RE: Happy 18th birthday Honda S2000: PH Blog
Discussion
Bought my Red 2004 one seven years ago and used it to move me, my belongings and my cat to a new job in Romania. Since then I've had it in Prague, Ukraine, and now Bulgaria. Gives me all the feedback I expect from a daily driver sports car (winter though it sits in it's palace waiting for the snow to vanish), and plenty of excitement.
In my seven and a bit years of ownership I have needed one clutch replacement due to driving like an asshole, and one cat replacement.
Other than that, annual services and it's been bullet proof.
Having the ball joints done today, and some new fluids as normal maintenance.
Only thing I could ask for, would be a bit more power...
In my seven and a bit years of ownership I have needed one clutch replacement due to driving like an asshole, and one cat replacement.
Other than that, annual services and it's been bullet proof.
Having the ball joints done today, and some new fluids as normal maintenance.
Only thing I could ask for, would be a bit more power...
You will not find a better manual gearbox in any car.
Unless that is the previous owner enjoyed hitting 60mph in 2nd a lot which kills the synchro.
Engine is the star as others have said I particularly like it in the early ones which has a more pronounced v-tec kick at 6krpm when the cam profile changes.
The early ones will also try to throw you in a hedge at every opportunity. Great fun!
Unless that is the previous owner enjoyed hitting 60mph in 2nd a lot which kills the synchro.
Engine is the star as others have said I particularly like it in the early ones which has a more pronounced v-tec kick at 6krpm when the cam profile changes.
The early ones will also try to throw you in a hedge at every opportunity. Great fun!
Had a 2003 car for 3 years - ran it alongside a DC2, replaced it with an NA1 NSX.
...and I'd describe it as an "oh so nearly" car, certainly as standard.
- The steering lacks feedback as others have noted, although reducing the caster* right down not only removes most of the gloopy 'weight' but allows some messages to filter through - not perfect, but better.
- The suspension is just fine (certainly on 16"s) up to about 8/10ths, and it then starts running out of ideas, certainly at the rear which can develop a crossways porpoising through bumpy/uneven corners. Cross-braces front and rear helped (by stiffening the chassis up), but you'd still want some quality dampers to truly tame it (Nitrons I'm told are a good option)
- The brakes, again as others have said, are adequate for the road but not exceptional, certainly by modern standards.
Otherwise, the stereo is naff and the seat is good but not great...and that's it for the negatives - the powertrain is utterly beguiling, the responses are immediate in a way that would still be impressive today and was probably revelatory over a decade ago, the car (with a good geo set-up) feels properly rear-wheel-drive without being a widowmaker** and the soft-top adds another dimension that even a hardcore petrolhead would appreciate. Oh, and as with most performance Hondas the ergonomics are spot on and the build/reliability are first-rate.
I'm sure a 986-S is a better all-round car, but a lightly-fettled S2000 would come rather close...
* Which reduces dynamic camber, so you need to balance this by either increasing front camber and thus tyre wear, or reducing rear camber and thus overall grip...which is what I did, the car has a surfeit of the stuff as standard and mine was road-only.
(Conversely, if it's a track machine you want higher caster, really...)
** Reputation was built on original geo settings + dry-optimised Bridgestones that hated standing water.
...and I'd describe it as an "oh so nearly" car, certainly as standard.
- The steering lacks feedback as others have noted, although reducing the caster* right down not only removes most of the gloopy 'weight' but allows some messages to filter through - not perfect, but better.
- The suspension is just fine (certainly on 16"s) up to about 8/10ths, and it then starts running out of ideas, certainly at the rear which can develop a crossways porpoising through bumpy/uneven corners. Cross-braces front and rear helped (by stiffening the chassis up), but you'd still want some quality dampers to truly tame it (Nitrons I'm told are a good option)
- The brakes, again as others have said, are adequate for the road but not exceptional, certainly by modern standards.
Otherwise, the stereo is naff and the seat is good but not great...and that's it for the negatives - the powertrain is utterly beguiling, the responses are immediate in a way that would still be impressive today and was probably revelatory over a decade ago, the car (with a good geo set-up) feels properly rear-wheel-drive without being a widowmaker** and the soft-top adds another dimension that even a hardcore petrolhead would appreciate. Oh, and as with most performance Hondas the ergonomics are spot on and the build/reliability are first-rate.
I'm sure a 986-S is a better all-round car, but a lightly-fettled S2000 would come rather close...
* Which reduces dynamic camber, so you need to balance this by either increasing front camber and thus tyre wear, or reducing rear camber and thus overall grip...which is what I did, the car has a surfeit of the stuff as standard and mine was road-only.
(Conversely, if it's a track machine you want higher caster, really...)
** Reputation was built on original geo settings + dry-optimised Bridgestones that hated standing water.
I'm in joint ownership with my Dad on a 2002 AP1 in Monte Carlo blue. We bought it as an ex demonstrator which now has just 45,000 miles on the clock, is completely original (apart from the Bridgestone's) and it is one of my all time favourite cars. Having driven a number of AP2's I still prefer the AP1. It's more of a challenge to drive and the redline is higher.
