Faults:

I cracked the plastic back window by lowering the roof on a cold day.

As with all V-Tec engines, I have to check the oil regularly, as it can suddenly drop rapidly & seize the engine.

General Comments:

I have wanted an S2000 for 11 years; ever since they came out in 1999, I have lusted after this car. The twin pipes, the pineapple hoop tail lights, the standard HID headlights, the ageless looks of this vehicle gave me a pang of envy every time one bunny hopped past me with an undeserved driver at the helm.

I read all the reviews, journalists raved about this 2 seater. So the day I set butt behind the wheel of this legend, you might say I had high expectations.

One of the first things you notice is that this is an incredibly easy car to drive; the clutch is light, and the gear stick is short and moves about an inch from one gear to the next. The seats are Recaro & hug you like a bean bag.

The rev counter is very clever, it is like an amber rainbow that becomes more complete the higher the revs climb. This means you can read it using your peripheral vision, enabling you to remain focused on more important things, like the apex of the next corner.

The S2000 is easy to whisk along before the V-Tec, you can still hang the tail out on any damp or greasy surface below 6,000 rpm, and it is surprisingly easy to correct.

Some people have reported that the early S2000s are snappy, but I wouldn't agree. In the dry, due to high levels of grip, the rear end needs some loud pedal persuasion to break away, and it can go quite suddenly. But unless you're day dreaming, the obligatory opposite lock can be administered without any issues.

On the road, the car makes you feel like you're traveling faster than you are, yet it's as comfortable as a Civic. No glove box makes the interior feel slightly lacking for the first few weeks, until you make use of the storage bin between the seats.

The hood is rapid at raising or lowering, and if you snip a particular wire under the dash, this can be done while the car is in motion.

Overall it is a fantastic package, it is a very reliable steed that you can track day on the weekend, drive to work during the week, and it won't miss a beat.

Drive it before the V-Tec and you can get as many as 36 miles per gallon.

Still not convinced? How many cars do you know that can still fetch a quarter of their list price 12 years later? Since they barely depreciate, buy one and it'll cost you less to run than VW Polo Bluemotion.

A summary of the Honda S2000 are 3 words that are repeated to me time and time again by petrol station attendants, randoms on the street or those kind enough to push me out of a snow drift. "Cool Car mate".

Faults:

Second gear can be notchy if rushed.

Petrol gauge not the most accurate.

General Comments:

I had craved an S2000 for several years, and finally I was able to afford one after used prices dropped. It's best to go for a 2002 onwards, as they were given a glass rear screen along with other minor changes.

The S2000 is a rare car with near-perfect roadster looks. It has a long dramatic bonnet, aggressive looking headlights/rear lamps, fairly short boot and 16" gunmetal alloys. With the top off the car looks stunning and will turn heads.

This car handles extremely well. Honda spent ages getting the balance right. In the dry it will just grip and grip with a touch of occasional understeer, which is easily controllable. More care needs to be taken in the wet, but it still feels fairly stable.

The car has very good performance, but you have to rev it above 6000rpm to get into the v-tec zone. Suddenly the engine roars and you feel the car surge into life. 0-60 is just over 6 seconds. The gear changes are the best you will get in any car, and the ratio's are very close to give that true sportscar experience.

Comfort levels are very good for a sportscar. The seats are firm but supportive, and you won't move around even when driving hard. All controls are within easy reach. The suspension feels sporty, yet it absorbs the bumps adequately.

Running costs can vary depending on how many miles you do. Also bear in mind it is expensive to insure. Being a Honda it should be very reliable, although early S2000 engines can burn a bit of oil so it needs checking regularly.