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:

• 

  The best car ever - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Frank Tintrup - July 10 - 2:48 pm

  The S2000 is the most fun, most amazing car Ive ever driven. This car handles like no other and the way every owner feels about it can tell you that Honda has done an excellent job. I dream about my S2000, during the day and at night. I am always stopped on the street by people who ask me what kind of car it is and when I tell them its a Honda they dont believe me. It really is all that and then some!

• 

  Love my S2K - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Pointblank - July 5 - 2:43 am

  Ive taken my Honda S2000 to Laguna Seca twice already, and the car begs to be driven hard. I havent had one problem with the car, just simple fluid changes here and there and its good to go. The car handles like a go-kart, and the engine is a gem. For the money, I dont believe I could have purchased a better car in terms of fun factor. The ride can get a bit on the harsh side, but thats mostly on pretty beat up roads. With a good driver, you can pass up plenty of cars on the racetrack that costs much more, or has more power due to its good handling and balance. Putting the top down on a whim is always fun. And last but not least, the gearbox is plain perfection, very crisp throws.

• 

  Baby Boomers First Sports Car - 2007 Honda S2000
  By SamsS2K - July 3 - 11:59 am

  I fell in love with a cousins red Austin Healy when I was a teenager. What a rush! Nearly 40 years later I get that same rush with my red S2K. We lost our 2000 Accord to a rear end accident earlier this year. I love Honda and felt it would be only right to replace the old Accord with another Honda. A wild hair steered me to the S2000.Its been only a month or so but I cant get enough of it. We went on a near 5 hour mountain ride this weekend through some winding roads in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. My "automatic transmission" legs were worn out but the thrill was a true "heart pumper". Its my version of a safe Harley (all the fun and none of the risk). Why did I wait so long???

• 

  Great little car - 2006 Honda S2000
  By jmorts - June 24 - 2:46 pm

  It is the most fun car we have ever owned. It seems that the suggested corner speeds in the twisty curves are underated by a factor of 3. Restaint must be used with the S2000 or you will be arrested! I keep reminding myself this is only a 4 banger with no turbo.

• 

  Not for comfort - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Leah - June 21 - 6:00 am

  The S2000 is a fun car, but seriously lacks in comfort. If you into speed and can handle a 2 seater this is your car, but you may want to rethink road trips in it.

• 

  Best sports car yet - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Dennis - June 13 - 10:40 am

  After 2 years of ownership of the Honda S2000, I can say from experience that this car gives great satisfaction to the driver. It is sleek, responsive, and there are national and international clubs for S-2000 owners to join and go on road trips with. I couldnt be happier. Of my 5 sports cars owned, this one is tops. 30 mpg on the freeway, 25 mpg in the city.

• 

  wow - 2002 Honda S2000
  By coyote4 - June 6 - 2:26 am

  wonderful car

• 

  Great Car - 2002 Honda S2000
  By s2000 owner - May 9 - 6:44 pm

  Very fun car to drive. Gets looks/compliments everywhere you go. People dont expect it to be a Honda, and tend to think its a lot more expensive than it really is. Interior is a little cramped, but goes along with the territory of owning a 2-seater. Otherwise, the gauges/controls are very driver oriented. Light-weight / RWD / lack of traction control can get a little scary in the rain. Suspension is pretty stiff and not too comfortable. A true enthusiasts car, Honda did well on this one. Id absolutely adore it if it were my weekend car, but since its a daily driver, the stiff suspension and lack of traction control and torque can get annoying. performance - yes. Practicality - no.

• 

  S2000 - Wonderfully Engineered Vehicle! - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Clarence - May 8 - 3:21 pm

  Vehicle handling is superb. Its engine hums so effortlessly and is ready to pounce immediately when thrown in the right gear. The shifting is very precise and the pedals are placed in the right positions for heel-toe action. The pedals arent heavy and cumbersome, but light enough for my wife to use. The guages are large and easy to read with all pertinent info available. When driven lightly, its a fuel miser. Maintenance is Honda- esque. Its trunk is large enough for a weekend out with my wife. The VSD saved me from curb rashes on several occassions when carelessly turning on web pavement!

• 

  Great fun - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Stef - May 8 - 3:07 pm

  I have had my S2000 for 5 years now and I am totally satisfied. Its a fun car for the right price. No need for a Porsche. Drives like a pussycat or can punch it when you need to. Highly recommend for those who want one.