NEW HONDA S2000
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Car and Driver website visitor rankings:
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| Here's how our visitors have reviewed this vehicle. |
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Average Rating |
| Overall |
9.62 |
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| Vehicle Styling |
9.79 |
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| Braking |
9.74 |
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| Handling |
9.88 |
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| Fuel Economy |
8.08 |
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| Interior Comfort |
8.34 |
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| Acceleration |
9.79 |
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| Dependability |
9.71 |
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| Fit and Finish |
9.46 |
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| Transmission |
9.61 |
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| Ride |
8.25 |
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| Rating Scale: 1= worst 10= best
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| To read other User Road Tests or to submit your own review click here |
(Read more of Car and Driver's review here)
| Editors'' Review |
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A sports car that makes few compromises, the S2000 is one of the more visceral cars sold in America. And yes, that''s a good thing.
Pros
Agile chassis, rev-happy engine, minimalist design, optional hardtop, high level of performance for the price.
Cons
Still not much low-end torque, no passenger airbag cut-off switch.
What''s New for 2004
Honda has made a number of enhancements to the 2004 S2000. Most importantly, a larger 2.2-liter engine has been fitted. This, along with revised transmission gearing, is meant to improve power delivery. Other changes include updated suspension tuning, 17-inch wheels (16s were the previous standard), upgraded brakes, larger tailpipes and restyled front and rear bumpers with new headlights and taillights. Inside, there''s a new center console (with two cupholders and a storage tray) and a bit more shoulder, elbow and hiproom for the driver and passenger. All Honda cars have a new seatbelt reminder system this year.
Overview
Introduction:
When most driving enthusiasts slip off into dreams of sun-drenched, horsepower-infused blasts down Pacific Coast Highway, cars with the Honda badge on the hood are rarely the chariots of choice. Ferraris, Porsches, the occasional Corvette, maybe, but never a Honda. That all changed four years ago with the introduction of the S2000. With its ultrastiff body and race-car-inspired suspension, Honda''s two-seat roadster could run circles around just about anything, regardless of which European country it came from. And it didn''t require exotic materials or a gas-guzzling six- or eight-cylinder engine to do so. We were a bit skeptical, at first, but after driving it back-to-back against the best roadsters in its class, Edmunds'' editors couldn''t help but fall in love with the S2000''s precise handling, ultradirect steering and rev-happy engine that made it feel more like a Japanese superbike than a drop-top two-seater. The car''s lack of luxury amenities went virtually unnoticed, as driver after driver became entranced by the Honda''s incredible handling and slingshot acceleration. The S2000 is an enthusiast''s car pure and simple. You want fancy leather and beautifully crafted wood grain accents? Move on to the Euro dealer of your choice, please. The S2000 dispenses with the fluff and replaces it with a howling engine and a concrete chassis that make no concessions to those who want the best of both worlds in a performance roadster. That might seem like a tight niche to shoot for, but there are still plenty of us out there who dream of just such a car. And as long as Honda continues to build the S2000, we''ll be sure to save a spot for Honda right next to the prancing horse and checkered flags next time we''re out for a midday cruise down Pacific Coast Highway.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
There is only one version of Honda''s roadster. All cars have a power-operated top with a defroster-equipped glass rear window, lightweight 17-inch wheels, leather seats, keyless entry, air conditioning, a digital instrument panel, a CD audio system and HID headlights. An optional aluminum hardtop -- it weighs just 44 pounds -- is also available.
Powertrains and Performance:
Most likely in response to criticism that the S2000 lacks off-the-line grunt, Honda has bumped the engine displacement this year from 2.0 to 2.2 liters. This change gives the car more accessible torque -- 162 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm, as compared to last year''s 153 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm. Horsepower is unchanged at 240, but it now peaks at 7,700 rpm, 600 rpm fewer than the 2.0-liter engine. Power is routed to the rear wheels though a six-speed close-ratio transmission.
Safety:
Fitting its minimalist theme, the S2000 lacks some of the latest safety features, such as stability control, traction control and side airbags. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard, though. The S2000 scored well in government crash tests, earning four stars (out of a best score of five) for protection against frontal impacts and five stars for side impacts.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The interior is pure business -- there is no silly fake wood or fancy navigation system to detract from the driver''s full enjoyment of the car''s abilities. Spend any significant time behind the wheel of this driver''s car, and you''ll wonder why so many other roadsters and sports cars don''t cater to the pilot with such one-dimensional purpose. Nearly all the controls you''ll ever need are mounted within a finger extension of the steering wheel. Honda has slightly enlarged the cockpit this year, though it retains a snug fit better suited for hard runs on back roads than daily commuting. The laterally bolstered seats hold the driver and passenger in tightly during aggressive cornering.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
There''s virtually no perceptible flex despite the S2000''s roofless architecture, and body roll is kept to an absolute minimum by the sophisticated double wishbone suspension front and rear. A 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution gives the car exceptional balance and predictable manners in the corners. In fact, the car is so well mannered, it''s almost scary. You find yourself diving into turns faster than you ever thought possible. There is a slight hint of twitchiness at the limit, but with such a short wheelbase you can''t expect it to be completely drama-free.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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