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:
Showing 721 through 730 of 898.00-
best convertible sports car under 35k - 2000 Honda S2000
By bby2ks2k - December 26 - 2:00 amto drive this car is to love it. its chassis is extremely rigid, the steering is fast, the brakes grab and dont let go, the sound of engine spinning at 9000 rpm makes you shiver and i dare you, i double dare you to find a more direct and precise shifter for in a car less the 100K dollars. i must warn you that it is a purists sports car (for the most part) it rides very stiff, its noisy and interior storage is a joke. lets not forget the good gas mileage (27+ on my car) excellent reliablity history and resale value
-
No Compromise Performance Machine - 2002 Honda S2000
By Helios - December 2 - 2:00 amHonda made this car a showcase for its racing and engineering prowess, in the process creating a future classic. Plenty of other reviewers have it right: the S2000 makes few concessions in its quest to put a grin on the drivers face. The money went where its needed most: drivetrain, chassis, and suspension. I actually like the all- business interior, and the seats are terrific. Ive taken long trips with no discomfort. This ones made to be driven hard.
-
Great car, but not for everyone - 2002 Honda S2000
By MR KQ - November 30 - 10:33 pmWhen every dealer around was gouging customers I found one that sold the car at sticker price - no hassles. Performance is terrific, but the ride on city streets is almost unnacceptable and the engine make a lot of (not unpleasant) noise. But, once at speed (and if you own an S2000 youll be at speed any chance you get) the car is in its element. The ride smooths out and everything just feels right.
-
Smokin S2000 - 2001 Honda S2000
By tcampbel1965 - November 26 - 2:00 amI love this car. Ive had no problems and the performance is outstanding. I see no reason to spend an extra $20,000 just to have a Porsche badge (and inferior performance). If you want and incredible roadster that is as reliable as a Civic, there is no other choice.
-
little things - 2002 Honda S2000
By carlover - November 26 - 2:00 amNot many miles but some things obvious quickly. Door doesnt open wide enough, makes it hard to get in and out. Several rattles, something I never thought I would say about a Honda. Shift from 1st to 2nd is rough, sometimes almost impossible in the cold. If you get a bumper scratched and need to paint it, good luck, they dont go back on properly again. This is a summer, top down, short drive toy car. Used that way its a 10. Drive it every day and you may come to hate it.
-
Hardcare sport S2K Great handling.... - 2002 Honda S2000
By JYC - November 19 - 2:00 amS2K is so balance 50/50, make the handling so well. It definitely so nice to drive around the coast on HWY1 along the coast in CA. The car produces one the best Horsepower/liter. Think about 240HP in a 2 liter engine. Honda is also great for the engineering on the engine as well as the reliability... As long as you take care the car, it will run forever. Dont forget the VTEC power...
-
s2000 - 2000 Honda S2000
By gokp - November 18 - 2:00 amExcellent all-around car. Best Ive owned. A little bit spartan, but a fantastic value.
-
Love my S2000 - 2001 Honda S2000
By desert S2000 - November 5 - 2:00 amThis car sings in the canyons and on the turns. Great cockpit, incredible handling, love the exterior styling, its apleasure to handwash. I find the vehicle wanting of exterior temperature display, and a better tonneau cover for the top when down.
-
What a car - 2002 Honda S2000
By thunderchicken - October 29 - 2:00 amIve been researching a nice sporty car, and this ones the one. After a few months of ownership, what a car. Porsche Boxters are a dime a dozen anymore, this one is a gem.
-
Driving Sensation - 2002 Honda S2000
By booty - October 23 - 2:00 amHonda is a good car
