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

Other Honda reviews

3 out of 5

Safety

The S2000 scored four stars out of five in Euro NCAP crash tests, which put it among the leading roadsters at the time. Traction control was missing (even from the extras list) until February 2006, when it was made optional. Although there are dual front airbags, sidebags are not available but remote central locking is standard and an alarm was fitted to all cars from late 2000.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    1 out of 5
4.5 out of 5

Reliability

This is where Honda excels and owners have experienced very few problems with the model since it was launched in 1999.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.