Got the new CR mag in the mail yesterday - "Premium Roadster" comparison. While there are a few cars rated ahead of the S (Boxter, SLK, C6,Z), only one (the Z roadster) is a recommended car - and the S is the cheapest of the bunch by about $9k.

Also, in the "perfect car" story where they talk about building the perfect car from parts of other cars, the S transmission gets the nod as the "best we have ever used".

Then in another story about EPA numbers being SO far from real world numbers - about 90% of the cars on the road can't match their EPA numbers - the S is mentioned as one of the 10% that can meet or beat the EPA numbers.

Dennis

 

Honda S2000
Road test





Tested model: 2005 convertible, 2.2-liter Four, 6-speed manual
Tested tires: Bridgestone Potenza RE050, size 215/45R17 87W



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

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 DRIVING EXPERIENCE

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 average, according to our latest subscriber survey.

 

CR has rated it much higher in the past. wonder what changed.

 

What are you thinking that was rated higher by Consumer Reports in the past? The only thing I see that isn't what I expect is the, "We expect reliablilty to be average". I think it's always much better than average.

 

it usually rated the s2000 and the corvette as the 2 best sports cars. i never heard them complain so much.

 

Without getting out my past issues of Consumers, it sounds to me like what they always said, noisy, cramped, harsh ride, etc., but pure fun to drive with an awesome trannie. Come to think of it, I don't remember them pitting it against other cars before. I remember Car and Driver loving it, though.

 

It's funny how often people mistake the prominent engine sound for an "exhaust note". With the stock exhaust there really is no exhaust note that the driver can even hear over the sound of the engine. I will agree with them that the engine sound is less than inspiring at lower rpm though. Honda could do themselves a nice favor if they would simply eliminate the resonator. It opens up the exhaust just enough so that the car actually does produce a little bit of an exhaust note but doesn't make the car any louder overall. Much more pleasing sound below VTEC.


ron

 

i hear the exhaust all the time....but it can only be heard at lower revs (when the engine is revving high, all i hear is VTEC hehe).
give the throttle a push when in idle....you hear the exhaust.

 

Shows what a great value the S is compared to the others in this class.

 

I have always respected CR"s opinions on most cars but they were off the mark on the S2K. When comparing it with $50,000 sports cars, we still look damn good. What they do not realize is that the S2K is really a dual purpose car: a fast, great handling, great sounding true sports car when you want it, and a civil, quiet, fuel miserly "Civic" when you need it.