Honda S2000
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Average. This roadster is propelled by one of the best engines in the world - but twitchy handling, bland styling and a steep pricetag let it down.
Review
The S2000 was designed by Honda as a technical showcase, built around an amazing 2.0 litre four cylinder engine which generates its peak 238 bhp at a heady 9000 rpm.
But next to the outstanding powerplant, the rest of the car has always struggled to make an impression. Bland styling lacks much of the sort of road presence that roadster buyers are looking for - the S2000's looks are often likened to a slightly scaled-up version of the previous generation MX-5. The cabin is well finished, but the dashboard is plasticy and there aren't many toys to play with.
On the road the engine dominates dynamic impressions - revving manically towards the stratospheric red line, with power directed to the rear wheels via a rifle-bolt accurate six-speed manual gearbox. The rest of the driving experience can't quite live up to the same level, with artificial-feeling electric power assisted steering and twitchy reactions making it hard to trust the chassis when you're really pressing on.
As it grows older the S2000 is also beginning to look more expensive - competing with better-rounded rivals like the BMW Z4 and getting close to the Porsche Boxster. The current generation MX-5 delivers a similar driving experience for a big saving.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
Far too boring for an aspirational sportscar. Looks like a slightly bigger version of the old MX-5.
Handling
3 star
Agile and responsive - but you can never invest as much trust in the sometimes snappy chassis as you should be able to, especially in the wet.
Comfort
3 star
Cockpit is cramped with the roof up and the boot is tiny. Ride quality is reasonable, but lots of noise gets through the cloth roof at motorway cruising speeds.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
Assembled to meet Honda's usual standards of solidity, although some of the dashboard materials feel downmarket compared to premium rivals.
Performance
5 star
There's no arguing with the normally-aspirated 2.0 litre engine's appetite for revs or its serious performance - 0-62 mph takes just 5.6 seconds.
Roominess
2 star
Poor even by roadster standards. The cabin is cramped and the boot is very tight.
Running Costs
3 star
Fuel economy is acceptable considering the amount of performance on offer, but the S2000 is expensive to maintain and insure.
Value for money
3 star
Decent value in terms of the raw performance on offer - but most buyers in this segment will be looking for a car wearing a premium badge.
