Overview & Reviews

The Honda S2000 was a two-seat, rear-wheel-drive roadster produced from 2000-'09. It featured a high-performance, high-winding inline four-cylinder engine along with a superbly balanced chassis. The S2000 was the first sports car to roll out of a Honda factory since the tiny S500, S600 and S800 roadsters of the 1960s, and it ended up having one of the longest production runs of any modern car.

With minimalist cockpit comforts and a racetrack-ready suspension, the Honda S2000 was a pure sports car. More powerful than the less expensive Miata, yet not as pricey or luxurious as a Z4 or SLK, the S2000 occupied a niche within a niche. Quick and communicative steering, an ideal 49/51 weight distribution and an engine that loved to rev coupled with a slick six-speed gearbox promised a lot of fun for the serious driving enthusiast. Today, the S2000's reputation for reliability and reasonable resale values makes it a superb pre-owned choice.

Most Recent Honda S2000

There were two versions of the Honda S2000 roadster for its farewell 2009 model year, the standard version and the racetrack-oriented CR (for Club Racer). Notable hardware on both included a feisty 2.2-liter inline-4 with an 8,200-rpm redline coupled to a short-throw six-speed manual gearbox. Without resorting to forced induction (turbo- or supercharging), this jewel of an engine utilized Honda's variable valve timing and lift system (VTEC) to squeeze 237 horsepower out of just 2.2 liters. No automatic transmission was available in any S2000.

Standard features on later iterations of the S2000 included a power-operated top with a glass rear window (with defroster), lightweight 17-inch wheels, leather seats, keyless entry, air-conditioning, an eight-speaker CD audio system, stability control and HID headlights. A lightweight (44 pounds) aluminum hardtop was optional on the standard car. The special CR version deleted the power top, A/C and stereo to reduce weight and added a removable hardtop, track-oriented suspension settings, a beefed-up structure for higher rigidity and more aerodynamic bodywork.

Debuting in 2000, the Honda S2000 started life with a 2.0-liter inline-4 that redlined at 9,000 rpm. With 240 hp, it put out more horsepower per liter than any other naturally aspirated engine on the planet. Although it provided a thrilling ride when driven aggressively, our editors did find some faults. Among the more notable ones were a lack of low-end torque that made the S2000 a bit flat-footed around town, a sometimes persnickety shifter, a weak audio system and a plastic rear window.

Honda gradually made upgrades to the S2000. For 2002 the company amped up the radio, added a glass rear window with a defogger and smoothed out the short-throw shifter. Some styling changes took place as well, including chrome taillight rings, a new shift knob and a few pieces of well-placed silver trim in the cockpit. A lightweight aluminum hardtop became optional, a blessing (albeit a pricey one) for those in colder climes.

Several key improvements came about in 2004 that made the Honda S2000 a more viable choice as a daily driver. This is when the 2.2-liter engine debuted. Honda also added shorter gearing for the six-speed transmission's lower four gears, thus giving the S2000 more snap at lower engine speeds. Larger 17-inch tires (versus the previous 16s) were fitted, as were minor suspension tweaks designed to make the ultra-reactive S2000 more forgiving of less-than-expert drivers. 2008 was another notable year, as it saw the introduction of the CR version as well as a revised gauge cluster and claimed improvements in high-speed stability.

Any version of the Honda S2000 should speak loudly to the driving enthusiast. With its finely balanced chassis, quick and communicative steering, eager-to-rev engine and snick-snick shifter, the S2000 makes short work of twisty roads. The initial 2.0-liter engine is more thrilling for those who don't mind taking their engines to redline on a regular basis, but the trade-off is an edgy, tail-happy nature that Honda softened with the 2004 refresh. Even with all this performance potential, the S2000 retains strong Honda attributes such as sound ergonomics and comfortable, supportive seats with enough adjustments to accommodate short and tall pilots alike.

