In responds to the stereo, in 06 they added they headrest speakers(once optional) which seem to help the stereo out alittle w/ the top down and up. The stereo is lacking some what but I find it comparable to most factory setups out there, low power, and decent music playback quality however, large amounts of bass are not it's friend if your into good rock n' roll and not rattling the doors off it does just fine. The only other thing some what annoying w/ the factory stereo is a single disk changer comes standard, it sucks having to open the door covering the head unit while driving to change the cd out but there is an optional eight disk changer that would solve that problem.

Suspension, As compared to a setup w/ factory shocks and lowering springs the S2000 suspension is superbe. Yes, the suspension is stiff and most bumps can be felt on the road but it's firm feel makes handeling and conering excellent. With a after market lowering spring a cars ride is stiff but I find it more bouncy. The S2000 suspension is stiff and firm.

 

thanks for your thoughts on the stock sound JDMpony. I'm a bassist (and i use that term as loosely as could be) so bass in my rock/alternative music is incredibly important to me. hopefully, i'll be able to find a suitable solution, if that one member is still producing those custom small bass enclosers for the S2000's trunk.

 

Stock speakers on the s2k are shit.you need to upgrade one thing at a time so you know when to stop.speakers>HU>amp>sub.




peace

 

I've driven a couple WRXs and the cars are worlds apart. There is really no comparing the two.
My father owned a Z for over a year and in comparison to the S, the ride is somewhat similar. Both cars are incredibly stiff and solid and have a great feel of security (not cheap and fragile). The S is amazing because it is a convertible and still manages to be as stiff if not stiffer than the Z.
In terms of handling, the S weighs considerably less so it feels more nimble but on the downside, it has a little less grip than the Z so the back end comes out a bit easier than most would like. After some practice, the S becomes as predictable and controllable as you like. Much of that can be said for the Z but its a little less likely to spin out on you therefore making it a little easier to drive near its limit (driver-error-friendly).
As far as the seats, someone mentioned that they prefered the Z's seats over the S's for long trip. I must disagree. My back would hurt after a 45 min drive in the Z. The S has yet to cause me any back pain.
For those who talk about hard tops...what the hell is the point? Sure it looks nice but if I wanted a coupe, i would have bought a Z or a Crossfire. I bought this car because I wanted a pure roadster. Roadster implies 2 seat, 2 door, convertible.
As far a the stock stereo system goes, it definitely not good by any means but it's also not as bad as people make it out to be.
Don't worry about any future annoying issues. Buy the car. You won't regret it. Just drive responsibly and don't add to the kids that, by example, make the S out to be a punk-teenager-reckless kid car. I hate to see the car viewed that way by non-owners. It is deserving of a better reputation..something with more mature appeal.

 

But, The world goes around because people like different things I would sure hate to live in a world where my taste was the only thing liked....

My 01 has a stock headunit with Alpine Type S Speakers. Compared to my friends completely stock 01, It sounds much much better! Personally, I can live with just the speakers for now, At some point I will add a HU but for the time being I am totally ok with the way it sounds. Also, this is just me, I can hear it pretty clear with the top down on the highway.

Overall, I love the car. Handling is amazing(even though I'm on soft tein S techs), and its got enough go to make the daily drive fun....

 

The S has a very short first gear. If you are driving in bumper to bumper traffic that is not fun. Of course driving in any other situation more than makes up for that. The only other disadvantage maybe the stiff handling if you are planning any surgery (on yourself). The ride is painful to healing wounds. I had to borrow my mom's camry after I had surgery.

 

Only downside is all the attention you'll get on the road. everyone wants to race you, people checking out the car, and occasionally you.

 

I used to own an '04 WRX and recently sold it and bought an '06 S2000. I gave up spending money on mods a few cars ago, so I kept the WRX stock, and will keep the S2000 stock too. As such I know it won't directly answer the OP's question, but anyway thought I'ld comment a little on both cars. The WRX stock had a good balance between compliance and body control. This was when I used to live in NYC. Even though NYC has some of the worst condition roads around, I felt that the WRX wasn't too harsh. On the other hand I now live in San Francisco, and the S2000 crashes over broken road surfaces in a way that makes me cringe. However, I much prefer the more neutral handling balance of the S, as well as its agility.
As for the stereo, I had the premium sound package in the WRX, and it was fine for me (I'm not a basshead). But the S2000's system is just weak.
As for the annoyances, my main one is that the car looks so good that I'm paranoid about parking it anywhere for fear of dings, scrapes, scratches, and vandalism.