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:

• 

  Hands Down!!! - 2007 Honda S2000
  By dgojet - October 14 - 9:30 am

  Hands down the hottest roadster on the market. Classic lines, great performance, Honda quality. Sorry to all my s2k colleagues......nothing beats Black on Black!

• 

  honda s2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By rpharm - October 14 - 2:00 am

  More fun to drive than anything i had ever driven before. I was deciding between the 350Z and the s2000 and after test driving them both back to back, I chose the s2000. I love the way it looks compared to the 350Z too. There are too many cars that look similar to the 350Z with its "bubble" look.

• 

  The Honda with Two Personalities - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Aaron - October 13 - 8:05 pm

  The Honda S2000 has been my favorite car that I have owned. I have had sports cars in the past, but none have been so rewarding as the S2000. Around town it does great on fuel economy with a combined 24 mpg! The engine is nice below 6000 rpms, but above that it is mean and it comes to life! An animal if you will. It has the best gearbox in the world, flick the shifter with your finger. Its like cutting warm butter with a knife, it is so precise! Handles the hell of the road! My Corvette felt so bulky and the shifter heavy. It was an okay car, but I heard about the S2000 from a friend and Im so glad I purchased it! Very rewarding car that wants you to revv the heck outta it! BUY IT!

• 

  S2000 Its all you need! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By maxfior - October 11 - 9:09 am

  As with most on this site, Ive been working toward this car for about 4 years and I finally got it. It was used, but still under warranty and had low miles. This is BY far the most fun car to drive. There are not too many cars out there that can give you the feeling that this car can. Ask any other S2000 owner and youll see what I mean. Things to watch for are paint chips, rear tire wear and nasty break dust in the front. Ive had very good luck with GoodYear F1 tires, good wet control with plenty of dry grip. I wouldnt trade this car for anything. Many people look at me and ask what sort of car this is... Drop the top, find a nice twisty road and blast!

• 

  06 S2K - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Bill - October 9 - 12:16 am

  This car is a work of art. Performance and handling is at its best, gear box is superb, and the gas mileage is much better than expected (averages around 27 mpg). Best bang for the buck. Car is noisy but no more than any of the other roadsters Ive driven. Every day street driving is fine but will show plenty of muscle. No problems to date and with Hondas quality reputation, I dont expect any issues. Interior layout is not fancy but very simple yet more than adequate...it is perfect for a roadster. Although small, trunk space is much more functional than other competitors. Fits two sets of golf clubs. Anyone considering a Roadster around $30K or less should take a hard look at the S2K.

• 

  Theft Magnet - 2007 Honda S2000
  By TMAC - September 27 - 5:00 pm

  I owned a 2005 S200 for about a year before it was stolen. The car is awesome, but have now learned that the S2000 is a hot target for parts. My car was stolen and found a few days later completely stripped (wheels, headlights, taillights, seats, steering wheel, airbags, door panels, stereo, etc.). This was my second theft incident with the same car and have heard plenty of similar stories. I would absolutely recommend the car, but only if you can keep it safe in a garage.

• 

  Love my car - 2007 Honda S2000
  By Fernando Moralez - September 26 - 5:48 pm

  Driving the S2000 for the first time took my breath away. Its handling is superior and the power was out of this world.

• 

  Safety - 2003 Honda S2000
  By lstpelican - September 25 - 2:05 pm

  Hey all just wanted to tell my experience. I just rolled my s2000 this past friday and this car saved my life. It does hydroplane very easily, but when you become airborne and come out with only a few staples in the head I say get another one. Thanks Honda for building a great, safe car. JT

• 

  One year and still lovin it! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By airheart6 - September 25 - 10:05 am

  Ive had my car for one year now and I still enjoy each time I get behind the wheel. Ive installed the 8 CD changer as well as the headrest speakers which really make a difference when the top is down. You could hear music before, but you can really hear it well now. I was also pleased about the mileage (Ive gotten 23-25 mpg), not near as good as my Toyota Camry, but much more fun to drive. I find the leg room on this car much better too. I "tried on" many sports cars as I have long legs, and this one "fit". I also liked the glass back window in the top. Its much easier to see out of than the Nissan Z6 (which I found to be roomy inside, but visibility was terrible out the back window).

• 

  s2000 - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Dallas - September 25 - 7:33 am

  fun car to drive. its hard to believe the power that little engine puts out great handling