CR S2000 review



Consumer reports just re-tested the 2005 S2000.


Highs: Handling, transmission shifter, acceleration, fuel economy, value.
Lows: Snug interior, access, noise, ride, no passenger air-bag cutoff.

In summary

reliability: much better than average (highest rating)

Excellent across the board except body integrity?? Could it be the misfitting rear bumper?

Mileage city 19 highway 30
overall 25
150 mile roadtrip 30

Crash test frontal: very good
side: excellent


While the S2000's design debuted in 2000, it was made more user-friendly for 2005. However, it's still geared more for track driving than comfort. The four-cylinder engine needs to be revved to deliver its quick acceleration, and the short-throw shifter is a delight. Handling is capable and agile. Though less than with past models, the ride is stiff and noisy. The cockpit is cramped and cabin access is difficult.



The S2000 has a nervous ride, even on the highway. Impacts punch through strongly, though they are soft compared with the S2000 we tested in 2000. Wind and road noise are pronounced and the loud exhaust note is uninspiring unless the car is revved to redline. The Honda is in its element on twisty roads and at the track. It's nimble and athletic, with quick steering and little body lean. It grips well in fast, tight corners and is predictable at its limits. It posted one of the fastest speeds in our avoidance maneuver. At low rpm, the 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine feels ordinary, but it delivers excellent performance at higher revs. It returns a very good 25 mpg overall. The crisp, precise six-speed manual transmission is excellent, with short throws and direct shifts. Braking performance is excellent, and the standard high-intensity headlights performed very well overall

INSIDE THE CABIN

Although the cabin is a bit sparse, it is well-assembled. Materials fit together well and most have a high-quality feel, but some of the plastics are hard. The narrow interior is cramped, but most drivers found a good seating position. The steering column is fixed, but fits most drivers. Shorter drivers complained about the low fixed seat height. The bucket seats are comfortable if you fit between the snug bolsters. Manual adjustments are limited to fore/aft and seatback angle, and some drivers wished for more thigh support. Cabin access is made difficult by the small door openings and low seats. All controls are within the driver's reach, and the digital displays are bright and legible. Some found the tachometer obscured by the fixed steering wheel. Gripes centered on the key and button ignition combination, the hidden trunk and fuel door releases, and the awkward panel illumination control. Storage space is very limited. The trunk fits only a few duffel bags. A temporary spare tire eats up some trunk space and can only be used to replace one of the front wheels. Experiencing a rear flat tire necessitate rotating tires front to rear.

SAFETY NOTES

Seatbelts in the S2000 are equipped with pretensioners to help reduce the slack in the belt in the event of a crash. Integral head restraints are tall enough to reduce rearward head travel and whiplash injury from a rear impact. Driving with Kids: The S2000 owner's manual clearly indicates that it is not recommended for child passengers and, consequently, it lacks a front air-bag cutoff switch preventing their safe transport.


RELIABILITY

We expect reliability to be much better than average, according to our latest subscriber survey.

 

Interesting report. First time that I'm seeing this and my thougths are that it is accurate and to the point. However, as with any review, there's always going to be some bias. For instance . . . .

"The narrow interior is cramped". For some it may seem that way. However, I find it comfortable and quite suitable for a spots car interior as I want to be "enveloped" in the cockpit.


"the loud exhaust note is uninspiring unless the car is revved to redline". For me the sound of the exhaust was one of the things I loved about the car when I test drove it. In fact, if it didn't sound the way it does I don't think I would love it as much.

However, the gripes about the trunk release button are well founded. A button somewhere on the dash would be more convenient. But, hey, little creature comforts is not what the S is about. It's about the performance of the 2000 and the great feeling of driving a true sports car and this CR got exactly right !

 

Actually, I agree with this. I do not think it is "inspiring" until VTEC kicks in!

 

It is with an HKS exhaust

 

there are cars that sound better at low revs... BMWs, even those sucky Infinitis sound pretty nice

 

what i dont get is how they only say handling is good. or "quick steering in corners." the car steers better than anything else i've driven including some ultra high end stuff. it's like they dont want it to sound as good as it is, imo. and, more correctly stated, the s2k clear lens projector puts out the strongest stock light beam at or next to the LS430's.

 

Not everyone understands our cars the way we do.

For consumer reports that's a pretty good review but I'd bet that the person who wrote the article drives an Accord or Camry.

 

I can understand how someone would complain about this. I find the interior perfect as long as I'm facing forward, hands on the wheel, and driving. As an enthusiast, what else matters?

But the other 95% of the world probably gives at least a little weight to being able to get your wallet out of your hip pocket when you pull up to the toll booth. Or being able to get something out the secret compartment without having to get out of the car first. Or being able to lean over and pick up something off the floor of the passenger foot well.

Any time I try to do one of these tasks I find that the car has me pinned into the driving position. She's a jealous mistress who wants me focused on the task at hand.

 

[QUOTE=S2k Dude,Nov 12 2005, 05:29 AM]Not everyone understands our cars the way we do.

 

Consumer Reports does testing and articles on just about anything. They're looking at the product strictly from a practical point of view. They're not interested in the finer points of what makes a car like the S2000 worthwhile.

If all you do is look at the S2000 in terms of how much trunk space is has or how hard it rides, then you're missing the point!

Drive Safe,
Steve R.