Vehicle: 2004 Honda S2000
Price as tested: CDN$50240

Performance: It doesn’t come as a surprise that S2k’s upgraded 2.2L high-revving DOHC 4 banger is a great engine, given its tuned by the same engineers who used to built Honda’s famous formula 1 powerplants. This high screaming DOHC VTEC engine works flawlessly at top end given its heart-pounding revving character over 8 grand rpm. As you pushed hard, this engine gives out even more performance. On the other hand, its maximum torque arrives at 6500 rpm is a chock to drive in traffic since it only has 162 lb/ft of torque. The engine sounds like a full race car. Its not only a joy to push it around, its engine sound is simply a music to the ears at high rpms. Matched with this engine is an excellent 6-speed stick shift. The throws are short, precise and gates are very well defined. The gear ratios also matched wonderfully with this engine. Clutch is light and progessive, with decent take-off.

Handling: S2k’s biggest highlight has to be its entertaining handling. Given its perfect 50/50 front-rear balance, a lightweight chassis and a suspension that tuned for hard driving; you got a dynamic package that rivals the best of the European roadster. The steering responsive is quick while it provides great steering feel. It also very precise with plenty of weight transfer through the steering rim. Body rolls are close to non-existence. While its oversteer character is fun for skilled driver, it could be a handful to those who never get behind the wheel of a rear-driver due to S2k’s lack of any stability control systems. Ride quality is a bit rough but I called it a good sacifice given S2k’s top notch dynamics.

Brakes: With standard 4-wheel discs and ABS, S2k’s brakes are as impressive as its handling. The stops are short and linear while the pedal modulation is nothing short of amazing.

Interior: The inside of S2k is really a mix bag. On the one hand, its driving position and seats are wonderful. However, there are lots of quibbles considered the price of this Honda roadster. The digital instrumentation is an eyesore. You simply can’t keep up with the speed when its flying around with numbers. Another drawback is the lack of proper storage space when its a nightmare in a roadster. The use of plastic is also very cheap considered the car of this caliber. However, I have to give credit to Honda’s designers by executing the red “engine start” button in such a cool fashion.

Conclusion: Without a doubt, S2k is one of the best roadsters on the market. With the additional 200cc, it makes it even better. Its a pity Honda didn’t design an interior that match the rest of the package.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2004 HONDA S2000
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.75/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 3/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5