I love the Simplicity of the S2000. I was reminded of this by some posts on the Motoring thread....talking about over-the-top tech at the Tokyo Auto Show.

When I first read about the S2000 in 1999, I thought it had been designed for me The wonderful radial tachometer, the radio behind a touch-open panel, the simple and basic AC/heater controls.... The lack of a power seat and telescoping wheel (I'm lucky that my 6' height works well with both stock items ). I even consider the missing clock in my MY 2000 to be acceptable

The entire exterior design and bodywork is also an exercise in "less is more" simplicity [credit to Mies van der Rohe]. Except for a few aerodynamic flourishes, it's a true classic that should age well for a long time. Compare this to the evolution of the Z-3/Z-4 This interesting little roadster started out looking like a modest bathtub in 98 or 99....and has now zoooooooomed into the stratosphere, resembling the Batmobile a la Bangle

Of course, this simplicity also made my "decision to buy" a no-brainer. And the MSRP has still stayed remarkably low IMHO

 

This is the first vehicle I've owned that had electric windows, door locks and a remote trunk for goodness sakes. Besides the obvious performance of the S, the simplicity of the cockpit sold me also. When a friend asked why I chose the S instead of something else, I mentioned how uncluttered it looked and it didn't have a lot of gizmos. She didn't get it, thought that for more than $30k you oughta get a lot of stuff.

 

When I took delivery of the car, I mentioned to the salesperson that it is the perfect architect's car. Even quoted Mies. The s2000 is both classic and contemporary. Simple. Elegant. But also high tech, purposeful and high performance. Never have quite forgiven the faux brake duct air scoops (the only false note in an otherwise perfect harmony). They catch bugs well, though.

Of course, it also fails the architect's portfolio test, a prior criterion for car purchasing of fitting a 30 by 42 mounted drawing in the trunk. Guess I can't present any drawings larger than 18 by 24 from now on.

 

I find the simplicity of the S2000 very appealing. All there is to do is get in and drive the car and enjoy the experience. That is all I really want to do.

If not for the S2000 I'd have probably bought a Miata. For me there is something very special about owning and driving a simple, fun to drive open top sportscar.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by sailor
When I took delivery of the car, I mentioned to the salesperson that it is the perfect architect's car.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by paS2K

 

I have seen many complain about the lack of gadgets in this car and that the interior is so plain...these are 2 of the things that I really LIKE about this car. If I could have Honda change 1 thing about the interior that would be to make the A/C an option and offer heated seats.

 

Intersting thread. In looking at the outside of the car it is very simple. When you dig deeper, rev to 9K, carbon fiber liners, 3 lobe cam, etc. It is a very complex vehicle.

 

I have a hard time accepting a car with power windows, power door locks, power top, "Tokyo at midnight" dashboard, etc. as a basic, simple sports car. Maybe those things are necessary to sell the car in today's market. But I do really like the car, despite such incongruous luxury items in a 2 liter, 9,000 rpm sports car.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RedY2KS2k
I have a hard time accepting