Buyer guide to the Honda S2000
Buyer guide to the Honda S2000
This 'race-bred' normally-aspirated, four cylinder engine races to 9000 rpm before hitting the rev-limiter - without resorting to turbocharging and it conforms to some of the toughest emissions legislation in the world.
From the moment you press the red starter button you know you are going to experience something special. Up to 5000 rpm the car feels docile but once over 5500 to 6000 rpm all hell breaks loose.
As the engine speed builds the note changes progressively becoming more urgent and more like a motorbike accelerating and it is certainly addictive echoing Honda’s decades of involvement with high-revving Formula 1 and CART ChampCar race engines. The transmission tunnel is located directly under your left arm and after a particularly vigorous workout the heat rises from the centre of the car.
The short-throw shift action six-speed manual transmission is superb offering light and precise gearchanges. The clutch is extremely well weighted and it is a pleasure to change gear. The only downside is that to keep hearing that incredibly raucous engine note you have to use the car and that can easily put you over the speed limit - be warned driven without restraint this car is a licence breaker!
The engine is remarkably flexible even at low speeds thanks to the latest generation of Honda’s VTEC variable valve timing. Around town the S2000 is easy to drive and compliant with most road surfaces, even pot holes which it negotiates without breaking your back.
The 2004 model is equipped with ventilated front disc brakes, rear disc brakes and ABS (anti-lock braking system) ensuring that the S2000 stops reassuringly well.
Honda have engineered a superb driving machine and with such high performance capability the S2000 demands a competent chassis to harness and efficiently exploit that power on the road. The rigid body, advanced in-wheel double wishbone suspension and good weight balance are complemented by well weighted and direct electric power steering and powerful, progressive brakes.
Conventional hydraulic power steering systems require a pump driven off the engine which can sap power by as much as 5 PS as well as adversely affecting fuel economy. For this reason the Honda S2000 is equipped with electric power steering (EPS) which only absorbs electrical energy when required.
The S2000’s compact dimensions and low weight result in outstanding agility. The engine is situated at the very back of the engine bay in the quest for a low centre of gravity and an optimum weight balance for balanced handling. Occupants sit behind the car’s overall centre of balance, and close to the centre of the rear axle giving the driver a feeling of being closely connected to the car.
The high level of stiffness provided by the high X-bone frame body structure ensures consistent suspension geometry alignment; and suspension technology that builds on Honda’s racing experience all combining to provide advanced chassis control.
A torque-sensing limited slip differential is standard as a guard against wheel spin in tight corners - we would like to see ESP (electronic stability programme) available as standard (with an option to disengage) as a rear wheel drive vehicle with 240 PS can be a little tail happy in inexperienced hands especially in poor weather conditions.
Ease of UseThe Honda S2000 is a very easy car to drive and manoeuvre. Visibility is very good with the rood down although it is a little more difficult to reverse park with the roof up.
The electrically operated hood is very easy to use simply release the two over-centre catches on the windscreen header rail and press the rocker switch located on the centre console - all in all it takes about six seconds - annoyingly this can't be done on the move at low speed. However, once we discovered the joy of open top motoring the roof mostly stayed down.
The cabin is uncluttered, ergonomically laid out and the controls are easy to use. The instrumentation is in digital numerals which is much easier on the eye and the fuel and rev counters display in arcs, in keeping with the S2000's F1 relatives.
The S2000 is equipped with high performance, high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps which are twice as bright as halogen bulbs. They use a high voltage current and a bulb filled with Xenon gas to produce an output much closer to that of daylight. Some manufacturers call them Xenon headlights.
To ensure that the headlights are aimed accurately at all times, an automatic adjustment mechanism is provided. This consists of an ECU that continually monitors the car’s attitude via suspension - mounted sensors, adjusting the headlamp aim to reduce the risk of dazzling oncoming motorists.
A word of warning don't wash the windscreen whilst stationary with the roof down as the powerful headlight washers will project washer fluid over the cabin and in your face.
