and N600—may not be around today, but they are some of the best old Honda cars of all time. And they certainly played their part in the Japanese automaker's rise to fame!

We're here with a complete history lesson on how Honda got where it is today. Here are the 10 best old Honda cars you should know.

MORE:

How to lower your Honda car insurance rates

Make safe driving pay

Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.

Start earning now

What makes an old car great?

When it comes to Honda, there are a lot of pivotal points along the journey from a small Japanese automaker to an international powerhouse. Obviously, it took a lot of innovative engineering to redefine the Honda brand as an automobile company after specializing in motorcycles for so many years.

Against all odds, they were able to do just that—and that’s what makes these old Honda cars great!

What follows isn’t a list of good used cars to buy. Instead, consider it an analysis of some of the Honda models that helped the company earn tremendous accolades.

MORE:

Classic car coverage

10. Honda S800 (1966–1970)

The S800 was a little sports car with big performance! The 791cc straight-four engine generated 70 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, which helped it become Honda’s first vehicle with the capacity to exceed 100 mph.

And as of 1967, it was recognized as the fastest production 1.0-liter car in the world thanks to its high-revving engine.

The S800 was one of Honda’s big breaks. It set the standard of high-quality performance and reliability that Honda still upholds today.

"I’m earning

awesome rewards

every week, just for driving safe!”

9. Honda CR-X (1983–1991)

The Honda CR-X was a unique compact car on which the hatchback trend was predicated. Its distinctive style overtook the hearts of motorists, earning three Import Car of the Year awards to prove it! These accolades are impressive because the CR-X’s tenure was only eight years in length—that’s a high rate of success!

The CR-X's second generation (1988 to 1991) somehow improved upon the wildly popular first generation. The upgraded suspension system, larger design, and optional performance engine respectively led to better handling, more cargo space, and up to 150 horsepower.

With so many hatchbacks available today, the CR-X is often forgotten in history. Nevertheless, it should get some credit for being a stepping stone in the style's popularity.

8. Honda S2000 (1999–2009)

Honda wanted to prove it could compete with the best two-seater sports cars in the world. Well, they walked the talk when they released the

S2000

at Honda’s 50th-anniversary celebration!

This roadster was equipped with a spunky 241-horsepower, four-cylinder, 2.0-liter VTEC engine. This power output, combined with a smooth six-speed transmission, made for an incredible driving experience. And as is the case with any roadster, you can pop the top off for those sunny days.

Even though the Honda S2000 was meant to be a limited edition party favor, it became an iconic model for the brand for many years to come.

7. Honda S600 (1964–1966)

It wasn’t around for a long time, but it was around for a good time! Something about the grille, bumper, and headlights gave the S600 an appealing classic look.

Not only was it stylish, but it was Honda’s first mass-produced car on the international market. Initially built as right-hand drive cars, it was adapted into a left-hand drive edition to appease the export market.

MORE:

How to make money restoring classic cars

6. Honda NSX (1990–2005)

The first-generation Honda NSX isn’t usually mentioned among names like Ferrari and Lamborghini, but it should be! NSX could even be interpreted as “new sports car experiment”—Honda was really trying to push the envelope! (You kind of have to if you want to compete with the big boys.)

The original 1991 NSX was equipped with a 3.0-liter C30A V6 and was one of the earliest implementations of Honda's trick VTEC variable valve timing system. And its performance was only enhanced by its advanced aerodynamics, resembling that of a fighter jet.

In 2016, the NSX was rebooted and a second generation was introduced, but it’s hard to beat the classic look of the first-generation models.

5. Honda Insight (1999–present)

Contrary to popular beliefs about hybrid vehicles, the Honda Insight was the O.G.—not the

Toyota Prius

. In 1999, the Insight became the first hybrid available in the North American automotive market. The Prius wasn’t released until later that year.

But not only was it first to market, but it was also better! The Insight was more affordable and had a more efficient powertrain.

The two models go back and forth today, but a little competition is good for innovation. We definitely need it as we work toward a more sustainable future.

4. Acura Integra (1985–2006)

Even though you could find plenty of Honda vehicles out on the racetrack, the brand wasn’t necessarily recognized for its performance—but the

Integra

changed all of that! The Integra is sold under Honda’s luxury automotive brand,

Acura

Integras quickly fell into the spotlight with cameos in the Need for Speed video games and box office hit The Fast and the Furious. This ripster was critically acclaimed for its handling and performance, leaving the everyday driver feeling like they were in a racecar. These claims are especially true when discussing the Type R trim level.

Solidified reports show the Integra is making a triumphant return to production in 2023! So, keep an eye out for Acura Integra commercials—the hype is real!

MORE:

Does Honda have a self-driving car?

3. Honda Prelude (1978–2001)

Sometimes, it feels like the Prelude was the one that got away—it really had it all!

With good fuel efficiency, a powerful 195-horsepower four-cylinder engine, and a muscular build, it’s surprising that this model didn’t survive much past the turn of the century. If we were gamblers, we would have said that the Prelude would have been a staple model for Honda even today.

But, alas, we can only reminisce. Although, some people do more than that. The Prelude has become a target for collectors, especially the 1998 Honda Prelude Type SH.

2. Honda Civic (1972–present)

This list simply wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Civic and what it did for the evolution of the compact car. So let’s take a look at where it all began in 1972.

The first-generation model (1972 to 1979) was Honda’s first true success on the international market, earning multiple awards for its economical design and engineered efficiency. All this for an incredibly low debut MSRP of $2,150.

While the design has changed over the years, it’s fun to look back fondly on the older models to see how far they've come in the innovative world of automotive engineering.

1. Honda N600 (1967–1972)

Speaking of which, sometimes you have to look back to go forward. The Honda N600 was the first model that the Japanese automaker sold in the United States.

Think of it this way, the N600 had to walk so the Civic could run! We couldn’t help putting the N600 atop our list for this reason.

History aside, the N600 was a cool car in its own respect. It was a hatchback before hatchbacks were cool—of course, with a lovely 1970’s flare!

MORE:

Car loan for Honda 2022

How to find a Honda-ful of savings on your car insurance

Each Honda model requires a specific type of car insurance to provide appropriate protection. For example, you may consider

classic car insurance

for an S600 or a

full-coverage policy

for the latest Civic. Whatever your needs are, the

Jerry

app has what you're looking for—at a great price to boot!

Jerry is your ultra-talented car insurance broker for life. But no need to sit across from him at a desk: Jerry is a

super app

! It takes less than a minute to sign up, and you’ll be presented with an affordable quote that meets your Honda’s coverage needs.

And when we say affordable, we mean it! The average Jerry user saves nearly $900 a year on insurance.

“I was tired of looking around multiple websites, so I decided to give
Jerry
a try. Let me tell you—the process is so easy and simple, and they really find you the best prices for your coverage level. Getting insurance for my new car was quick and easy!” —Joanna D.