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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  Too much fun! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Tom - June 16 - 12:26 pm

  Ive had this car for a full month now and Ive got to say it is just exhilarating to drive. Such a stiff chassis and almost no lean. Hit the throttle and once it hits 6k youre in for a delight that almost feels like it should be illegal(keep hitting 9k in 3rd and 4th and it will be) You learn to pack light, and just enjoy the car. For those who complain that its bumpy and small, why did you buy an s2000? Thats not the point. If you want a reliable, fun, high performance drivers car this is for you. 6 speed is smooth, integrity is great. Change the factory stereo/speakers though, Tire performance is excellent but wear quicker. Your constant grinning will have everyone think your crazy!

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  Absolutelywonderful!!! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By HAPPDAZ - June 14 - 2:20 pm

  I love to look at it...drive it and play with it!! The acceleration is terrific, the sports car noise reminiscent and the "package" extraordinary for the dollar. Ive had mine since 2002 and will not get rid of it...

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  A True Value Packed Roadster - 2005 Honda S2000
  By C.G. Godlewski - June 10 - 10:26 pm

  I traded an 01 MR2 for the Honda S2000 after a test drive. In september 2004, I ran from hurricane Ivan, my first chance to drive the S2000 the distance between Fort Walton Beach Florida and Harrison Arkansas. I made the trip straight through in 20 hours stopping only for fuel, food and coffee lots of coffee. Highway 65, between Little Rock AR and Springfield MO, has all the Ozark mountain twisties anyone would ever want. The S2000 swooped and sang through the old highways curves at more than twice the posted limits and did it well enough to make this smilng sexagenarian glad I owned an S2000.

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  Honda S2000 in LA - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Ken - June 10 - 5:13 pm

  This 2005 is my 4th S2000, I had a 2001, 2002 and 2003. The 2005 appears essentially unchanged from 2004 when the front end styling was improved, 17 inch wheels and wider tires were added and the engine displacement bumped and red line lowered. The handling on the 2005 is significantly better than the 2003, thanks to the tires and wheels. I liked the old 9000 rpm red line but the added low end torque is worth the trade off. This is a great car for blasting winding roads and doubles as a reasonable commuter. Plus it gets great mileage, mid to high 20s, and maintenance is at Honda prices.

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  Better than ever! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Russ Vitaliano - June 10 - 1:14 pm

  This is my second S 2000. I had the 2003 model that had the 9000 RPM red line. That car was a scream. Now with the new 8200 redline, I have to be aware of the redline otherwise the fuel cutoff kicks in and you will bog out until the next higher gear is shifted. This will take a little adjusting. The 17" new wheels and spoke design are a plus, and the new headlamp and tailight configuration are very nice. The oval exhaust pipes look fatter and give it a better look. The new drink holders are very cool. This is still the best 2DR Roadster for the money, and when they stop production for the new prelude, it will go up even more in value. Great car!

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  Miata? - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Niwee - June 5 - 1:24 pm

  Doesnt anyone feel like they are looking at a Miata when they approach this car? Also, when sitting in the bucket seats for about an hour my back really starts to hurt. I love the ride--but not sure about all this hype.

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  Update - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Helios - June 4 - 12:45 pm

  Ive had this car since February 2002, and it still puts a huge grin on my face. Even after three years of driving over potholed roads, the chassis is still tight - slight shaking of the passenger seat is the only tip-off that the cars not brand new. Engines stronger than ever shifters still a dream to operate. Ive installed a larger wind blocker for better top-down driving. I also removed the tray holding the tools for an extra cubic foot of trunk space. This cars therapy on wheels. It lacks the amenities of the competition, but its a quality piece of work that rewards a focused driver.

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  Had to have Another - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Dwenojavid - June 3 - 11:02 pm

  Previously owned a 2001 model that I had to change because of all year round functionality. Missed the vehicle so much that I couldnt wait to own another. Found a 2004 model. Just love the upgrades such as bigger engine, wheels,more torque etc. Delighted to be back behind the wheel of this little machine. The 2004 model is definitely easier to drive than the 2001 and I am still convinced that this is the best value for money in its class on the road. At 62" anything but a truck can be tight but this is quite comfortable. It is a really fun to drive vehicle and still turns heads even though it has been around for 5 years plus. Hope to keep for a long time.

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  Honda S2000 after 19,000 miles - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Rever - June 3 - 5:54 pm

  Actually, I bought the early 2000 model. After 19,000 miles, its been totally reliable, just like any other Honda, but the performance surprises everyone who rides in it. What a sound and feel once the revs pass 6,200 RPM!!

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  Surprise in a little package! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By 2000 Honda S2000 - June 3 - 1:46 pm

  I traded a corvette for this Honda S2000 when it first came on the market. I have never regretted one minute of being the owner of one. It corners like a dream, drives with the power of any sport car I have ever had and I dont have to worry about the market being saturated with them. I feel unique. My dream car.