Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Best engine and transmission for the money. Period. The engine can rev to 9000 RPM, making over 120HP per liter of displacement. The sound of the engine while VTEC is engaged will be music to your ears. Power build up past 6000 RPM is impressive for the displacement.

The transmission is direct and precise. The throw is short with positive engagement.

The car has a timeless good looks. Chassis is stiff and designed to be a convertible that performs well when you explore the limit on the track.

Steering is quick and precise. A common complaint is that the electrical power steering assist lacks feedback. But the chassis is lively and responsive. You can feel what the car is doing with the feedback from the chassis.

Brakes perform very well, partly thanks to the sticky OEM tires. And grip is impressive as well, thanks to the tires and the stiff chassis.

What I like about the car:

+ Engine is a wonderful exercise of engineering.

+ Transmission is one of the best manual gear boxes, regardless of price range.

+ Responsive and stiff chassis (again, engineering done right).

+ Good looks.

+ Performance with reliability.

+ Useable trunk (though on the small side).

My complaints:

- MPG not that great for such a small displacement.

- Rear visibility with the top up.

- Minor wear at the convertible top rubbing against the convertible frame.

- Stock stereo is a little lacking.

- Steering lacks feedback (minor complaint).

- Rear differential is a common weak link in the drive train.

- Driver's seat wearing out.

Faults:

Second gear can be notchy if rushed.

Petrol gauge not the most accurate.

General Comments:

I had craved an S2000 for several years, and finally I was able to afford one after used prices dropped. It's best to go for a 2002 onwards, as they were given a glass rear screen along with other minor changes.

The S2000 is a rare car with near-perfect roadster looks. It has a long dramatic bonnet, aggressive looking headlights/rear lamps, fairly short boot and 16" gunmetal alloys. With the top off the car looks stunning and will turn heads.

This car handles extremely well. Honda spent ages getting the balance right. In the dry it will just grip and grip with a touch of occasional understeer, which is easily controllable. More care needs to be taken in the wet, but it still feels fairly stable.

The car has very good performance, but you have to rev it above 6000rpm to get into the v-tec zone. Suddenly the engine roars and you feel the car surge into life. 0-60 is just over 6 seconds. The gear changes are the best you will get in any car, and the ratio's are very close to give that true sportscar experience.

Comfort levels are very good for a sportscar. The seats are firm but supportive, and you won't move around even when driving hard. All controls are within easy reach. The suspension feels sporty, yet it absorbs the bumps adequately.

Running costs can vary depending on how many miles you do. Also bear in mind it is expensive to insure. Being a Honda it should be very reliable, although early S2000 engines can burn a bit of oil so it needs checking regularly.

Faults:

Nothing as yet.

General Comments:

The car is one of the best I have ever driven. Similar cars for the price cannot compare. The power and handling is excellent in the dry, however in the wet can get a bit hairy!

The interior is spacious and generally well laid out. Don't believe the reviews when they say taller drivers will find it uncomfortable. I am over 6 ft tall and have plenty of head and leg room. The seats are also comfortable and the ride is good.

All people that have driven it cannot believe the performance and power. Always raises a smile for those driving and those looking at it... a real head turner!

All in all the best looking and driving car in its class in terms for value for money.