Would you drive a Honda smaller than the Fit? Honda's first import was the Honda N, and it's being revived.

Scoop: First Photos of Honda's Fiat 500-Fighting N-One Mini | Honda and Acura Fans

 

Would I drive a Honda smaller than the Fit? Yes without any hesitation.

Would I drive that Honda? NO. MY EYES GAH.

I would drive an EF Civic/CRX, EA Civic and Beat though!

 

Honda's version of a mini coop? I do not like the raised eyebrow look on the headlights.
Speaking of tiny vehicles, I saw a three wheeled car yesterday. I think it was a Wildfire

 

Is that Beat in the US? That'd be quite a find. I LOVE the beat and wish they'd sell something like that here. Those Kei engines (700cc) would be unsafe on US highways though :(

I would drive that super cute Honda. As a local runabout. I think it looks both cute and sophisticated. But again. It ain't coming here :)

 

if they can make it more a fun car than vs an appliance, then yes. i would get one.

im considering getting the Fiat500 Abarth next when im done with my G35C. which is scheduled for retirement 1year 11months. :) not selling my Fit's or my 370Z.

 

New 500 model coming out - the 500 Turbo. Halfway between the 500 Sport and 500 Abarth. Seems to me to be the one to get given the Abarth's ride is supposed to be horrendous.

Also, in Europe the Abarth has 160hp and the Abarth SS has 200. Given that our Abarth has 200 to begin with, my assumption is, that's basically the SS tune and the new "Turbo" model will be the base Euro Abarth tune with somewhat softer suspension.

 

hey thanks for the info. honestly i want a 'specialty' car when im looking for fun cars so i would get their top of the line espcially when top of the line is less than $30K, i dont care. however i would hope they give them 6MT by the time im ready to take one off the lot. im not done with my G just yet.

 

Hell yes I would drive that.

Only if 5MT doe.

 

yah, me too. i can't stand AT driving small cars.

 

I got my numbers wrong, by about 30%. I was probably thinking about the Civic Si when I quoted 160/200hp. The Abarth (UK) has about 135hp and the SS around 160. The Abarth (US) has 160. Basic point is still accurate I think. We get something more equivalent to the UK SS, probably because people here would laugh if you called a car with 135hp your "sport model", but also maybe because the engine designs for each market are non-insubstantially different.

 

np. the abarth i was looking at was rated at 160hp and that's fine. i dont need it to be a rocket, i want it to be a fun ride. i had a 03 cooper-s when those things were new. modded and all, very fun to own and drive while it worked well. just lots of electronic problems on the car.

damn, i cant believe it's a decade since!

 

Found this showing the new 500 turbo also article that the Mazda2 the next version may not be sold in the US.

Subcompact Culture - The small car blog

As for Honda offering a smaller car there is the Scion IQ and Smart. I guess car names (or brand) have to make you feel intelligent to drive a golf cart on the highway.

 

yah, mazda2 was very unimpressive when i saw it. it felt outdated, performance wasnt great, and it doesnt offer anything special. kinda reminded me of the yaris when i drove it through hertz rental car. i was amazed how crappy toyota can make their lowend cars. i was like this is the same company that makes the lexus?

 

I think it is price point with Toyota. I am amazed that the 2012 Camry is cheaper then the 2011 Camry and the 2012 Corolla is not much different in price then when I got my 2006 Corolla. The first thing that people think of when buying a Toyota is usually reliability before fun.

 

^^ very true statement.

 

Mazda2 FAR better than a Yaris. Have driven both. Like the Mazda, but for most people's needs, probably not that competitive - and an outdated design. Not surprised they are cancelling it. Mazda2 I would drive if street parking was an issue, it's pretty small. Fiat is smaller, even easier to park. Sexier, too.

Now, if you thought your German-engineered Mini Cooper was unreliable I don't really know what you expect from an Italian car :)

I love that they brought the Fiat here and you should totally get one but I'm just saying :P

 

I actually remember the Honda N600. It came to the US in 1969. I had no interest in low HP vehicle at the time since I just purchased a Chevelle SS396



Compliments of Wiki
The N600 was introduced to the USA in 1969 as a 1970 model, and was the first Honda automobile to be officially imported to the United States. It was technologically advanced for its time, with an all alloy engine that could achieve 9000 rpm. Engine output was 36–45 hp (27–34 kW) and the N600 was capable of 81 mph (130 km/h). The lower-powered engine arrived in 1972; with milder cams and lowered compression it gave up some peak power and torque, while allowing for a less peaky delivery and higher drivability.[6] It delivered surprisingly peppy performance because of its light weight (around 550 kg/1100 pounds), due to compact dimensions and some plastic parts (like the boot lid). The first brakes were very weak, despite having front discs and servo assistance. Rear suspension was a dead axle on leaf springs.

 

I am surprise they were not selling better. In 2008 as gas was approaching $4.00 a gallon small cars like the Mazda2 were selling as soon as they got on the lots. I even think that was the best year so far for Fit sales. There was stories (not sure if it is true) people were following the car carriers to the dealership to get one. I am amazed that with prices of gas up again to around $4.00 they would not sell fast. But I guess people have short term memories or have gotten use to high gas prices.

 

First Honda I remember. Small car I wish was imported when it was being built VW Lupo GTI

 

I thought hard about maybe buying my dad an old 600 to restore - he's not an expert restorer but he loves working on cars, and Hondas specifically, so I thought he might like to play with it. But MAN are they expensive in anything approaching decent condition! I guess 1970s Japanese rustproofing isn't stellar :P

So a CRX is my next thought, but he has hung on to the del Sol he asked me to sell to him, so certainly not now ... and once you get past the CRX there aren't really any "classic" Hondas to lay your hands on. I think?