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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  Phast-S - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Phast - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive Had a Mustang GT and a Corvette and there is absolutely no comparison. The S is faster than the GT and almost as fast as the Vette. The handling is in a completely different class than both of these cars!!!!

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  THE BEST CAR YOULL EVER OWN!! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Blondie427 - January 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is soooo much fun to drive, the halogen lights are the best they light up the whole road!!! Not the most smooth ride but, who cares ITS FAST!!!!

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  Fun Car - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Renae - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Everytime I drive it I have a big smile on my face. I waited eight months to buy it and I have never once had a second thought about the choice.

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  CANT HANDLE 9000 RPM - 2000 Honda S2000
  By O-MEGA36X - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Incredible car for a sports car-most amazing 4cyll and I beat 8cyll. ugly mustangs gts all the time--just like a nice car like this should. Should make it with a permanent non- convertible option which will also keep the weight down-its heavier than it looks. Engine sounds incredible. Car was once mistaken for an exotic car and not a honda. Supercharged option should be considered for rediculous speed. Nice controls and dash board-car is a little cramped but you can expect that.

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  For the money you cant beat it! - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Jsherm - January 14 - 2:00 am

  After just 1000 miles this car has been a dream. All the power you need is there along with Hondas reputation for a quality automobile. When you compare the cost to speed (eg. looking in the back of Road and Track for specs on all makes and models of cars, incl. cost, 0- 60, braking, etc.), there is only one other car that has a 5.5sec 0-60 rating for under $35k and thats the 350z. This car is the best bang for the buck out there.

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  Great Car!!! - 2001 Honda S2000
  By xaznx - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Very enjoyable car, and fun to drive, cant wait till my next drive with the top down

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  s2000 unbeatable fun at $32,000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By z2000 - January 8 - 2:00 am

  if you are over 6 2" this would be the only reason not to purchase this vehicle.Give Honda credit-the are putting together a 4 cylinder car that puts out approx 250hp can outperform the Audi TT-stay with the Boxter-and the z3 and Z4-all for much less$-The car takes some used to because this baby is just starting to warm up at 6to 7000 rpm where most others are fading

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  Awesome Power! - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Steve Austin - January 5 - 2:00 am

  This is a beautiful car to look at and a joy to drive! Closet thing youll ever get to driving a race car! I will get it on the track for some fast laps!

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  More Fun Than Your First Bike - 2001 Honda S2000
  By chittydog - January 2 - 2:00 am

  Its like driving a mini rocket. This car is sleek, fast, fun and handles like its on rails. I average about 25 miles/gallon so its also much more environmentally friendly than the V8 gas-guzzlers that used to provide the only thrill out there. The price tag is a little high for the stripped-down basic interior, but its still worth every dime. My only complaint is that the doors and dash are starting to rattle.

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  This car is BAD!! (BAD meaning Great!... - 2002 Honda S2000
  By HondaAdvocate - December 30 - 2:00 am

  as in BADASS!) I bought this car for my wife as a Christmas gift and she loves it ... the handling is excellent, great power, and best of all its a 4- cylinder.