It’s three years in a row at the top of the reliability chart for Honda’s S2000. How is it possible? That’s the question on everyone’s lips when they see how bulletproof the roadster has proved to be. Producing 237bhp from a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine isn’t easy; doing it with near-perfect reliability is an engineering marvel. Yet Honda maintains a veil of secrecy around how its roadster is built – photography on the production line is not allowed.

There’s no slowing down in the S2000’s popularity – but it can certainly teach rivals a thing or two about stopping power. Taking the top spot in the braking chart for the second year running, the Honda’s breathtaking ability to come to a halt is as impressive in everyday traffic as it is on the race track. The pedal is firm, but it’s quick to react to whatever pressure you apply. It’s proof that the S2000 is a truly well rounded performance car.

Every time we launch another year of Driver Power, Honda S2000 owners relish the opportunity to show the rest of us exactly what we are missing out on. They tell us there is no sports car quite like the thrilling Japanese two-seater. Comfortably topping the class, the roadster finishes more than 2.5 per cent ahead of its nearest competitor. If you’re looking for a dependable yet desirable open-top roadster, on the evidence of these satisfied owners, the Honda could be for you. Second place goes to one of the most capable sports saloons available on the used market today. Based on a platform created by BMW and developed by MG Rover’'s best engineers, the ZT is a great driver’'s car. Better still, it is avail­able in versatile estate form too, adding practicality to the mix. The top five is completed by Mazda’'s rotary-engined RX-8, the Porsche Boxster and Subaru'’s Impreza. You love the way all three can put a smile on your face after every trip but struggle to justify how much each journey costs.