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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  This car is the best - 2002 Honda S2000
  By 2000lover - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This is the car for you if you like head turning looks combined with speed. I tried all the other convertibles in its class and the S2000 was the clear winner. Mine is the triple black model which makes all the difference in the world in how it looks.

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  Kickin your Butt by 9000 RPM! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Panic - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The new kid on Hondas block is very much making a statement. A formula one wanna-be is actually close to the real thing. Obvious styling cues have been taken from Honda Racing Division. Not too surprising, considering some of the boys at Honda Racing had a major voice on the engineering aspects of the car. Bottom line... next time ANY type of Mustang pulls next to your S2 at the line, have no fear, S2000 will lead.

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  solid performer - 2002 Honda S2000
  By al vitale - March 21 - 10:00 am

  having driven nothing but celicas, the s 2000 is the first close-to- performance car ive owned. very sturdy handling, very responsive. typical tight suspension...probably the bumpiest ride ive ever had. but, to be expected

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  4-wheel motorcycle - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Beefbone - March 18 - 3:24 am

  My everyday driver is a Subaru Forester XT with stick shift, and would be hard to beat. Wanted a hi-revving, quick-handling Japanese bike for casual fun, but a bum knee precluded that. Figured adding 4 wheels and weather protection for rainy Portland couldnt hurt. Shopped Boxters, Z4s, TTs & Miatas, but theyre all too effete. S2000 is the real deal... simply beautiful, with clean, taut lines thrilling power when you turn up the revs, with matching sound track impeccable handling modest weight smooth, powerful brakes great perforated-leather seats driver-centric instrumentation, Hondas famous quality and reliability. Track-ready. No options to buy... its all standard equipment.

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  BEST CAR EVER BOUGHT - 2003 Honda S2000
  By MikeE - March 9 - 10:00 am

  What other car do you know which an electronic control panel that redlines at 8300 rpms? When you get to 7000 rpms and you feel the VTEC kick in, this car makes you feel like the pilot of an F- 15 fighter plane, the interior helps too. Everything you need to control is right at reach. The only problem I had was with my 2000 S2000 it doesnt have the option of coming with a clock, and the plastic back windshield that turns white. But that has all changed for 2002 with the addition of a clock and a glass back windshield. I get 31 mpg on average and am still putting out 280 horse! (with some mods of course)The car even has stock headers that are massive.

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  No Regrets! - 2008 Honda S2000
  By rcman - February 27 - 11:50 am

  Drove the Z4, 350Z, Boxster S, Miata, and Sky redline. Went with S2000. Best car decision Ive ever made. Loads of fun to drive. Very comfortable even on a 3-hr trip. Excellent build quality. Very usable trunk (w/spare). Top notch handling and accleration. I dont see any problems with lack of low end torque. You get two cars in one: Shift at <6k and its a tame roadster, shift at 8k and its a road hungry beast. Gets lots of attention (esp w/top down). I look for every opportunity to drive it. Its my daily driver and couldnt be happier.

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  The S2 Experience - 2003 Honda S2000
  By JEN - February 20 - 10:00 am

  The car performs like a sports car should. While it is very docile around town you can rev the engine and go when ever you are ready. The suspension keeps body roll to zero and the tires firmly on the ground around corners. The 6 speed transmission is smooth and shifting down or up is like cutting butter.

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  Thrilled - 2008 Honda S2000
  By looking4acurve - February 14 - 10:41 am

  I just traded in an 06 base Corvette on an S2000. I thought I might miss the Vette, but after almost 2,000 miles on the little drop-top I can honestly say that Im thrilled with my decision. The Honda feels like it is glued to the road handling is incredible, much better than the Corvette. The S2000 isnt as fast as the Chevy. But, its quicker than my 350hp 2005 Daytona Charger RT was, and faster than a base Boxster. Push hard through a curve and the little Honda simply begs for more...and the F1 bark of the engine at 6k+ RPM is a hoot! Fit and finish are impeccable. Theres no downside to the S2000 if one uses it for what it was designed, a true, absolutely uncompromising, sports car

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  Absolutlely Awesome - 2004 Honda S2000
  By dwheath - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Im so glad i waited until the 2004 came out. The bigger engine is a big improvement and the 17 inch tires really make this car a winner. The handling is remarkable.

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  Great convertible! - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Stacey - February 4 - 4:14 pm

  This car is not for everyone. Yes, you do have to do a little work in order to work the gears, but there is nothing cuter on the road, nor anything comparable in terms of engineering and horsepower. This car totally rocks! Fast, fun, and is very comfortable. Slot car indeed, and the looks of a very detailed automobile. Honda - they know what they are doing!