The trim materials have been checked for susceptibility to degradation from ultra-violet light and they have also been selected for their resistance to the occasional rain shower that may be encountered whilst driving before an opportunity can be found to raise the hood.
On a practical level the Honda S2000 is equipped with a large illuminated boot with 160 litres of space, digital odometer (trip), central locking, remote keyless entry, boot release in the locking centre console & a 12 V power outlet, the key fob incorporates a boot release button which is much easier to use, 'bee-sting' aerial, glass heated rear screen, a pair of hooks is provided on the rear bulkhead behind each seat and a space-saver spare tyre is stored horizontally on the right and inset into the forward boot panel.
Storage is minimal with 2 small mesh door bins, a storage net in the passenger footwell, a locking centre console (replacing the glovebox freeing up space) and a centre console storage tray incorporating twin cupholders.
Safety and Security The following safety & security equipment is standard on the Honda S2000 Roadster:
Dual front SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), high level rear brake light, headlight washers, front ventilated disc brakes, rear disc brakes, roll-over protection, anti-roll bars, rolling code ECU engine immobiliser, remote keyless entry, central locking, Thatcham category 1 alarm system (interior monitoring), boot release in locking centre console and a torque-sensing limited slip differential.
*A Tracker system is optional
Comfort and RefinementThe S2000's cabin is snug with just enough space for two people. Head room is OK with the roof up but could prove problematic for the taller driver - with the roof down head room is not a problem.
Leg room is excellent and the seats provide generous fore and aft as well as rake adjustment. There is no adjustment for seat or steering wheel height - one size fits all but we did not find it to be a problem.
The seating position is low but with wide opening doors the S2000 is surprisingly easy to get in and out of. The standard leather sports seats are comfortable and supportive and feature integral head restraints which echo the shape of the individual roll hoops. The seat belts pass through a guide on the side bolster to place the webbing conveniently to hand.
Thanks to careful aerodynamic tuning of the cabin and the wind deflector positioned between the seats, turbulence is kept to a minimum during open top motoring.
In terms of refinement the Honda S2000 is equipped with electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, manual air conditioning, front electric windows, leather and alloy gear knob, leather wrapped steering wheel, foot rest, a heated rear screen and an illuminated passenger vanity mirror.
We would like to see an auto-dimming rear view mirror as standard because the car is so low headlights from vehicles behind can prove distracting and tiring.
How It Looks - ExteriorThe Honda S2000 is a beautifully proportioned car which is elegant and sporty and in our opinion slightly reminiscent of the Porsche 944 at the front. Unlike some convertibles the S2000 looks just as good with the roof up or down.
A few subtle changes have been made with new-shape front and rear body coloured bumpers, body coloured door mirrors, new 'triple-beam' headlights, LED rear lights and dual oval shaped exhaust tailpipe outlets. The sole S2000 identification is on the front wings alongside the side indicators.
17" allow wheels and 215/45 (front), 245/40 (rear) tyres are standard.
We would prefer to see an aerial integrated into the front windscreen.
The interior styling of the Honda S2000 is based around a pure sports theme which is simple but purposeful and does not distract from the driving experience. The cabin exudes a high level of build quality but some of the switchgear feels a little dated.
The black interior plastics were of a good quality and are enhanced with brushed aluminium trim.
The leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob are tactile and the digital instrumentation is black when the ignition is off, but illuminates once the key is turned.
The S2000 features drilled aluminium pedals for added sports appeal and embossed kickplates.
Leather sports seats and matching leather door inserts are standard. The leather upholstery and carpets were of excellent quality and should prove durable in the long term.
In Car Entertainment and Satellite NavigationIntegrated single slot CD tuner with RDS radio, front speakers, tweeters and remote stereo controls. This system does the job but is not particularly inspiring and is fiddly to operate. The stereo is hidden behind a brushed aluminium effect panel.
