The S2000 is a roadster, a car Honda designed to connect the driver with the purity of man, machine and the curving road ahead, and with that in mind, everything about the car was designed to elicit a pure, direct driving experience.
There are similar cars, the MX-5 and Boxster immediately come to mind, but by the time the S2000 came along, neither stayed as true to the roadster ideal as the S2000 as they accommodated the masses with such frivolity as power hard tops and automatic transmissions. Great cars to drive are they, but they are not distilled like the S2000 was to focus on the driving.
Even the S2000 succumbed to a bit of this, with its power top, stability control and even a nod towards a cup holder, but it really was the last of the pure roadsters, designed an built for a particular owner that delighted in that connection between man and machine and who was willing to work to draw that connection out. No options, no luxury packages, no accommodating the casual driver. Simply one last, great effort to reconnect with an unadulterated driving experience.
If Honda had offered an automatic S2000, it would have sold more cars, possibly many more, as only about 5% of new cars bought today are even sold with manual transmissions. When you see an S2000 on the road, you know its owner is distinct from the driving masses – he or she knows a bit more about cars, a bit more about driving.
What Honda eventually presented the world, and what has been experienced by a truly lucky few, is a car that more faithfully adheres to the roadster ideal than any car since the original Miata, and that has not been seen since. With advancing technology and a human population less attuned to driving and the joy that can be had by it, it likely will be the last pure roadster we will ever see.
Everything about the car, from its mechanics to its cockpit, is designed to connect the driver with the road, to empower that driver, to deliver joy in every way possible through control, feedback, and immersion. Notice how you can control everything from the radio to the air conditioner from your hands’ perch on the steering wheel. Feel how the car moves around you in corners as you are tucked into its tight seat and cockpit. Listen to the engine’s scream as it runs to redline with an eager fury. Smell the oil, gas and rubber during a drive, knowing that the S2000 is alive and working for your pleasure. Few cars can claim such an elemental connection nowadays, fewer still can deliver it in such a pared down, honest manner.
During the S2000′s production run, just over 112,000 were built worldwide. During its decade of production, over 500 million passenger cars were built. If you have an S2000, know you have one of the rarest cars on earth, and one of the last of the pure roadsters. Enjoy it.
An original write up by Saki GT
NOTE: S2KI welcomes the opinions of its members on the S2000 and on all topics related to the S. Should you feel the creative urge to pen a few words then by all means do so and PM Energetic, Aashish2, Onehots2k or GavinSSAP1, OR send us links to what you would like us to write about and we will feature you (or your community) on the S2KI Home Page.
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on Mar 10th, 2011 at 7:12 am
Very well said Saki. Probably one of the best articles that really hits the spot on how much of a treasure the S is, and proves how much more anyone should really appreciate ownership of this incredible car.
on Mar 10th, 2011 at 7:20 am
I had to comment; such a beautiful post.
I can’t wait to get dressed and drive my car to class today! I go to school by the beach so… Drop top 9k redline madness haha. Enjoy everyone.
on Mar 10th, 2011 at 8:33 am
Well said.
But “one of the rarest cars on earth”? Hardly, at 112,000 produced. My S2000 is my daily driver, but my non-daily driver is a 1968 Datsun 2000 Roadster (about 15,000 made from 1967.5 – 1970). About 100 less HP but nonetheless just as thrilling to drive. There’s Nothing digital about it. It’s a pure analog car, right down to the twin SU carbs.
Both cars, you gotta stay on your toes. At least by today’s standards.
on Mar 10th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
Great post but I also disagree with the production being considered amongst the “rarest” It’s not exactly mass-produced but I wouldn’t put rare anywhere beside the S2000. But then again being rare always doesn’t make it good. Nonetheless the S2000 is the best roadster possibly ever made. You pretty much said it with it being as good as the original miata as far as driver and car connection. I really dislike when people modify their S2k’s keep them stock people! Plus you spend 5-6 grand on it for 40-50hp not a smart investment all it does is take away from the face value of the car and takes away from the true essence of the car that honda intended
on Mar 10th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Hey Keith thats a great looking car.
Put something like this
http://image.superstreetonline.com/f/9634521+w750+st0/130_0702_16_z+1968_nissan_datsun_2000_fairlady+sr20de_engine_view.jpg
on Mar 10th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
Amen!
on Mar 10th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
It’s totally truth about the feeling on how i felt when the first time that i’ve purchased the S2K..
I owned the 07 Civic Si and 06 S2000, everytime when i switch the car to drive, It just felt so great that none of my previous car could give me with that special feeling. Even though both of the car were made by Honda, but God Im really appreciate that you’ve gave that innovation to someone who’s created this car for us to enjoyed it… and it’s truth that all of S2K owner really know and appreciated about this car than any of those outhere don’t even know anything about the car.
