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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  World Class all the way - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Al - August 12 - 5:28 pm

  Years ago I owned a 1976 Triumph tr6 and I really missed that car. It was a true classic. This is a modern day tr6 classic. The dimensions are identical with the exception that the s2k is 10 inches wider. The car is world class. The 6 speed transmission is the best that I,ve ever experienced. It corners incredibly. The car is very civil below six grand. Above it and the excitement begins. The vtec kits in and you are a happy camper. The high reving motor sounds great. A great driving experience at a fraction of the cost of owning a Porsche boxter, Z4,or even the 350z. What a bargain. This car turns as many heads as the more expensive brands.

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  simpley awesome - 2003 Honda S2000
  By kingdog - August 3 - 10:00 am

  this car is awesome for the price iam a honda tech and we never see these cars in the shop

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  A Pure Drivers Car. Period. - 2005 Honda S2000
  By JBG - August 1 - 4:38 am

  Ive owned an 05 S2G since Nov. 2004. This car is built for one purpose. To perform. Everything from the engineering is built to precision. The powerful normally aspirated 2.2 liter VTEC 4 cylinder engine. Best gearbox in the business. World class handling from its super rigid chassis and suspension. Classic and not over the top design. New and old competitors tries to be like it or tries to surpass it. But nothing compares to this cars balance in terms of performance, price, maintenance, build quality and reliability. Get this one of a kind gem before they stop making them.

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  S2000 = Jet Fighter - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Brandon - July 31 - 6:52 pm

  I bought this car to replace my 1999 M3. Havent looked back. The car can play nice little roadster and the sporty feeling stays hidden if you keep it under 6k rpms. But when you see the curve up ahead an you hit 6k rpms, no more nice little honda, the sound becomes better than anything else youve heard, you turn in sharp and the car sticks like super glue. The S2000 can beat the boxsters in the turns if youre a good driver. This car feels so willing to turn in an accel. The interior is perfect, everything is in the right spot, the transmission is the best Ive ever driven with. The digital dash is very driver oriented. Honda somehow made a great car, even better. Not too many cars can compare.

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  Best Value Dollar For Dollar - 2004 Honda S2000
  By EJ - July 27 - 12:04 am

  Hands down the best car I have ever owned. Reliable, beautifully engineered, a true joy to drive. The engine delivers all the power one really needs, the transmission gets the power to the low profiles tires with shift throws that are short and close together. The suspension is stiff, but not uncomfortable, the car really becomes an extension of the driver

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  This car rocks! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By alextazi - July 21 - 8:39 am

  This car lives up to all the hype. Fun to drive-even in 1st gear. Handles like a race car. Love the push button start and low growl of the engine. Hugs curves and can beat anyone off the start line.

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  Love my daily 70-mile round-trip commute - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Don - July 15 - 10:04 pm

  People think this car is my mid-life crisis... but they didnt spend a year in Iraq thinking about/researching the new car I was going to buy when I got home. My Suzuka Blue Metallic S2000 is a kick to drive: quick acceleration, precise handling, and I dont think I know where the top end is yet... if it has one! Even though my daily commute is 35 miles each way on I-5 from Puyallup to Olympia (WA), I dont mind a little traffic for all the days I get to put the top down, feel the sun and wind, and look out at Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Mtns. I have the optional hardtop for the wet winter months: good visibility with the full rear window and reduced road noise. I love my S2000!

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  S2000 Outstanding - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Bob - July 11 - 1:51 pm

  This car is exactly what it is supposed to be, a performance roadster to the utmost. Honda didnt try to appeal to everybody with this car, just the serious minded drivers. The seats are perfect, the sound of the engine perfect, V-Tech perfect. I tested a Boxster S, and a new MX-5 before I drove the S2000, and I dont know who would pay twice the price to get a Boxster when you could have a better car with the S2000. The Mazda just cant touch it, and I used to own a Miata. Rigidity, is amazing for a rag top. This car is just flat out fun to drive. I had to buy one before they stop making them. This is the most fun since I had my Triumph Spitfire back in the sixties. Thank you Honda.

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  A Drivers car - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Raymond A. Miller - July 6 - 8:31 pm

  This Honda is a no nonsense performer. Great grip and predictable control. Super acceleration. All controls at fingertips while hands are on the steering wheel. Every detail has been well and logically thought out and planned. Since its inception in 2000, the machine has been improved every successive year.

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  A Fun Car - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Gary Strong - July 6 - 1:23 pm

  This is the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. Being 60, I have owned plenty. The car goes through a transformation as you increase the RPMs. It transforms, around 5000 rpms, into a true sports machine, with lots of power and excellent control.