2003 Honda S2000: Road Test
Archived Review
2003 Honda S2000 Manual
2003 Honda S2000 ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $32,600
- Invoice: $29,325
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2003 Honda S2000 includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Honda S2000 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Honda S2000, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Honda S2000 help you decide if a 2003 Honda S2000 is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 5.9 |
High-tune engine needs big revs for best performance, yet is surprisingly tractable in city driving. Test car did 0-60 mph in a rapid 6.7 sec. Shift action positive, wrist-flick easy.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.1 |
Averaged 23.2 mpg in driving that included performance tests, and 25.6 mpg in an even city/highway mix. Premium fuel required.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 3.5 |
Ever stiff, especially on rippled freeways, but it takes a large bump to jolt occupants.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 7.7 |
Go-Kart-flat cornering, pin-sharp steering, but sudden throttle inputs can cause fishtailing on wet pavement and a light snowfall nearly immobilized our Midwest test car. Braking swift and undramatic; S2000 just hunkers down and stops.
QUIETNESS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 3.2 |
Top down, noise unobjectionable. Top up, tiresome tire roar. Engine loud but sweet-sounding in the high-rpm driving this car encourages.
CONTROLS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6 |
Small cockpit, so everything's nearby. Audio unit mounts a bit low, but redundant controls for major functions flank steering wheel. Jazzy digi-graphic gauges aren't tops for legibility, but don't wash out in bright light. Solid materials. Top operates quickly, seals well.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.7 |
Larger persons have little room to spare and may find seats too confining and hard. Tall transmission tunnel adds to a very cozy feel. Low "bathtub" seating, so crouch-and-crawl entry/exit. Top-up visibility surprisingly good.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 0 | 1.1 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 3 |
Pack light. Trunk will hold a good number of plastic grocery bags or a couple's trip-to-the-beach luggage. Door storage nets augment small dashboard glovebox and awkward between-seats bin.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 6.1 |
A great drive for sports-car addicts; a bit stiff and noisy for others. Pricey too, with demand strong and availability limited. Mazda's Miata is a little more practical and a lot less costly than this Honda, but the spicy S2000 runs thousands less than a Porsche Boxster, with which it compares for thrills among open-top sports cars.
Total Score
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 50 | 47.3 |
Total Score: 50
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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.
