Yes. Honda has produced rear-wheel-drive cars in the past, most notably the NSX and the S2000 roadster.
While these models prove Honda’s capability with RWD layouts, the brand’s mainstream lineup in recent decades has focused on front- or all-wheel-drive configurations. The NSX later evolved into an all-wheel-drive system in its newer generation, and the S2000 is no longer in production, reflecting a broader shift away from pure RWD in Honda’s recent offerings.
Notable rear-wheel-drive models
Two production models stand out as Honda’s best-known rear-wheel-drive cars and illustrate the brand’s RWD heritage:
- Honda NSX (1990–2005, first generation) — A mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car that positioned Honda as a serious challenger to European supercars; in North America it carried the Acura NSX name. A second-generation NSX (2016–2022) exists but uses a hybrid all-wheel-drive system.
- Honda S2000 (2000–2009) — A front-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-seat roadster celebrated for its high-revving engine and agile handling; production ended in 2009.
These models demonstrate Honda’s capability in rear-wheel-drive design, with the NSX representing a high-performance flagship and the S2000 serving as a purist, lightweight roadster.
NSX: A mid-engine breakthrough
The original NSX, launched in 1990, was designed to compete with European supercars through a balanced, lightweight chassis and a mid-mounted V6. Its rear-wheel-drive layout underscored Honda’s engineering ambition to deliver everyday reliability alongside performance. The model’s impact helped redefine how Japanese automakers could approach performance cars.
S2000: A purist's roadster
Introduced in 2000, the S2000 emphasized driver involvement: a high-revving 2.0-liter inline-four, a precise manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive. It became beloved among enthusiasts for its purity of handling and spirited character, remaining a frequent benchmark for small-roadster dynamics.
Current status
As of the latest production cycles, Honda’s mainstream lineup does not include a pure rear-wheel-drive passenger car. The NSX lineage continues under the Acura banner with a modern all-wheel-drive configuration, while the S2000 is no longer in production. Honda’s focus today centers on front- and all-wheel-drive platforms, with performance-oriented variants delivered through AWD or turbocharged models within its current portfolio.
Summary
Yes, Honda has built rear-wheel-drive cars in the past, most notably the NSX and the S2000. These vehicles highlight Honda’s capability in RWD engineering, even as the brand now emphasizes other drive layouts in its mainstream offerings. The NSX continues in an all-wheel-drive form under Acura, while no current Honda model is a dedicated rear-wheel-drive car.