I understand the comments about the lack of power (especially in today's world), although I still think that it is pretty much perfect for a B road blast on UK roads. Yes, you have to work for the power and understand its handling characteristics. To me, that's the appeal behind this car. It rewards you for learning and working with it.
The question is though, who here knows about the secret compartment behind the seats? In between the seats you have the small storage area. Open this and if you feel around the top, inside the compartment you will find another button / lever. Press it and the secret compartment opens, providing extra storage :-)
Obligatory photo. Excuse the low res pics, they're all I have to hand.
I understand the comments about the lack of power (especially in today's world), although I still think that it is pretty much perfect for a B road blast on UK roads. Yes, you have to work for the power and understand its handling characteristics. To me, that's the appeal behind this car. It rewards you for learning and working with it.
The question is though, who here knows about the secret compartment behind the seats? In between the seats you have the small storage area. Open this and if you feel around the top, inside the compartment you will find another button / lever. Press it and the secret compartment opens, providing extra storage :-)
Obligatory photo. Excuse the low res pics, they're all I have to hand.
16 years on, I still have mine.
Chassis braces do improve steering breakaway feel and the use of 17" wheels with the later tyres does make it a bit less like a Formula 1 car on slightly greasy roads. It's really not a widowmaker, it is just doesn't suffer fools gladly.
Back Yard Special seat rail fixes the driving position.
Oh, and the OEM head unit and speakers are in a cupboard, somewhere.
I don't plan on selling it...
Chassis braces do improve steering breakaway feel and the use of 17" wheels with the later tyres does make it a bit less like a Formula 1 car on slightly greasy roads. It's really not a widowmaker, it is just doesn't suffer fools gladly.
Back Yard Special seat rail fixes the driving position.
Oh, and the OEM head unit and speakers are in a cupboard, somewhere.
I don't plan on selling it...
varsas said:
Last year I had some money in my pocket and space on the driveway. Usually a situation like that would result in something old appearing on the driveway, S1 XJ6, another old Landie or even a RR sight unseen from eBay (that's Rolls Royce of course, not one of those upstart Range Rover things). This time I wanted something I could really drive and attack the road with. I missed my old e36 328, and hadn't had a proper sports car. My Spitfire 1500 was great fun but a bit fragile to really push.
I decided on an MX5 or Boxster. I had driven both and knew they were fantastic, with the Boxster a bit better for trackdays which I do occasionally. Being a real driver I discounted the S2000...Steering ruined by EPAS, widowmaker handling and an engine you have to thrash before it works put me off. If I'm going to spend proper money I should get an engine I can enjoy all the time, like the Porsche flat 6, otherwise if I'm geting MX5 performance I'll spend MX5 money. Then a friend kindly lent me his...
As soon as I sat in the car I knew it was special..everything was in exactly the right place, I felt snug and part of the car but could still see out, controls were to hand but not in the way and the seat was comfy but supportive. The delights carried through when I started driving it, it's so sharp, precise and light with no dead travel in the pedals. Within 5 minutes I had absolute confidence in the car and was really enjoying the experience, the engine was lively, the gearchange felt like I was banging through a sequential box (this is the gearbox people who prefer DSG should try), the brakes perfect and the whole car responded immediately and faithfully to every input...I'd already decided I wanted one, then I found a fast, quiet road, selected second, and held the throttle down past 6,000rpm...
A few months later I bought my 2007 car, black with red interior. Every time I drive the car it just feels so right, it makes my 330ci daily driver feel slow and leaden. I've owned faster cars (V8 XJR for example) but this feels much quicker...and that's what's important in a sports car, how it feels, and to me the S2000 feels just like I want a sports car to feel. Some call it twitchy, I call it nimble. The only modification I did was to fit new Goodyear Eagle F1 asymetric 3 tyres and sort the geometry. The S2000 is not perfect. Obviously it only has two seats, and with good heater and air con and a surprisingly good stereo it's quite comfortable but there is little cabin space and the boot is small. The petrol tank is also small, but 35mpg means range is pretty good. I am surprised at the lack of equipment, this is the newest car I've ever had, but lights and wipers are manual, there is no cruise and I have to fold the mirrors myself...the biggest omission is any kind of traction control which slows progress in the rain, only very late cars have VSD but these are minor issues. This is the car I've been looking for ever since I learnt to drive, I wish I'd brought one 18 years ago, I'm sure I'd still have it.
I couldn't have summarised the experience and sensations involved with my own any better than you have, very accurate, 10/10. With the recent arrival of new machinery, I wish, I dearly wish I could hold on to mine, but 3x 2 seat sportscars is an untenable position. Perhaps we can compare merits of the japanese car against the Bavarian, sometime soon? (;I decided on an MX5 or Boxster. I had driven both and knew they were fantastic, with the Boxster a bit better for trackdays which I do occasionally. Being a real driver I discounted the S2000...Steering ruined by EPAS, widowmaker handling and an engine you have to thrash before it works put me off. If I'm going to spend proper money I should get an engine I can enjoy all the time, like the Porsche flat 6, otherwise if I'm geting MX5 performance I'll spend MX5 money. Then a friend kindly lent me his...
