Why did others make it ?
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 160
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From: Northern Virginia
I have another point to throw in very quickly:
Cars these days are all about 0-60 times, and the S was never meant for that market. Today when someone goes to buy a sports car, they envision outrunning everything on the highway, and then slowing back down to get 30+ mpg. A high revving naturally aspirated engine simply can't do that, just ask F1 guys how hard it is to make an engine put out 800hp from less than 2 liters, and get it to last even one race.
Also, the BR-Z/FR-S kind of looks like an S inspired car. Sure it offers an auto, but it has a high output N/A engine, and it weighs much less than 3000lbs!
The future isn't THAT gloomy, and with the way the American pony cars are headed, we may see some cars that were previously atrocious in the bends turn into a refreshing canyon carver!
Cars these days are all about 0-60 times, and the S was never meant for that market. Today when someone goes to buy a sports car, they envision outrunning everything on the highway, and then slowing back down to get 30+ mpg. A high revving naturally aspirated engine simply can't do that, just ask F1 guys how hard it is to make an engine put out 800hp from less than 2 liters, and get it to last even one race.
Also, the BR-Z/FR-S kind of looks like an S inspired car. Sure it offers an auto, but it has a high output N/A engine, and it weighs much less than 3000lbs!
The future isn't THAT gloomy, and with the way the American pony cars are headed, we may see some cars that were previously atrocious in the bends turn into a refreshing canyon carver!
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8,655
Likes: 171
I have another point to throw in very quickly:
Cars these days are all about 0-60 times, and the S was never meant for that market. Today when someone goes to buy a sports car, they envision outrunning everything on the highway, and then slowing back down to get 30+ mpg. A high revving naturally aspirated engine simply can't do that, just ask F1 guys how hard it is to make an engine put out 800hp from less than 2 liters, and get it to last even one race.
Also, the BR-Z/FR-S kind of looks like an S inspired car. Sure it offers an auto, but it has a high output N/A engine, and it weighs much less than 3000lbs!
The future isn't THAT gloomy, and with the way the American pony cars are headed, we may see some cars that were previously atrocious in the bends turn into a refreshing canyon carver!
Cars these days are all about 0-60 times, and the S was never meant for that market. Today when someone goes to buy a sports car, they envision outrunning everything on the highway, and then slowing back down to get 30+ mpg. A high revving naturally aspirated engine simply can't do that, just ask F1 guys how hard it is to make an engine put out 800hp from less than 2 liters, and get it to last even one race.
Also, the BR-Z/FR-S kind of looks like an S inspired car. Sure it offers an auto, but it has a high output N/A engine, and it weighs much less than 3000lbs!
The future isn't THAT gloomy, and with the way the American pony cars are headed, we may see some cars that were previously atrocious in the bends turn into a refreshing canyon carver!
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 878
Likes: 7
The S2000 is a rare breed honestly. With the styling not changing much through its 10 years of production - the S2000 was there to prove that a real sports car, can be made, and amenities were the last thing Honda focused us. The car is swift, raw, and no matter where you go, people stare at the car. Questions like: Is that a Mazda? How about a BMW? I just say no, it is a "Honda" Their eyes open in disbelief, and I get reply's like, I didn't know Honda made these cars, That is a nice car, or if you ever want to sell that get a hold of me.
People may not realize what Honda created, but almost every person on this forum does. For our forced induction friends on here, they just want a little more, power. Most of are content with the Power the F20, and F22 motors produce. I mean, some V8's before 2000, and after 2000 - didn't make 240 HP, yes our torque numbers are low, but we can scream through the corners as the star light us a path.
With sales depleting in the economy Honda did not have much of a choice to halt production. The CR model was added to give the next up level, limited production run model that brought a head turning audience to buy these. After 2009 Honda released that the car would no longer be produced. That was the day we all knew the current S2000 we had gained even more respect. The value of these cars maintains 1/3 its value or more in most cases which is great. My '02 BB 96K , all matching VINS still pulls $12,100 NADA - I am sure if I keep the miles down on it, it will be worth more or as much in a few years.
It was nice that Honda could create a car that Rev'd as high as it does and maintains decent fuel economy, and reliability. Also how many times have you replaced parts on your S2000? Starter? Leaky hoses? Bad fuel Pump? - These issues don't happen that often. This is a reliable sports car, that makes some serious power for a 2.0 N/A. People these days want a 400 + Hp car. That is their opinion of a Sports car. I still get the looks of a 400 Hp car as I pass, and every Honda nut out there, stares at the car as it drives by like he just saw a 10/10 smoking teen. Don't even make me start with girls, they always want to be seen in the car, and they're quick to learn the cars name as they tell their friends what they go to cruise around in.
