2009 Honda S2000
- Used Honda S2000
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Honda S2000 - What the Auto Press Says
The S2000 ranks near the top of its class for its visceral power and track-oriented handling. It's eye-catching too. Overall, it proves to be a solid choice for anyone that's searching for a weekend thrill ride.
The 2009 Honda S2000 is a no-frills street machine designed to primarily excel at one thing only -- racing. Edmunds writes, "In a world of bloated sedans and SUVs, this roadster is a refreshing example of purity." Indeed, the S2000 produces mind numbing levels of power and speed, and handles just as spectacularly. Nevertheless, it still garners criticism for its stiff suspension and cramped cabin, which lead many test drivers to conclude that it's unfit for daily use. Many also add that its decade-old design could use a refresh in order to keep pace with competitors. That, however, may never happen -- as recent reports indicate that Honda may cancel the S2000 after 2009.
If you're in the market for a sports roadster that handles just as spectacularly, but is more comfortable for everyday driving, test-drive the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Though the S2000 will likely hold better on the track, the Miata is less punishing over bumps and potholes. If, however, track-racing is your thing, stick with the S2000, but be sure to opt for the performance-enhanced Club Racer (CR) trim. Also, be sure to check for current Honda deals that may be available on a new S2000.
- "The Honda S2000 represents the purest expression of Honda fun-to-drive DNA with its 2-seat, open-topped roadster configuration and sophisticated front-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform." -- The Auto Channel
- "Introduced in 1999 as a 2000 model, Honda's S2000 roadster has been nothing but good fun, thanks to its excellent handling and 50/50 weight balance, but especially because of its sprightly 237-bhp, 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine that sings all the way up to its impressive 8000-rpm redline." - Road and Track
- "Honda S2000 roadster is an exhilarating concoction of race-bred technology and sleek styling. It is best suited for car enthusiasts willing to put up with its firm suspension, tight accommodations and high-revving engine for the sake of adrenaline-pumping performance and handling. It's a weekend club-racer's delight." -- Forbes
- "The S2000 is pure sports car fun. It's a bit stiff-riding and noisy, and the Mazda MX-5 is a little more practical and a lot less costly, but for motoring enjoyment the spicy S2000 rivals the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z4 for thousands less." -- Consumer Guide
S2000 Performance - 9.2 (Excellent)
In the category of performance, the S2000 ranks near the top of its class. "Simply put, the S2000 is a hot number," writes Cars.com. "Razor-sharp steering, disciplined handling and athletic cornering ability blend with excellent braking performance to produce a driving experience that approaches racecar levels." It isn't, however, comfortable for daily driving. Read More
S2000 Exterior - 7.2 (Good)
Though critics are split over whether or not the base S2000 is a looker, most agree that its aging design is in desperate need of a facelift. Still, it features a convertible hardtop -- which is a major plus. Read More
S2000 Interior - 6.7 (Mediocre)
Reviewers find the S2000's cabin to be an ergonomic mess that's light on modern amenities and dated in design. It's "still a fun and desirable roadster, but its lack of features and aging design are increasingly becoming liabilities," writes Edmunds. Not surprisingly, it doesn't rank well in the interior catagory. Read More
S2000 Safety - 8.7 (Very Good)
The S2000 does well in crash tests conducted by the federal government, but is criticized for its lack of safety features. In fact, some critics claim that it's unfit for kids. Read More
S2000 Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2009 Honda S2000 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 Honda S2000 features a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. "It also offers another attribute -- the bulletproof reliability promised by its impeccable Honda bloodlines," writes Edmunds. Read More
