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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  Fun, sleek and reliable. - 2002 Honda S2000
  By KTH - August 3 - 10:03 am

  My silver S2000 with red leather interior has been trouble free ever since I bought it in January of 2001. It has averaged very good gas mileage (for a sports car) and outstanding performance. When I took it to the beach last summer, it averaged 30 mpg over 500 miles of highway driving! The only complaint I have is with some minor vibration noises coming from the top and poor visibility through the plastic top window. Other than that, the car has been a joy to own.

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  Still strong after 6 years! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Dave Lucas - July 30 - 7:06 am

  I have liked the S2000 since I first saw it, prior to the first sell. It has pleasing, timeless lines and handles quite well. In fact, when I drive other cars for short periods, then get back to the S2000 - that is when I really appreciate how it handles. True, the car is not for everyone, but that is what I tried to avoid in the first place (a vanilla car). I look forward to having this car for another 10+ years - may be get a nice paint job when it starts to show its age!

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  Awesome...until I can get F360 Spider - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Jeff - July 29 - 10:00 am

  If you want a torque monster, this aint it. If you are looking for rear end warmers, this aint it either. If you are looking for pure unadulterated driving fun for less than 60k. There arent too many other choices. The only other convertible I would consider to be similar would be Porche Boxter S. I like this one slightly more, so the 15k savings just gives me that extra incentive to keep the money in my pocket.

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  This car rocks!!! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Matthew Dellamalva - July 22 - 12:16 am

  This car is the greatest convertible on the market, value wise and performance as well. The six speed gearbox is a gem and the engine blows off most V8s. Excelent value too

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  The S2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By stupid - July 10 - 1:03 pm

  the car is really good !!!

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  Exellent Car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By EstebanM - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Really great car specially for its price

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  Its a Keeper - 2005 Honda S2000
  By JL Clancy - July 3 - 9:41 pm

  The best thing about driving the S2000 is that I am a lady science teacher and my middle school students love it that I can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds in my Honda. My husband has clocked me. My husbands feet are a little too big for the pedals so he doesnt drive it much but we bought the Honda for me anyway. I zip around the countryside, hugging corners, shifting gears. Sixth gear is the best as I feel the burst of power. People smile and wave to us. Young and old have said, "Cool ride!" And it is.

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  Im in love - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Susan - June 27 - 10:40 am

  I was feeling pretty low as I started my search for a car. You see, Id had a stupid wreck, my fault, and now I was being forced to replace my beloved 300ZX. A friend told me Id know my new car when I saw it and boy, was he right! One test drive was all it took. You have to drive this car to understand how tight it feels. I challenge any car lover to drive it and not smile. If you want interior bells and whistles, look elsewhere...no dash GPS here...but if you want an amazing piece of affordable engineering that is a real drivers car, this is it. Also, the red color I purchased is so loud you can practically hear it.

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  best money i ever spent for a car - 2003 Honda S2000
  By rudy - June 27 - 2:00 am

  i get a smile every time i get into this car, after that my smile gets bigger! ive owned an MG years ago and this is way better. This car will scare most people before it gives and when it does it does gently. I drive it like a madman and my wife can drive it and be cool, its a wonderful machine!!

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  A 30K toy and worth every penny. - 2003 Honda S2000
  By koshiro - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Its been correctly quoted as the poor mans Ferrari 360 Spider. Captivating engine scream, wind in your hair, and begs for more spirited driving. (Resulting in a high insurrance rating). You must decide first that a 2 seater is practical enough for you. After that, this is the best 30K gift you can give your self. Noise, vibration, and harshness is actually better than my old Corolla. Harsh bumps only occur over very poorly maintained roads. I spoiled my self silly on this one. Im the happiest kid alive. The quality of life is measured by how many times the soul has been deeply stirred - Sichiro Honda