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:

• 

  Truly a drivers car - pure and precise - 2007 Honda S2000
  By Practik - May 3 - 6:38 am

  I find myself driving this car far more than I need to, simply because its such a blast to drive! The razor-sharp reflexes, the confident, solid shift action, the punch of VTEC when you crack past 6 grand (not to mention the banshee scream that comes with that)- need I say more? There is a surprising amount of leg room (more than my Accord), and the well-bolstered seats really keep you planted during spirited driving. While the storage space leaves a bit to desire, after a couple weeks I didnt find it to be an issue anymore.

• 

  You learn to love it.. - 2007 Honda S2000
  By jose rvazquez - April 26 - 11:22 am

  I have previously own Porsche boxter and was not sure about this trade. Im so glad I did. This car is a great performer on long highway trips. Great pick up and aerodynamic style really performs well cutting thru air flow. Can get bit of interior upgrade, power windows, trunk opener all can be moved to center console for easy access. Top roof can used more padding. Better stereo system and more comfortable padding for car seat should be standard at this price. This car has so many potentials Honda need to continiue production and make small improvements for future models without any major price alterations. My advice, buy this car. Learn to drive it and you will be satisfied.

• 

  THE CAR IS AWESOM - 2004 Honda S2000
  By LADYBUGGS40 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED MY CAR FOR ALMOST A YEAR IT IS A AWESOME CAR. NOT MADE FOR TALL PEOPLE. I WILL BE 40 IN MARCH 2004 I HAVE TO SAY ME AND MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER HAVE HAD SO MUCH FUN IN MY CAR AND WE CANT WAIT FOR THE WEATHER TO BE NICE SO WE CAN HAVE SOME MORE FUN

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Honda S2000
  By ARN - March 29 - 4:55 pm

  I have had the S2000 for more than 2 years. Works great, fun to drive especially with the convertible top down. My wish list is that the door would open wider and an outside temperature gauge (Ive heard the newer model does have the temperature guage). A bit tight but all and all I would buy another.

• 

  2000 Honda S2000 - 2000 Honda S2000
  By go top less s2000 - March 29 - 6:09 am

  Love the ride. Even though Im 63 and its a tight fit, I still enjoy it royally. Gas is great, gone for weeks on a tank. Even though its high test its worth it.

• 

  S2more4urmoney - 2002 Honda S2000
  By boobie - March 28 - 4:17 pm

  this car is great on a curvy road. the convertible top is easy and fast. the whole car is easy and fast.

• 

  Best Sports Car? - 2002 Honda S2000
  By jpodvin - March 26 - 1:01 pm

  This has got to be the best all around sports car I have ever driven, and I have owned many. Stylish body lines, suburb suspension, Near 50/50 weight distribution and what has to be the most powerful 2.0 four cylinder in production! Not to mention the 9K redline, and ability to sustain 26 MPG under my abusive driving. Some people have complained that there is not enough low end torque, but I say show me a four cylinder sports car with more. At 60 MPH in sixth gear I rarely have to downshift to pass. Has more low end torque than my fiances civic Si, and weighs less too!

• 

  adrenalin infuser - 2006 Honda S2000
  By nicktop - March 24 - 7:08 am

  After driving this car almost one year I still find that there are no walls ceilings or "flaws". Glycerinized clutch, brakes, shifting and booster rocket sensation.

• 

  Best Sports Car in the Price Range - 2006 Honda S2000
  By KGood - March 22 - 1:07 pm

  My S2K is a daily driver, and I find it to be the perfect combination of exceptional acceleration/handling, while still returning good fuel mileage. And unlike so many sports cars that have come and gone, it is reliable as a hammer. You will not find another manual shift up to this quality, steering is quick and perfectly weighted, the brakes are faultless, the body structure very rigid. Cautions: if you drive very aggressively, be careful of snap- oversteer. This series is better than the original, but it can still punish the ham-handed. Ride is firm. While having more driveable power/torque band than 1st S2Ks, best performance still requires keeping the engine in the correct rev range.

• 

  Better than a Miata - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Phil Hoilien - March 21 - 9:56 pm

  Owned two Miatas before the S2000. Great leg room, better performance, better detail, fit & finish.