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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  Ultimate roadster... - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Somehondaguy - March 15 - 1:26 pm

  After a 3 month search for a new sports car, I went through Z3s and z4s, miatas, corvettes and the like. NOTHING compared to the S2000. Combining legendary Honda build quality, a high revving solid as a rock motor, a lightweight and rearwheel chassis, this car is just a blast to drive. It has ample room for long trips, a driver oriented cockpit that is easy to navigate, and never leaves you longing for something more. If youre looking for a fun car that is reasonably practical this one will not steer you wrong.

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  True Sports Car - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Lehel - March 15 - 10:34 am

  This is a true sports car. It has a firm suspension, good amount of power and excellent power.

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  never buy black - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Digby - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I said I would never buy black again. The last black rag top was a Sunbeam. Well I did, and I dont regret it one bit. In fact the car is black inside and out. Feel like a million in her and for a 72 year old, with cancer and all that entails, it is a miracle cure for me. Never had the top up and dont intend to. Wind is not a bother at 85, and at that speed, you cant hear the radio, so reception is not an issue.

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  F1 fun @ a steal !!!!! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By mike bates - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is something!! I just broke it in for the recommended 600 miles by the factory and have taken it up to 8K rpm. I cant beleive the performance. Midrange is scary fast but Ill adapt. Top range is a point and shoot and youre there.

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  Honda 2005 S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Honda S2000 - March 11 - 7:19 am

  Love it fun to drive get car faster than GT Mastang little car on steroids. MPG is great 237 hp

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  excellent - 2004 Honda S2000
  By sfenx - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 3 years...I have never driven a car that is so excellent. It just feels so much better when driving....than it does in other cars (boats), thats what most other cars feel like compaired to this accurate s2000.

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  Otter b. a. comfortable seat car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By flrodeo - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my car . I have always had trucks . But the only thing I feel that is wrong is the softness of the seats. I drove it to NC and I was not pleased with it . short distances is fine . You need to work on comfort on the bottom of the seats. thank you for making a great car.

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  a little engine that can produce 240hp - 2005 Honda S2000
  By EASTCOASTWARRIOR - March 8 - 1:20 am

  a fun a to drive for a sub-33 grands, no other roadster in this class can beat the s2000 for value, reliability, performance and styling. Interior is a little cramping for a full grown adult, but if one can get acustom to it will find the car is rewarding to drive around tight corners and on open roads. The engine is noisy but not punishing, it sounds like a formula 1 sport car with full potential to beat most 4 and 6 non-turbo cylinders cars. The 6 speed manual trans. is flawless, it is very rare on a sub 33 grands. Inaddition, it handle the road very well with top up or down. Very well balance car. It can be a huge improvement with a little more investment on aftermarket tuning accessories.

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  Almost Perfect 2006 S2000 - 2006 Honda S2000
  By El Freaky - March 7 - 10:34 pm

  When you look at the gorgeous Laguna Blue Pearl on the 2006 S2000, you cant help but to enjoy this sexy piece of art. Everyone will turn their heads! The car provides excellent handling and it feels as if it is mounted on rails with the new stability control. It is extremely fun to drive on most terrains! I traded a 2004 BMW 330 Ci Coupe with sports package for the S2K, and I have no regrets. The zippy electronic top comes up or down in less than 10 seconds. The near perfect interior is intuitively designed like a cockpit around the driver. All car interiors should be designed like this one! This is definitely an automobile for people that have fun and love to drive!

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  Pocket Rocket - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Radcliffe1 - March 6 - 7:39 pm

  Having the money to pick from many cars did not stop me from buying this Honda. Its small, a little noisy, lacks some torque but its a gas to drive. Convertible is the only way it comes. Its not really my daily driver but the sun shines and the mountain and coastal roads beckon I know Im going to have a great time.