As soon as I sat in the car I knew it was special..everything was in exactly the right place, I felt snug and part of the car but could still see out, controls were to hand but not in the way and the seat was comfy but supportive. The delights carried through when I started driving it, it's so sharp, precise and light with no dead travel in the pedals. Within 5 minutes I had absolute confidence in the car and was really enjoying the experience, the engine was lively, the gearchange felt like I was banging through a sequential box (this is the gearbox people who prefer DSG should try), the brakes perfect and the whole car responded immediately and faithfully to every input...I'd already decided I wanted one, then I found a fast, quiet road, selected second, and held the throttle down past 6,000rpm...
A few months later I bought my 2007 car, black with red interior. Every time I drive the car it just feels so right, it makes my 330ci daily driver feel slow and leaden. I've owned faster cars (V8 XJR for example) but this feels much quicker...and that's what's important in a sports car, how it feels, and to me the S2000 feels just like I want a sports car to feel. Some call it twitchy, I call it nimble. The only modification I did was to fit new Goodyear Eagle F1 asymetric 3 tyres and sort the geometry. The S2000 is not perfect. Obviously it only has two seats, and with good heater and air con and a surprisingly good stereo it's quite comfortable but there is little cabin space and the boot is small. The petrol tank is also small, but 35mpg means range is pretty good. I am surprised at the lack of equipment, this is the newest car I've ever had, but lights and wipers are manual, there is no cruise and I have to fold the mirrors myself...the biggest omission is any kind of traction control which slows progress in the rain, only very late cars have VSD but these are minor issues. This is the car I've been looking for ever since I learnt to drive, I wish I'd brought one 18 years ago, I'm sure I'd still have it.
Edited by varsas on Wednesday 11th October 13:25
The engine, as the PH blog notes correctly, is the real star of the show and supported with the smooth, slick, bolt-action gearchange, it is a very exciting experience to enter the angry VTEC range and start to make progress, of course taking care not to let the back slide out. The engine, dimensions, handling, gearchange... we are unlikely to ever see such a simple but well-built machine be developed for the consumer market again.
T
Edited by NorthernSky on Wednesday 11th October 14:18
I bought mine new in 2003 and still have it. I was going to get a Porsche Boxster S but the Honda made me smile so much I decided the Porsche wasn't worth the significant extra money. I've never regretted that decision.
Nothing can beat the feeling on a sunny day with the roof down on a good road. It is a pain in traffic though with relatively little torque, although that's a price worth paying for the stunning top end. I've thought about selling it a few times, but can't bring myself to do it.
I do look a little strange driving it as I'm 6'3 so don't really fit, but who cares about minor details like that!
Nothing can beat the feeling on a sunny day with the roof down on a good road. It is a pain in traffic though with relatively little torque, although that's a price worth paying for the stunning top end. I've thought about selling it a few times, but can't bring myself to do it.
I do look a little strange driving it as I'm 6'3 so don't really fit, but who cares about minor details like that!
Posted again to add - I ran mine in a number of UAE Autocross Championship in the 2.0l standard class and it won plenty of trophies. That said, you had to have the geo absolutely spot on to get it to feel really balanced and chuckable.
Edit for image - Mine on the right with a mates back in the day.
Edit for image - Mine on the right with a mates back in the day.
Edited by Mothersruin on Wednesday 11th October 15:17
CABC said:
Why do Honda continually produce gems and then discontinue them? Just when the model brand has been developed.
In fairness it was in production for ten years, even if they had continued it they wouldn't have been able to get away with it for long as emissions laws put pay to them using the engine in the UK, same with the FN2I saw one of these as a logical progression from my NC 2.0 MX5. Alas, that got sold when we went down to one car and, now that I expect to be in a position to buy something of this ilk again soon, I can't help but have my head turned by the Boxster.
Reading all of the posts on this thread makes me wonder though!
Reading all of the posts on this thread makes me wonder though!
Elesmart said:
The question is though, who here knows about the secret compartment behind the seats? In between the seats you have the small storage area. Open this and if you feel around the top, inside the compartment you will find another button / lever. Press it and the secret compartment opens, providing extra storage :-)
I found it after 4 years of ownership. PistonBroker said:
I saw one of these as a logical progression from my NC 2.0 MX5. Alas, that got sold when we went down to one car and, now that I expect to be in a position to buy something of this ilk again soon, I can't help but have my head turned by the Boxster.
Reading all of the posts on this thread makes me wonder though!
I didn't get the same sense of 'one-ness' with the car in a Boxster, I'm pretty sure a 986S (or 987S) is faster though. Try both and see what you think!Reading all of the posts on this thread makes me wonder though!
Mushroom12 said:
Elesmart said:
The question is though, who here knows about the secret compartment behind the seats? In between the seats you have the small storage area. Open this and if you feel around the top, inside the compartment you will find another button / lever. Press it and the secret compartment opens, providing extra storage :-)
I found it after 4 years of ownership. Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff