Honda S2000 (99-09) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
Last Updated: 07 September 2009
The S2000 is the car that Honda built to celebrate its 50th birthday and it compares well to more expensive alternatives like the Porsche Boxster in terms of performance and driving enjoyment. It's powered by a superb 2.0-litre VTEC engine which provides stunning performance without using a turbocharger. It does need to be worked very hard though in order to tap into the maximum performance, which can make for tiring albeit involving driving experience. The handling is superb thanks to sharp steering and immense grip, however it can be unpredictable when pushed too hard, particularly in the wet.
4 out of 5

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4 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£27,940 - £29,086

Used price range:

£3,141 - £14,504

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Good looks, well-engineered, hugely impressive engine, great fun to drive

Engine has to be worked, cramped cabin, can be unpredictable in the wet, noisy on the motorway

The S2000 is the car that Honda built to celebrate its 50th birthday and it compares well to more expensive alternatives like the Porsche Boxster in terms of performance and driving enjoyment. It's powered by a superb 2.0-litre VTEC engine which provides stunning performance without using a turbocharger. It does need to be worked very hard though in order to tap into the maximum performance, which can make for tiring albeit involving driving experience. The handling is superb thanks to sharp steering and immense grip, however it can be unpredictable when pushed too hard, particularly in the wet.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    4.5 out of 5

    "The S2000 has a superb engine and the four-cylinder unit is the most powerful non-turbocharged..."

  • Handling

    4 out of 5

    "In everyday driving, the S2000 is fairly docile and easy, although the ride is quite firm which is..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    2.5 out of 5

    "The cockpit is best described as snug and supportive, plus there is a fair bit of engine and exhaust..."

  • Practicality

    2 out of 5

    "The semi-electric folding roof is fiddly to operate - you have to release two catches but it's..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "Standard equipment features driver and passenger airbags, remote central locking, immobiliser,..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3 out of 5

    "The cabin is quite cramped, especially for taller drivers, but it does feel sporty with a high..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    2.5 out of 5

    "Two-seat roadsters are rarely cheap to run and the S2000 is no exception. While servicing rates at..."

  • Green credentials

    1.5 out of 5

    "The S2000 scores badly on the eco front and the VTEC engine emits 236g/km of CO2 while only managing..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    3 out of 5

    "The S2000 scored four stars out of five in Euro NCAP crash tests, which put it among the leading..."

  • Reliability

    4.5 out of 5

    "This is where Honda excels and owners have experienced very few problems with the model since it was..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    3 out of 5

    "The S2000 isn't the cheapest roadster around but it's been on sale for quite a few years so..."

  • Buying used

    4 out of 5

    "There have only been two models since the car was launched in 1999 - the standard roadster and GT..."

  • Selling

    3 out of 5

    "The S2000 has a strong following and as such you should sell it easily. However there are plenty of..."

Gallery

  • Interior Honda S2000 (99-09)
  • Exterior Honda S2000 (99-09)
  • Exterior Honda S2000 (99-09)
  • Exterior Honda S2000 (99-09)

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Owners' reviews