It even had a 4-wheel steering system that enhanced cornering and stability.
6 2009 Honda S2000
Top Speed: 149 Mph
Honda launched the S2000 in 1999 to mark the company’s 50th anniversary. The 2-door sports car was a day-one hit that got several significant revisions throughout its decade-long production run. Some things we love about the Honda S2000 include the unique four-cylinder engine, timeless styling, and superb handling. Created purely for driving thrill, the S2000 lacks the creature comforts common in more docile roadsters. Nevertheless, the driver-centric cabin has many first-rate materials. The S2000 has a rigid chassis, traction control, 4-wheel ABS, and 4-wheel disc brakes.
Performance
|
0-60 MPH |
5.9 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
149 seconds |
|
Curb Weight |
2,864 pounds |
|
Horsepower |
237 hp |
|
Torque |
162 lb-ft |
|
Layout |
Front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive |
Under the hood, a high-revving 2.2-liter I-4 engine sends down 237 hp and 162 lb-ft through a 6-speed manual gearbox. Boasting a perfect 50/50 weight distribution and double wishbone suspension, the S2000 rewards drivers with razor-sharp handling.
5 2008 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L V6
Top Speed: 155 Mph
For 2008, the stylish and reliable Accord Coupe EX-L V6 offered a smooth and comfortable driving experience. It came with amenities like leather upholstery, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Other features that made the interior convenient for occupants include a 7-speaker premium audio system and a navigation system.
Performance
|
0-60 MPH |
5.9 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
155 mph |
|
Curb Weight |
3,446 pounds |
|
Horsepower |
268 hp |
|
Torque |
248 lb-ft |
|
Layout |
Rear md-engine, front-wheel drive |
Under the hood of the all-new Coupe EX-L V6, it featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to either a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. With 268 hp on tap, it accelerated with ease and compared favorably with rivals. It could hit a top speed of 155 mph. And thanks to 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, it had strong stopping power too.
4 1999 Honda Prelude Type SH
Top Speed: 140 Mph
Redesigned for the fifth generation, the underrated Honda Prelude hit US markets in two trim levels – the base model and the Type SH. The top-of-the-line Type SH featured a sophisticated suspension system, a rear spoiler, and a dual-outlet exhaust system. It also had a spacious, comfortable interior with supportive seats and a 6-speaker stereo system. Power came from a 2.2-liter DOHC I-4 engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Performance
|
0-60 MPH |
7.0 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
140 mph |
|
Curb Weight |
3,035 pounds |
|
Horsepower |
200 hp |
|
Torque |
156 lb-ft |
|
Layout |
Front-engine, front-wheel drive |
The Type SH also came with a unique Active Torque Transfer System that reduced understeer and enhanced traction. This improved the car’s cornering performance and stability, making it a fun and agile vehicle to drive. With 200 hp and 156 lb-ft on tap, the Type SH accelerated with ease, while the standard 4-wheel ABS produced confident stopping power.
3 2001 Honda Prelude Type S
Top Speed: 143 Mph
Available only in Japan, the Type S featured many enhancements over the Preludes sold elsewhere. Besides running a more powerful engine, it also sported unique and sportier styling elements. The driver-focused interior had supportive sports seats and a well-designed cockpit for the driver.
Performance
|
0-60 MPH |
6.8 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
143 mph |
|
Curb Weight |
2,888 pounds |
|
Horsepower |
217 mph |
|
Torque |
163 lb-ft |
|
Layout |
Front engine, front-wheel drive |
Under the hood, it had a high-revving 2.2-liter VTEC engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Rated at 217 hp and 163 lb-ft, it made the Type S one of the most powerful Preludes ever. Features that enhanced its handling include a sport-tuned suspension, precise steering, and Honda’s Active Torque Transfer System. Other features are a sleek aerodynamic design and a responsive/well-balanced chassis. Back then, it was a popular choice among drivers who wanted lightweight cars with an engaging and agile driving experience.
2 2002 Honda Integra Type R
Top Speed: 150 Mph
When the first Integra Type R arrived in 1995, it was only for the Japanese domestic market. And like other Type R Honda models, it followed a strict weight loss diet that involved using lighter wheels and a thinner windscreen. It also got a strengthened chassis, suspension upgrades, and a more aerodynamic body kit. With its introduction into the US market, the Integra Type R became an icon in America.
Performance
|
0-60 MPH |
6.3 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
145 mph |
|
Curb Weight |
2,524 pounds |
|
Horsepower |
195 hp |
|
Torque |
130 lb-ft |
|
Layout |
Front engine, front-wheel drive |
Under the hood of US versions, a 1.8-liter I-4 engine cranked out 195 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque. The high-revving engine is paired with a close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Thanks to a responsive steering and the 4-wheel fully-independent suspension, the Integra Type R became one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars ever. Besides the excellent driving dynamics, the Integra Type R was a fast car that punched above its weight.
1 1999 Honda Accord Type R
Top Speed: 142 Mph
After the NSX and the Integra, the Accord also got the “Type R” treatment from 1998 till 2002. And like the preceding Type R models, the Accord Type R had no sound insulation and luxury features. It featured a stiffer suspension, larger brakes, and a rear spoiler. Inside, it sported Recaro racing seats, aluminum pedals, and a Momo steering wheel.
Performance
|
0-60 MPH |
6.8 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
142 mph |
|
Curb Weight |
3,07 pounds |
|
Horsepower |
209 hp |
|
Torque |
159 lb-ft |
|
Layout |
Front-engine, front-wheel drive |
Under the hood, it sported a high-revving 2.2-liter VTEC 4-banger hooked to a 6-speed manual transmission. Thanks to a taut chassis and a limited-slip differential, the Accord Type R delivered a sporty and responsive driving experience. One of the things we love about the Accord Type R is its versatility; it can be a sedate 5-seater family car or a serious track toy.
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