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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  The baddist car out there - 2002 Honda S2000
  By scooby12345 - June 11 - 10:33 pm

  I just bought one and this car i love it gives you what you need if you are a guy i mean its fast and cool and efficent all at the same time. I LOVE IT

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  My Honda - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Rock Tapken - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Its a big performance package in a stylishly small car.

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  Pocket Rocket - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Caliber35 - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for my boyfriend, but cannot resist driving it myself. It is faster and more fun to drive than my Supercharged Jag V8! We live in South Florida and rarely drive it with the top up. A blast to drive down A1A and even better on the open road. It draws looks and rave comments wherever we go.

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  Incredible Fun - 2000 Honda S2000
  By Hsuman - June 10 - 2:00 am

  If you do not need 4 seats and a large trunk - I can squeeze 2 golf bags in it - you cannot buy more fun on four wheels.

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  Love It! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Gern Blanstin - June 8 - 2:00 am

  Just got my 2002 today and couldnt be happier. This is one fun car to drive. For the price, there isnt a better high performance car out there. Highly recommend for anyone who thinks driving should not be a tedious day to day ordeal.

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  awesome ride - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Tom W - June 6 - 2:00 am

  For those who think a 4 cylinder normally aspirated engine cant be a thriller - you are WRONG! Take a 2 liter 4 cylinder, put it on speed (9000 rpms) and you have an incredible rush. The sound is sweet. Above 6000 rpms the sound is incredible. Think of your favorite Formula 1 arcade game, and place it into a real vehicle. The sound - the cockpit - the feel.

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  performance, style, reliabliltiy,etc. - 2000 Honda S2000
  By jason - June 5 - 2:00 am

  this little car is amazing. although priced at least 10 grand less then its competiton (audi tt, bmw z3, mercedes slk, porsche boxster) it performs as well if not better. no it does not have the "prestige" but who cares? the only complaints i have is the weak stereo, made worse by the fact my left thigh blocks the door speaker and i would like a little more shoulder support in the otherwise awesome seats.

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  rocket rod - 2002 Honda S2000
  By bubbsie - May 30 - 2:00 am

  wow! what a kick butt ride! This car gets more looks than my corvette convertible ever did and it handles better too. How can you keep under 7000 rpm in this baby? If you never have driven one, beg the next owner you see for a ride.

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  Palpitations - 2002 Honda S2000
  By drfit2000 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  There is no bigger thrill-ride available on the road today. Hit the little red button, use your fingertips to shift the flawless stick, and let it rev. Trips to the supermarket cause the heart to flutter. This is a noisy bulldog of a car that always demands your attention. Not for music lovers you cant hear the radio. Who cares?

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  If you like to drive..buy one! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By M. R. Miller - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I did my reasearch in this catagory..the hands down winner was the S2000. Having never thought about this vehicle I was off to see what all the fuss was about. After an hour of face to face with this shy but powerful car I walked away owning a red one. I wanted a car to mimic the performance of my motorcycle only have the comfort of a 2 pasanger vehicle and I got it. If you love to feel acceleration, if you love to hear the motor music and love to turn on a dime this is your car. Sure, if I was in the market to pay $50 K plus there is another door open..however, this was a add on to my driving fix and the price tag was right.