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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  this is a great car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By jesse1293 - February 18 - 10:00 am

  great handeling verry fast

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  Relax & Enjoy - 2004 Honda S2000
  By nucnewc - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Feeling the road and, lightning response is what makes this car fun. It feels like it always has to be restrained because it really wants to go. Driving it will put a smile on your face.

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  Grrrrl Power - 2003 Honda S2000
  By esse49 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Driving this car = pure joy. Being a woman who enjoys turning a head or two, Im never disappointed when Im cruising top-down along the freeway or the avenue. In short, the S2000s performance gives me a sense of power. Its great looks fit me like couture Chanel. The car is my idea the perfect accessory: understatment with pizazz.

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  As good as it gets under $50k - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Ed - January 24 - 6:30 pm

  This is the only roadster I found for less than $50k that offered the combimation of extraordinary handling, good acceleration and the build quality and reliability I demand. I also considered the Boxter S and BMW M3 (but not the M roadster). The ride quality is very acceptable for a roadster, and the well bolstered, form fitting seats are superb. I opted to add rear speakers to improve the sound system.

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  My dream car - 2003 Honda S2000
  By geppetto - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is amazing! It is a little tiresome in stop and go traffic, but when you hit open road it is the best. I absolutely love when the VTEC kicks in and you get thrown back into your seats. The screaming engine at 9000 rpms will take your breath away.

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  this car kicks ass - 2003 Honda S2000
  By jbjcls - January 24 - 10:00 am

  if youve got the money and you dont need room for passengers this is the car for you. even though the trunk may look really small it can fit a lot of stuff

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  wow - 2003 Honda S2000
  By jeff cavin - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I believe this is the most amazing car I have ever owned. For the size and price range of this car you cant beat it. It handled as good as any sports car I have ever driven and what a blast to drive. I cant say enough about this car anyone looking for a small convertible should look no further you would be disappointed. Jeff Cavin

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  Too much fun! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By wheelsS2K - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my Silverstone S2K in April. It is a blast to drive, even when commuting! I commute ~90 miles daily and love the ride regardless of the weather. Good road manners in the rain, sticks like Velcro on the dry road! Only 1 speeding ticket so far....

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  3000 Miles On My S So Far - 2003 Honda S2000
  By rla766 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The 6-speed is a bit tricky at first, but once you get it down the acceleration is amazing. Easily under 6 seconds to 60. Everything is so tight on the car, screwed down to not rattle. I was actually in the market for a C5 when I drove an S for comparison. The C5 was a hulking rattling monster compared to the S, with little noticeable difference in acceleration and much better cornering.

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  I love it!! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By chimene - January 24 - 10:00 am

  If I couldnt have gotten this one. I would have chosen a BMW convertible. My car is wonderful fun! Its white with tan leather. It HUGS the road in all kinds of rain storms. My other car is a Dodge Dakota SLT Quad Cab. Its fabulous too!!