Honda

The short version

Honda's reputation is built on engines. The company made its name with high-revving, naturally aspirated four-cylinders, and that philosophy shaped the S2000, the Civic Type R and the original NSX. The modern NSX added hybrid technology, and the latest Type R is one of the best front-wheel-drive performance cars on sale.

The range is small, which makes the buying decision simpler than it is for Audi or BMW. The risks are specific to each model, and they are mostly about how the car has been used rather than a long list of design faults.

The models that define the brand

The NSX arrived in 1990 with an all-aluminium body, a mid-mounted V6 and input from Ayrton Senna on the chassis. It was the first serious Japanese supercar and it remained in production until 2005. The second-generation NSX arrived in 2015 with a hybrid system, a twin-turbo V6 and a nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The first-generation NSX was updated in 1997 with a larger 3.2-litre engine and a six-speed manual, and those later cars are the ones most collectors prefer. The S2000 was revised in 2004 with a larger 2.2-litre engine for some markets, softer suspension and a more usable power band.

The Civic Type R has been through several generations. The EK9 was the first, the EP3 brought the hatchback layout to the UK, the FN2 divided opinion, and the FK2 and FK8 set front-wheel-drive lap records. The FL5 is the current car, and it is more mature than its predecessors.

The S2000 was built to celebrate Honda's fiftieth anniversary. It used a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine that revved to 9,000rpm, a six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. It is a modern classic and values have risen.

What it costs to own

A Civic Type R service typically costs £300 to £500, and tyres are £600 to £900 a set. The front tyres wear quickly because of the power and the limited-slip differential, and the brakes are a consumable on track. The FL5 uses 19-inch wheels with expensive tyres, and the brake discs are not cheap. Type R consumables are reasonable by performance-car standards, but track use will consume a set of front tyres and pads in a few weekends.

The S2000 is more affordable to service but parts are getting harder to find. A clutch replacement is a known expense, and the soft top can leak or tear. Tyres are £500 to £800 a set.

The NSX is the expensive one. The first-generation car needs a timing belt service, and the second-generation hybrid has battery and inverter risks. A routine service on the hybrid NSX typically costs £700 to £1,200, and major work can run much higher.

Known weak points

• NSX first generation: timing belt, clutch wear and tired electrics.
• NSX second generation: hybrid battery and inverter faults, plus early gearbox software issues.
• NSX: expensive body panels and limited specialist support.
• Civic Type R FK8: gearbox grind on some cars, especially when cold.
• Civic Type R FL5: gearbox grind reported by some owners, plus tyre and brake wear.
• Type R: infotainment and electrical gremlins on earlier cars.
• S2000: clutch wear, soft-top leaks and rear tyre wear.
• S2000: rust around the rear arches and underneath on UK cars.

What to check before buying

On a Type R, drive the car from cold and listen for a grind when selecting second or third gear. Check the service history and confirm the gearbox oil has been changed. Inspect the front tyres for uneven wear and the brakes for track use. On an FL5, check the infotainment and the driver-assistance systems.

On an S2000, check the clutch bite point and listen for a whine from the gearbox. Inspect the soft top for leaks and the rear arches for rust. Check the oil level and ask whether the car has been used on track.

On an NSX, a specialist inspection is essential. On the first-generation car, confirm the timing belt has been changed. On the hybrid, ask for the battery health report and confirm the car has had the recall work completed, because replacement packs are expensive.

Market and depreciation

The first-generation NSX has risen sharply, and clean early cars are now collector items. The hybrid NSX has depreciated heavily, which makes a used one tempting but exposes you to battery and repair costs. The S2000 has risen steadily and clean low-mileage cars are expensive.

The Civic Type R holds value well, particularly the Limited Edition and the FK8. The FL5 is still in its early curve but supply has been limited.

Who it suits

Honda suits a buyer who wants a reliable, high-revving performance car with a manual gearbox. It also suits someone who values engineering integrity over badge appeal. It does not suit a buyer who wants a luxury cabin or a car with a large dealer network for hybrid repairs.

How this profile was compiled

This profile uses Honda's published model information, service schedules, owner reports from Type R Owners and S2K International, and current UK market listings. It is not a road test.