2002 Honda S2000 Base 2.0L F20C

Summary:

World class engine and transmssion

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Best engine and transmission for the money. Period. The engine can rev to 9000 RPM, making over 120HP per liter of displacement. The sound of the engine while VTEC is engaged will be music to your ears. Power build up past 6000 RPM is impressive for the displacement.

The transmission is direct and precise. The throw is short with positive engagement.

The car has a timeless good looks. Chassis is stiff and designed to be a convertible that performs well when you explore the limit on the track.

Steering is quick and precise. A common complaint is that the electrical power steering assist lacks feedback. But the chassis is lively and responsive. You can feel what the car is doing with the feedback from the chassis.

Brakes perform very well, partly thanks to the sticky OEM tires. And grip is impressive as well, thanks to the tires and the stiff chassis.

What I like about the car:

+ Engine is a wonderful exercise of engineering.

+ Transmission is one of the best manual gear boxes, regardless of price range.

+ Responsive and stiff chassis (again, engineering done right).

+ Good looks.

+ Performance with reliability.

+ Useable trunk (though on the small side).

My complaints:

- MPG not that great for such a small displacement.

- Rear visibility with the top up.

- Minor wear at the convertible top rubbing against the convertible frame.

- Stock stereo is a little lacking.

- Steering lacks feedback (minor complaint).

- Rear differential is a common weak link in the drive train.

- Driver's seat wearing out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th February, 2013

2002 Honda S2000 2.0 Vtech

Summary:

High tech performance, beauty and fun all rolled up in one package!

Faults:

This engine used 3 quarts of oil during the first 5,000 miles of break in driving.

General Comments:

At 5'9", 190 lbs and having chronic neck and back pain I was absolutely shocked at how comfortable the cockpit style seating really was.

The gorgeous body lines get to me every time I approach the car, especially from the front end.

Uncompromising power at your disposal takes you to a whole new level of driving experience. Yet this car is such a pleasure to drive that driving within the speed limit becomes habit forming!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th November, 2002

25th Mar 2005, 23:48

I had exactly the same experience. Driver's seat felt tailor made. Best view is dead-on front. And close ratio gears and high-winding engine make you happy... and make you think you're a pretty good driver, too.

2002 Honda S2000

Summary:

The best deal on a Lamborghini you will find

Faults:

So far so good.

General Comments:

The S2000 is like a finely crafted sewing machine.

The transmission is nearly perfect.

The handling is incredible.

And running through a tunnel with the top down and kicking up to 8000 RPM is reminiscent of F1 racing.

Some folks have complained that the car is too stiff and doesn't have sufficient low end torque for city driving. This is like saying that the Honda Civic wasn't designed for city driving. I have found no flaws with the S2000 in commute traffic, and have been duly impressed with its dual personality (below 6000 RPM - reserved sharp looking commuter car, above 6000 RPM - tenacious tar eating beast).

The best thing about this car is that Honda wasn't no money on frills. All the engineering is in the chassis and engine. So if you want a car that drives like a missile and don't want to pay for a Diablo, this is the car for you.

Also, more head room than advertised (more than boxster, Z3, etc.)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 20th May, 2002

6th Jul 2005, 06:27

Agree with you on every point you made, just wish I could afford one!

Raziel.

24th Dec 2005, 09:02

I have a 2002 S2000 and agree that this is a rocket of a car.

Handling, speed and looks are all in this package. Only drawback I have are the tires (they don't last very long even under normal wear and tear). Does anybody know of a good set of tires for this car that lasts longer than 10-12k miles?

10th Jan 2006, 21:58

I don't know if you have a supplier of Good Year tyres, but that's what I have on my S2000. The handling is even better (esp in the wet). I have a set of Good Year Eagle F1 GS-D3 tyres on mine.

8th Jun 2006, 14:16

As far as tires go you can't beat the potenza s03's. The s02's were specifically made for this car and the s03s handle like a dream. I went from some cheap khumos to the s03s and the difference was remarkable. I thought the car was on a rail before.

30th Jul 2006, 13:53

Six feet two inches tall and I'm a TIGHT fit. If only there was a way? Some day we (large size humans) will fit in the S2000.

7th Feb 2007, 17:00

To add to the tires comment, I would strongly suggest that you take a look at the BFGoodrich G-Force T/A KDW.

10th Nov 2008, 10:49

The car can be pretty tiring to drive in the city. The car has very little torque and you have to keep the revs up to stick with traffic. The engine is terrific but isn't practical in local driving. It's best suited for highway and racing track use.