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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  Not for the Faint of Heart - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Drew Eisenhofer - July 9 - 12:27 pm

  After purchacing my S2000 in Anchorage in March, I quickly realized that a second car was needed in any area that required driving in the snow. That being said, this is the most fantastic car that Ive ever driven. Though it packs quite a punch (240 hp), it is a very tame every day driver. But, when you want to unleash that horsepower, its always there on command. Its handling is extremely precise, and there is little or no body roll in the corners. The chassis is extremely rigid, and the car feels as it is one piece. Having 6 speeds, the shifter is crisp and has short throws. The seats are firm and supportive. There is very little trunk room, though, so pack lightly.

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  Love it! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By lcsaggie - July 7 - 1:01 pm

  The car fits me perfectly, although my husband at 6 is a bit snug in the passenger seat. It is a blast to drive and handles very well. It has great acceleration. The trunk is small, just big enough to fit an overnight luggage piece, but then again it is only for 2 people. Although there is only one package option, there are plenty of colors for both the exterior and interior to choose from.

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  Miata On Steroids - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Tony - July 6 - 9:34 pm

  I recently traded my 2nd Miata on a 2005 S2000. I thought Id miss the Miata, I was wrong. Dont misunderstand, I loved my Miata, but the S2000 is just that much more car. The new engine is very drivable, great MPG, more usable trunk. I usually run out of speed limit before running out of gears, and still get 28 miles/gallon.

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  My 2nd S - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Russ - July 5 - 11:09 pm

  This is the best sports car for the money. The Mini was tempting too, but only sine the S convertable hit the streets. But the looks beat the Mini without a contest.

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  It doesnt get any better - 2005 Honda S2000
  By gino - July 5 - 12:15 pm

  Having owned or driven--some in competition--a number of "name" sports vehicles over the years, Id have to rate the Honda 2000 as one of the all- time best. Fast, agile, responsive, SOLID, reliable and comfortable, the S2K is a modern classic designed for the serious enthusiast. Driven to its potential, the Honda 2000 rewards the driver with all that might be expected of high performance sports cars, including comfort. Theres little to want in the S2K except for a bit less thirst, but even the average 23-26 mpg is little to gripe about in return for the outstanding performance.

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  My S2K - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Greg - June 26 - 10:13 pm

  Great car! Fun to drive! Had it for just over a year now and I love it. Its quick, sticks to the road like it has glue on the tires, handles very well. Although its my 1st sports car, I drove many others before I bought. The S2000 was by far the best choice.

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  My S2000 experience so far... - 2002 Honda S2000
  By colin - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my S2000 in Dallas, Tx now for almost a year and a half. My first year of ownership yielded approx. 19,000 miles, and much high speed driving. I replaced the first set of tires at 12,000 miles and Im replacing the second set now just shy of 21,000 miles. Overall the car drives like a gocart on crack.

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  Daily Driver - 2005 Honda S2000
  By ljo - June 23 - 5:00 pm

  My 2000S is a daily commute car as well as fulfilling its natural mission as incredible fun to drive. I would like a little more stowage in the cockpit, and the "glove box" between the seats is difficult to access while sitting. Added aftermarket rear speakers (Lucid Automotive)to the factory head unit to make the radio useable at speed with the top down. The best sports car bargain around! Drives like a champ, with none of the usual small-car nerves when surrounded by brutish SUVs and thoughtless pickup trucks. A young woman asked if it was a BMW - no, I said (remembering my last BMW)its better looking, more enjoyable, and a whole lot more reliable.

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  Whoa Nelly!!!! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Denn - June 22 - 4:42 am

  Im 58 and live in SoCal. The S2000 is the car that Ive been waiting for my entire life. Quick. Fast. Slick shifting. Tight steering. Incredible drift through curves. Fits me like a glove and the seats are totally supportive. Have blown my friends 350Z and Z4 off the lines by a mile. Who needs a top except in the rain??? I didnt buy a convertible to have the top up.

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  2 much fun for the buck - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Kahuna - June 21 - 2:01 pm

  I spent a lot of time researching what sport car i was going to get. this one had everything i wanted and you cannot beat the performance for the price. the power top is quick and easy and the car is a complete blast to drive. just driving or in the parking lot people will comment or rubberneck. go to the dealership and look at the sticker price, take it for a spin, and it will be very difficult to leave without it.