I know plenty of people have started threads about their S2k experiences, but we can never have enough talk about Honda's only current 'sports car' (note the word current: NSX doesn't count).

I had to drive a total of 3 hrs to and from the damn Acura dealer today, only to have them refuse to fix my rusted end links or door rattle, so I was feeling pretty upset after I picked my car up (at least I got the wire harness recall repair and a free wash+vacuum). There is a Honda dealer down the road from the Acura dealer (same owner too), and they had a brand new black S2k out front, so I figured what the hell, I'll go ask to drive it. After some BSing about how I was honestly thinking of buying one, the salesman let me take it out for a spin. It was an '05 with 37 miles on the ticker. I didn't push it too hard, and the 300 lb salesman rode with me, so I knew I wasn't getting full performance anyway, but here are some random impressions:

1. The throws on that shifter are SHORT! It makes the TSX' manual feel like a truck's. And the sound when it snicks into gear..heavenly

2. The steering is so perfect. Perfect size and thickness, and the feedback through the wheel while driving is excellent. Again, the TSX' steering felt sloppy by comparison.

3. Every vibration from the road, engine, or brakes is transported through the wheel, pedals, and seat. The resulting sensation is that you are going faster than you really are. There is apparently no sound insulation, so 4K RPM in the S2k sounds like redline in the TSX. Even idling feels rough. As a mechanical engineer, it was cool to feel so connected to the engine, but I can see how it would get tiring

4. RWD is fun!

5. It feels strange to be shifting so high up. In the TSX and most sedans, your right arm is angled down to shift. In the S2k, it felt like you had to reach up to shift. The armrest was comfortable enough that this wasn't too bad, but it took some getting used to.

6. The exhaust note is alot deeper than I expected. Its no LS6, but it was pretty satisfying.

7. The 2.2L has plenty of torque down low; I will need to drive the 2L for comparison, but I felt at ease in stop-and-go traffic. The trip to the 8k redline seemed to go on forever, I can only imagine what 9K is like.

8. 17" wheels look huge on the S2k (unlike the TSX). I don't like the spoke design though.

9. I am 6'1 190 lbs (all legs too), and I felt comfortable. If the steering wheel was an inch larger diameter, my knees wouldn't fit, but after the awkward entry the cockpit fits fine.

10. The driver side blind spot with the top up is really bad.

11. The interior is well suited to the car. Driver-oriented with no frills. I think I would prefer analog gauges to the digital tach and speedometer, but these features are part of the S2k's identity. I missed the wheel-mounted radio controls from the TSX, although the sound of that engine is entertaining enough.

12. The softtop mechanism is well implemented.

Of everything, the steering feel and incredible transmission stood out. Maybe I'll pick up a used S2000 in a few years for $18k or so. Honda!

 

after driving the s2k, its very strange driving other cars. I drive my girlfriends jetta and it really does feel like driving an 18 wheeler, feels like I'm reaching straight down for the shifter.

Its AWFUL. By far the worst I've ever seen.

I think there is a kit to convert the digital dash to analog. I want to look into that, I don't like the digital stuff. Although, its easier to see your speed with a very quick glance.

It doesn't take long to get used to the side mounted stereo controls. You can reach them with your hand still on the wheel, after a few days its intuitive.

 

Test drove an '05 S2K for the first time today, after getting back in my TSX afterwards it felt like I was driving a slug.

1. The seats fit me like a glove.

2. The overall 'feel' is like driving a go-kart, every input has immediate output.

3. This is NOT a boulevard cruiser, this is a driver's car.

4. I was a little surprised by the engine, it has more torque than I expected.

5. Stereo stinks - definitely needs some aftermarket improvements.


I really, really like this car...my only disapointment was exhaust note, but that can be easily changed aftermarket. The snow will be flying soon in Motown, so I'm debating about waiting until Springtime for an '06.

My dealer quote was $33,546.90 otd. Probably a safe guess that I can get a better price if I shop around.

 

I test drove one 2-3 weeks ago with full intentions of purchasing, I was let down. Don't get me wrong, I liked the car but it was not what I remembered, it just didn't feel fast to me. It felt more like a daily driver type car and less of a all out sports car like I remembered(my first experience was 2 years ago with a MY03). The improved low end torque was nice for smooth acceleration from a start and slightly faster acceleration under normal driving, but until you hit that magical 6k RPM's it just doesn't feel fast to me from a standstill with out revving the shit out of it and dumping the clutch. My test drive consisted of top down only driving(not my choice, but not the end of the world) and I was surprised how quiet it was with the top down, but I didn't experience the infamous blind spot because of this.

I should mention I was comparing this car to the Lotus Elise which I took for a few hour test drive the prior week, the Elise is much more of what I am looking for. I appreciate its minimalistic approach, its more of what I was looking for from a "sports car".

My conclusion, the S2000 is a blast to drive and very driver friendly, possibly too driver friendly for a true sports car. Its also showing its age, a newer, lighter package would be welcomed. If the car was available with factory heated seats and the factory hardtop was still an option I would have replaced my TSX with a S2000 as a daily driver. I was looking for a fun, fast car the S2000 is possibly to refined for what I want.

 

I'm going to test drive a 2002 tomorrow and possibly purchase it...

 

What's the verdict, Ken?




To each his own, but for top down, rwd and 33k - imo best in class. I would never consider S2K as daily driver, but as you say - it's liveable enough to consider if you live in fairweather country.

BTW, hardtop IS still an option.

 

Dealerships suck, I noticed it was no longer on the honda website, Handaaccessories.com no longer have it "in stock" and I specifically asked the salesmen since I would have considered it and he told me they are no longer making them at this time due to a lack of demand.

Its hard to judge anothers decision on a car, there are many factors that motivate people to purchase any given car. There is no denying the S2k is a great car for the money, and a blast to drive. But that's what a forum is for, so different people to share their experiences with the same thing

 

Loved the car and the test drive, didnt trust the owner and there were some questionable issues regarding the car's history. I noticed screws, bolts and paint that didnt match. I had to look carefully to even see all this. When I asked him directly eye to eye about it, his facial reaction said it all.

Oh well, I'll look into an '04+ S2000 in a year or so. I can wait.

 

If you pull the trigger on the Elise, be sure to post pics and comments.

 

The eyes don't lie.

Good luck with the hunt, I'm sure you'll find an honest owner that won't sell you a POS.

 

The elise is an awesome car. The best part about it is that you can now negotiate the selling price. The dealer in SAis offering $3k off sticker!!

 

The Elise is THE most fun I've had just riding as passenger during an AutoX run. It was more fun then the GT3 I rode in right before that....and the driver of the Elise was a noob. Thats how fun that car is...I can only imagine driving one.

 

When the current body style Elise is selling used for sub-$20k, it will get my attention. Until then, I'll continue to consider the S2k my 'attainable' dream car.

The wife says I can buy a used S2k after we pay off the condo. I'm thinking an '03 Silverstone/Black with 40k miles or so. Either that or a Red/black '02. I haven't driven an AP1 (2.0 liter), but I think from my AP2 test drive that I would trade 5% less peak torque to get a thousand more RPMs on the high-lift cam and stiffer suspension. I'd probably replace the stock 16" wheels with some 17" Prodrives or something though.

 

Nice review.

I really like the new wheels. The rears are 17x8.5.