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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  My Black Roadster - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Pete - October 7 - 2:58 am

  At 60-years young Ive been a car nut most of my adult life. I have to admit the S2 is the most fun machine Ive driven. Value?... you would have to pay thousands more to get a roadster with the handling, performance, & styling of the S2. Id like to know the process or the nut who figured the S2 @ 20 mpg! Im on my 2nd S2 the very worst Ive gotten, driving hard in the mountains, was 22 mpg, Ill average 24 mpg on the highway 27 mpg.

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  Like a motorcycle with 4 tires... - 2003 Honda S2000
  By BarryO - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my S2000 for a bit more than 5 months. The vehicle has been very enjoyable in most areas: The finest 4- Cylinder motor on the planet, great 6- speed shifter, excellent handling. Gas mileage has been between fantastic, between 27 - 29 MPG. Issues? Storage space is a joke (no glovebox...and the storage space between the seats is difficult to get to while driving), and legroom is tight (Im 61"). In the end, theres nothing that really competes with it @ the price: Not the Miata, not the Mustang, not the TT. The Z3 / Z4 are more expensive.

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  Totally Unbelievable!!! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Paule - September 9 - 2:04 pm

  Ever since I was kid I always hoped to by a Porsche 911 as my dream car...That all changed after I purchased my 05 S2000! The car is TOTALLY UNBELIEVABLE in every way. And when I see other S2000 owners that have previously plopped down the mega- bucks for a 911, and turn around and sing the praise of the S2000, well it makes me really, really happy! Like a Cheshire cat, I might add! When the engine hits 6500k it takes on an all together different personality. Its a little bit scary, in a real cool way. Its like getting 2 cars in one. Top speed is supposed to be 150. Ive had mine up to 118 and it was more stable than anything Ive ever driven, (including a 911). Ill never sell it.

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  My S2000 - 2007 Honda S2000
  By Sarah - September 4 - 12:12 pm

  I leased my S2000 for three years. It is a fun car to drive but it is not economical. It has power but it doesnt have much room for anything. I guess as long as you are single and are not planning to go on a trip with it, then you are ok. Otherwise, there isnt much room in the car or in the trunk. I could never get a suitcase to fit. Again, it is a great car but perhaps for college kids, who have time to drive around and are skinny enough to fit in it. I always had to watch who I offered a ride to, not everyone will fit in it.

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  Not just willing, eager - 2008 Honda S2000
  By dynosaur0 - August 26 - 5:24 pm

  Ive owned many cars over forty years: Sunbeam Alpine, Alfa Romeo Spyder, MGB and BMW 2002, back when. With a family, later, I was lucky with more practical, fun cars: VW GTI and BMW M3. Last year, I bought my S2000 in rich, pearlescent Rio Yellow. My wife was worried about the yellow. After she saw it, she said it was a perfect color for the shape and character of the car. This is the most eager, engaging car Ive ever driven. It doesnt isolate you from the road or insulate you from the experience of covering ground. This is the most reliable open-top sports car made. Its instantaneous responses to driver input make it the best performance value available.

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  What a blast!! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By JimmyCap - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This little yellow car flies. Ive test driven the Boxster, TT 225 HP, Z3, Z4, M Roadster (used) and wasnt in love with any of them. When I hopped into my S2000, I knew before I left the parking lot that I would buy it. I love this little car. It flies. Really fun. The irony is that I really do care about having a good stereo. But on this car, I made a huge exception because of the performance. Its that much fun. If youre thinking of buying a two-seater convertible, you owe it yourself to check out this car. Youll buy it if you give it a chance!!

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  Black Rocket - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Bill Fisher - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This car can fly. Very fun to rev up and shift quickly. Corners like it is on rails. Verrrry quick !!!!

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  California Coast Highway 1 - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Phil - August 11 - 10:41 pm

  I recently returned from the coast in my pre-own certified 2006 S2000. What a blast! The car is nimble yet responsive with cat quick handling. Surprisingly my wife and I was able to transport enough luggage and supplies for the weekend trip with space left over. XM radio reception was fine, but its nothing like the whine of the engine against the redwoods, tight curves and straightaways. The 4-cylinder V-Tech is an absolute monster that leaves me longing for an excuse to head to the coast again. Although I am tall I had no problem with the comfort. In fact the only complaints are tired facial muscles from grinning like a 2-year old, and a sun burn from refusing to let the top up!

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  2.5 years later - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Matt - August 11 - 7:49 am

  I remember seeing this car when it debuted at the auto show in 1999 and said Im getting that. I bought the car new, and after 2 and a half years and 25k miles its still like new. The car handles like a dream, Ive driven it on the track and the "Tail of the Dragon" and it never ceases to amaze me. For Jim the previous review, the brakes do not fade if you upgrade the brake fluid to a high temp fluid. I rarely have the stereo on, and the gas mileage when looking at the cars performance and motor, its to be expected. Buy a civic if those bother you. The car definitely followed where the s800 left off.

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  Performance at what price? - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Bobby T - August 6 - 10:00 am

  The heartpounding expiriance as the Jack in the box V-tec screams to the 8,000rpm red-line makes you remember why you bought it. That, and the fact that it handles like an exotic. All this at a price, you have to pull over to scratch your back. Allthough its a bit tight inside, its not the kind of car you use to drive cross country.