RE: Happy 18th birthday Honda S2000: PH Blog
Wednesday 11th October 2017
We had to check as well. But yes, the Honda S2000 really did go on sale in the last century. The last millennium, in fact. 2017 therefore marks 18 years since its launch - in fact we're a little late - and that's worthy of anniversary acknowledgement. Not only was the S2000 a welcome (and long overdue) return to Honda making rear-wheel drive sports cars, it's significant as probably being the last as well. Certainly the last with a high revving petrol engine, that is.
Damn it, the engine already. That wasn't due until at least the third paragraph. While a key part of the S2000's appeal, there is more to it than the collection of metal bits under the bonnet. Really. The interior, for example, is a lesson in modern minimalism. Note for example the controls up by the steering wheel for the radio and ventilation, not unlike Ferrari's approach with the 458. Having the controls close to the wheel rather on it makes vastly more sense, I think. Put a more modern stereo in, along with a higher-resolution dash, and it wouldn't look out of place in something new.
Good, that's done, we can talk about the engine now. The S2000's F20C 2.0-litre must be one of the most thrilling production engines ever made; in conjunction with that sublime six-speed manual you have one of the great powertrains. What VTEC does is of course now painfully familiar, but what's so exciting about the S2000 is the way it just keeps on revving. Sure, you get the performance uplift as the cam changes profile, but then there's a second wind at around 8,000rpm as well that means you get this wild last thousand revs. Turns out, which I didn't know before, that peak power is at 8,300rpm, so that sort of makes sense.
The steering is quite heavy yet numb, the driving position awkward and the ride crashy; none of those are great for confidence anyway, but especially not when combined with the S2000's famously tricky nature. However, before you call for my head, it's worth saying that modifications - rather than any fundamental changes - must surely improve things noticeably. A suspension refresh, a new seat and perhaps a new wheel would be my first things to address.
Happy 18th birthday Honda S2000: PH Blog
Alright, so it was only on sale for 10, but that shouldn't stop a VTEC celebration!
Nearly 20 years after its introduction (and almost 10 since it went off sale), the S2000 - to me at least - still looks good and feels small on the road. Throughout the car it feels like there's no excess, nothing wasted and nothing added for the sake of it.
Arguably even more so than when it was on sale - because engines were more interesting then - the engine is central to the S2000's appeal. It feels like the perfect base to build a fun car or track around because, truth be told, the S2000 isn't a fabulous sports car as standard. Or rather it doesn't feel to be one in 2017.
That is, of course, assuming there was any money remaining. Once upon a time £4,000 bought a well used S2000 but that will no longer happen. Setting aside at least £7K for something to work on now seems wise, and still very tempting I would say.
That's coming from someone who's only spent a couple of days with one though - what do you guys think? I see plenty of S2000s at Sunday Services, so I'd love to know what you think of them, what you've modified and why you have an S2000. We won't see a car like it again, so let's celebrate the S2000 now!
Matt
 |
 |
 |
 |
Discussion
A good assessment I'd say.
I own one and have made similar observations/modifications, replacing the captains chair with a Recaro Pole Position, the wheel with a leather Momo, and adjustable coilovers on the corners. Oh and harvested some front brakes from and Accord Type-R.
Makes for a fine steer!
I own one and have made similar observations/modifications, replacing the captains chair with a Recaro Pole Position, the wheel with a leather Momo, and adjustable coilovers on the corners. Oh and harvested some front brakes from and Accord Type-R.
Makes for a fine steer!
Edited by Helical on Wednesday 11th October 11:59
I had an 04 plate. Loved it. Still looks good today. The only thing I changed was the upgrading the stereo and overall sound system.
Also worth checking the alignment/geometry as the bolts can seize. If it's never been done - it's worth it. I paid around £400 at TGM a few years ago now - so likely to be a bit more these days.
Also worth checking the alignment/geometry as the bolts can seize. If it's never been done - it's worth it. I paid around £400 at TGM a few years ago now - so likely to be a bit more these days.
I have a 2007 Nurburgring Blue one, the GT with hardtop - which in fact has only been on it once and not really worth looking for specifically as you need to store it somewhere. I've boosted the useless stereo with a sub-woofer unit in the (handy) boot-well - and put on a Powerflow stainless exhaust, as the original one was a bit damaged when I bought the car.
All comments are correct. On a warm day with the roof down on B-roads - I can't think of a better sports car, just superb and thrilling and you can make it dance ....and you don't need to be doing crazy speeds to enjoy it. With the roof up or hard-top on, in foul weather, on the motorway or any other long drive, or in town traffic - then suddenly it's cramped/noisy/crashy/tiring. And thirsty! But that's to be expected. The volcanic heater means that you can drive it roof-down on dry cold days, too.
