Roadsters tend to be narrowly focused on performance, sacrificing
practicality in the name of merriment. There are many different flavors,
though. Increased athleticism usually results in reduced comfort, so
it's essential to know what you're willing to forgo. On one end of the
spectrum, there are the luxury drop tops, replete with every conceivable
option and modern appointment -- and on the other end, there are the
performance-biased sporting roadsters that purists drool over. The 2009
Honda S2000 falls squarely into the latter category, somewhere in
between the docile Mazda Miata and the hard-core Lotus Elise.
The
S2000 delivers plenty of knife-edge excitement and very little else. In
keeping with the traditional roadster mantra, weight is kept to a
minimum, thanks in part to a distinct lack of creature comforts. Power
is supplied by a high-strung naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine
that's matched to a deliciously mechanical six-speed manual
transmission. Precision handling dynamics are also part of the S2000's
DNA, as this high-revving Honda evinces excellent balance during hard
cornering with minimal computer intervention. Moreover, there's no cowl
shake to speak of. Even after nine years on the market, this is one of
the most rigid roadsters you can buy.
This year sees the
continuation of the S2000 CR model, which was introduced last year. CR
stands for "club racer," denoting this model's track-specific tweaks for
reduced weight and sharper handling. The performance gap between the
standard S2000 and the CR isn't readily apparent unless you're on a
racetrack, but for those who enjoy the occasional track day, the S2000
CR is worth considering.
There are three main knocks against the
2009 Honda S2000. First, its appearance hasn't changed significantly
since it debuted way back in model year 2000, so your shiny new S2000
will bear an uncomfortable resemblance to $15,000 used versions on
Craigslist. Second, while its 2.2-liter VTEC four does a credible
impression of a racecar engine above 6,000 rpm, there's little power to
speak of at lower engine speeds. Finally, modern amenities like
Bluetooth and a navigation system are simply unavailable on this spartan
sports car.
Nonetheless, we're still fans of the S2000. Its
mid-$30K price positions it well against the cheaper but less capable
Miata and more expensive European offerings from BMW, Porsche and Lotus.
If what you're looking for is a focused driving machine, the S2000
remains a compelling choice despite its advancing years.
