I'm glad I don't care about buyer data. I'm 54 and I have both cars. I was looking at the TSX, and if it was offered as a coupe, I would have considered it. Nice car. The RSX S is exponentially more fun to drive. Honda made some nice improvements on the '05. 19 to 24? What a demographic! I hate to even think of the crap cars I was driving at that age.

 

Although they might be targeted at certain groups I don't think it really works that way. My brother who is 23 has an RSX as does my dad who is in his late 40s (dad got it after my brother). I'm 22 and have the S2000. It's probably similar to Cadillac making the Escalade and not targeting it at ghetto mo-fos who want to put "dubs" on them, but that's their primary market now.

 

LOL nicely put... the Escaldes are nice, but they are such gas guzzlers.

I mainly just want to get a fun daily driver. I'm single, 24 and just want a quick car. To be honest with everyone... I had a close call about three weeks ago and I realized how dangerous street racing is. I want to keep it to the track, and as I said, I want a decently fast car stock.

Anyway, thanks again for the input. Most on this board seem to know their stuff, so that is definitely a plus

 

Well in that case the S2000 targets anyone who likes cars. When a family shows up on the showroom...where's the first place they go to? The S2000 sitting on the showroom. children, teenagers, middle aged women. Everyone is drawn to it - thus the "halo car" It draws people to the brand at an early age...it's shape strikes a chord with anyone who lays their eyes upon it, and anyone from 13 up dreams about this car. You should hear some of the kids tell their parents "when we get the van, can we get the convertible too?"
I do believe that Honda knew exactly where to go. It's single configuration really points out EXACTLY who is goiong to buy this car - the enthuiast driver who thinks it's more important that a car is fun to drive than anything else. Plus provide all the virtues of a Honda. I'd say anyone who would consider owning a Honda at any age, race, income level...would be drawn to the S2000 - and Honda probably markets to them all. You remember the S2000 at the Beginning of the Ridgeline commercial probably.

 

Thing is that Honda doesn't really market this car at all, meaning they're counting on true enthusiasts and past/current Honda owners . Without the S, I think those owners would be more likely go with the Boxter/Z4/Vette/Evo/STi - even if they had to buy used - than the RSX.

 

This is true. I've never seen a single S2000 commercial, not in the papers/magazines, not on the TV. Except for that one where they show an S2000 but it turns out that they are _really_ advertising Ridgeline.

"Drawn to" and "would buy" are two different things. Sure, many middle-aged women are drawn to S200, but what fraction of them can drive stick?

This is a very interesting question. If S weren't there, what would I buy? I'm pretty sure I wouldn't buy RSX. Test drove it once and it didn't seem such a big step up from Toyota Corolla. No "wow factor". I guess I would have considered used Boxster/Vette, 350Z, G35, or waited for next-gen Eclipse covertible.

 

Does it matter what the car is designed for? If you like the S2000, it has the same reliabiliby if not better than the RSX, easier to find un-modded, is faster, and is a blast to drive. Tell him to stfu and buy what you like

 

Agreed. I am definitely going for the new formula AP2.

 

Hmm. The S2000 is to the Honda line like the Corvette is to the Chevrolet Line. The Corvette sells in low numbers compared to all the Cobalts/Impalas, etc. Thus the term "Halo Car" The car is not meant to sell in big numbers, it's supposed to bring people to the brand, or keep people within the brand. People who like Honda Quality,Durability,and reliability will look at the S first before considering another sports car. Previously they didn't have a choice but to look at a Miata or whatever. The car is not marketed because the market for 2 seat sports car is so limited anyway what can you gain by advertising it? You'll probably see something to introduce the 2006 model and that's all. People who are looking for a 2 seat sports car will read mag. reviews, go online - they don't need any help knowing what's out there. The Civic Si that's coming has a mrketing blitz right now becasue that car is going to help recapture the Tuner Market for Honda. All that people that hated the EP3and went out and bought Cobalt SS', Neons, Focus, etc. - are coming back to Honda because of it. Once the lines start forming and dealers are having to sell off allocation - you won't see anymore Civic Si ads. But you all get the Idea right?

 

I bought my S2000 when I was 19 ... I am now 20