As an avid lover of automobiles, I feel very obligated to make this post. This year marks the end of production for the Honda S2000, a sports car that is well-respected by anyone who loves to drive. After being in production for almost a decade with minimalistic changes, it is saddening to see this great car going the way of the NSX and Integra. Anyone looking for a S2000 in the future will have to settle for a used one, and even then it might be hard to find that perfect condition (least abused/low mileage) model as not many are sold in the first place (thankfully, it only comes in manual). This farewell post was possible thanks to my close friend letting me photograph his S2000… and letting me take it for a spin ^^;.
small, high-revving engine, RWD, 50/50 weight distribution, well balanced, two seats, amazing handling… All the ingredients for fun driving. For its price range, this is THE driver’s car (yes, I know there’s lotus and others… but they are 2-3x the price). The interior also reflects this- Absolutely down to business. Everything is directed at the driver while the pasenger just look at vast emptiness.
Had to jack the pic off of google since I forgot to take shots of the interior… plus it was too dark inside ^^;. The S2000 is hardcore to almost a humorous level- it doesn’t even have a clock inside xD. Oh, Gotta love starting the engine with the “ENGINE START” button.
The S200o’s engine is rated at ~240 HP@8300RPM, making it the most powerful naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine in a production car. There are very few things in the auto world that can sound as amazing as a DOHC 2.0L 4 cylinder orchestra playing VTEC symphony all the way up to 9000 RPM. It is pure aural heaven I tell you.
You might’ve driven the S2000 in plenty of racing games before and so have I… but simulation cannot compare to the real thing. The feelings are totally different.
While Honda’s past styling are not always the most aeshetically pleasing nor radical to some, at least they were easy on the eyes. I personally find the S2000 to be a very sexy car :D. Unfortunately, Honda’s current styling trend have gone down the toilet as they are excreting this kind of shit on the road (damn you, Honda). I think it’s better to be plain and boring than be offensive.
I love how this car requires a certain level of finesse to be able to drive it smoothly… and correctly. You need to tame it if you want to be able to toss it around without getting yourself killed ^^;. Precision throttle and clutch control, and shift timing… this car shows just how much I still suck at driving stick and have much to learn xD. I was taking off a bit shaky at first but was starting to get used to it. Nonetheless, I had a blast going around corners and speeding on the (empty) freeway with this thing. The S2000 is proof that even a small 4-banger is capable of providing adrenaline when you mash the throttle and the power pushing you back against your seat :)
My Honda Accord (TSX) next to it. I did considered the S2000 before buying the Accord but alas, practicality got the best of me. I’m glad my friend bought it though since now I get to drive it anyway xD. Best of all… I know at least one S2000 will be in good hands and will be driven the way it is meant to be driven. I’ll have more time in this car when the weather is better :D. I hope one day I’ll still be able to buy a decent one along with the NSX ^^.
Farewell S2000! You’ll be missed dearly!
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December 15, 2009 at 2:48 AM
I very like Honda cars, especially the new Honda Civic Type-R and it’s really bad that they end up to produce S2000. It’s maybe not my fav. but still it’s very nice and good looking car. Are you sure that Honda will not release a new generation of S2000?
December 15, 2009 at 3:03 AM
wtf no more s2000′s? im not too interested of the new skylines, 370Z’s etc. ill jst hug onto my honda civic vtec 06 for now ^^
December 15, 2009 at 3:45 AM
Paliodor, yes because Uehara Shigeru has retired (father of NSX/S2k/ITR) and 1. Honda stopped developing RWD 2. focusing on hybrid 3. turned lame. With their current design language, I am almost glad that they aren’t releasing a new S2000 >_>
J19, Civics are fun little cars too… or they used to be little…
December 15, 2009 at 4:03 AM
I love the new Civic… ^^;
December 15, 2009 at 6:01 AM
RIP! but i saw this one coming. straight in the footsteps of the nsx but it still makes appearances on the gt circuit now and then which is good. top of the line 4 cylinder! will we ever see a car like this again? i agree with a lot of your sentiments there. man you hang out with some dudes who have some pretty cool rides. asian guys get all the nice cars! wtf. not fair.