User Reviews:

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  Unbelieveable car - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Daniel - November 5 - 2:37 pm

  First and foremost, Ive driven civics all my life, including the latest, an 02 si. Finally, I get my hands on the S2000 and all i can say is WOW! Pure power delivered by a 9200 redline! Theres not much more of a race car Honda couldve designed. Its all that and THEN SOME! It handles beautifully, accelerates like a car on a mission! This car will give over 90% of the cars on the road a run for their money or even, a good taste of honda exhaust fumes!

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  Guys, buy one before you get married. - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Mako1969 - October 30 - 3:05 pm

  This two-seat roadster fits like a glove, and it makes a mere trip to the grocery store exciting. Recaro seats hold passengers in firm comfort, and the dash board mounted controls are all a finger touch away from the racing inspired steering wheel. Performance suspension/steering and 17" low profile tires provide plenty of feedback from the road, and it corners like its on rails. Acceleration and braking are superb. Gas mileage is fantastic for a performance car and it of course is built with the legendary Honda reliability. Overall, the blend of styling, performance, and fuel efficiency cannot be beat for the money. Like the title says, guys, buy one BEFORE you get married!

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  Not a great daily driver - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Sean - October 28 - 8:00 pm

  I bought this car in October last year after test driving a couple and falling in love. Bottom line this is a very stiff car that is noisy and not a lot of fun to take on trips much over an hour. It performs well for a stock car, but isnt overly fast in a straight line. It does have a good suspension, but the stock tires are expensive and downright scary in the rain. This has been relegated to a garage queen that I only take out when the top can go down. If you can afford a fun weekend car, its great. For daily life, I found it unbearable.

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  Posers need not apply - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Da Hapa - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Simply put, this is the real deal. A true sports car that isnt for the timid. If you arent willing to drive a car, and I mean drive a car, then look elsewhere. Those looking for wood interiors, heated seats, and traction control shouldnt look at the S. However, if you enjoying wringing a car out and the satisfication of getting a corner correctly and heal toe shifting, than this is your dream car.

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  I Smile every time I start it up - 2004 Honda S2000
  By zgza989 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Why spend $50,000 or more on a Porsche Boxter when the S2000 outperforms it hands down??

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  Shouldve bought it earlier! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Caleb_R - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Wow was I impressed when I happened to drive my friends 2000 S2000! I had a Audi A4 and well I was really impressed with the handling and the fun it was to push the car to its limits. I knew I had to trade my Audi in. The 04 S2000 was the best thing Ive gotten so far. Cant wait until the warmer temperatures! Cant really believe I didnt get it sooner!

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  kind of project car - 2008 Honda S2000
  By brandon m - September 29 - 11:02 pm

  I love my car. it is wonderful. Its quick but want it quicker. The steering is wonderful. Takes turns well.

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  Love this car! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Diane - September 14 - 2:40 pm

  I live in the Northeast, therefore, I will use this car for spring, summer and fall driving. My winter car is a "practical" Accord. The S2000 is my 3rd Honda and I love it! Its sleek and comfortable. Im 54 and its easy to get in and out my tall friends have a difficult time. Ive had the car for 3 weeks and I cant tell you how many people want to race me. I tested out the Miata and there is NO comparison. My golf clubs and an overnight bag fit easily but I would like a compartment in the driver door that closes. You get a lot of car for the money and will be very happy if you buy this car.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Honda S2000
  By PAC - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun car I have ever driven. Handling is great, you can feel the road, and it is just a beautiful design.

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  bullet proof and drives like one too - 2003 Honda S2000
  By sd - August 26 - 9:26 am

  Had car now driven in every road condition the tcs is awesome you can spin the car in a tight circle or slide into a parking spot. You really have to learn to drive the short box tranny I rarely use 6th gear. I keep it at 4500 rpm at all times you will forget about the sorry low end power. Vtec is to be used with gas pedal completely engaged and completely engage it again when you hit 9250 to shift it has enough power then. No need for mods Honda did good on this one. I owned a 2003 mustang cobra and I like the s2000 a whole lot more.