Top-rate tax, due to age/CO2 and of course not cheap insurance - but if anybody is thinking of getting one, then do so....!
All comments are correct. On a warm day with the roof down on B-roads - I can't think of a better sports car, just superb and thrilling and you can make it dance ....and you don't need to be doing crazy speeds to enjoy it. With the roof up or hard-top on, in foul weather, on the motorway or any other long drive, or in town traffic - then suddenly it's cramped/noisy/crashy/tiring. And thirsty! But that's to be expected. The volcanic heater means that you can drive it roof-down on dry cold days, too.
Top-rate tax, due to age/CO2 and of course not cheap insurance - but if anybody is thinking of getting one, then do so....!
I worked for Broadspeed at the turn of the Millennium, and we imported an early S2000 from (I think) Germany for a retired racing driver.
In those days the local DVLA office would routinely insist on inspecting about one in ten new registrations, if they were from the likes of car importers. I had heard that S2000s sounded a bit like contemporary F1 cars when they got close to the red line, so was delighted to learn that this was indeed one of the cars DVLA wanted to inspect.
The stars aligned and on the appointed day the sun came out for the first time in weeks and I was able to complete the 30-or so mile round trip to Ipswich DVLA with the roof down and, erm..., "extending the car throughout its operating range".
New owner duly collected the car next day, a charming fellow called Peter Westbury whose considerable endeavours I had to Google. Sad to discover he died in December 2015: RIP Peter.
As a footnote, the next trip to DVLA was in a yellow Smart Car, one of the very first LHD ones. A little girl was walking with her mum near where I parked. She pointed to the car and said to her mum "Look at that silly yellow car!". Sublime to the ridiculous etc...
In those days the local DVLA office would routinely insist on inspecting about one in ten new registrations, if they were from the likes of car importers. I had heard that S2000s sounded a bit like contemporary F1 cars when they got close to the red line, so was delighted to learn that this was indeed one of the cars DVLA wanted to inspect.
The stars aligned and on the appointed day the sun came out for the first time in weeks and I was able to complete the 30-or so mile round trip to Ipswich DVLA with the roof down and, erm..., "extending the car throughout its operating range".
New owner duly collected the car next day, a charming fellow called Peter Westbury whose considerable endeavours I had to Google. Sad to discover he died in December 2015: RIP Peter.
As a footnote, the next trip to DVLA was in a yellow Smart Car, one of the very first LHD ones. A little girl was walking with her mum near where I parked. She pointed to the car and said to her mum "Look at that silly yellow car!". Sublime to the ridiculous etc...
Turbobanana said:
As a footnote, the next trip to DVLA was in a yellow Smart Car, one of the very first LHD ones. A little girl was walking with her mum near where I parked. She pointed to the car and said to her mum "Look at that silly yellow car!". Sublime to the ridiculous etc...
She's probably grown up since and demanded a cream Fiat 500 with a red interior for her 18th Birthday.I've had mine for 2.5 years now and its standard other than a suspension refresh incorporating some poly bushes. These have been great and haven't affected the ride or refinement at all. Its also had a fast road set-up from specialists APC so handling is now the best of all I have driven and far more predictable.
o
o
I owned an S2000 for five years (2008 to 2013) and in terms of sheer enjoyment, it's still the best car I've ever owned. Sadly, I sold mine (at the wrong time of course - they've shot up in value since then), but I miss it all the time, especially in the summer.
I loved the minimalism of it and the thoughtful design. As mentioned in the article, the heater vents and controls as well as audio controls are located within fingertip reach of the steering wheel. There are no electronic nannies (mine was a 2005 car, they were introduced to a degree following a refresh in 2006 I think), which meant if your rear tyres were anywhere below 3mm, you'd need to have your wits about you in the wet. That just made it more fun though :-)
Bad points were the brakes could have been stronger and the radio reception was hopeless. Other than that, it was all good for me. A stereo & speaker upgrade were worthwhile and there's a lift-up hidey-hole between the seats seemingly made to measure for an iPod to be stashed away (though the upgrade still didn't fix the radio reception issue). Other than that, the only "upgrade" I made was to remove the airbox cover for an even better noise, though it did sound like a Hoover at idle.
The best bit for me, other than the engine was the gearbox. The engine gets all the credit, but seriously, the gearbox is the best manual box I've ever used.
I loved the minimalism of it and the thoughtful design. As mentioned in the article, the heater vents and controls as well as audio controls are located within fingertip reach of the steering wheel. There are no electronic nannies (mine was a 2005 car, they were introduced to a degree following a refresh in 2006 I think), which meant if your rear tyres were anywhere below 3mm, you'd need to have your wits about you in the wet. That just made it more fun though :-)
Bad points were the brakes could have been stronger and the radio reception was hopeless. Other than that, it was all good for me. A stereo & speaker upgrade were worthwhile and there's a lift-up hidey-hole between the seats seemingly made to measure for an iPod to be stashed away (though the upgrade still didn't fix the radio reception issue). Other than that, the only "upgrade" I made was to remove the airbox cover for an even better noise, though it did sound like a Hoover at idle.
