Introduced at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show, the S800 replaced the successful Honda S600 as the company's image car.

The S800 competed with the Austin-Healey Sprite, MG Midget, Triumph Spitfire, Datsun Fairlady, and Fiat 850 Spider.

The 791 cc straight-4 engine produced 70 hp (52 kW) at 8000 rpm, thus making this Honda's first 100 mph (160 km/h) automobile, but still allowing for 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km).

By this time the model had the more conventional drive layout as stated above, with predictable handling and a firm ride.

[2] In February 1968, the S800M (aka S800MK2) was introduced with flush mounted interior door handles, side marker lights outside, dual-circuit brakes, lean burn carburetion under the bonnet and safety glass.