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.