December 15, 2009 at 6:54 AM
Aw geez.. that’s very depressing, a very nice super car ended in production. well anyways everything comes to an end right,? like the classic AE86 Trueno/Levin.
December 15, 2009 at 6:57 AM
@Z
Go check out MG V Gundam at dalong.net… The kit’s transformation gimmicks frightens me…
December 15, 2009 at 7:49 AM
While I’m no avid fan of cars like you are, Z, I do sympathize on the fact that it’s hard to say goodbye to something dear to you that comes to an end, no matter what it is.
December 15, 2009 at 10:05 AM
…… like Siroh32, I’m not that enthutiastic about cars either. Choosing a car is like a Gundam, in a way. For the pilots, you get one and you’re stuck with it so you can only admire the other model…..
December 15, 2009 at 1:18 PM
O.O the S2k is gone!?! what the hell is honda thinking? it’s an awsome car. may we all remember in our hearts the awsome preformance of this 4 piston sports car…
December 15, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Hey Z you know that youve posted something every day of the month this december:)
December 15, 2009 at 5:04 PM
O.O your RIGHT! keep it up, Z!
December 15, 2009 at 6:26 PM
Wow Z, you are lucky to have the chance to test drive the S2000…. I can only dream of it…
Thanks for your comment about my 1/18 scale S2000. I’ve been wondering if it’s AP1 or AP2 but I really can’t figure that out… Obviously you know more about car than me but for sure S2000 is a beautiful car and must be great to drive it…
December 16, 2009 at 12:05 AM
@C Yup.
Ask Z to post more stuff becuz I’d prefer to read stuff of my interest when i’m free rather than reading leisure magazines… XD
December 16, 2009 at 12:20 AM
eh eh.. the piece of shit u mentioned, was it city? looks too big to be city, i’ve no idea what it is. but actually it looks good to me! i like honda more than toyota hands down, in terms of city road car. race car is forever nissan GTR for me. FYI, i’m driving the suzuki vitara, for the 6th year already now. I’m 186cm tall so 4WD would suit me better.
vitara, vitara~
December 16, 2009 at 9:06 AM
aaaaaaaaa
another cool ride!!
i’ve mistaken RX-8 with this until i watch initial D ahha
RX-8 design is just similiar with S-2000
December 16, 2009 at 12:17 PM
busterbeam, you know asians and their hondas… that’s how we roll xD
Erazer, except the 86 is coming back in a new form… FT-86
Exkurogane, I did… all that slipping, sliding, folding…. with a model that small, the parts are begging to break ^^;
Siroh, word to that.
Chris, you can always upgrade when you do better in life ^^;
Allen, the problem is… Honda is NOT thinking ^^;
C, it’s intentional xD.
David, it’s very easy. besides the revised headlamps and taillights, the main noticeable difference is the front bumper. the AP1 (above) has a clean :D for a face. the AP2 has extra slits inside the :D so it looks like it either has “fangs” or “braces”.
Mike, that’s the Honda Accord Crosstour, it’s a station wagon.
eyeshield, I think the two looks totally different ^^;
December 17, 2009 at 5:38 AM
you do have a nice car too..
mike: me too.. GT-R fans..
December 18, 2009 at 7:28 AM
T.T I know so sad Z. I know in a post before I mentioned that i liked the S2000, it was a beautiful car. I was disappointed when I heard this. I’m driving an 05′ Accord but the switch up to an S2000 would’ve been nice. Now I’ll have to settle for a used beat up one, unless I spend a fortune at a dealership….
December 18, 2009 at 1:41 PM
that is if the dealership still have one to sell it to you for a fortune ^^;. They usually only stock 1-2 S2000 on their lots but they have to sell them before year ends for inventory… and sales.
December 20, 2009 at 8:18 AM
Wow a S2000 ~
Wished to drive these car, since it could easily overtake a 4WD on 4th gear. =)
…felt my local car so tiny compare to this “beast”…