Styling changed very little, even options did, but this kept cost low ( even though the best cost a lot still ) so consumers like us could afford it.
Thanks Honda.
People may not realize what Honda created, but almost every person on this forum does. For our forced induction friends on here, they just want a little more, power. Most of are content with the Power the F20, and F22 motors produce. I mean, some V8's before 2000, and after 2000 - didn't make 240 HP, yes our torque numbers are low, but we can scream through the corners as the star light us a path.
With sales depleting in the economy Honda did not have much of a choice to halt production. The CR model was added to give the next up level, limited production run model that brought a head turning audience to buy these. After 2009 Honda released that the car would no longer be produced. That was the day we all knew the current S2000 we had gained even more respect. The value of these cars maintains 1/3 its value or more in most cases which is great. My '02 BB 96K , all matching VINS still pulls $12,100 NADA - I am sure if I keep the miles down on it, it will be worth more or as much in a few years.
It was nice that Honda could create a car that Rev'd as high as it does and maintains decent fuel economy, and reliability. Also how many times have you replaced parts on your S2000? Starter? Leaky hoses? Bad fuel Pump? - These issues don't happen that often. This is a reliable sports car, that makes some serious power for a 2.0 N/A. People these days want a 400 + Hp car. That is their opinion of a Sports car. I still get the looks of a 400 Hp car as I pass, and every Honda nut out there, stares at the car as it drives by like he just saw a 10/10 smoking teen. Don't even make me start with girls, they always want to be seen in the car, and they're quick to learn the cars name as they tell their friends what they go to cruise around in.
Styling changed very little, even options did, but this kept cost low ( even though the best cost a lot still ) so consumers like us could afford it.
Thanks Honda.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 122
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I've owned two S2000's since 2002. I bought an 02 AP1 in Chicago when I got sick of my Audi A4 breaking down all the time. I was considering buying a Porsche Boxster at the time but all the hassles with the Audi made me want to get back to a fun, dependable car like my old college Prelude. I bought my 04 AP2 new off the show room floor. I knew this is a car I would want for a very long time.
In 10 years; nothing has ever gone wrong. I enjoy fiddling with my car and I have the mechanical skills of a monkey. Still - nothing has gone wrong. The car sat for over a year while I was in Europe working. Charged the battery for a day, started it up and hit VTEC. Turned down moving to Hawaii because I couldn't find a way to get my car across the Pacific without it sitting on top of a ship which I refused to let happen. Never once regretted that decision. I have my S2000 which I bought new and know everything about it. Airlines fly to Hawaii every day. Paradise may be an island in the Pacific, or it may be in a car you think is damn near perfect.
I may not like the current line of Honda's but I understand the company and what it does. I respect a corporation that keeps it focus on it's core mission (reliable family cars) but every now an then shows what it's capable of doing, i.e. S2000 and NSX. American car manufacturers may be wise to study this philosophy.
The S2000 and NSX were game changers in the field they participated. I once saw a review of the NSX that said it was only an imitation Ferrari. If my memory serves, Honda had completed it's third F1 World Championship when they released the NSX. Why would they imitate something inferior? The NSX didn't look like any Ferrari being built at the time. It showed the world a supercar could tear up the track and get groceries. While Ferrari's and Lamborghini's would hit 200mph, they would need a month in the garage fixing everything that flew through the bonnet, the NSX would go about 160 or so, corner like a Russian ballerina and you could easily put a 100,000 miles on it. The NSX was safe, had good gas mileage and was comfortable for everyday driving. Getting into a Diablo required spending 7 months in Yoga training. NSX never had the sales it deserved because it was Japaneses instead of Italian. The Saleen S7 was inspired by the NSX.
The Miata and Boxster were released prior to the S2000. The Miata suffered too much from the 'cute' factor. It was. and is, a fine car that started the modern roadster craze. It did everything well but not great. The Porsche had the badge and all the baggage that went with it. Porsche, at the time, was less reliable than a Yugo. The Boxster cost $20,000 more and could only hit a higher top speed. Every roadster comparison declared the S2000 an outright winner.
The S2000 is pure driving exhilaration. Heated seats - warm your buns on a tight S curve. Fine Italian leather doesn't mean a damn thing while you're hitting the apex in a curve to overpass the Boxster in front of you. The German companies were spouting marketing drivel about being the best affordable road car, their engineering departments were wondering how to beat the S2000. With the S2000, Honda dug up the roots of MG and Jaguar and showed the world what a modern roadster was meant to be. Long bonnet, rear wheel drive, perfect weight distribution, high-revving engine amount to pure drivers heaven. Honda held the most powerful NA power to engine litre ratio until the Ferrari 598. The S2000 is equally at home on the track and daily driving.
