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Honda S2000 1999-2009

Honda's free-revving S2000 roadster was a hit with owners and comes 4th in our best fast Hondas list

by: Auto Express team

13 Sep 2019

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In the late nineties Honda mixed its advanced engineering with a two-seat convertible body to create a product to rival the likes of the Porsche Boxster: the S2000. As with the NSX and Civic Type Rs, the bespoke 2.0-litre VTEC was the engine that defined this car, delivering 240bhp and revving all the way to 9,000rpm.

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Early models were notorious for darty handling in the wrong hands, but this meant the S2000 had the agility of a housefly. Honda retained this for a facelifted car in 2004, but added more stability with a re-tuned rear suspension set-up. Cornering performance was helped by the roadster’s front-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout, giving great weight distribution.

The stiff bodyshell meant the S2000 felt composed for a convertible, and with the bonus of the wind in your hair ramping up the sensation of speed (not that it needed it), this thrilling Honda was a tactile delight.

Honda S2000: key specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cylPower: 240bhpTorque: 208NmTransmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive0-62mph: 6.6 secondsTop speed: 150mphOn sale: 1999-2009