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:

• 

  WOW os what an S2000 means - 2004 Honda S2000
  By former racer - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many cars from rolls and MBenz to Jaguar to a Jensen Interceptor and this is the best all around speedster I have ever driven...needs a bit more weight in the rear end and has a rather tight suspension but for sheer manoeverability. speed, mileage and shifting flexability this is one great car with virtually no maintainance...I simply love it and for the money it is the best kept secret in road racers around.

• 

  Brilliant! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By CBaron - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Every trip is like a visit to the go-kart track. I can find nothing bad to say about this vehicle. I am constantly amazed at how few I see on the road, especially in contrast to the high numbers I see of more expensive and less well-performing two seaters.

• 

  Not your fathers Honda! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Top Banana - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Just starting to go through a mid-life crisis, I felt I needed something to help me with the problem. The S-2000 was it. Good , clean and sexy lines, a nice tight interior. The handling is wonderful. Acceleration is powerful. Even after 3 years of production I still get the looks and stares when I drive by. The car has never seen rain. Is garage kept and stored in the winter. Mileage is low as the time I have to drive it is short. But when the weather and traffic are right...nothing comes close to the thrill. And yes Margaret, its a HONDA!

• 

  Flat-Out Fun! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Jim Steele - August 5 - 2:00 am

  With the exception of cargo space, every aspect of the 04 Honda S2000 excels. I traded a BMW M3 convertable (bought it new in 99) and wont look back.

• 

  Exhilarating roadster: hell on wheels - 2004 Honda S2000
  By rick98sportster - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely stunning ride. Beautiful in Berlina Black. The 04s adjustments to peak torque and redline make the car more versitile without diminishing performance. The engine screams when you want it to. . .and the handling is superlative. Very liveable, even on a daily commute of 22 miles. I do benefit from reverse traffic, so not stuck in bumper to bumper. Acceleration is amazing and as I pile up the miles I am getting used to drawing the max out of an engine that loves to rev so high. Compared to my previous roadsters, i.e., 72 MGB and 68 Austin-Healy Sprite, this car is light years ahead in every respect.

• 

  S2000 - Awsome - 2004 Honda S2000
  By solution123 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  A very fast car with the feal of an F1 automobile with Japanese Quality.

• 

  TIght turns and hot curves - 2004 Honda S2000
  By gatorguy37 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  The car has been a dream to own and drive. Its fast, tight in turns, a real pleasure to drive and surpisingly comfortable on long trips. The trunk is big enough to fit the clubs AND enough luggage for a long weekend. If you dont want to golf, then you can have enough room to bring your girlfriend AND her stuff.

• 

  SPONTANEITY BACK TO DRIVING! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By TIM007 - August 1 - 2:00 am

  HANDELING IS INCREDIBLE AND OFFERS THE SPONTANEITY BACK TO DRIVING.I WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE RIDE WHILE CRUISING THE FREEWAY.THE XENON LIGHTING IS STD AND IT TRULY LIGHTS UP THE ROAD FOR SUPERIOR VISIABILITY.THE SHORT THROW BOX MAKES DRIVING THIS S2000 MORE FUN AND POWERFUL.THE BRAKES ARE PERFECT WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO RACE THIS CAR IN A SAFE YET VEIN PUMPING MANNER. IF YOUR LOOKING FOR AN AFFORDABLE, DEPENDABLE YET BREATH TAKING ADRENALINE PUMPING EXPERIENCE THEN THIS IS THE CAR FOR YOU. THE MORE YOU REALIZE THIS CAR WAS BUILT TO BE PUSHED AND WORKED OVER THE MORE YOU WILL BE SATISFIED WITH YOUR PURCHASE.DEPENDABILITY WITH HONDA MADE THIS DECISION EASY.

• 

  Should has not bought the first year - 2003 Honda S2000
  By concon - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Loves to go fast. Not much torque on the low end but it sure kicks in after 6000. Fits like my favorite jeans and t-shirt like it was made just for me.

• 

  One of a kind - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Melissa C - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Ever since I set eyes on my car-it took my breath away. Driving is a dream. The car is solid and heavy like a Mercedes so safe to go on road trips. Good size trunk, unique features, and you will have a fan club wherever you go. Mouths drop when you drive by...if only they knew what it was like behind the wheel:+) Best thing Ive ever done. Just make sure you wave to the rest of us when you pass by...there are only a minimal number of S2000s produced by Honda each year.