The best bit for me, other than the engine was the gearbox. The engine gets all the credit, but seriously, the gearbox is the best manual box I've ever used.
I think they are such good looking cars. There is a fella who works at a local pub with one in grey, lowered on Volks wheels and it looks the absolute biz.
However, I do remember doing a Honda Donington track day a good few years back and remembering giggling at these S2000s just spinning ALL the time. Clearly the reputation they have - for the early ones at least - isn't exaggerated.
However, I do remember doing a Honda Donington track day a good few years back and remembering giggling at these S2000s just spinning ALL the time. Clearly the reputation they have - for the early ones at least - isn't exaggerated.
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 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
sgtBerbatov said:
Turbobanana said:
As a footnote, the next trip to DVLA was in a yellow Smart Car, one of the very first LHD ones. A little girl was walking with her mum near where I parked. She pointed to the car and said to her mum "Look at that silly yellow car!". Sublime to the ridiculous etc...
She's probably grown up since and demanded a cream Fiat 500 with a red interior for her 18th Birthday.
I have one which I bought now about 4 years ago - just at the right time it seems before prices have crept up. Paid 6k for a 46k mile '02 in really nice condition (i've now nearly done 90k). I had to drop a deposit over the phone unseen within 10 minutes of the advert going up as there was always so much interest in the good ones. The guy I had it off had 25+ other people wanting it within the week!
Anyway, this is the first car I've owned which I know I'll be keeping. There's just something about it - it's incredibly satisfying to drive hard once you are use to it's habits. It's still mostly standard (upgraded pads, fluid, bucket seat, that's about it) and am just starting some more in depth mods now.
I absolutely love it because what other (mostly) standard car can you drive like this for the same money?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba6DhCirQHQ
Also, having done 40K+ miles in it and it being 15 years old plus 6 or so track days, it has been absolutely reliable other than a failed coil pack. Top marks for reliability - especially in this sector.
Anyway, this is the first car I've owned which I know I'll be keeping. There's just something about it - it's incredibly satisfying to drive hard once you are use to it's habits. It's still mostly standard (upgraded pads, fluid, bucket seat, that's about it) and am just starting some more in depth mods now.
I absolutely love it because what other (mostly) standard car can you drive like this for the same money?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba6DhCirQHQ
Also, having done 40K+ miles in it and it being 15 years old plus 6 or so track days, it has been absolutely reliable other than a failed coil pack. Top marks for reliability - especially in this sector.
Edited by Andy S15 on Wednesday 11th October 13:29
Had my 1999 car for 6 years now, and without a doubt it is one of the noisiest, uncomfortable, uneconomical car I have ever owned.
It is for these reasons I absolutely love it, bombproof reliability, it just feels special every journey.
The tendancy to throw you off the road (worse on the early cars) can be dialled out easily enough with the correct geo settings.
Cheers.....Tony
It is for these reasons I absolutely love it, bombproof reliability, it just feels special every journey.
The tendancy to throw you off the road (worse on the early cars) can be dialled out easily enough with the correct geo settings.
Cheers.....Tony
Had a 02 Monte Carlo Blue GT..
Gearbox is just sublime. I came from an EP3 Type-R with its dash mounted gearstick so it had big shoes to fill, and it filled them and then some. Wonderfully chunky, analog, mechanical feel to it.
The OEM Bridgestones were widow makers. Basically like those plastic wheels you get on toy cars in cold or greasy conditions.
Looks a lot faster than it is, which is a shame. I was somewhat underwhelmed coming from my Type-R. Having said that, the theatre of it is something else. Wonderful noise, and that gearbox (so good it's worth mentioning twice). The child in me loved the Knight Rider speedo too.
It's a very timeless look too, doesn't look dated even today.
Gearbox is just sublime. I came from an EP3 Type-R with its dash mounted gearstick so it had big shoes to fill, and it filled them and then some. Wonderfully chunky, analog, mechanical feel to it.
The OEM Bridgestones were widow makers. Basically like those plastic wheels you get on toy cars in cold or greasy conditions.
Looks a lot faster than it is, which is a shame. I was somewhat underwhelmed coming from my Type-R. Having said that, the theatre of it is something else. Wonderful noise, and that gearbox (so good it's worth mentioning twice). The child in me loved the Knight Rider speedo too.
It's a very timeless look too, doesn't look dated even today.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff