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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  Honda S2000 - Drop Top Heaven - 2004 Honda S2000
  By James Holly - December 4 - 12:20 pm

  The Honda S2000 is an amazing vehicle. Its styling is the best of any car on the road. People yell, "Nice car, mister!" all the time when I drive past. That never happened with any other car Ive ever owned, and Im 47 years old so Ive owned a few. The interior is like the cockpit of an F-16 fighter. Its a great, snug fit, like a perfect set of driving gloves. Every control is within easy reach, and every instrument is easily read. The 6 speed shifter has short throws that scream precision! The cars reflexes are razor sharp, and there is no lag time when you want to accelerate. You do it NOW! Ripping off 8 grand shifts is such a blast! And all with the top down. What a car!

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  SupeR Fun S2K - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Karls s2000 - December 1 - 6:08 pm

  This car is just plain fun to drive. It will be very hard not to get a speeding ticket. Cornering is impressive. Put the top down and enjoy listening to the beautifully tuned engine when you rev it all the way to 9000 RPM. I love everything about this car except for one thing. Not made for a tall person. If you are less than 5 1/2 feet, you will enjoy this car! I do.

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  I love this car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By jimslocer - November 27 - 1:47 am

  A wonderful convertible. I drove several makes and models and picked this one. Corners like its on rails, goes fast, stops well and what can you say about top down driving in the summertime. I would pick it as a second or third car however since its small and lots of noise with the top up. Its a great second car for me in Minneapolis because I store it in the winter and use my truck in the winter.

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  S2000 3 year review - 2001 Honda S2000
  By wake88 - November 17 - 3:14 pm

  Driving this car is like attaching it directly to your brain and giving it commands. The S2000 goes where you want when you want it to. It is a superior driving machine. Whether you are a good old boy that loves american muscle, or an import umm "artist", a ride in this car will induce an ear-to- ear grin on your face. I have used it as a weekend/fair weather car and have had very few problems. I had the 3 TSBs performed during the first year of ownership which took care of a few noises and nuisances. Since then its been perfectly reliable through two autocross seasons and a recent track day. I recommend this car to anyone who likes to drive, and I dont mean in a straight line.

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  WOW - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Bl - November 13 - 2:00 am

  If you want an awesome performing raw sports car than this is it. I say raw because it is a pure "sports car" that has been slightly refined from 2003 to be more comfortable, and it is. Honda did not sacrifice any performance in doing this, only to enhance the experience.

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  Unbelievable driving fun - 2004 Honda S2000
  By DrBG - November 13 - 2:00 am

  WOW! this is No Frills, Wind in Your Hair, Go Like Hell, REAL SPORTS CAR!! You can drive it with crisp sedateness around town, but with a little pressure of the right foot light a fire under a tiger. Its a dual personality with no conflict between the two. It will idle in traffic all day and get you to the top of the on ramp doing 85mph (and still give you 23-26 mpg). If you really really like to drive, you absolutely cant find a better car for less than twice the price. I cant say enough good about it. Get in one, press the starter button, and get those revs up over 6500 and then youll know exactly what Im talking about.

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  Hondas Pride shaped into reality - 2004 Honda S2000
  By T. S. - October 17 - 2:00 am

  A car designed without any compromise to realize the Honda/Mugen spirit, as commented by Honda Japan employee. Some people complain about its low torque in the low~mid RPM, but only people that doesnt know how to drive a high-RPM engine car would make a stupid comment like that. (Thus only the U.S. S2000 was given a bore up to 2.2L in 2004) Honda engines are designed to be REVd high. Very high frame rigidity despite it being a convertible, giving it great handling.

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  4 Wheel all Weather Motorcycle - 2004 Honda S2000
  By rhintzman - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I really love this car. It is the next best thing to a sport motorcycle. Since it straightens out windy roads it makes you look at the map for more. In this car, the quickest way between two points is the windiest. My wife and I have taken it on several road trips including a week to CA from AZ. It could use some more trunk space but if you think of it as motorcycle, its got plenty! Better than a motorcycle when the weather gets nasty and the top goes up.

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  silver bullet - 2003 Honda S2000
  By dadcat - October 8 - 2:00 am

  bought a new 03 with 20 miles on it,now have 550, enjoy every minute behind the wheel,or just admiring the cars looks. great trunk, golf clubs fit with top up or down,(unlike the benz), twin city driver looking forward to the rest of october and next spring, couldnt be happier.

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  Pocket Exotic - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Tony Bell - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I checked out several competitors and selected th S2000 because it gave the most bang for the buck and actually out-performs cars that are a lot more expensive. The handling is superb the ride tight and the car performs beautifully. Porsche owners have coveted my Berlina Black beauty with the frot airdam and wing spoiler. A great birthday present (along with an account with the state troopers)!