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:

• 

  01 S2K w/ Vortech S/C - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Estreka - April 24 - 12:40 pm

  My S is a little different than most. Having 320 hp really extends the enjoyment of the S. While theres still a lack of low end torque, there are few cars out there that can compete with the fun of an S2000 over 4,000 RPM. It cant be compared to other sports cars. It must be viewed in terms of a livable go kart. Its that responsive. The shifter is a particular joy. Few manuals can be maneuvered with the flick of your wrist like the S can.

• 

  Wwow - 2000 Honda S2000
  By andy - April 23 - 3:28 pm

  i bought this car with 100k on it and i have yet to encounter a problem (and i dont expect any considering the accord we have has close to 300k on it with no problems to date.) To be honest i simply cant keep myself out of this exhilarating machine. Every shift is precise, it absolutely roars at 9k rpm (it doesnt scream like others, but i do have aftermarket exhaust), and above that the chicks dig the leather and convertible top. the gas mileage is outstanding considering the performance it packs (usually at least 25 mpg unless Im really hard on her). talk about bang for your buck...i paid less than 10k for this car and i feel like a million bucks driving it around.

• 

  Looks Great, but a bit scary - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Brian - April 21 - 4:34 pm

  I like my Honda S2004, but it almost has more power than I feel I can handle. The back end always feels like it is a split second from breaking loose. Maybe because I spun it around on some frost covered roads right after I bought it. Now it sits in the garage all winter.

• 

  The Best Roadster - 2008 Honda S2000
  By Will - April 20 - 8:47 pm

  My Honda S2000 is worth every dollar that I spent. The S2000 is a true roadster from the ground up. I like to feel the roadway that I am driving on, that is the purpose of owning a roadster. The amazing feature of the S2000 is the driving compartment it holds you in place in cornering and accelerating. I like the design of the controls they are all within the reach of my fingertips. The VTECH engine is a powerhouse coupled with the smoothest gearbox that I ever shifted. The S2000 is a fantastic performing vehicle. The S2000 is a Roadster in a class of its own. Honda needs to continue to manufacture the S2000 for the roadster enthusiasts. This car is the average person’s dream for a high per

• 

  05 S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Jay - April 15 - 11:46 am

  Ive wanted this car since I sat in it in August of 1999 while taking delivery of my new prelude. It was well worth the wait. This car is everything you could want in a sports car and more. My face hurts from smiling too much every time I drive it.

• 

  Good drivers car... showing its age - 2005 Honda S2000
  By cosworth - April 11 - 5:33 pm

  Great car for the money. Its design is starting to age among all the other great sporty coupes/sedans/convts out now. And, whats with the 2nd/3rd gear crunch all the time? Hope they can fix that for their next F/R setup cars.

• 

  Sold the CBR - 2004 Honda S2000
  By semilegal - April 1 - 3:27 pm

  Im 37, just had my 4th kid - wife said no more motorcycles. So we compromised: S2000 (I win). I have a 65 Cobra replica that doesnt get the attention that this car gets - and lemme tell you the S2000 is more fun to drive and easier on the body. I hate to use a cliche, but its a typical Honda: reliable, well- engineered, predictable (in a good way) and advanced. 240 HP out of a 4 cyl. that blows-away cars costing $15,000+ more. Its precise and road- sticky ... you can kick the back-end out when you want, but it never seems to do it absent a quick down-shift and 6,000 RPM boost. ** It would be perfect if it could re- grow some of my hair (Im in pre-mid- life crisis mode).

• 

  Second Time Around - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Greg Aldrich - March 29 - 9:47 pm

  I had an 05 S2000 and loved it. Had to sell it when we dropped down to a 2- vehicle household and vowed that it would be replaced by another ASAP. I picked up a 2006 with 3800 miles on it and life is good (again). I looked at Boxsters, Z-4s, SLKs (I do not consider the MX-5 to be in the same class) and still could not come up with a valid, logical reason to buy any of them. For the money, this is simply the BEST roadster out there. The drivetrain is as close to perfection as one can get. It handles great and is as solid as if it were milled from a piece of billet. If you are of average stature this car is very livable as a daily driver and is quite comfortable on extended road trips.

• 

  My Upgrade - 2008 Honda S2000
  By blafusel - March 29 - 12:48 pm

  Worth every penny! Its probably not for everyone as the ride is a bit on the harsh side. Actually harsher than my Miata (but thats probably due to the Honda feeling stiffer overall). However, the payoff comes in the first corner you take! The engine is amazing. The sound is unbelievable. The best gearbox Ive ever driven. All in all Im very happy with it, but mightve liked a variable suspension setup to soften the ride a bit in town. (Im getting old 8)

• 

  Retirement Gift to Self - 2007 Honda S2000
  By Steve Carroll - March 26 - 11:56 pm

  This is the best bang for the buck for a true sports car. When I run it in the mountains it wants to go harder than I am willing to take it and I run it pretty hard. The Corvette I drove had more power but inferior fit and finish compared to the S2000...and a much higher price tag. This is a fine true sports car in every way.