2000-2008 Honda S2000: Road Test

This one is made for fun, promising breathtaking acceleration, extraordinarily powerful braking, and razor-sharp handling talents. Similarities to any other Honda models are minimal, led by the two-seater's stiff, often jolting ride. The S2000 also suffers intrusive engine and exhaust noise levels, in all but gentle cruising. Squeaks and rattles were evident on some cars when nearly new. On the plus side, an S2000 yields thrills on the open road. Because the high-strung engine has a dizzying 9000-rpm redline limit, with little usable power below 5000 rpm, it performs best when driven aggressively with lots of shifting. Fortunately, that task happens to be wrist-flick easy with the super six-speed gearbox, which functions with a short lever and extra-short throws. Still, it's not lifeless at lower engine speeds. A test S2000 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and averaged 23 mpg, despite some hard driving. Handling is racetrack-precise, simulated panic stops are short and undramatic, but daily commuting and everyday errands are not this car's forte. Six-footers barely fit into the cozy cockpit, which offers minimal storage space. Most controls are close, and the unique digital dashboard is readable even in direct sunlight. Low, tiny main controls for the poor-sounding audio system are another annoyance. Air conditioning struggles to keep the compact interior cool, too. The power top is a snap to operate, but had a plastic rear window until 2002, as well as a lack of sound insulation and a finicky tonneau cover.

Value for the Money
Changes for 2002 began to civilize the S2000, but it's still a noisy, hard-riding, high-strung thoroughbred sport car for performance purists. Strong demand and limited availability sent new-car transaction prices far above sticker, and used examples aren't cheap either. Although an S2000 is terrific on a sports-car road, the BMW Z3 or Mazda Miata offers similar fun and better day-to-day livability--plus greater finesse.