on Mar 10th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
@Andre
I love to modify my S. I don’t see anything wrong with upgrading things. I don’t think anyone can deny that quality coilovers, lighter wheels, and some beefier brakes only enhances the special driving experience our cars have to offer. Sure some mods like large spoilers and carbon parts aren’t for everyone but most of us who choose to use such parts have a function over form mentality. And with six grand you usually end up with much more than 50hp gain. But hey its not for everyone. but me, ill stick with chopping up my S : )
on Mar 11th, 2011 at 12:34 am
Well, you just about waxed enough lyrical on the S2000. We all know just how good the roadster is. But don’t compare it to the Miata MX-5. S2000 cost over 32 grand new over ten years ago and the Miata? Just under 20 grand during the same time. So, apples and oranges. They’re not the same. You wouldn’t compare a Nissan GT-R with Subaru Impreza STi, right? They’re just not in the same league. S2000′s true competition during its initial years would be the BMW Z3, and then the Z4. Throw in the base model Boxster, even though it costs a tad more. Base model Boxster with the 2.5 liter engine only makes 201 bhp. Later it was upgraded to 2.7 liters and made 217 bhp. So, S2000 still victorious in the power department with 240 bhp. Yeah, kicked porsche’s arse in this category. BMW Z3 is not too bad, with inline 6 engines, but also available with inline 4, but they can’t touch the S2000. Again, another winner for the S2K. The pure unadultared fun of the S2K is solely evident on the AP1, no doubt about it, the AP1 represents the S2K in its purest sportscar form. Later, AP2 is still great but a lot of things changed since, including the engine, suspension bits, exterior and interior. It’s still a joy to drive and a great car, but it’s been tamed down a bit. Oversteer was toned down and ride was soften a bit. Traction control was added to reign driver mistakes. S2K CR was an attempt to resurrect the pure feel of AP1, and Honda largely succeeded to a degree. Japan only Type S is equivalent to American bound CR edition, so clearly we can see Honda’s intention of returning to some of its racing roots, albeit in very small limited numbers. Sadly, since the S2K has been discontinued, we see Honda taken a different approach to its products, and it’s really counter productive when you see the Fit and CRZ hybrid being Honda’s sportiest current offerings. Neither models are true sports cars and will never be. You can dressed it up to the max and it’s still a front wheel drive mini hatchback wannabe. I believe Honda lost money on every single S2K they sold, so it was never about making a profit with the roadster. The Accords and Civics paid for that (hahahaha). NSX and S2K, last of its breeds.
on Mar 15th, 2011 at 7:55 am
S2000′s are great. I love the fact that you know other s2000 drivers are not driving automatics. With Boxsters, 911s, z350s, mx-5s, rx8s you can only guess.
on Mar 15th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
I agree with the Gentlemen regarding the statement the best roadster possibly ever build. I do wanna add though I see were this car is definetly for the mature adult, given anything less and I promisse that S2k owner will wreck in a years time. I love my s2k and would never give it up or add any performance mods ” it does’nt need them at all. How ever as much as I love the S2k The stereo sucks, Now I love listening to the tone of my car but I really enjoy my music as well. So as far as stereo mods are concerned Ive done my fair share and man I dnt think I’ve heard a better system in a convertible or a coupe for that matter. Take a look at YouTube Honda S2k Punch. For anyone Looking to upgrade This is only a suggestion and this is what I just happen to use in my car one because I am a bit anal with my sound system and definetly with my s2k. Head Unit jvc Kameleon Avx77 Rockford fosgate Components speakers The Power Series, Rockford Fosgate P3 10 in sub. in the Trunk, with a Rockford 200.2 amp and a 500.1bd amp, in the trunk, and YES BELIEVE IT OR NOT I STILL HAVE ROOM IN THE TRUNK FOR STORAGE. I kid You not Check it out on Youtube Honda s2k punch. Stay tunded for the new picture in a few weeks.Any Question feel free to email me rwa665@yahoo.com
on Mar 18th, 2011 at 6:18 am
My previous car was the original 1991 Miata. Performance-wise, the S2k eclipses the Miata ten times over but both cars score high on pure driving fun. The early Miatas had no power steering which I believe gave more feel to the road.
on Sep 3rd, 2011 at 11:13 pm
I love my S in its original AP1 fresh from the factory condition. Personally, I see no need to alter the ultimate roadster, but everyone has different tastes and wallets. I’m not needing a rear spoiler or a change to the front end, as I’m not planning to track or race the car (maybe try autocross in stock class), but I can’t wait to drive the Pacific Coast Highway with it and my special lady, or cruise the Arizona Devil’s Highway, the old Route 66 and other famous roads, as far off the interstate highway system as I can.
on Sep 4th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
Good article. Sums up a lot of the S2K uniqueness and special qualities. I have to agree with McFly one should leave the S2K essentially stock and pure. If you think you know more than the Honda engineers you are sadly mistaken. Lighter, +1″ size wheels are the exception, since you can easily go back to stock rubber if required. I’ve never seen a modded/ butchered S2K that was better than when it was on the showroom floor. Suspension and engine from the factory are perfectly adequate and matched to the chassis.
Agreed the AP1 is the classic original. Handling was designed for high performance driving and the driver can steer with the throttle near the limit. Lifting throttle brings on oversteer and tightens the line; adding throttle pushes the car wide. The trick is NOT TO GO PAST THE LIMIT. AP2 still a fine car and lots of fun, just slightly less extreme.
When Honda conceived and designed the S2K, they were at their peak in terms of performance and creativity. It’s been slowly downhill ever since, and Honda has sadly lost its way.
on Sep 16th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
I enjoy the fact there were no options it was built on a take it or leave it approach. Of those 112000 worldwide I wonder how many are on the road today, how many have been totalled. Looking foward to finding another one sometime so that when I wear my 1st one out I can start over again