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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Honda S2K crazy - 2007 Honda S2000
By HondaRich - May 31 - 3:10 pmIve owned two sports cars, a 1980 Corvette and the 2007 Honda S2K. The Honda gets my vote. I purchased the Berlina Black. The only color for a fast, stealthy sportster. I was a bit disappointed about 20 somethings not gasping at this beauty, but I guess they gasp at Prius instead. Had to wait for mileage to reach 1000, before really turning on the V- Tec above 6000. Wow, this engine is incredible. Nothing like winding 8000 in third gear. Even the fellows in F- 150s take notice. Best features: external beauty, beautiful wheels, "clean" interior, exceptional assembly. Best attributes: loud, throaty roar of the engine stiff, hard, solid ride this is a car for drivers.
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My favorite toy in the box - 2006 Honda S2000
By randy t-texas - May 29 - 11:01 amI have never had more "fun" in any car I have ever driven. I had a MG-B in my late teens, and I loved the car but hated all the issues. This is my MG that runs. Have a rough day at work? Just go out, hop in and drop the top. Even if it is to only go to Starbucks for a brief break, it will put a smile on your face. When I do get out of town, get a little back road thing happening, its a go-cart on steroids. It handles like my Ducati motorcycle, just with 4 wheels. I can honestly say, when it comes to the bang-for-bucks ratio, I have never been more pleased with a car purchase.
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The Perfect Fit - 2003 Honda S2000
By Deutche Ecke - May 27 - 2:00 amISO: -small -sporty -convertible -decent power -good handling -reasonable price -trunk space -reliability Looked at a lot of cars. Only one fit. After 3 months behind the wheel, I am still thrilled! Styling? It is not eye candy but not an eyesore. Low torque? As an autobahn driver, this car gives a spirited driving experience. Tight fit? Like a comfortable pair of jeans.
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Wind thru what little hair left. - 2005 Honda S2000
By Bill Uthlaut - May 21 - 10:03 amSecond car, only for those top down days. Better low end torque than 03s and earlier. One of few convertibles that will fit a 63" guy. I compared both of the BMWs against the Honda and just handed back their keys. I average about 24 mpg even with pushing it hard sometimes.
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Perfect Roadster - 2006 Honda S2000
By Hondo - May 20 - 3:17 pmIf you are after a true roadster, then this "is" the car. I have owned it now for two years, and each time I get in it, its as if it was the very first test drive of the car, never loses the excitement. For a roadster, this car is very comfortable, tightly put together, and perfect handling and response. I really get on it on the curves, and have still yet to find its limit, thank God. The rigidity for a convertible is amazing. You want Fun, drop the top and find some curves.
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True Honda Quality - 2003 Honda S2000
By Rock - May 17 - 10:00 amTotal satisfaction. Fun driving experience. Great performance and handling. Head turning good looks. Performance with great fuel economy, nothing better. Suprising how comfortable it is on long road trips. A great car for the money.
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wow - 2003 Honda S2000
By onelittledime - May 17 - 10:00 ammy father bought one of theese and they are unbeliveable wow i love honda s 2000 its the greatest car in the world
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Sporty Razor Sharpe - 2003 Honda S2000
By Greg Hofmann - May 17 - 10:00 amThis car is everything a person would want in a sports car for less money. The engine is incredible for only being a 2.0 liter.The shifting of gears is close and precise while the engine delivers heart pounding exhileration.To drive this car is a divine supernatural expierience.The interior is simple but both appealing and unwastful.When you sit in the driver seat its like being in a comfortable space capsule.Not alot of room but body pleasing. The instrument panel is also very eye appealing with its different looks for night and day.240 horsepower? 2 liter? huh? Zoommmmmmmmmmmmm.
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Most Bang For The Buck - 2003 Honda S2000
By GlennK - May 17 - 10:00 amThere is not a car made that equals this one for the money. It will blow away an Audi TT and Porsche Boxster.
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Good buy - 2003 Honda S2000
By SuperDyu - May 17 - 10:00 amIf you want attention its a good car, one thing I will warn people about is the ride quality, its a race/track car, not a luxury car. You will feel the bumps on the freeway all the way to the ear drum. If you want something that feels nice/comfy, get a G35. If you want something thats hardened for mountain roads get an S2k.
