Home Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Honda S660 in 2025: Why This JDM Kei Car Is Unmissable

onJuly 17, 2025

Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Honda S660 in 2025: Why This JDM Kei Car Is Unmissable

Car Review

4 min read

The Honda S660, affectionately dubbed the “baby NSX,” is undeniably a captivating machine. This tiny, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive, turbocharged Kei car offers a hilariously fun and incredibly agile driving experience that turns heads and puts smiles on faces. It’s a unique piece of Japanese engineering that appeals to pure driving enthusiasts. However, for all its charm and dynamic prowess, the S660 is not without its quirks and limitations.

While its strengths are compelling, a balanced perspective requires acknowledging areas where this unique vehicle might not align with everyone’s practical needs or preferences. Before you commit to importing this JDM gem, it’s crucial to understand its potential drawbacks. Here are the Top 5 Reasons why the Honda S660 might not be the perfect choice for you, depending on your lifestyle and priorities:

1. Abysmal Storage Space: A Car for Driving, Not Hauling

Let’s be blunt: the Honda S660 is designed for driving pleasure, not practicality. Its storage capabilities are, to put it mildly, abysmal.

The “Frunk”: The front boot (or “frunk”) offers virtually no usable space, capable of holding “no more than 10 kg of storage.”
Convertible Roof Impact: Crucially, if you want to enjoy the open-top experience, the convertible soft top rolls up and stores entirely within this tiny front boot, consuming all available space. This means when the roof is down, you have absolutely no storage. This car is not for grocery runs, airport pickups, or even a weekend trip with luggage. If you need to carry anything more than a small backpack, you will struggle immensely.

2. Difficult Tire Sourcing Due to Staggered & Specific Sizes

Maintaining the S660 can present a unique challenge, particularly when it comes to tires. The car features a staggered wheel setup, meaning the front and rear wheels are different sizes (15-inch front, 16-inch rear).

Uncommon Dimensions: Compounding this, the tires themselves come in very specific and uncommon widths and profiles (e.g., 165 at the front, 195 at the rear, with 55-mil and 45-mil profiles).
Limited Availability: The review explicitly states that these specific Yokohama Advan Neover tires are “not really going to be able to source in Australia or at least it’s very difficult to.” This means you might be heavily reliant on specialist importers, potentially leading to higher costs and longer wait times for replacements. If you’re looking for easy, off-the-shelf tire availability, the S660 will disappoint.

3. Potential Legality & Noise Pollution Issues (Outside Japan)

While a delightful car in its native Japan, importing an S660 into other countries can come with significant legal hurdles, particularly concerning noise regulations.

Noise Pollution Laws: The reviewed S660, even with aftermarket modifications, is explicitly stated to be illegal in Australia due to noise pollution laws. The HKS blow-off valve and aftermarket exhaust contribute to this.
Permits & Modifications: To be registered, such a car might require special permits or costly modifications to comply with local noise and emissions standards. This adds a substantial layer of complexity, expense, and potential frustration for international buyers. If you’re not prepared for administrative headaches and potential modification costs, this is a major red flag.

4. Very Loud Cabin Noise, Especially on Highways

The S660’s raw, engaging driving experience comes at the cost of cabin refinement, particularly in terms of noise.

Engine & Exhaust Proximity: The mid-engine layout means the engine, exhaust, and air intakes (with a cone filter that produces a “whooshing noise”) are all located right behind your head. This results in a consistently loud cabin, especially with aftermarket exhausts.
Highway Driving: The car is described as “extremely loud” on a highway. This constant noise can be “very annoying,” making long trips tiring and impacting the overall premium feel that some might expect from a sports car. If you value a quiet cabin or frequently drive long distances, the S660’s noise levels will likely be a significant drawback.

5. Limited Practicality & Comfort for Taller/Larger Individuals

While surprisingly spacious for its tiny size, the S660 still has inherent limitations that impact its practicality and comfort for certain body types.

Difficult Entry/Exit: Getting in and out of the S660 is “not easy,” even for a 5’11” male. This can be a daily struggle, especially in tight parking spots.
Height Restriction: While the reviewer (5’11”) fits fine, it’s noted that individuals “up to about 6’2″ could probably fit, but anything more than that, you are going to struggle.” This makes it unsuitable for very tall drivers.
Minimal Interior Storage: Beyond the abysmal frunk, interior storage is also minimal, with tiny cubbies and a cup holder that “eats into leg room.”
Stiff Ride (Despite Compliance): While the ride is described as “very compliant” and “weirdly comfortable” due to being low to the ground, the engine works “its goddamn ass off” at highway speeds, and the overall experience can be “twitchy,” requiring constant attention.

Conclusion: A Niche Enthusiast’s Car

The Honda S660 is a car of immense character and pure driving joy, truly embodying the spirit of a “baby NSX.” However, its charm comes with significant compromises in practicality, comfort, and ownership convenience, particularly outside of Japan. If you’re looking for a daily driver, a practical second car, or a vehicle that offers effortless ownership, the S660’s limited storage, tire sourcing challenges, potential legality issues, loud cabin, and compact dimensions might make it a less-than-ideal choice. It’s a niche enthusiast’s car, perfect for those who prioritize raw driving fun above all else and are willing to embrace its unique quirks.

Author

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!