The Top 3 Hondas (In Our Opinion)

The Top 3 Hondas (In Our Opinion)

When you think “Honda,” chances are your brain immediately jumps to VTEC, front-wheel drive dominance, and some of the most reliable and fun-to-drive cars ever made. From racetracks to backroads, Honda has been building cars that punch above their weight for decades. But with such a deep catalog of iconic models, where do you even start?

Here are three Hondas that we at MartiniWorks believe deserve top-tier status, from vintage icons to modern day street legends.

Honda S2000 (AP1/AP2): The High-Revving Hero

There’s no way we were making a list like this without the S2000. The AP1, in particular, gave us something nearly extinct in today’s world: a naturally aspirated four-cylinder that revs to 9,000 RPM, paired with one of the best 6-speed manual transmissions ever made.

Whether you’re carving canyons or setting lap times, the S2000 brings unmatched balance, classic roadster proportions, and a powerband that begs you to keep your foot down.

Why It Made the List:

• Legendary F20C engine with 120+ HP per liter.
• Rear-wheel drive with near 50/50 weight distribution.
• Timeless looks that still turn heads in 2025.
• One of the best driving experiences under $30K (if you can still find one).

Honda Civic Type R (FK8): The Modern Day Dominator

When Honda dropped the FK8 in the U.S., the hot hatch game changed. Turbocharged, track-tested, and aggressive in all the right ways, this Civic redefined what people expected from a front-wheel-drive car.

It wasn’t just hype either. Nürburgring lap times, daily drivability, and a massive aftermarket made the FK8 it a banger of a car right off the lot.

Why It Made the List:

• 306 horsepower from the factory with proven tuning potential.
• Dual-axis front suspension that actually makes FWD handle like AWD.
• Functional aero, big brakes, and Recaros from the factory.
• The best-performing Civic ever made, full stop.

Honda S800: The Vintage Underdog

Let’s rewind a bit. Before the S2000, before the Civic, Honda built a little screamer called the S800, and it was way ahead of its time. Introduced in the 1960s, this thing redlined at 10,000 RPM with a chain-driven rear end, making it more motorcycle than car in the best way possible.

Most people have never even seen one in person, but if you’re into heritage, motorsport DNA, and JDM before JDM was a thing, the S800 is your guy.

Why It Made the List:

• 791cc inline-4 that revved higher than most superbikes.
• Lightweight and nimble.  like a Miata before the Miata.
• The spiritual granddad to the S2000.
• One of the coolest cars Honda ever made, period.

Final Thoughts

Honda has built a lot of legends, but these three? These are the ones that get our vote. Whether you’re a fan of high-revving roadsters, turbocharged track monsters, or vintage engineering masterpieces — these Hondas represent the very best of what the brand has offered through the decades.

Got your own top 3 Hondas? We’d love to hear them. But just know… if it doesn’t include the S2000, we’re definitely judging you.

Looking to mod your Honda? We’ve got everything from wheels to performance parts to help you build your car for you! Check us out at MartiniWorks and let’s get that project rolling.