I hated soft tops before I bought this car. I still bought it because of the tranny + Honda w/RWD + VTEC + handling factor ...

But now? I couldn't have been happier. I actually like how it's a convertible now! haha

 

I don't like soft tops either, but this car is too fun to make that a deciding factor. If they did offer it in a fixed roof config, I would probably have gone after that version and doubt very much I'll buy another soft top car after this one (Cayman's in my future unless the future S2000 replacement (if there is one) is too good to pass up).

 

I just bought an OEM HT 2 weeks ago. The finishing is great, the inside feels like a coupe, I have very little rattle and I have improved visibility with the larger rear window. I think it's well designed and I'm very happy with it.

 

i have a coupe and i'm dying to cut the top off lol

 

I've never been a fan of soft tops, but to me the S is all about driving, it's pretty easy to overlook the ST when the car is such a wonderful driver. Mines gutted w/a Mugen top, wouldn't have it any other way. My HT doesn't rattle at all, is marginally quieter than the ST and only leaks a little around the drivers window when I wash it, not when it rains.

My biggest problem w/the HT is that at speeds over 100mph the top lifts ever so slightly allowing air to come in just above the rear view mirror. The faster you go the louder it gets, sounds like a jet engine after about 115, over 120 it's deafening! It could be the windshield pushing back a bit also I haven't really looked into it that hard yet as I don't regularly go that fast. A center latch would eliminate that issue but that's not available.

 

The S is a convertable. In essence, the S's performance is great compared to other roadsters, but not so great compared to other sporty (non-convertable) cars in the same price category. Compromises have been made to make it a convertable in terms of performance/cost/practicality. Whether you buy an S depends on how much you want to spend and which direction you want to push the envelope. I personally would consider a different car if you don't want a convertable, but it's up to you.

If you're looking at a fairly new car then you're probably spending in the $25k range. For that money you could go for a few options:
1) Newish Mazdaspeed 3: a 5 door hatch that's just as fast as the S.
2) 02ish 'Vette for power.
3) Civic Si and some cash for upgrading.
etc...

Good luck.

 

I'm really surprised at the responses. I wouldn't even consider buying an S if it weren't a convert. Only reason i would consider a HT is if the S was a DD and I lived up north where the weather would dictate leaving the top up for months at a time.

The closed in feeling, squeals, rattles, and lack of visibility would completely ruin it for me.

 

Driving top down is VERY similar to being on a motorcycle.

Definatelyt recommend the car, coming from someone who did not care for the convertible, but love it now.

 

Thank you everyone for your input. I'm going for it in the spring.