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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  $50,000 Sports car for 33K? - 2003 Honda S2000
  By gt - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Incredible machine! Built to the quality of what you might expect from Mercedes. Unfortunately for Mercedes their SLK looks good but is no match in quality or performance.. The S2K is a real "rocket blast!"

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  watch out!!! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By mac 5 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I am extremely happy with my S2000, 2002!!!! I havent had any problems with it. It handels well, and has alot of power... It was recently featured 8/27/2003 Los Angeles Times Highway 1. I do not agree that it is a poormans Porche, I could have bought a Boxster S, but Why??? This car is awesome!!!!!!!!

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  Love This Car ! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Ray Jackson - August 26 - 2:00 am

  My S2000 is simply an eye stopper in looks and performance. I frequently drive Hwy 1, from Monterey, CA to Big Sur with lots of curves that are high above the ocean and dangerous cliffs. The 50/50 weight distribution and handling qualities are exceptional. A man walked up to me stating, "Man...that car looks fast just sitting there. What is it?" I just smiled and said, "Its a Honda" Its tough on tires depending on how you drive. I only got 15,500 miles out of my first stock Bridgestones... Im now trying Michelins Pilots. Watch out! Let the tires get nearly smooth on the back and you will water plane, out of control, in the rain. Drive safe.

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  the best little sportie - 2003 Honda S2000
  By momsgirl - August 26 - 2:00 am

  i have dealt with honda automobiles for over 12 years and have total faith in their contant drive for excellance. they take chances, find problems and handle them. no problem! the "s2000" is the best car to drive for performance, fun, comfort for a great little get away, fun, great fuel economy, and dontt forget-fun!

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  Uncomfortable, noisy, slow. - 2003 Honda S2000
  By CyberS2k - August 25 - 2:00 am

  The title sums it up. Its just all flash. Noisy but no bang. This should be a $15k car, more a miata clone. In the past year of owning this car everything has had major problems. Im on my 3rd clutch, it drinks oil not gas, the paint in chipping\fading in many places and the engine already has trouble starting!

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  SILVER TOY - 2003 Honda S2000
  By crigszee - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY S2OOO. FOR A HONDA IT IS A FAST, FUN, SPORTY VEHICLE. I RACED PORSHE BOXTERS AND KICKED BUTT!!!!.....love it totally!!!

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  S2000 = THE BEST - 2003 Honda S2000
  By eyeidea - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! So much fun! Super fast, great price and awesome Honda build quality. Id by it again.

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  The best for your money!!! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By richy rich - August 18 - 10:00 am

  A true drivers car.

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  The BEST - 2003 Honda S2000
  By acuradrian - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Looked at the Corvette, Boxter, 350z This is the complete package! And the right price

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  good cat - 2003 Honda S2000
  By gregooty 19 - August 17 - 2:00 am

  good car go fast