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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  Yeah It Goes - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Judi - March 31 - 6:35 pm

  Yeah it goes and I mean, it goes. The ride is a little choppy and the interior is a little cramped (it forces me to keep the clutter down because theres nowhere to put it). But man, you wont find a more fun car to drive in this price range! I saw it in the Honda show room and fell in love! And its 6 speeds! If you want to turn heads everywhere you go and have people beside you at gas stations ask you about your car, then buy it. I even had some people driving a Civic and sitting beside me at a red light ask me what kind of Honda it was because they had never seen one before. And they were mighty impressed.

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  A blast!!! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By anarky - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The S2000 has to be one of the best values on the market. The styling evokes images of speed when standing still. Inside a spartan, yet functional cockpit, the driver is completely surrounded by everything necessary to enjoy the driving experience. The engine is smooth all the way up to the 8000 rpm redline. Shifts are tight and precise. The shifter is a dream. Lane changes and turns are great. One warning, it is very easy to break out the rear end when going around a tight corner. The ride is even more fun topless. This car is fun to drive, looks great and is inexpensive compared to anything else that could possibly run with it.

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  as good as it gets - 2004 Honda S2000
  By s2kdave - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4 year of owning s2000s and every year I try to decide what sports car to get next and it comes back to keeping it, just cant find a true sports car for the price. i could write a long review but one must drive this machine to understand why it is truly special.

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  Best rag-top under $50K - 2004 Honda S2000
  By SLWeinstein - March 14 - 3:31 pm

  The S2K is one of those cars that actually exceeds expectations. Honda did a great job improving the car for 2004 by making it more street worthy. I tried the BMW Z-4 (disappointing handling and hot cabin), Miata (cute but not up to date in terms of performance), Boxster (driving position difficult to adjust and overpriced but otherwise my second choice). The more I drive the S2K themore I appreciate the purity and grace of this roadster. Its the best auto bargain out there. Now if only they would add run flat tires...

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  Powered By Honda ALLWAYS ON! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By jbird1 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The wife decided I needed a little 30 anniversary present. Something a little snappier than my 375hp 2000 Silverado. Well compared to my 66 427 vett and 8 or nine other new BMW, Porcshe, Mazda, and Nissans, this unit wins hands down. Took it to the track does an honest 156mph, gives excellent handling, and still is great to drive 103 miles to work everyday. Good job Honda, nice mix of race and sports car. Add a supercharger, big tires and Konis and this would be a nice race car.

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  S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By JohnathanThroneberry - March 1 - 6:56 am

  Its a blast to drive. Your girl friend or wife may or may not like it because it really turns heads! I have never opened it up all the way due to a past speeding ticket, but I can say it drives as good at 120MPH in 5 gear as it does at 60MPH. So I can only imagine how much fun and how big of a ticket you could get in 6Th gear. You wont find a nicer or more fun car to drive.

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  honda s2000 - 2000 Honda S2000
  By cube - February 14 - 10:21 am

  extremely quick,still pulls past 110, and sticks to the roa. all combined with reliability and great design. hondas engine is well built and i keep mine regulaly serviced. sports extras are a must!!!

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  Honda does it again!!!! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By jorge r hernandez - January 27 - 5:54 pm

  The best car Honda has ever made (next to the venerable NSX). Not to sound cliche, but from the first time I drove it off the lot I knew that I was in for the ride of my life. The S2000 is the great example of perfection in terms of form and function. The 240 hp engine wails all the way up to 9000 rpm (01-03) leaving anything on the road behind. The body is simple and crisp. Too simple for some but just right for the enthusiast.

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  Honda S2000 - 2001 Honda S2000
  By David Oheim - January 24 - 7:10 pm

  FUN TO DRIVE!!! The S2000 is the best handling car I have ever driven. It is very powerful for a 4 cylinder. Those looking for a smooth ride need to look for something else. The S2000 has a harsh ride, but it handles awesome. This car is great in tight corners, it is an Autocross king. PURE SPORTS CAR

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  best car ever - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Jon morgan - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this car red on black awesome torque is 153 lbs but still cuts through snow with ease dealership sucked car rules!!!!!!!