Faults:

The only fault has been a leaking hood, which the dealer said they had never seen before. It took a couple of attempts to cure, but both the dealer and Honda tech support were excellent.

The car was subject to a recall to improve lubrication to the cylinder head which was carried out with no fuss and Honda have extended the warranty on the engine.

The car does use quite a lot of oil, particularly if driven hard it will use about 1L per 1,000 miles.

General Comments:

I used to drive a Saab 900 convertible , which had great performance in a straight line, but was scary round bends!

I drove an Intergra R and was immediately hooked on the stunning performance.

The S2000 is even better than the R, below 6,000 revs the engine is docile and around town the car is easy to drive. Get out of town and wind it up and the performance is electric, almost turbo like in delivery.

I have read a lot of comments about the handling, but I have had no problem. Yes it commands respect in the wet, as with any powerful RWD car (especially without nanny electronics!). In the dry the handling is simply awesome. I have been lucky enough to do regular track days where the majority of the other cars have been Porkers, mostly 911's and with the exception of one or two indecently powerful cars the S2000 laps in similar or quicker times in the dry and quicker in the wet.

A very wet Castle Coombe did see me go for an excursion across the grass, but mine was pointing the right way for more of the time than the several Elise's present on the day!

On the road it is better equipped than an Elise, and less tiring over a long distance (although it would not be my car of choice for regular long motorway trips due to the gearing).

My only criticisms are the rear screen (plastic) and poor stereo, both of which have been addressed in the new model.

Faults:

My differential locked up and was replaced at 25,000 miles.

The transmission grinds from 1st gear to 2nd gear.

My transmission is whining and growling. The entire assembly is being replaced at 29,000 miles.

My rear axles make unusual clicking noises. Dealer visit fixed it temporarily, but the noise has returned.

General Comments:

Overall I like the car, however, I will be purchasing the extended warranty to 7 years / 100,000 miles. It is inexcusable to have the types of problems I have described in a brand new car. Fortunately my problems have been covered, no questions asked, under the standard warranty.

It is important to monitor engine oil level at every fuel fill stop, especially during the break-in period. Mine drinks about 1.5 quarts between oil changes.

The rear plastic window is difficult to clean properly, even with the proper supplies. You need to be a contortionist to get good access to it. It fogs up quickly from all of the plastic interior pieces "off-gassing". Fortunately this has been remedied with the 2002 model year: it has a glass rear window with an electric defogger.

Since this is a sports car, wear is extreme with the stock tires. There are harder compounds available that will extend tire life, but I enjoy the handling characteristics of the stock tires. I got 12,000 miles from the back tires, going on 29,000 miles on the front tires. Your mileage may vary.

On the positive side, the car is unique and attention grabbing. Its styling is great!

It handles better than any car I've ever driven.

The engine is magnificent and makes lots of power from 6,000 rpm to its 9,300 rpm red-line.

The shifting action of the transmission is smooth and precise.

The trunk space is limited, but you can carry more than a Miata and a MR2-Spyder combined.

The seats are comfortable for a 6 foot tall, 180 lb person.

It's a convertible!

Options? What options? The car comes with everything you need. A/C, cruise, power windows, power locks, power convertible top, ABS, CD player, and remote key-less entry.