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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  Radical Roadster - 2004 Honda S2000
  By RRD - September 18 - 2:00 am

  This car provides an awesome driving experience. It is pure pleasure to drive!

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  s22c - 2004 Honda S2000
  By s22c - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Its a stiff ride with a nice 6spd tranni

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  Totally fun - 2001 Honda S2000
  By toydriver - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this rocket this weekend and have spent 2 days enjoying every corner and soaking up the rays with the top down. Sticks to the road like glue. I love looking at this thing. Never owned a roadster before. Didnt know what I was missing. Great build quality.

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  Fun in the Sun - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Mark Geers - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Honda has solidified its reputation for engineering excellence with the S2000. Everything fits properly and operates flawlessly. The engine is virtually jewel-like in appearance. The car is an absolute kick to drive and is a real head-turner. The convertible top could not be easier to operate, and invites almost sybaritic delight in the outdoors.

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  Awesome! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By KingHayabusa - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This car absolutely screams! It reminds me a lot of my Hayabusa! A true motorcycle on four wheels!

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  Great performance on winding coastal hwy - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Chln - September 6 - 2:00 am

  It hugs the corners on winding roads and drives like a dream on straight stretches with plenty of power to spare. I like the minimal interior.

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  S2000 Better than advertised - 2004 Honda S2000
  By xxxx - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the top up once since I bought the car two months ago. Its just a kick to drive (itll snap your head back in all six forward gears) and Im constantly being asked "What is that?" wherever I take it. I really dont think Id change a thing (other than I wished someone made a quality bra for it).

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  Best Fun-to-Drive Car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By JustinW - September 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most fun car you could purchase for the money. With a 9k redline there is no doubt about the fun this car can produce. The handling is superior to almost any car. You get good looks, good performance, and great mileage from a Honda so you know it is reliable. The closest comparable car to a S2000 would have to be the new C6 Corvette, which probably doesnt handle as well in the convertible model.

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  perfection - 2004 Honda S2000
  By arthur k - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven the Boxter Ive driven the TT Ive driven the Miata. None of them match the ride, the responsiveness, the fun of the S2000. Every time I drive the S2000 the only question that occurs to me is, why would i want to drive anything else?

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  Best non family car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By PHM - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Great looks, great handling vehicle with quick response and a quick ride. Plenty of power and smooth shifting 6 speed transmission makes this car FUN to drive. Great vision at night with the new headlights!