My girlfriend is looking into buying an S2000 since we went to Deal's Gap during WTD & she fell in love w/ them. Now, I'm very happy about this since I would like to keep her in the Honda family

I went to the dealer in Greensboro the other day & had a looksie @ new S2k's. I went when the dealer was closed so I had no further info than what the sticker told me.

She is looking through my eyes @ everything there is to buying this vehicle. New... used... warranty... etc so now I'm researching as much as possible to help her make a decision.

Back to the topic:

Is there a list somewhere that gives a good difference between what has been changed, added, etc from year to year since they first arrived in America?

Anything significant since the first year that has changed in reliability?

Thanks for any info & leads. I will be going back to the dealership to pick up a brochure & go from there.

Pete

 

The biggest changes occured in 02' and 04' models. 00-01 year models, least refined of the years. They have clutch buzz, lots of road noise and wind noise from the soft top unless the owner has replaced the striker plates. In 02' they added a better radio with 2 additional door tweeters. All added were chrome rings around the tailights, but the actual lenses stayed the same, and a actual glass rear window was added with a defroster. There were maybe some other minor changes in 02'. I think they fixed the clutch buzz, and striker plates fromt he factory. 03' was pretty much the same, maybe a couple adjustment that Im not aware of nothign major. In 04' the S went under a major overhaul, recieving a new engine with a little more tourque lower redline (8200), several asthetic changes, such as front bumper, wheels, real bumper, headlights, tail lights, exhaust tips. The interior receieved some upgrades such as silver radio door, new shift knob, and some other odd an in's. Since 04' there hasn't been any major changes till 07' whenthey came out with the DBW system, and traction control. This is it in a nut shell, I'm sure there will be some more entries by the more knowledgeable memebers.





my only question for you is, after being on this site for over 4 years how do you not kow this stuff?

 

S2ki Introductions

Start with the FAQs there. From what maniac said, 04s also got more aggresive gearing, and DBW came out in 06, not 07.

 

My gosh that was well stated. I tell that is the best recap I have ever read.

Good point on the 4 years thing. Maybe he has been hanging out in the off topic section all this time.

Deiger

 

s2kmaniac... thanks for that paragraph full of useful info. It's a very good ground for my research.

One question: Clutch buzz. Did they ever figure out why it did this? Going to research about this to see if it can be corrected on the 00-02's

Just from what you have stated so far, looks like we may lean to an 04+ since they have had time to correct the initial bugs & perfect their craftsmanship. Research & time will tell this more adamantly.

As far as my lack of knowledge on S2000's. I joined this site to meet S2000 members in the Carolinas. I started the Carolinahondas.com site w/ a friend & I try to include as much of the Honda/Acura family as I can. I am an EG fan through & through & that is where I lay my experience.

I have met several members to date, George, KatieMo, Ron, Sheila, Mark, & that Whitemistress guy... (never remember his name, but the SN... esp when I found out it was a guy... lol) There are still lots of you here I would enjoy to meet & discuss cars & life with... in due time.

That is why I'm here!

Thanks again for the info presented & any other info to help in our research.

Pete & Leigh

 

Great to meet you! I personally own an '02 and have found no apparent "Bugs" on mine. Understand also that the '04 model does have some significant changes with ride and engine, also interior looks. Some say they were improvements; some say Honda went backwards in development. I say drive and look at both and make up your mind on appearance and performance. You might want to take a look at an '06 & '07 just to see some of the more recent changes.

Either way I think you are going to be happy.

Good luck!

Deiger

 

Really, by 02 the major AP1 bugs were fixed. 04+ is a different car imo, so you should look at 02-03 and 04-05 models as different cars when you're looking. 06+ is dbw and I've read some irritating behavior by the dbw system, so personally I wouldn't look at 06+ unless you really want stability control.

The complete list of early model changes (00-02) - https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=161997

The thread link FAQ is invaluable to anyone looking to buy an S2000.

 

Just for fyi, DBW = Drive by Wire. (Just in case anyone was wondering.)

Deiger

 

Thanks Saki for that thread. On both of your recommendations, we will be viewing the 02-03 & 04-05 as different vehicles & looking closer @ them.

Every time I think about buying a brand new, off the lot car, I kind of shudder. I just don't know if it's worth it to us when we can settle on an earlier version for 10k less. I'm not really worried about warranties as I fix all of my own things. (Although it would be nice for someone to work on my cars for free...)

I just looked @ the Autotrader & there seems to be a good handful in our area for sale.

I just have to remember that it's going to be her car & stop thinking of all the things I would do to it...

Thanks again

 

I belive i met you at WTD. I was sitting at the table with George.
I my 02 s2k.