Every car has a story. Here's this one: a mid-engined, two-seat convertible powered by a 660cc turbocharged three-cylinder, built for Japan's kei car regulations. The Honda S660 is not a car you can buy new in the United States, but it is one that every driving enthusiast should know. It is proof that Honda still understands what makes a sports car special — lightness, balance, and a connection to the road that no amount of horsepower can replace.
The Story Behind the Honda S660
The S660 arrived in 2015 as the spiritual successor to the beloved Honda Beat from the 1990s. Like the Beat, the S660 was designed to fit the kei car template: tiny dimensions, small displacement, and a focus on fun over outright speed. But where the Beat was a front-mid-engine layout, the S660 went a step further — a true mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout that put the engine behind the passenger compartment. This gave the S660 a near-perfect weight distribution and a center of gravity that would make most sports cars jealous.
Honda engineers gave the S660 a turbocharged 660cc engine producing 63 horsepower and 77 lb-ft of torque. Numbers that sound laughable on paper, but the S660 weighs only about 1,900 pounds. The result is a car that feels alive at legal speeds. You can drive it hard without breaking the law, wringing out every rev from the little three-cylinder. The S660 came with a six-speed manual transmission, a rarity in any modern car, let alone a kei car. That gearbox, with its short throws and precise gate, is a joy to row through.
The Driving Experience
From behind the wheel, what stays with you about the Honda S660 is the immediacy of everything. The steering is electric but remarkably communicative for a car in this class — you feel every camber change in the road. The suspension, a double-wishbone front and torsion beam rear, is tuned for compliance but never feels sloppy. The S660 dances through corners, rotating on throttle with a playfulness that reminds you why mid-engine cars are so special.
The convertible top, a manual affair, can be operated with one hand while seated. Pop the latch, push it back, and you are treated to the sound of the little turbocharged engine spooling behind your ear. It is not a loud car, but the induction noise and the wastegate chatter are addictively mechanical. The S660 even has active sound enhancement, piping induction noise into the cabin — a touch that purists might question, but it works to heighten the experience.
It is not a car for drag strips or interstate cruising. It is a car for back roads, for mountain passes, for the sheer joy of driving a lightweight machine at eight-tenths. The Honda S660 does not need to go 150 mph to thrill you. It thrills you by making every turn, every shift, every throttle application feel like an event.
Heritage and Character
The S660 belongs to a lineage of Honda sports cars that prioritize connection over numbers. The original Beat, the NSX, the S2000 — all of them had character, and the S660 is no exception. Honda even offered special editions like the Modulo X with upgraded suspension and Brembo brakes, showing that the company took the S660 seriously as a driver's car.
Heritage Note: The S660 name echoes the classic Honda S600 and S800 roadsters of the 1960s, which were also small, high-revving sports cars that punched above their weight class. The S660 is a modern interpretation of that philosophy, adapted to kei car regulations. Three generations later, this is still the car that makes you smile.
Why US Enthusiasts Should Care
Because the Honda S660 was never officially sold in the US, it has become a grail car for import enthusiasts. As of 2025, vehicles built after 25 years can be legally imported under the Show or Display rule for newer models? But the S660 is still too young for that. However, gray market imports do exist, and a few have made their way stateside. If you can find one, expect to pay between $15,000 and $25,000 depending on condition and mileage. That is a bargain for the kind of driving experience it delivers.
The S660 also represents a lost art: the lightweight, driver-focused sports car that does not need power to be fun. In an era of 4,000-pound electric vehicles and 600-horsepower SUVs, the S660 is a reminder that less can be more. It is a car that rewards skill, not just bravery with the throttle.
If you ever get the chance to drive a Honda S660, take it. It will change how you think about performance. Every car has a story. The S660's story is one of purity, purpose, and the joy of driving for its own sake.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Honda S660
Can I legally drive a Honda S660 in the United States?
Not yet, unless you are willing to navigate the gray market. The S660 is not 25 years old, so it cannot be imported under the classic car exemption. Some owners have brought them in as show and display vehicles, but that is rare and expensive. Expect to pay a premium for legalization.
How does the S660 compare to the Mazda MX-5 Miata?
The Miata is a front-engine, rear-drive roadster with nearly double the horsepower. But the S660 is lighter, mid-engined, and more exotic in layout. The Miata is more practical and available in the US, while the S660 offers a unique driving experience that feels closer to a miniature supercar.
What is the fuel economy of the Honda S660?
Officially, the S660 achieves about 50 miles per gallon (Japanese cycle). Real-world driving in the US might yield around 40 mpg combined. That is exceptional for a sports car.
Is the S660 reliable?
Honda reliability is legendary, and the S660 uses proven engine and transmission components. Parts are available through Japanese importers, but you will need a specialist mechanic. Routine maintenance is straightforward.
Should I buy one if I can?
If you value driving purity and can manage the import hassle, yes. The Honda S660 is a future classic that will only appreciate in value. Drive one, and you will understand why.
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