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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  a true street legal race car - 2002 Honda S2000
  By 2002s2k - January 29 - 2:00 am

  outstanding sports car for the price. there is absolutely no worthy competitor under $45K. if you are a true sports car enthusiast, this is the one to get. the exterior is attractive and eye catching, although its a bit conservative. the engine is silky smooth even up to 9000 rpm! the transmission and shifter are the best in the world, period. what makes this car so good and received so much praise is because Honda put together an almost perfect package for a very reasonable price. if you are a non-compromising sports car lover, look no further.

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  Harley trade in - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Doc - January 28 - 7:06 pm

  I traded my Harley in because its safer in S. FL in a car. I dont miss my bike at all. Truely a great ride, it corners like it is on rails. Yes I have to side with anther reviewer, be careful of that low front bumper when parking in a lot with stops in the stalls. Overall it is an excellent car for a fun ride!

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  Sweeeet - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Russ Vitali - January 28 - 12:20 pm

  this is by far the best car Ive ever owned! It just emulates cool. Whenever I take it out, people stare and compare. Its not a race car, just one of the best valued sports cars on the market. Honda has done it right. The drive by fly on the 2006 make me feel good that I got the last year (2005) they car was still in its original format.

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  Tight and controllable - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Takeout - January 26 - 6:35 pm

  Since day one, this car has been a pleasure. You tell it to turn, it turns immediately and not too much. You tell it to go, it goes and exceeds your expectations. Chicks galore! This car is the bomb, not A bomb, and affordable too. The only thing I could possibly complain about is how many times Ive spilled drinks in my lap or in my console because the drink holder/console is always full of change and other stuff that the drink doesnt fit.

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  All thehype was soooooo truee!!!!!!!! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By RON - January 23 - 5:34 am

  This car is amazing! I am and have been a Mercedes owner for the past 5 years and I wanted to get a fun car that was at a reasonable price not Mb style. Well my GF pointed this car out and I knew all the awards this car has won, but never really considered it. Well we did not even test drive the car and we leased it. I practically had to re-learn how to drive manual and taught my GF. SHE/I love it! We fight for it all the time. Especially in the summer time. Winter-time is a different story>>> will need winter tires or second car definietly. But man the looks, the people trying to race you! I feel like a celebrity! LOL! 2cars almost had accidents tryin 2look at it!. Itslikeahotchick!!

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  2006 S2000 - 2006 Honda S2000
  By DC707 - January 23 - 2:55 am

  I just picked up my 2006 S2000 four days ago and I finally just now pried myself out of it. It absolutely fits the bill for what I was looking for. Really fast, fun, ergonomic interior designed to keep your hands on the wheel. Driving it is more fun than should be legal. No doubt about the cars racing heritage. If you want a "Lexus ride" this is not the car for you. ITS A SPORTS CAR. Everything you have already read in all the magazines is true. Razor sharp stearing, great high RPM performance, improved lower RPM performance. Definately comfortable enough for a daily driver. Unfortunately I wont be driving it daily but I would love to.

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  Simply Outstanding - 2005 Honda S2000
  By George Liapis - January 12 - 11:56 am

  I have owned many automobiles in my life time, but none like my S2000. The novelty still has not worn off. Everytime I get behind the wheel I feel like its the first time Im driving it. The comfort is great and the response to acceleration is dramatic. My gas mileage is 25MPG, which is incredible for a vehicle like this. This is truley a "keeper", and if your in the market for an outstanding roadster you will not be dissapointed. I cant see spending the money for a Porsche, when you can get the same or better thrill with the S2000. Keep it up Honda, youll always be a winner in my book, as you have for the last 12 years of owning your products!

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  Suzuka Blue Delight - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Blue on Blue - December 27 - 7:33 am

  The S-2000 is a great looking car with lots of zip. This is my first sports car and I am delighted with the purchase. My first fill-up revealed 25 mpg combined highway and around town with much not-so-economical accelerator on my part. A caution: watch that low front bumper when parking.

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  fun but touchy - 2005 Honda S2000
  By PBaller2005 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is realy small especially for a 6 foot guy like me. This car runs at extremely high revs and wants to stall just @ 3,500 rpm. everything in it is real tight and sensitive. the interior could have been thought out a little better cuz its pretty cramped. Makes funny buzzing noises because of the high rpms. handles great though, most likely due to its size. Amazing power for just a 2.2 liter, especialy the turbo charged version. Good exterior design. Have to be experianced in order to bring out the cars full power.

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  Tight, fun and ready to run! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By M32S2K - December 17 - 8:12 pm

  I had to replace my 1998 M3 coupe and agonized for months for anything else with such near perfect combination of sharp handling, power and decent fuel economy. There were many worthy considerations including the g35 coupe (too heavy), the Mazda Rx-8 (too soft), and even the Mini Cooper S (too cute). But just one test drive in the S2000 snapping through the gears and carving up corners with surgical precision and the choice was easy.