The S2000 was meant to be a celebration of Honda's integrity to quality, reliability and sports enthusiasm. It was never meant to be a long running producation vehicle. Personally, I think Honda ran the car longer than they originally intended. It took everyone so long to catch up they could finally make money on a car in which they were prepared to lose money. Boxster's, TT's, BMW's and the rest of the market have moved on. That's how the game works. But they wouldn't have gotten there if Honda didn't show them the path.
My 2004 S2000 has less than 40,000 miles. I keep tweeking and playing with things to make it a little better. The best thing I ever do with the car is drive it. That's what it was build for and I'm happy to oblige Honda.
Now if you excuse me, need to wash the car and get it ready for a nice drive.........
In 10 years; nothing has ever gone wrong. I enjoy fiddling with my car and I have the mechanical skills of a monkey. Still - nothing has gone wrong. The car sat for over a year while I was in Europe working. Charged the battery for a day, started it up and hit VTEC. Turned down moving to Hawaii because I couldn't find a way to get my car across the Pacific without it sitting on top of a ship which I refused to let happen. Never once regretted that decision. I have my S2000 which I bought new and know everything about it. Airlines fly to Hawaii every day. Paradise may be an island in the Pacific, or it may be in a car you think is damn near perfect.
I may not like the current line of Honda's but I understand the company and what it does. I respect a corporation that keeps it focus on it's core mission (reliable family cars) but every now an then shows what it's capable of doing, i.e. S2000 and NSX. American car manufacturers may be wise to study this philosophy.
The S2000 and NSX were game changers in the field they participated. I once saw a review of the NSX that said it was only an imitation Ferrari. If my memory serves, Honda had completed it's third F1 World Championship when they released the NSX. Why would they imitate something inferior? The NSX didn't look like any Ferrari being built at the time. It showed the world a supercar could tear up the track and get groceries. While Ferrari's and Lamborghini's would hit 200mph, they would need a month in the garage fixing everything that flew through the bonnet, the NSX would go about 160 or so, corner like a Russian ballerina and you could easily put a 100,000 miles on it. The NSX was safe, had good gas mileage and was comfortable for everyday driving. Getting into a Diablo required spending 7 months in Yoga training. NSX never had the sales it deserved because it was Japaneses instead of Italian. The Saleen S7 was inspired by the NSX.
The Miata and Boxster were released prior to the S2000. The Miata suffered too much from the 'cute' factor. It was. and is, a fine car that started the modern roadster craze. It did everything well but not great. The Porsche had the badge and all the baggage that went with it. Porsche, at the time, was less reliable than a Yugo. The Boxster cost $20,000 more and could only hit a higher top speed. Every roadster comparison declared the S2000 an outright winner.
The S2000 is pure driving exhilaration. Heated seats - warm your buns on a tight S curve. Fine Italian leather doesn't mean a damn thing while you're hitting the apex in a curve to overpass the Boxster in front of you. The German companies were spouting marketing drivel about being the best affordable road car, their engineering departments were wondering how to beat the S2000. With the S2000, Honda dug up the roots of MG and Jaguar and showed the world what a modern roadster was meant to be. Long bonnet, rear wheel drive, perfect weight distribution, high-revving engine amount to pure drivers heaven. Honda held the most powerful NA power to engine litre ratio until the Ferrari 598. The S2000 is equally at home on the track and daily driving.
The S2000 was meant to be a celebration of Honda's integrity to quality, reliability and sports enthusiasm. It was never meant to be a long running producation vehicle. Personally, I think Honda ran the car longer than they originally intended. It took everyone so long to catch up they could finally make money on a car in which they were prepared to lose money. Boxster's, TT's, BMW's and the rest of the market have moved on. That's how the game works. But they wouldn't have gotten there if Honda didn't show them the path.
My 2004 S2000 has less than 40,000 miles. I keep tweeking and playing with things to make it a little better. The best thing I ever do with the car is drive it. That's what it was build for and I'm happy to oblige Honda.
Now if you excuse me, need to wash the car and get it ready for a nice drive.........
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 329
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From: Milky way galaxy
It does look promising, but it just looks tacky. The S2000 has presence and a classic look, I am trying really hard to warm up to the BRZ though...
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 708
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I dont think Z3 , Z4 , SLK , TT, etc... are cars that compete with S2000
When I was shopping for S2000...... Z4M, 987 Boxster S and Cayman S were in my mind...I would say aside from reliability and price those 3 cars are better then S2000 in almost every way. And reliability and price is what kept me away from them.
When I was shopping for S2000...... Z4M, 987 Boxster S and Cayman S were in my mind...I would say aside from reliability and price those 3 cars are better then S2000 in almost every way. And reliability and price is what kept me away from them.