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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  End All, Be All! - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Hunch - September 24 - 4:14 pm

  Having owned 7 cars in the past 10 years, including a Lexus, a BMW, an Infinity, and an assortment of others, THIS is the car Ive been looking for! I thought I was looking for luxury, but what I REALLY was looking for was the purity of performance in a great looking convertible! I tested the BMW Z4 and the Nissan 350z, but they paled in comparision, especially if you consider price in the equation. Ive never felt this "connected" to a car. As you slide into the cockpit, you become one. Every aspect involves you. I dont miss the bells and whistles. In fact, their absence makes me enjoy this car even more! My advice? Take one for a test drive before you buy ANY other sports car!

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  awesome sports convertible - 2005 Honda S2000
  By alan p - September 22 - 8:45 am

  this is my second s2000, leased first. now purchased. will own until the day i die. that good. if you want performance, love a manual trans and enjoy convertible, get this car

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  Great Roadster-Great Price - 2003 Honda S2000
  By rtack40 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Before purchase, considered corvette and BMW. S2000 was better buy. Excellent responsiveness, great looks and quality. Great fun to drive. Amazing power for a 4 cyl. Minimal road noise. Great feature is the glass back glass.Interior color choices could be better. Would suggest a few interior modifications: heated seats, auto door locks and 6 disc in dash CD player

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  GR8 S2K - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Dwight - September 12 - 9:28 am

  Wow. All cars should have "the package" like this one does. economy, reliability, quality, performance. This is a "fun time" doing what used to be called "just driving". The best 5 speed gearbox on the planet! 23 to 28 MPG with 240 horsepower and only 2800 pounds!! but its not stripped down.. its got all the "stuff"!

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  An honest, objective view - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Victor Tongco - September 12 - 12:32 am

  I have been happy w/this car from the day I bought it. The performance and economy it delivers for the price I paid are outstanding. I love the elemental feel of the car, the absence of a bunch of bells and whistles and especially the way the car looks, handles, and accelerates. I would recommend this roadster for any enthusiast that doesnt want to pay an inflated price for an outstanding sports car.

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  Its all about having fun - 2006 Honda S2000
  By mike0804 - September 11 - 11:00 am

  Ive owned some pretty hot sports cars, all were more expensive and more powerful that the S2000, but none were more fun. This car is simply the most fufilling driving experience most of us are likely to have. You can spend more, but youre not likely to get more.

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  My "Fun" Car - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Gene - September 8 - 10:25 pm

  Leased S2000 after five years driving pickup, and wanted a "fun" car. Well, this car is all the fun one could ask for! Performance, handling, quality, "fun," it doesnt get any better. Being blessed with a "larger" frame, once buckled in, you get the true sensation of being part of the car. Gearbox is one of the smoothest Ive ever experienced. Short and percise throws and this car "sticks" to the road. At 6200 rpms you wake up the 240 horses and experience a whole new life! Been averaging 25-26 mpg around town. 06 is the last year for the S2000... might just decide to hang onto this one! Now go find yourself a Mustang and have some "fun!"

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  VEHICULAR - 2004 Honda S2000
  By beccadda - September 8 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST CAR YET!!!

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  No fluff...pure pleasure - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Lola - September 5 - 10:31 pm

  I never imagined one would fall in love with a car...I traded in my 2003 350z auto for the honda...I will never own another automatic...that plus the higher refinement of the makes it a dream come true to drive and much more pleasurable than any car I have owned in the past. The interior noise or harshness is a plus to me...its just all part of an experience that goes beyond a normal commuter car....and yes, this car can certainly be used for an everyday car...thats what mine is and it is as reliable as any other honda, which means very reliable.... The minimal design with no fluff is also very nice...why does one need 1000 buttons to push in a car....

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  Its a head turner where ever I go - 2003 Honda S2000
  By pvc374 - September 5 - 4:42 pm

  This car is an adrenaline rush every time I drive it. It negotiates tight curves at high speed like it is on railroad tracks. I especially like the feel of the wheel and drivers seat. It is as though I am sitting in the cockpit of an Indy formula car. It will rachet up to 100 mph so fast it will take your breath away and handle the same as though you are doing 35 mph. I would buy this car again in a heart beat. It measures up to other roadsters costing far more money.