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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  dream machine - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Jonathan Powers - March 23 - 2:00 am

  the handling can only be described as awesome. know the limit of your self and the car. no traction control makes this car a true drivers car the skills are put into your hands. the 6 speed manual gear box if crisp and precise. the gears shift effortlessly because of the close ratio gearbox. with the top down or up this car is a dream to drive. but when you have the top down is when it really shines. throw the car into a turn and it throws it back at you with no problem.

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  Take a holiday... after work. - 2001 Honda S2000
  By salsaweb - March 19 - 2:00 am

  The s2000 packs a punch. 240hp power this light weight roadster (go-kart) from 0-60 in 5.6 seconds. This car is for those who truly love driving. I have owned this car for close to a year and though its price matches that of the BMW z3... The performance of the z3 does not even come close to the s2000s. Test drive it, that is if you can get your hands on one of these rare beauties.

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  Awesome toy - 2001 Honda S2000
  By NE BlkS2K Owner - March 15 - 1:27 pm

  This is my 2nd car, so complaints like, weak stero and lack of passenger/trunk space, dont really apply for me. I wanted a classic sports car(convertible, rear-wheel drive, great handling, light weight, great power-to-weight ratio and good looks) and I got it without paying stupid money. Great 2nd car!!!

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  S2000 Rocks! - 2000 Honda S2000
  By Berto in Kansas - March 9 - 8:11 pm

  What a car - 0 to 60 in 5.6 secs... Great road feel and responsiveness. Tough sledding in the snow. Excellent exterior and interior styling based on the looks from other motorists. Fun is the S2000s middle name at a great value price...

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  its like a girl - 2000 Honda S2000
  By anthony - March 9 - 2:06 am

  this car is so find and pretty its the greatest car i ever touched

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  Unbelievable machine! - 2000 Honda S2000
  By splitwindow - March 8 - 12:17 am

  This car is great to drive on winding back roads, over rolling hills and mountains and along flat stretches of beach or expressway....yes, anywhere. It takes corners perfectly. Can get great gas mileage if not pushed....28-30 mpg. If pushed,it can rocket from 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds. The S-2000 is pure fun.

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  Its a head-turner for sure! - 2001 Honda S2000
  By shadoh - March 6 - 6:10 pm

  Want a sportster, or just a fun, sporty, and affordable car? S2000 is the car to get! Similar in style to the BMW Z3 and Audi TT roadster, but a fraction of cost. S2000 is FUN to drive, and it gets looks. Theres not a ton out there, so people always say "cool car!" or "I didnt know Honda made a sporster!" Its true that low-end torque is lacking, pass the 4,500 RPM mark & hang on to your hat! Fun to drive, nice too look at, and definitely grabs attention. I recommend it to anyone I know.

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  S2000 - 2001 Honda S2000
  By tcampbel2 - March 6 - 1:18 am

  This is by far the best roadster on the market. In fact, it is probably the best vehicle sold in North America, period. And now that it has a glass rear window, the only real complaint has been remedied. To get a near equal car you would have to spend $20,000 more and you have to ask yourself if haveing a Porsche badge is worth $20k. I smile every time I look at the thing. Most dealers are chargeing sticker these days. Buy this car!

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  Great car - 2001 Honda S2000
  By elanderholm - March 4 - 4:07 pm

  I love my S2000. It is one of the most fun to drive cars made....at any price. I would recommend it highly. The long term reliability worries me a little. Not the engine, but other parts like the clutch, diff, and cv joints. While, I have not had any problems yet, my car only has 14.6k miles on it. It is my daily driver, rain or shine. The car is rattle free, looks great, with the hardtop is a decent daily driver, and has good performance.

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  One great roadster - 2000 Honda S2000
  By vaww - February 27 - 7:23 pm

  This car is a blast! Drives like it is on rails. Responds well, sounds great. An experience with few parallels.