Imagine a car that’s hilariously fun, incredibly agile, and turns heads wherever it goes, all while being surprisingly practical for its size. This isn’t a supercar; it’s the Honda S660, Japan’s worst-kept secret, affectionately known as the “baby NSX.” This tiny, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive, turbocharged Kei car is a unique blend of engineering brilliance and pure driving joy, imported straight from Japan.
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a truly special and engaging vehicle that stands out from the crowd, the Honda S660 offers an experience unlike any other. It’s a weird, wonderful, and utterly captivating machine. Having spent time behind the wheel of this epic little thing, we’ve uncovered the most compelling reasons why this JDM gem should be at the top of your wish list. Here are the Top 10 Compelling Reasons why you should buy a Honda S660:
1. A Hilariously Fun “Baby NSX” Driving Experience
The Honda S660 lives up to its “baby NSX” moniker with a truly unique and exhilarating powertrain layout. It’s a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive, turbocharged Kei car – a combination that’s rare and incredibly engaging. This setup, usually reserved for high-performance sports cars, provides exceptional balance and responsiveness.
Despite its small 660cc, 3-cylinder engine producing 47 kW (63 horsepower) and 101 Nm of torque, the S660’s featherlight weight (around 830 kg) means it feels surprisingly zippy and incredibly fun, especially when revving up to its 7,500 RPM redline.
2. Head-Turning JDM Styling & Unique Road Presence
The S660 is an absolute showstopper. Its design is a perfect blend of aggressive sports car aesthetics and adorable Kei car compactness. Features like its bright LED headlights, aggressive front splitter, muscular rear haunches, and a cool 3D-effect LED taillight bar give it an undeniable road presence. The car genuinely “breaks necks” wherever it goes, with people constantly staring and asking about it.
Choosing a vibrant color like canary yellow further enhances its unique and eye-catching appeal, making it a true JDM icon.
3. Exceptional Go-Kart-Like Handling
This is where the S660 truly shines. Its tiny dimensions, wheels pushed out to each corner, and near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution make it feel like a literal go-kart. The handling is described as “fantastic” and “on rails,” allowing you to “chuck it around corners” with immense confidence. The wide handlebar (steering wheel) provides excellent leverage, contributing to its precise and agile nature.
Despite its modest power, the S660’s ability to tackle corners with such precision and balance is incredibly rewarding and addictive.
4. Engaging 6-Speed Manual Transmission
For driving purists, the S660 offers a rare and highly sought-after feature in its segment: a 6-speed manual transmission. The shifter itself feels amazing, characterized by a very short throw that makes gear changes quick and satisfying. This manual gearbox transforms the driving experience, allowing the driver to fully exploit the engine’s power band and extract maximum enjoyment from every drive.
It’s a testament to Honda’s commitment to driver engagement, even in a small Kei car.
5. Surprisingly Comfortable & Well-Supported Interior for its Size
Despite its insanely small exterior, the S660’s interior is “weirdly spacious” once you’re inside. At 5’11”, the reviewer fits comfortably, and it’s suggested that individuals up to 6’2″ could also fit without much struggle, which is impressive for a Kei car.
The seats, surprisingly, are not “licorice thin and terrible”; instead, they are well-supported and well-bolstered, making them genuinely comfortable even on long trips (like a Sydney to Melbourne drive). The steering wheel feels fantastic to hold, and the overall tactility of the interior is genuinely impressive for its class.
6. Cost-Effective Ownership (Kei Car Benefits)
The S660 benefits significantly from Japan’s Kei car regulations, which translate into several cost advantages for owners. These include cheaper insurance and cheaper registration fees, making it a more affordable vehicle to own and operate compared to larger sports cars.
While premium fuel is recommended, the car is E10 compliant, offering a cheaper fuel option if desired. Its excellent fuel economy, averaging around 19 km per liter (over 5 liters per 100 km) even when driven “like absolute idiots,” further contributes to its economical running costs.
7. Authentic Open-Top Roadster Experience
The S660 is a true roadster, offering an authentic open-top driving experience. The convertible roof is really easy to remove: simply pull a couple of latches, roll it up, and store it neatly in the tiny front boot (frunk).
This allows you to enjoy the wind in your hair and fully immerse yourself in the driving sensation, especially on a beautiful day. The car even features unique vents that shoot air at your waist, which is a nice touch for colder days with the roof off.
8. High Aftermarket & Modification Potential
Many imported S660s, like the one reviewed, come pre-modified, showcasing the vibrant JDM aftermarket scene. This particular car featured aftermarket wheels, a custom Roso Medello exhaust with burnt tips, an HKS blow-off valve, and various interior mods like a turbo boost gauge. This indicates a strong community and readily available parts for personalization.
If you love to tinker and customize your ride, the S660 offers immense potential to make it truly unique and express your JDM passion.
9. Collectibility & Exclusivity as a JDM Import
As a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) import, the Honda S660 possesses an inherent sense of exclusivity and collectibility. It’s a spiritual successor to the iconic Honda Beat from the ’90s and a “little brother” to legends like the S2000 and NSX. Its limited production run (it was produced for just a few years) and its unique status as a Kei car sports car make it a rare and desirable vehicle.
Owning an S660 means you’re part of an exclusive club, driving a piece of Japanese automotive history that’s admired by enthusiasts worldwide.
10. The Unbeatable “Smile Factor”
Perhaps the most important reason of all: the Honda S660 consistently puts a smile on your face. Despite its modest power figures, the sheer fun of driving this car is immense. Its go-kart handling, engaging manual gearbox, open-top experience, and the attention it garners from onlookers all contribute to an unparalleled sense of joy.
As the reviewer puts it, “I don’t know a single person who hasn’t seen this and gone, ‘that’s cool.'” It’s a car that’s not just about getting from A to B, but about making every journey an adventure filled with pure, unadulterated fun.
Conclusion: Your Next Thrilling Ride Awaits
The Honda S660 is a truly special vehicle that defies expectations. While it might not be the most practical car in the world (with abysmal storage and some quirks), its strengths in driving engagement, unique styling, surprising comfort, and sheer fun factor make it incredibly compelling. If you’re looking for a car that offers an unforgettable driving experience, turns heads, and embodies the spirit of JDM performance in a compact, cost-effective package, the Honda S660 is an absolute must-consider. It’s a car that proves you don’t need massive power or a huge price tag to have an epic time on the road.
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CarSauce (Formerly Matt Brand Cars) – Automotive content especially around in-depth new and used car reviews, car comparisons, as well as engine and exhaust sounds. Subscribe now!
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- Source: Honda S660 Kei Car Review
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