7 Obscure Honda Models You've Never Seen

Honda's Hidden Legacy: Beyond the NSX and Type R

Honda's reputation often centers on icons like the NSX and Civic Type R, but what about the City Turbo 2 that embarrassed Mustangs or the S660 mid-engine kei car? These obscure models reveal Honda's experimental spirit. After analyzing enthusiast discussions and historical records, I've found these seven rare Hondas demonstrate surprising engineering creativity. Their stories highlight why true JDM fans treasure Honda's willingness to innovate beyond mainstream success.

The Japanese Bulldog: Honda City Turbo 2

Developed with Mugen founder Hirotoshi Honda, the 1983 City Turbo 2 transformed a subcompact into a giant-slayer. Its 1,600-pound chassis housed a larger intercooler and turbo than the original Turbo model, enabling 0-60 mph runs in just over 8 seconds. For perspective, Motor Trend clocked the same year's Mustang GT Sprint at 7.4 seconds. The Turbo 2's cult status is validated by auction results - one sold for $32,000 on Bring a Trailer in 2022.

Why it matters today: This micro-racer pioneered the hot hatch formula with factory-tuned suspension, wider wheels, and brake upgrades. Its charm lies in unapologetic minimalism - a philosophy modern performance cars often overlook in pursuit of refinement. The steering wheel alone, described as resembling "a McDonald's playground relic," showcases Honda's playful design approach.

Gender-Specific Oddity: Honda Fit She's

In the early 2010s, Honda targeted female drivers with the Japan-exclusive Fit She's edition. Designed by Ayako Tomminari, it featured UV-blocking windshield glass (99% protection) and a "plasma cluster" AC system claiming to prevent skin dryness. Offered in pink with matching interior stitching, Honda executives controversially suggested other colors "matched women's eyeshadow." Despite exceeding sales expectations in Japan, cultural differences likely prevented US success.

The real lesson: This trim highlights Honda's demographic experimentation, though modern marketing avoids gender-specific models. The special windshield technology later appeared in mainstream models, proving even niche concepts can yield practical innovations.

EK Civic's Wagon Cousin: Honda Orthia

Based on the legendary sixth-generation Civic (EK chassis), the 1996-2002 Orthia combined wagon practicality with tuner DNA. The range-topping 2.0 GX Aero trim featured carbon-fiber accents, sport seats, and a body kit. Its real significance lies in modification potential - enthusiasts commonly install Civic Type R engines or front-end conversions.

Why enthusiasts care: As a factory wagon with EK compatibility, the Orthia remains a holy grail for Civic collectors. Lightweight and rear-friendly, it handles Spoon wheels or Buddy Club P1s perfectly. Honda's decision to keep it Japan-exclusive remains a sore point for JDM import fans.

Supercharged Redemption: CR-Z HPD

In 2014, Honda acknowledged the CR-Z's performance shortcomings with a factory-supercharged HPD variant. For $5,500, owners received a Honda Performance Development supercharger kit installed at dealerships, complete with a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty. Despite the 1.5L hybrid engine's limitations, this official power boost addressed enthusiast complaints.

The paradox: While the supercharger improved acceleration, the math rarely justified the cost - nearly one-third of the car's value. Yet it represents Honda's willingness to listen to hardcore fans. As one host noted, "Civic people spend $6,000 on Spoon clusters," making the HPD kit consistent with Honda tuning culture.

Mid-Engine Kei Car: Honda S660

Sold from 2015-2022, the mid-engine S660 kei car delivered driving purity through minimalism. Its 658cc turbocharged three-cylinder produced just 63 horsepower but weighed under 2,000 pounds with perfect 45:55 weight distribution. Named following Honda's S-series tradition (S600, S2000), it actually succeeded the Beat roadster.

The driving experience: Like a Mazda Miata, the S660 prioritized cornering joy over straight-line speed. It spawned Japan's K4 GP racing series and proved kei cars could be enthusiast platforms. The S660's cult following persists through Gran Turismo appearances, with used examples now commanding premiums among collectors.

Japan's Best Seller: Honda N-Box

The ultimate reflection of Japan's car market, the N-Box kei car outsold all vehicles nationally multiple years. With over 200,000 annual sales, this practical box features 90-degree-opening doors, modular rear seats, and water-repellent "Joy" trim for outdoor enthusiasts. Despite its 63-horsepower engine, the $12,500 base model's affordability and functionality made it ubiquitous.

Cultural insight: While JDM enthusiasts romanticize Skylines, ordinary Japanese drivers choose ultra-practical kei cars like the N-Box. Its success highlights the gap between enthusiast fantasies and real-world transportation needs - a lesson for automakers targeting global markets.

Concept Audacity: Honda Spocket

Honda's 1997 Spocket concept answered a bizarre question: "What if a sports car had a pickup bed?" This transformable oddity featured hose-out interiors years before the Element, targeting young adventurers. Though never produced, its spirit lived on in sporty crossovers.

Lasting influence: The Spocket predicted the adventure vehicle trend but misjudged form factors. Its legacy? Honda's willingness to explore absurd ideas - a trait that later birthed genuine innovations like the Ridgeline's in-bed trunk.

Obscure Honda Hunting Guide

1. Monitor Japanese auctions: Sites like CarsFromJapan list rare models like City Turbos
2. Join K-car forums: S660 imports require specialized knowledge
3. Document modifications: CR-Z HPD owners should preserve dealership installation records

Recommended resources:

• Honda K-Car Culture (ISBN 978-1904788952) explains kei regulations
• JDM Auction Watch (website) tracks sales trends
• Honda-Tech forums for Orthia modification guides

Why Honda's Oddballs Matter

These seven models prove Honda's innovation extends beyond mainstream hits. They represent cultural experiments, engineering passion projects, and responses to regional needs that collectively enrich the brand's legacy. As one host perfectly summarized, modern cars could use "a little more charm" like the City Turbo's grinning face.

Which forgotten Honda deserves resurrection - the supercharged CR-Z or the tuner-friendly Orthia? Share your restoration dream in the comments!