I found it harder to drive my Nissan Hardbody 5 speed (manual I learned on) than the 2 S2000's I've owned. The Nissan had a longer clutch pedal stroke and of course longer shifts. Even experienced manual drivers would stall it out atleast once or twice. The main difference I noticed in the S is a MUCH stiffer clutch pedal and short smooth shifts from gate to gate. I don't know that I'd recommend learning on one though...

 

An old Miata would be a better beginner car. S2000 is ok, but expect to visit the mechanic a bit more frequently than a more seasoned driver.

 

Let her practice in a Scion TC, I drove one yesterday and the gear box felt pretty forgiving.

 

I taught my latest protege how to drive with the S. She got the hang of it right away just like I envisioned. Newbz have a hard time starting out but the secret is not allowing them to use the gas pedal when learning engagement. Being absolutely gutless makes the car very difficult on the beginner because of the downshifting and rev matching. She can downshift no problem now but is struggling with the heal to toeing. Oh, and DO NOT let them drive in the rain, period.

and... please talk to your kids about drugs, sex, and oversteer. Schools don't do it and if the parents don't the children will find out on their own!!

 

I'm also planning to get an s2k as a first car.
i learned how to drive a stick on my brother fd3s 93' and got it down.
i hope it'll turn out great with the s2k as well ..

 

S2k was my second car (1968 camaro was first) and the s2k is where i learned standard tranny.

 

s2k was my first stick... Wrecked it twice in 2 months.... Not because it was hard to shift, but because its so easy to bring the back end out if you shift at the wrong times. Things happen you dont think about if you are used to an auto or even a FWD car. Esp. with V-tec.. high rpm shifts can get you in trouble.

 

I learned how to drive stick in the s2k. I learned in 1 hour and i went to the races the same night. Its easy as hell in the s2k. However, it takes quite a good amount of self control when you drive one. Like said above, the rear end kicks out very very easy. I drift every corner. lol. jk

 

My 17 year old daughter is about to learn to drive a stick on my 07 S, its nothing special and nothing different than any other car.

The car will be fine and she will learn just fine. Its a HONDA its not fragile.

But maybe I am weird...I see nothing special about a rear wheel drive car, I have owned them 30+ years. And I see nothing special about a stick shift car, I have driven them 30+ years. Same goes for convertibles.

 

ah i'm horrible on hills. The whole rollback issue when someone's in back of you always drives me nuts. The s was my first stick i'm still trying to figure it out lol. I Only drove it for a few months before i put it away for winter. I'm about to break it out for spring soon. Of course i'll have to learn it's tricks all over again.