2000-2008 Honda S2000: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Honda S2000
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2000-2008 Honda S2000 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Brake performance
- Acceleration
- Seat comfort
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Passenger and cargo room
- Engine noise
- Ride
Vehicle Highlights
Honda broke into the traditional sports car ranks with a decidedly un-Honda-like two-seater. Sized like the BMW Z3, Honda's rear-drive sports car came equipped with a hot 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual gearbox. Made for performance and to reflect Honda's racing heritage, the S2000 lacked a few basic items, such as a glovebox. Curiosities included a digital speedometer and a red Start button on the left of the dashboard, rather than the usual key starter. The power folding top had a plastic rear window. Not only did the S2000 offer optimal 50/50 weight distribution, but it featured a race-inspired in-wheel suspension, aimed at precise handling. Body styling made use of angular, chiseled forms, evolved from the SSM concept car seen at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show. Functional roll bars were installed behind the seat. Standard equipment included electric power steering, all-disc antilock braking, leather upholstery, air conditioning, power windows and locks, high-intensity headlights, and 16-inch alloy wheels. A stereo system with CD player hid behind a retractable panel, low on the dashboard. An immobilizer antitheft system was installed, as was a Torsen limited-slip differential. Side-impact airbags were not available, but a removable aluminum hardtop was optional. Rivals ranged from the Audi TT and BMW Z3 Series to the Mazda Miata, Toyota MR2 Spyder, and Chevrolet Corvette.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Honda S2000 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 10 | |
| Quietness | 1 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 1 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 36 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2000-2008 Honda S2000. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2000-2008 Honda S2000.
Year to Year Changes
2001 Honda S2000:
Floormats, a rear wind deflector, clock, and in-trunk emergency release became standard in the sports car's second season. Indy Yellow was a new color choice, too. Fewer than 5,000 S2000s were being built annually for sale in the U.S.
2002 Honda S2000:
A glass pane with defroster took the place of the prior plastic rear window in the Honda roadster's power-operated soft top. The six-speed gearbox was reworked in an effort to provide smoother, quieter shifts. The interior gained extra aluminum trim and a restyled console, and a leather-wrapped gearshift knob replaced the previous alloy piece. Revised taillights held chrome rings. Suzuka Blue joined the color palette, and the stereo system gained power.
2003 Honda S2000:
A tan interior was now available on white cars.
2004 Honda S2000:
The S2000's engine grew from a 2.0 4-cyl, to a 2.2 liter in 2004. Also, 17-inch wheels now replace 16s, front and rear bumpers are restyled, and the S2000's suspension tuning got a revision.
2005 Honda S2000:
Honda's sports car is unchanged for 2005.
2006 Honda S2000:
An antiskid system was the main 2006 addition to Honda's sports car.
2007 Honda S2000:
S2000 carried over unchanged.
2008 Honda S2000:
The 2008 Honda S2000 got a new model aimed at club racers. The S2000 CR came equipped with a removable hard top, track-ready suspension tuning, and added body cladding.
Our road test for the 2000-2008 Honda S2000 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2008 Honda S2000 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2008 Honda S2000 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Honda S2000 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 10 | |
| Quietness | 1 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 1 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 36 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Honda S2000 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Honda S2000 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
Condensation from the air conditioner drips onto the passenger foot well requiring resealing of the heater housing lower seam. (2000-01)
Blower motor:
Blower motor overheats, blows the fuse and may melt the fan because motor cooling hose becomes clogged. (2000-04)
Check-engine light:
"Check Engine" light may glow on vehicles used where salt is used on the roads because the EVAP solenoid fails. (2000-03)
Clutch:
As the vehicle accumulates miles, the clutch gets noisier. A redesigned clutch is available that is initially a bit noisy but does not get louder with age. Gear clash shifting from 1st to 2nd requires replacement of both gear sets including new synchronizers. (2000)
Convertible top:
The rear window on convertibles is easily creased when the top is lowered, scratched by paper towels or clouded by road grime and other environmental factors. (2000-02)
Convertible top:
These cars should not be washed in automatic car washes or with a high-pressure washer because water can leak inside or damage the convertible top. (2000-02)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $670 |
| Alternator | $340 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $0 |
| Brakes | $400 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $465 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $990 |
| Exhaust System | $800 |
| Radiator | $200 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $815 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $180 |
Our price chart for this generation Honda S2000 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| S2000 | $27,500-29,500 | $25,600-27,400 | $18,400-19,800 |
| 2007 | |||
| S2000 | $24,000-25,500 | $22,300-23,700 | $15,600-16,600 |
| 2006 | |||
| S2000 | $21,500-23,000 | $19,800-21,200 | $14,000-15,000 |
| 2005 | |||
| S2000 | $19,200-20,500 | $17,700-18,900 | $12,500-13,300 |
| 2004 | |||
| S2000 | $17,000-18,200 | $15,600-16,700 | $10,900-11,600 |
| 2003 | |||
| S2000 | $15,000-16,000 | $13,700-14,600 | $9,500-10,100 |
| 2002 | |||
| S2000 | $13,000-14,000 | $11,800-12,700 | $7,500-8,100 |
| 2001 | |||
| S2000 | $11,400-12,400 | $10,300-11,200 | $6,300-6,800 |
| 2000 | |||
| S2000 | $10,000-11,000 | $9,000-9,900 | $5,200-5,700 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Honda S2000 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 94.5 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 162.2 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 50.6 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2809 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 34.6 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 44.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only one powertrain has been available under S2000 hoods: a 2.0-liter, dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine rated at 240 horsepower, driving a six-speed manual transmission. The 2.0 liter 4-cyinder grew to a 2.2 liter in 2004, with torque jumping from 153 lb-ft to 161 lb-ft.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.2 / 134 | 240 | 161 | 6-speed manual: 20/26 | 6-speed manual: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 240 | 153 | 6-speed manual: 20/26 | 6-speed manual: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Honda S2000 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2000-2008 Honda S2000 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2000:
Lenses of side marker lamp and side reflex reflector in taillamp assembly do not comply with federal standard.
2000:
Seatbelts may not retract properly when top is down and seats are pushed all the way back.
2000:
Under certain conditions, the seat belt retractor can deform and become frequently locked rendering the seatbelt inoperative.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
