I've had the pleasure of test driving a 2005 Honda S2000, and boy, was it so much fun.

Here's the lowdown.

Base price : $32,800

Engine : 4 cylinder, DOHC, front engine RWD
Displacement : 2,157 cc
Valve : 16 valves, 4 valves per cylinder
Transmission : 6-spd manual
Fuel economy : city - 20 mpg
highway - 26 mpg

Suspension : F - Independent double wishbone
R - Independent double wishbone
Brakes : F - Vented discs
R - Solid discs

Horsepower : 240 hp @ 7800 rpm
Torque : 162 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Redline : 8200 rpm

Top speed : 150 mph
0-60 mph : 5.5 sec.
0-¼ mile : 14.2 sec @ 98.0 mph
60-0 braking distance : 116 ft
200 ft skidpad : 0.92 g

Curb Weight : 2835 lbs
Overall length : 162.2 in.
Wheelbase : 94.5 in.
Overall Width : 68.9 in.
Height : 50.0 in.


So after hearing about the rave reviews about this car, I could only say to myself "How good could this car possibly be, compared to other RWD sports cars in the market?" Well to my luck, I was graced with the priviledge of driving a 2005 S2000 that belonged to a friend of a friend. We won't get into the story behind that, but I can tell you that my friend was quite pleased with the car. Today, you've got your V8 powered GTOs, your WRX STi's, your Mitsubishi Evos, and whatever's more popular, or in actuality, what's more seemingly affordable. Well that what about the S2000? Overpriced for its specs? No turbo? It's rich people/kids with rich parents stigma? After driving this thing, it was good enough to throw those skeptical questions out the window.

When first approaching the car, I really didn't know what to expect, except for maybe the confined seating just like a miata. As I sat in it, it was a bit confined, but really easy to get used to. The seating position turned out to feel more proper as you drive it, because it made me realize that I wanted total control of the car and complete feel while driving. As I drive more, it makes even more sense, and I will explain that later. I do foresee it as a problem for the considerably tall.

Upon taking the ragtop down, there were two latches at the joining section of the roof and the windshield. It wasn't difficult at all, and the latches were pretty sturdy. Once things are unlatched, I hit the roof switch and the top folded down in a matter of seconds.

The gauge cluster wasn't difficult to read at all. During sunlight with the top down, you'd expect the visibility to be compromised, but it was still readable, and the MPH was in large digital numbers, as opposed to a dial. You get volume control/player controls to the left of the steering column, and a/c and climate control dials to the right of the column. All your controls were in front of you and you didn't have to reach over to adjust anything but maybe the a/c vents. Since most of the time you're likely to drive with the top down anyway, you won't need to use the a/c. The Start button is pretty nifty, but is more of a novelty than anything, really. It would make sense if the car was equipped with the same system as other luxury car manufacturers that have the proximity key system. I'd just rather turn the key to start it. There's a cubby hole in between the two seats, and it's about the size of a standard center console compartment. There's also a small compartment in the actual center console for small items. The seatbelt didn't feel restrictive at all. Driving makes you forget about it.

If anyone has ever driven convertibles before, you'd know that rear and blindspot visibility does not get any better than that, and it's no different in the S2000. The only thing that truely gets in the way as far as front visibility goes is the seemingly small front windshield. Even that's not that bad at all.

Here's the good part. Driving it.

I will tell you, fun is an understatement. I took this car flying around corners. The car had almost no body roll when flying around right hand 90 degree turn in the industrial area I was in. I wish I saw how fast i was going but I was too busy having fun trying to turn the car. The corner exit felt awesome since I was able to keep the revs up by revmatching before the corner. The ride in general was somewhat stiff, but in actuality, you want it to be, because you want to feel the road, and you want to be able to feel the car's reaction to the road. This is where the seat position comes into play too. Since you're busy driving, that seat position gives you full control and feel of the car, especially when you're trying to corner. When you try to push the car to its limits, you realize how important it is to be in this position.

The acceleration was something special, IMO. When you unleash the animal in this car, you won't believe how high this car can rev. My first time pushing it, i found myself switching gears at 7k RPM, because of the high rev noises. I just wasn't used to it. It was amazing. During breaking at the corner, rev matching(heel/toe) was really easy, and I had full control of how I wanted to stop the car, unlike my Subaru Legacy where the brakes are mushy. The only gripe about the is the inadequate low end torque that Honda is quite famous for, but everything else seriously makes up for it.

I'm led to believe that the car was equipped with a short throw shifter, but even if it weren't, gear shifting seemed great, no awkardness, and there was no fear of being in the wrong gear.

Under normal driving, the car is great. The stiff suspension might weigh out the comfort, but you shouldn't buy a car like this for comfort at all. As a matter of fact, it would be hard not to push this car to its limits all the time, because when you're in high revs cornering at high speeds, you certainly get 100% satisfaction.

After a lengthy explanation, here's the conclusion. Nothing but the word "Fun" comes to mind. Not only is this car exceptionally fun, but it reminds you how fun driving in general is. It's definitely a go-kart on the road. It's definitely something you want to zip around town in, and you could have this serve as a daily driver as well. The car isn't about status or popularity, it's about the idea of taking cars to its limits, as well as testing your own limits. For a car tha handles this well, feels great to drive, and looks this beautiful, I'd say it's a great value, and would be worth every penny spent. Overall, this car gets a 9.9/10.



Cliff Notes:

Superb cornering, great feeling when driving, great value for the price. Fun is the emphasis here. Lacks low end torque, but everything else about the car makes up for it.

Just one question - how tall is 'considerably tall'? I'd love these cars, but I don't know if I'll fit (6'3'' tall).

I'd say 6'3" would be pushing the envelope a bit. Anyone 6'5" or higher probably would be a problem. But if you can comfortably fit in a miata, then the S2000 shouldn't be a problem.

I'm 6'2" and my biggest problem is that lack of a tilt steering wheel...it gets the steering wheel down in my lap more than I'd like. Otherwise I fit in it nicely...certainly bigger inside than a Miata, even a new one.

I'd fucking love to own an S2000. It's basically my realistic step up from GTI-dom.

The stock gear shift is incredibly short. Unbelievably short.

Beautiful car to drive. Twisties are where it should live.

To me the car only feels like it's lacking in torque if you're trying to get it to throw you back in the seat at the traffic lights. In the corners it has more than enough poke to punch out of corners nicely. You just have to keep that engine screaming .


Here's one that is in the family that I've had the pleasure to drive the tires off.

Oh God.... red seats and black interior. Is there anything sexier?

a car wash?

nothing?

I believe that's a reflection of the cloudy skies.