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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  I couldnt give this car less then 4..... - 2006 Honda S2000
  By yelis - September 13 - 2:14 pm

  My previous cars: e46 M3, e92 335i, B7 A4, and a few Maximas. S2000 is super fun, simple yet nice design, engine is work of art, fun factor compared to my previous M3. Now the bad: should be at least 0.5 seconds faster, NOT as reliable as I thought...I have 33k miles and check engine light for multiple misfires (common on S2k) all 4 coil packs were cracked ($650 job at dealer w/ diagnostics), at 33k miles car already needed valve adjustment ($340 at dealer w/seal and diagnostics)....and I heard that injectors on this car can also fail soon.....remember my car has had ALL maintenance and was never raced on track. Kind of disappointed since I bought this car for "Honda reliability"

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  Best Sports Car EVER - 2007 Honda S2000
  By burghcarguy - July 27 - 4:34 pm

  Note: this is a summer car, about 4k miles/yr. I bought it with 18k on it and now have 24k. There are a few problems with this car - youre constantly smiling and you find yourself giving out a WHOOP while youre driving. This car is simply a motorcycle with doors. It can be driven hard by the average guy (thats me) without feeling dangerous, and can be push to the limit by the pro. You will love signs that say "winding road ahead" as it simply carves through them like an Olympic slalom skier. Youll take two-lane blacktops rather than highways, so youll get 23 MPG (If you get 30 MPG, youre not having enough fun). And the top is down all the time. Maintenance has been $100/yr. + tires.

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  Lost 20 years at 6500RPM - 2005 Honda S2000
  By sandalwoodman - May 27 - 2:50 pm

  I bought a 2005 S-2000 a few weeks ago. I keep hearing about the "middle age crisis" and the tendency men have to drop money on garish toys. My buddies got Harleys. I got smart. Suzuka blue. Flawless. Radio was OK, but I prefer the music generated by the engine. I will never sell. It makes a Vette feel like a bucket of bolts. I just drove in from Austin a few days ago. The only problem was a slight sunburn and my face hurt. Constant grinning like a loon makes that happen. Great cornering. The rear end kicks out a little when you goose it but straightens up in a hurry. She is very responsive and wants to play. She emits a high pitched moan @ 6700 RPM. Get one and grin.

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  Fun Car, Too Many Parts Breaking - 2007 Honda S2000
  By dmacinaz - May 11 - 8:20 am

  This is an absolutely fun car to drive. I use it as my daily driver and it is a blast. I have taken it on several trips to the coast and to Vegas and while there may not be a whole lot of extra room in the cabin, the seats are very comfortable and make it easy to drive long distances. Thats the upside to this car. Now for the downside. I bought this car used in 2008 with 14K miles on it. I had 0 problems with it until this past year when at 55K miles the AC compressor decided to go out. $1,500 for that fix, then the clutch master cylinder went out for another $200. I hope thats the last fix for a while.

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  Private Jet - 2005 Honda S2000
  By trickrat - March 5 - 11:10 pm

  I purchased my 2005 in February of 2006 with 11 miles on him. I ride a Suzuki sport bike, so I have a need for speed. I was flying down the highway with the salesman, & he told me I was only in 5th gear. This car is fabulous & I will never sell him. If you love speed, love looking great topless (top down, that is), this is the car you need. The most fun you can have on 4 wheels.

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  High Mileage Performer - 2007 Honda S2000
  By DrBob - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Just finished my second cross-the-usa trip, 7500 miles, averaged about 30 mpg overall fuel average has been 27 mpg covering a total of 45K miles. Im 69 years old and this is my daily driver. Performance and dependability and precision control would best describe my driving experience. Yes, its a small cockpit with not a lot of wiggle room but the seats mold to your body and I can go all day without body fatigue. Try it before you buy it, its not a car for everyone.

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  Honda Needs to bring S2K back. - 2005 Honda S2000
  By SB5050 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car from a private seller with 20K mileage. The car is a blast to drive. I smile almost every time I drive it. Its like a Honda Civic below 6400 rpm and then feels like a racecar from 6500 up to 8400 rpm red-line. It has surprising torque at lower speeds and the handling feels race car quick. The convertible top lowers in 8 seconds ( I lowered on the freeway when we were stopped for a moment and didnt miss a beat). Owning and using a convertible is an experience everyone should try. I like motorcycles and this car feels the closest to a high performance motorcycle with the breeze going through your hair. So far, Honda reliability is just that, reliable. Oil changes and tires.

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  Better then expected - 2005 Honda S2000
  By coolaa - August 31 - 10:20 am

  I have owned this car for two months. I initially purchased because it was such a good deal. While this was on my radar, I thought it would be too hard and uncomfortable for my use on long drives. I have been very surprised. I am 6 ft and the car is very roomy, it has a nice ride that is not jarring at all and the seats are fantastic! I have done 6-7 hours of driving in a day twice with no discomfort at all. The engine note sounds great as well, very entertaining. You will hear the engine roaring so dont buy if you are looking for Lexus like quietness. Overall,very pleased at the two month mark.

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  s2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By BYRDMAN - July 13 - 12:04 pm

  Amazing vehicle, I drive it daily and I dont believe there is a more fun to drive vehicle that is this dependable. I have taken to drag strip, ran great times, had around BMS a few laps and no issues. Do the maintenance and drive it. I do not have one complaint.

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  Fun-Factor - 2003 Honda S2000
  By rich - May 28 - 11:58 pm

  This car is an absolute pleasure to drive everyday. The handling is razor- sharp and predictable. The engine is great, not a lot of torque but the gearing is great so its not as noticeable. I personally think it is a very comfortable ride. Ive driven tuned s13s and supras and this car is every bit as fun. If youre looking for balance this is the car to own. Almost perfect from the factory, and the car is absolutely beautiful.