A steel monocoque is the basis of the
S2000
and Honda positioned the engine well behind the front axle line to create a 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution. The longitudinally mounted engine drives the rear wheels through a torque-sensing limited-slip differential. For S2000 models made up to 2004, 16-inch alloy wheels were standard, with Honda moving to 17-inch rims from the '04 facelift onwards.
Early models notoriously snappy in wet
Tyres are a big talking point among S2000 owners, especially when the car was first launched as it had a reputation for being twitchy and suffering from tramlining. The original equipment Bridgestone Potenza S-02 P205/55 R16 front and P225/50 R16 rear tyres took much of the blame, but responsibility also lies with the geometry of the early S2000's suspension.
Owners now have a wider choice of tyres that can transform the handling, feel and stability of the S2000, especially in the wet. However, any new owner should factor in having the suspension geometry checked and possibly altered. Specialists say if the tyres are wearing evenly, the suspension geometry is probably about right, but unevenly worn tyres are a clear sign something is wrong.
To adjust the geometry of the suspension, the bolts that run through the bushes of the suspension wishbones need to be able to move. However, they frequently seize in the bush, which means new bushes are needed and the only ways to remove the old bushes are with heat or sawing them out. This problem is caused by the bushes and bolts not being greased at the factory, so the UK's weather soon attacks the bolts. When replacing the bolts and bushes, make sure they are properly greased to prevent a repeat problem.
With the geometry bolts and bushes sorted, you can have your S2000's suspension correctly aligned. Some owners prefer the original, pre-2004 setup while others reckon the less edgy facelift car's suspension is easier to live with. Whichever you like, a professional 3D alignment will make a big difference to your enjoyment of the car.
17-inch wheels added with mid-term update
The suspension itself is a simple double wishbone arrangement with coil springs, dampers and anti-roll bars front and rear. Honda changed the settings for the suspension in 2002, 2004 and 2008, so finding the S2000 that suits your driving preferences is more than just down to budget. Some will also find the early pre-2002 car has steering that doesn't offer enough feel from its electrically assisted set-up, though many owners are more than happy with it. Steering rack mounts can fail and it's an expensive job to replace them as there is a lot of labour involved.
Some owners will have fitted aftermarket springs and dampers, so be sure these are to your taste for driving. With suspension that is very firm on the S2000, it was not unheard of for owners to find the spring spacers fitted to protect the suspension when the car was being transported by ship had been left in situ. The dealers were supposed to remove these, but some were not. It would be unusual to find this problem now, however.
As well as the seized geometry bolts, seized brake calipers are another S2000 problem. You may notice the car pulls to one side when accelerating or braking or there's a squeal from the brakes. Rebuilding the calipers is a reasonable DIY job, but most owners simply replace the old ones with new items as they are expensive. A set of front brake discs will set you back around £180, while pads come in at £75.
Honda's VSA traction and stability system became available in 2006 and standard from 2008. The control unit can fail and it's £1,500 from Honda, but rebuilt items are available for £165 from ecutesting.com
PHer's view:
I've used my S2000 over 18 months, seven track days and 10 runs approaching 150mph at Vmax with nothing more than brake pads and tyres, plus a routine service and MOT at Honda with no extra costs or advisories!
Nick Ray
Buying guide contents:
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling Chassis
Body
Interior