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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  04 S2000 review - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Richard Rafter - January 28 - 2:45 pm

  Quick, fun to drive, never had a mechanical problem. More “nice car” comments from other people than I have had for any car I have ever owned.

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  A treat! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Ursula - January 22 - 2:22 pm

  I purchased this car after a drunk driver demolished my sensible four door sedan and it was a treat. The car handles beautifully and heads always turn when I drive it through DC with the top down. It is fun to drive, and leaving work with the top down always puts me in a great mood by the time I get home. The only improvement would be the interior - it isnt set up very well and sometimes you can feel cramped.

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  1 Drive and you will not want any other - 2007 Honda S2000
  By meintsm - January 13 - 10:47 am

  Just recently purchased the 2007 S2000 after nearly 6 months of car shopping. Reviewed all other cars in class, Z4, TT etc... Kept on coming back to the S2000. Its speed, handling and beautiful lines had me at Rev Rev.. It is truly a pleasure to drive. One drive and you will be hooked.

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  Fun ride! - 2007 Honda S2000
  By bbetts - January 13 - 8:20 am

  After driving my BMW convertible for 12 years,this car has made me realize what a true sports car convertible should be.

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  Lemon i hope - 2000 Honda S2000
  By kvin111 - January 12 - 11:16 pm

  I think I bought a lemon. I have owned hondas in the past but this was a real disappointment. I know convertible tops dont last forever but this thing ripped and is so loud it gives me an ear ache on the freeway. Also when i bought this car not under warantt (ok yes i know my fault) one of the valves was broke. $2000.00 fix. My xenon bulb broke 3x i turned it on and the ride is more bumpy then my previous pick up. I love the looks and pep but reliability needs improvement.

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  Makes Driving Fun Again - 2003 Honda S2000
  By s2000owner - January 12 - 11:02 am

  I just love my Honda S2000! I thought the thrill of driving was one of those things that you lose over time. Turns out its just making sure you have the right car. The S2000 is a sporty 6 speed manual that turns head and garners lots of compliments. The hardtop is easily removed and replaced. Im very impressed by the control panel as everything is well laid out in fingertip reach. No more taking your eyes off the road to change stations. Overall a great car especially if you can find one slightly used and get a good price.

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  fun and fast - 2002 Honda S2000
  By polkat - December 28 - 7:40 pm

  Owned a couple sport cars, the s2000 is the best all around car i have owned

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  Wow, what a car. - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Lucky - December 23 - 3:28 am

  I had been wanting a roadster for sometime to take down the pacific coast highway. I began shopping a little over a month ago and hands down, the s2000 far outweighs the 350Z, Z3, Z4, Audi TT, and any American made convertible. The vTec kicks in and you feel it snap you back in the seat. The performance and reliability are second to none. To top that off, the styling is one off. Few people recognize this car and many ask about it. 240 HP in a 2800 lb car is simply amazing. Simply put, this car is the four wheeled brother of the Honda RR motorcycle series. I will not part with it, and am planning on getting another when I am done with this one. Plus, you can buy the hardtop!

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  Fast Car fun ride - 2003 Honda S2000
  By MIA2003 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best cars I have ever driven.

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  This Car Will Scoot - 2005 Honda S2000
  By DEDE - December 17 - 12:56 am

  A great buy for the money. Hondas best kept secret. Top is easy to operate and is down in seconds. Performance and handling are great. Sticks to the road as if it was glued there. Doing 90 before you know it. Have had it to 130. Has looks, speed and handles like a dream what more can you ask for. Honda got this one right.