Honda S2000
Overall Average Rating - 90.14%
Position in the Top 100 cars - 3rd
WINNER OF CATEGORY - Reliability
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.
WINNER OF CATEGORY - Braking
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.
WINNER OF CLASS - Sports
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 youre 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.
Ratings
Position in the Top 100 cars
Reliability: 1st
Build Quality: 5th
Running Costs: 13th
Performance: 2nd
Braking: 1st
Ride Quality: 13th
Handling: 6th
Practicality: 97th
Comfort: 18th
Ease of Driving: 20th
Your Quotes
“I've owned it for three years and still think it's great on the road. Learn how to drive it properly and it is very rewarding.”
Mr Alexandra Anderson - Wiltshire
“The best real world sports car an average income person could buy.”
Mr Colin Andrews - East Dunbartonshire
“Fantastic. Best car I've ever owned”
Mr John Wood - Bucks
“Great car reliable - Honda service centre very good.”
Mr Robert Marcantoni - Isleworth
“Superb driving experience, makes you smile!”
Mr Steve Parker - Isle Of Man
“Best value sports car on the market when considering performance, handling, looks, reliability and running costs. After seven years Honda are still knocking out the highest bhp/litre normally aspirated engine on the market. Fitting of a different exhaust gives you a sound close to that of a true supercar. Superb and real achievement for Honda.”
Mr Robert Brown - London
“Fabulous drive, the VTEC engine is intoxicating, and the car looks so sporty even when it's stood still. The fact that S2000s are not common and the open top experience means that it's my ultimate car, every time I drive it it brings a smile to my face.”
Mr Harry Cummings - Stockton
“Excellent, just excellent. Great pace, superb handling and fine as a daily driver as well.”
Mr Simon Mason - Glasgow
Manufacturer Verdict (Position - 3rd)
It hasn't been a vintage Driver Power year for Honda, as its best models have slipped down a few rungs in the top 100. But the firm has managed to hold on to its bronze medal position. Buyers can still expect first-class motoring, no matter which model they choose. Interestingly, the car maker's strongest suit was reliability, and Honda didn't finish lower than 11th in any one of the 10 categories.