PerformanceThe S2000 is powered by Honda's 2.0 DOHC VTEC engine which produces 240 PS @ 8,300 rpm enabling it to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 6.2 seconds and continue to a top speed of 150 mph.
This 'race-bred' normally-aspirated, four cylinder engine races to 9000 rpm before hitting the rev-limiter - without resorting to turbocharging and it conforms to some of the toughest emissions legislation in the world.
From the moment you press the red starter button you know you are going to experience something special. Up to 5000 rpm the car feels docile but once over 5500 to 6000 rpm all hell breaks loose.
As the engine speed builds the note changes progressively becoming more urgent and more like a motorbike accelerating and it is certainly addictive echoing Honda’s decades of involvement with high-revving Formula 1 and CART ChampCar race engines. The transmission tunnel is located directly under your left arm and after a particularly vigorous workout the heat rises from the centre of the car.
The short-throw shift action six-speed manual transmission is superb offering light and precise gearchanges. The clutch is extremely well weighted and it is a pleasure to change gear. The only downside is that to keep hearing that incredibly raucous engine note you have to use the car and that can easily put you over the speed limit - be warned driven without restraint this car is a licence breaker!
The engine is remarkably flexible even at low speeds thanks to the latest generation of Honda’s VTEC variable valve timing. Around town the S2000 is easy to drive and compliant with most road surfaces, even pot holes which it negotiates without breaking your back.
The 2004 model is equipped with ventilated front disc brakes, rear disc brakes and ABS (anti-lock braking system) ensuring that the S2000 stops reassuringly well.
Honda have engineered a superb driving machine and with such high performance capability the S2000 demands a competent chassis to harness and efficiently exploit that power on the road. The rigid body, advanced in-wheel double wishbone suspension and good weight balance are complemented by well weighted and direct electric power steering and powerful, progressive brakes.
Conventional hydraulic power steering systems require a pump driven off the engine which can sap power by as much as 5 PS as well as adversely affecting fuel economy. For this reason the Honda S2000 is equipped with electric power steering (EPS) which only absorbs electrical energy when required.
The S2000’s compact dimensions and low weight result in outstanding agility. The engine is situated at the very back of the engine bay in the quest for a low centre of gravity and an optimum weight balance for balanced handling. Occupants sit behind the car’s overall centre of balance, and close to the centre of the rear axle giving the driver a feeling of being closely connected to the car.
The high level of stiffness provided by the high X-bone frame body structure ensures consistent suspension geometry alignment; and suspension technology that builds on Honda’s racing experience all combining to provide advanced chassis control.
A torque-sensing limited slip differential is standard as a guard against wheel spin in tight corners - we would like to see ESP (electronic stability programme) available as standard (with an option to disengage) as a rear wheel drive vehicle with 240 PS can be a little tail happy in inexperienced hands especially in poor weather conditions.
Ease of UseThe Honda S2000 is a very easy car to drive and manoeuvre. Visibility is very good with the rood down although it is a little more difficult to reverse park with the roof up.
The electrically operated hood is very easy to use simply release the two over-centre catches on the windscreen header rail and press the rocker switch located on the centre console - all in all it takes about six seconds - annoyingly this can't be done on the move at low speed. However, once we discovered the joy of open top motoring the roof mostly stayed down.
The cabin is uncluttered, ergonomically laid out and the controls are easy to use. The instrumentation is in digital numerals which is much easier on the eye and the fuel and rev counters display in arcs, in keeping with the S2000's F1 relatives.
The S2000 is equipped with high performance, high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps which are twice as bright as halogen bulbs. They use a high voltage current and a bulb filled with Xenon gas to produce an output much closer to that of daylight. Some manufacturers call them Xenon headlights.
To ensure that the headlights are aimed accurately at all times, an automatic adjustment mechanism is provided. This consists of an ECU that continually monitors the car’s attitude via suspension - mounted sensors, adjusting the headlamp aim to reduce the risk of dazzling oncoming motorists.
