I think the S2000 is one of the best cars ever made. I'll never sell mine, and it's almost perfect in every way. Almost. To me, after driving various cars around the same track ranging from MX5s to GTIs to WRXs, I find that the steering of the S2000 feels numb. There is a distinct lack of feedback and the feel is very light. The first few degrees have quite a good feel to them, but as you wind up more and more lock, the steering seems to lose it's feel progressively. I have learned to drive this car more by chassis feel and the sensations from the seat rather than the wheel, which is not all together a bad thing. I just wish the S had more feeling. Don't get me wrong. There is a clear distinction between response, sharpness and directness and feel or response. The S has plenty of the former, just lacks in the latter. Anyone else feel the same way? I know one person who doesn't!

 

I would agree there isn't as much steering feedback as I'd like, but I don't think it's as bad as some people have made it out to be. Like you mentioned, the steering is direct and precise but it lacks a little bit of feedback, IMO. With that said, what I've found interesting is (again, IMO) my Fit has an all around better steering feel than my S2. That's not a knock on the S2 by any means..I think the Fit has unusually great steering for a car in it's class.

Edit: I fully agree with your first two sentences

 

I believe this can be attributed mainly to the fully electronic power steering system (EPS). Where other cars use combinations of electro-hydraulic systems (electric pump, hydraulic steering), we are fully electric. I agree wth you, it does reduce steering feel a bit, but it makes the car so easy to steer!

 

The steering feel drives me nuts! It's the only part of the car that I really hate.

I'll be looking forward to the Toyota/Scion FR-S. Supposedly they have perfected the EPS, but we shall see.

 

Idk what you guys are talking about..

 

I think it's hard to understand unless you've driven a car with great feedback. I don't mean just steering but feedback through the seat, clutch, brakes, and chasis. The S2000 has fast and precise steering but there is a lack of feedback which makes the car feel disconnected. It does't inspire confidence to push the car but I'm not sure if it's all related to the lack of steering feedback. Don't get me wrong, it does handle well but the lack of feeling connected with the road makes the car less enjoyable.

 

More aggressive springs/koni yellows=agx'es + a little bit more aggressive alignment setup gives me what I need.

 

x2

If you're coming from a Civic, Accord, etc, then the S2000 is a major upgrade. If you've driven Porsche, manual rack Miata, then the S2000 will feel numb.

There is a difference between tight/responsiveness and actual feedback. It's easier to achieve the former, but much harder to obtain the latter.

 

x2

If you're coming from a Civic, Accord, etc, then the S2000 is a major upgrade. If you've driven Porsche, manual rack Miata, then the S2000 will feel numb.

There is a difference between tight/responsiveness and actual feedback. It's easier to achieve the former, but much harder to obtain the latter.
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Actually, I know this sounds stupid as hell and I wish it wasn't true, but my 7th gen Accord V6 6MT has superior steering feel under loading than my S2000.

My wife's Accord I4, on the other hand, certainly does not.

The best steering I've ever felt was in a 1st gen NSX with no P/S. Wish the S didn't have PS sometimes, especially EPS.

 

Everything is relative I guess. I've never driven a modern Porsche, but I have driven a Miata ('93) and it felt very similar with regards to steering feel as the S. IMO, precision is more important than feedback, and in that regard, I'm very happy.