Which Hondas are RWD?
The brief answer: today, there are no rear-wheel-drive Hondas in production. Historically, Honda did offer rear-drive sports cars, notably the S2000 and the original NSX, but the latest NSX uses all-wheel drive. The brand now relies on front-wheel drive for most models and all-wheel drive for many SUVs and trucks.
More detail: Over the decades, Honda’s drivetrain choices have aligned with market demand, efficiency standards, and packaging goals. While enthusiasts remember the thrill of a pure rear-wheel-drive setup, Honda’s current lineup emphasizes other configurations, with only a few heritage examples anchoring its RWD history.
Historical rear-wheel-drive Honda models
This list summarizes the primary Honda models historically known for rear-wheel drive.
- Honda S2000 (1999–2009) — a lightweight, pure rear-wheel-drive roadster known for its high-revving engine and balanced handling.
- Original Honda NSX (1990–2005; sold as Acura NSX in North America) — a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive supercar that helped define Honda’s performance engineering.
These two models remain the most notable examples of Honda embracing rear-wheel drive, and neither is in current production. The modern NSX, while sharing the name and performance ethos, uses all-wheel drive in its latest generation.
Current status of Honda drivetrains
In today’s lineup, there are no rear-wheel-drive Hondas. The brand prioritizes front-wheel-drive configurations for most sedans and compacts, with all-wheel drive available on several SUVs and trucks. The NSX continues the performance legacy, but it is marketed under the Acura badge and is built around an all-wheel-drive system in its current form.
Branding note
In the United States and other markets, the NSX is sold as Acura NSX rather than Honda NSX. As a result, discussions of “Honda” rear-wheel-drive performance historically include the NSX as part of Honda’s performance lineage, though the current model uses all-wheel drive and carries the Acura branding.
Summary
Summary: Historically, Honda produced two rear-wheel-drive icons—the S2000 and the original NSX. Today, there are no rear-wheel-drive Hondas in new production; the company’s lineup is largely front-wheel drive with all-wheel-drive options on many SUVs and trucks. The NSX remains the closest link to pure RWD performance in Honda’s broader history, though it is now sold under Acura with an all-wheel-drive configuration.
