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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  like no other - 2004 Honda S2000
  By s2000whiz - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several Zs and have driven practically every other kind of sports car while making up my mind what to buy. My decision was based upon the pure visceral enjoyment of speed and the ability to control it.

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  Ichiban! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Gino - June 24 - 2:00 am

  It was time to replace our modified 63 Alfa Spider show car/club racer Id owned since new--an Italian classic. We drove a few possibilities and then, the latest iteration of the S2000. Simply put, the Honda is the new classic--an agressively quick, superb handling, extremely handsome, fun to drive, all- out performance tourer that others can only hope to equal anywhere near the price. Ive driven and raced many cars over the years, some costing substantially more, but have never been so enamored of a vehicle that offers so much for such a modest sum. An absolutely stunning package and a new classic, indeed.

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  More Torque! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Zathras - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I test drove an S2000 yesterday after having driven a couple of 350Zs. Overall the S2000 feels like a much better quality car, but the 350Z as an intoxicating torque that pushes you back no matter what gear you are in. In the S2000 youd have to drop a gear or two and nail the rpms to get the same feeling. Honda should put a 3.0 liter inline six in the S2000. Nothing could touch it then.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By B.C. - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Had my S2000 about one week and love it. I wouldnt change much about it. The interior space is close but I like that.

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  bmw killer - 2004 Honda S2000
  By djg - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I literally drove everything for over a year MB slk 911 boxster bmw z4 z3 350 rx8 crossfire. none were bad or performed poorly none also (except the 911 and z4) were exceptional until I drove the s2000. What a rocket! What fun! Totally dedicated to the driver and does not cater to anything or anyone else. Everything at your fingertips (or your foot!) and by far the most fun to drive in any situation mundane to the exhirating. Build quality is superb rock solid rival to the z4. best decision I have made and all for only 30k.

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  Almost no room for improvement! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By RenoS2K - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive always been a die-hard fan of the 8-cylinder engine. I was even going to get a Vette, ... until I drove the S2K. It is so much fun to drive and attracts all the right kind of attention. Just what youd want in a sports car. I compared it to the Z4 and the 350Z, and there was just no comparison. The S2K is a better car for a better price. The 04 Honda S2000 is a great value as well as a great performer. I strongly recommend it.

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  S-2000 is a good choice. - 2004 Honda S2000
  By drk - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Extremely fun car to drive. Tracks extremely well in hi-speed corners. Tremendous power once rolling because the VTEC engine develops its real power at mid to high rpms. The hard molded convertible boot cover is of little practical use (takes up much of trunk when not installed) but I think it does look good on the car.

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  Great Car--Thanks Honda! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By VTEC Stalwart - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Have had my S2000 for a year and use it as a daily driver in Newport, RI so it sees rain and snow. It is everything that you want in a drop-top sports car. Unique styling, great engine, gearbox and suspension. Ive had an NSX, a Corvette roadster, and a 911. This car ranks right up there with all of them plus its less expensive to purchase and requires no maintenance other than to change the fluids. Forget the torque and a killer sound system--a 9000 RPM redline makes up for those things. Buy one and get used to grinning again!

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  What a fun car! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By toshi - June 15 - 2:00 am

  This had been my dream car until I boght it, and has been my dream car since I bought it. I knew this car has great performance, but I am a bit surprised how easy it is to drive this. Also a surprise has been a ride. It is firm, but very comfortable. My gf usually gets car sick on winding roads, but never on S2000.

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  serious fun in a roadster - 2004 Honda S2000
  By hirev - June 15 - 2:00 am

  so far after 8000 miles and 6 months this car is near perfect. just oil changes. no oil use. dont beleive what others say about no low end torque. this car goes, and handles, and has a great ride, even for distances. the build quality is excellent. lows:crappy stereo, cramped interior room, twitchy oversteering at limit takes time to master...highs, performance, build quality, features, a/c, gearbox, brakes, engine, rigid mid/front engine designed chassis is second to none. and when you vetc it just screams from 6,0000 to 8200 rpm. this car is not for everyone, just serious roadster carnuts who can appreciate this limited production hand built honda.