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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  Blast to drive! - 2001 Honda S2000
  By ddd444 - February 10 - 2:00 am

  It is absolutely the most fun you can have in a car! It gives you the feeling of driving a F1 Race car!!

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  2002 Honda S2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By vrdcman - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the S2K for about a year now. I must admit, I ask myself everyday why I bought convertible as a second car. But once I get inside of the vehicle, I am absolutely thrilled that I purchased it. It has the power and the "look" of any expensive $50M convertible, but half the price. I truly recommend this vehicle for any sports car enthusiast

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  fun car to drive - 2005 Honda S2000
  By heat2575 - February 5 - 4:16 am

  great looking car with outstanding performance: nimble, quick, responsive. cant really complain about its handling. you will be amazed how fast this car can go with just a 2.2 liter engine. however, it does require revving up the engine to 5600 rpm or else it feels much like a 2.2 accord. 161 lb/ft of torque just doesnt do the job. 20% more torque will be the perfect combinations for its 240 hp. stereo system has to be upgraded. rims are nicer with 17" on 04s and 05s but honda should replace them with more racey looking rims, the design on those stock rims looks kinda sissy. i know i am being very picky here but thats what review is all about, right?

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  Love my Y2k, S2k - 2000 Honda S2000
  By s2000black - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my S2000 since Oct. 1999. Its the best car buying decission I have ever made. It is the most fun to drive vehicle for the money and has been one of the most reliable vehicles listed in Consumer Reports Magazine. Although it is very reasonably price for its class, the limited production by Honda keeps it somewhat exclusive. After over 3 yrs, its still an attention grabber and still feels just as tight as new. This is a street legal race car. If you want a luxury soft top, get the Thunderbird or Merc SLK. If you love to drive (turn corners & stuff), this is your car.

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  Finally got my S2K - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Christopher_Nofar - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Best way to describe it: "Everything you need; nothing you dont." I live in Michigan and this IS my daily driver. There is no doubt that this is an "enthusiasts" car. You will wear this car like your best pair of jeans. The 2.2L 04 engine has plenty of torque down low and enough top end to make you feel like youre drivng F1. There are scores of additional updates for 04 as compared to 03. One key note: The 04 model produces significantly MORE power/torque than Honda claims-check out www.vtec.net for details. Fuel economy of 20/25 city/hwy isnt bad for a sports car.

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  Fun to drive all the time!!! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Ed Northwood - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Great for every day driving if you dont need the room .Theres nothing like leaving work after a long day and racing home. The quicker you get there the better,right? Fast is just half the fun, Letting the top down and looking cool is other!!!

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  Love the S2000 - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Austin S2000 Owner - February 2 - 2:00 am

  You wont regret buying this car. It has Honda resale value and Honda quality. I havent had a bit of trouble with the car in 2 years. Its more fun to drive than you can imagine and hugs the road beautifully. Theres nothing like shifting into 6th and sailing past everyone...especially when they think theyre actually going to overtake you! Great for rides in the hills and on curves. Amazingly low road noise and I never get tired of having the top down. Buy one today!

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  Could Hardly Be Better! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By GMESETMTCH1 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Having owned a 2001 makes it easier to draw comparisons between the two. Obviously, I liked the 01 or I wouldnt have purchased another S2000. I didnt think it could be possible but Honda produced an even better car the second time around! Better looking and less "edgy" is the best way I can compare the two. More refined is applicable as well. This car has to be the best value in this market segment, bar none!

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  Fun - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Snor - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding slow or fast when not in traffic. Love the car. Attracts police like magnate. I would not want to take a 400 mile trip in this car. Snow / ice traction is a joke. Wet/dry traction is unbelievable. Very quiet. Im 6 ft 2 in, just barely fit in car (legroom is tight, top is ok)

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  excellent - 2002 Honda S2000
  By air dog - January 24 - 2:00 am

  The Honda S2000 is by far the most exhilarating car I have ever had the honor of experiencing (Ive driven cars such as the 300ZX, Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, and Corvette). Not only does this car possess the handling of a true sports car, but also a naturally aspirated 2.0 liter engine pumping out an astounding 240 horses!