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- Honda S2000 2.0i Roadster
- dgreync's review
Picture courtesy of Dan.
| Performance | 9.4/10  |
|---|---|
| Practicality | 7.4/10 |
| Reliability | 9.6/10 |
| Value for Money | 9.6/10 |
| Reviewer Rating | 9.5/10 |
| Overall Rating | 9.4/10  |
By dgreync
on 5th May 2005
| Year Manufactured | 2002 |
|---|---|
| Length of ownership | 6 Months |
| Performance | 10/10 |
| Practicality | 5/10 |
| Reliability | 9/10 |
| Value for money | 10/10 |
| Overall value | 10/10 |
 dgreync's recommendation | |
Gearbox, fun factor, drop top, fun factor, and fun factor.
Lack of a glove compartment, sixth gear ratio.
I got a Honda S2000 2.0i Roadster Sports Car after driving the Mazda RX-8, Audi TT, BMW Z4, and MB SLK. My choosing the S2000 was a function of my wallet and a style of performance that evoked fond memories of my '94 Toyota MR2, to which the S2000 is a worthy successor. While I'd have to say that I slightly prefer the styling of the MR2, the drop top and performance more than make up for any deficiency.
The oft-quoted praise of the gearbox is certainly deserved as every shift feels purposeful and clean. The same is true of the handling. It is stiff but not harsh and communicates a great feel for the road. And the steering is responsive without being hyperactive.
I've read a lot of complaints about the low end torque, which is true if you're looking to race on a drag strip. But what I love about the car is that there is still an appreciable pull at the lower register of the tach, which means I can drive this car in town (and with moderately good gas mileage) but still have fun when I find just the right road.
I've also heard some complaints about the handling in the pre-2004 models. My car has never felt like it was not sure-footed. That being said, I haven't flogged it within an inch of its handling parameters either (although I've had my fair share of irresponsibility with it).
My only two complaints are the lack of a glove compartment (no, the box between the seats doesn't count) and the gearing of the 6th gear. Who wants to be taching 4000 rpm at 70 mph? Fifth and sixth are practically redundant in this car. Give me a touring gear, for heaven's sake.
Other than those, which are comparatively minor given the vast upside of the car, the car is an unqualified success that I highly recommend... but maybe they should replace the "start engine" designation on that little red button with the word "launch"....
| Helpful | Unhelpful | Agree | Disagree |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Total Respect: +2
rajhunjan
on 22nd Sep 2005