HONDA S2000 Review

Summary:

What we like: Performance; Handling; Gearbox.

What we don't like: Lack of modern features

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HONDA S2000 review in detail:

When it was introduced for the start of the new millennium, the Honda S2000 was a minor revelation for the driving enthusiast. This little Honda, with its racecar-inspired suspension, perfect weight balance and high-output four-cylinder engine, was capable of giving the German and American convertibles of the day a good thrashing on a tight and twisty road. That it also undercut them on price, was more fuel-efficient and was backed by Honda's reputation for reliability was the icing on the cake.

Though Honda typically redesigns its products every five years, it has left the S2000 relatively untouched for eight. There's never been a full redesign, though a couple of updates were modestly successful at attacking the vehicle's earlier faults of weedy low-end torque and twitchy handling at the limit.

Honda S2000 is a pure sports machine. Handling balance is excellent thanks to a 50-50 weight split and this car turns in positively and is more than willing to change direction when the driver demands. The engine showcases Honda's race-bred expertise in high-performance powerplants.

However, it's only when you get it over 5850 rpm that it really starts to work properly. That's when there's a big push in the back accompanied by a super shriek from the exhaust. To get the best from the peaky engine you have to constantly use the close-ratio, six-speed manual gearbox. Fortunately this isn't a problem as the gearbox has a lovely short throw and nice feel.

Antilock disc brakes and stability control are standard. The 2007 Honda S2000 scored well in government crash tests, earning four stars (out of a best score of five) for protection against frontal impacts. It also earned five stars for side-impact protection despite its lack of side airbags.

The S2000's cabin is cramped for anyone of more than average size and in-cabin stowage and boot space are very limited. Despite its age, the car is holding up reasonably well in the styling stakes.

When will the HONDA S2000 be updated next?

The HONDA S2000 update is expected to be around 3 2009

The next generation Honda S2000 is expected to be a lot less expensive than previous generations, and will likely be a real challenger for the Mazda MX5.

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