A word of warning don't wash the windscreen whilst stationary with the roof down as the powerful headlight washers will project washer fluid over the cabin and in your face.
The trim materials have been checked for susceptibility to degradation from ultra-violet light and they have also been selected for their resistance to the occasional rain shower that may be encountered whilst driving before an opportunity can be found to raise the hood.
On a practical level the Honda S2000 is equipped with a large illuminated boot with 160 litres of space, digital odometer (trip), central locking, remote keyless entry, boot release in the locking centre console & a 12 V power outlet, the key fob incorporates a boot release button which is much easier to use, 'bee-sting' aerial, glass heated rear screen, a pair of hooks is provided on the rear bulkhead behind each seat and a space-saver spare tyre is stored horizontally on the right and inset into the forward boot panel.
Storage is minimal with 2 small mesh door bins, a storage net in the passenger footwell, a locking centre console (replacing the glovebox freeing up space) and a centre console storage tray incorporating twin cupholders.
Safety and Security The following safety & security equipment is standard on the Honda S2000 Roadster:
Dual front SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), high level rear brake light, headlight washers, front ventilated disc brakes, rear disc brakes, roll-over protection, anti-roll bars, rolling code ECU engine immobiliser, remote keyless entry, central locking, Thatcham category 1 alarm system (interior monitoring), boot release in locking centre console and a torque-sensing limited slip differential.
*A Tracker system is optional
Comfort and RefinementThe S2000's cabin is snug with just enough space for two people. Head room is OK with the roof up but could prove problematic for the taller driver - with the roof down head room is not a problem.
Leg room is excellent and the seats provide generous fore and aft as well as rake adjustment. There is no adjustment for seat or steering wheel height - one size fits all but we did not find it to be a problem.
The seating position is low but with wide opening doors the S2000 is surprisingly easy to get in and out of. The standard leather sports seats are comfortable and supportive and feature integral head restraints which echo the shape of the individual roll hoops. The seat belts pass through a guide on the side bolster to place the webbing conveniently to hand.
Thanks to careful aerodynamic tuning of the cabin and the wind deflector positioned between the seats, turbulence is kept to a minimum during open top motoring.
In terms of refinement the Honda S2000 is equipped with electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, manual air conditioning, front electric windows, leather and alloy gear knob, leather wrapped steering wheel, foot rest, a heated rear screen and an illuminated passenger vanity mirror.
We would like to see an auto-dimming rear view mirror as standard because the car is so low headlights from vehicles behind can prove distracting and tiring.
How It Looks - ExteriorThe Honda S2000 is a beautifully proportioned car which is elegant and sporty and in our opinion slightly reminiscent of the Porsche 944 at the front. Unlike some convertibles the S2000 looks just as good with the roof up or down.
A few subtle changes have been made with new-shape front and rear body coloured bumpers, body coloured door mirrors, new 'triple-beam' headlights, LED rear lights and dual oval shaped exhaust tailpipe outlets. The sole S2000 identification is on the front wings alongside the side indicators.
17" allow wheels and 215/45 (front), 245/40 (rear) tyres are standard.
We would prefer to see an aerial integrated into the front windscreen.
The interior styling of the Honda S2000 is based around a pure sports theme which is simple but purposeful and does not distract from the driving experience. The cabin exudes a high level of build quality but some of the switchgear feels a little dated.
The black interior plastics were of a good quality and are enhanced with brushed aluminium trim.
The leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob are tactile and the digital instrumentation is black when the ignition is off, but illuminates once the key is turned.
The S2000 features drilled aluminium pedals for added sports appeal and embossed kickplates.
Leather sports seats and matching leather door inserts are standard. The leather upholstery and carpets were of excellent quality and should prove durable in the long term.
In Car Entertainment and Satellite NavigationIntegrated single slot CD tuner with RDS radio, front speakers, tweeters and remote stereo controls. This system does the job but is not particularly inspiring and is fiddly to operate. The stereo is hidden behind a brushed aluminium effect panel.
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