Honda S2000

anythngbutgm · October 2005

2004 was when the displacment was bumped to 2.2l. Also the redline went from 9000rpm to about 8200rpm. I own a 2004 and I drove an 02 before buying. Both were awesome, but I find the 2.2 a bit more friendly when your not driving like a bat out of hell (which of course is killer!) Definitely check out s2ki if you have any questions. Great group of guys, very knowledgible.

vernfin · October 2005

I took home a red 2005 at the end of July and do love this car very much. I've noticed that same notchiness between 1st and 2nd when the car is cold. The rest of gears are right where you expect them to be and shifting is just plain fun. Since I've still got less than 3K on the car I'm wondering if the shifter will loosen up over time, but even if it doesn't a few clicks going into 2nd are a small price to pay for that kind performance this car has to offer. I'll try your suggestion though.

vernfin · October 2005

I have the exact same problem with my 2005. However that short grind fades after 15 minutes or so of driving. I've only got 2600 miles on the car and I'm expecting it to lessen as time goes on. The rest of gears desere all the praise they get in the press, and I'm hoping that this niggling little problem with work itself out. Otherwise this car is all joy.

anythngbutgm · October 2005

I have an 04' and I just had the tranny fluid swapped out for GM synchromesh. I only have about 4k on her (really early for a fluid change) at the moment but it made a HUGE difference. Almost all notchyness has been eliminated. I didn't change it myself, but I had a shop do it for me. It was not a Honda dealer, I don't think they will put the GMS in.

Also, a good way to work around it on those cold mornings, is to be gentle with it. Don't rev the motor too much and shift as early as possible. And don't shift aggressively either, kind of ease it into gear... Double clutch if you can.

habitat1 · October 2005

I had a 2002 S2000 that I bought in November 2001 and had for 30 months and 19,000 miles I NEVER had any issues with the transmission or shifting, even in cold weather. The 2002 had a strenghtened transmission over the 2000/2001. It sounds like they went backwards for 2004, which is hard to believe.

rattlecage · October 2005

A Suzuka Blue 2002 with a blue leather interior, sweetness ...
35k miles, 100k Hondacare warranty, and the chrome factory wheels

I pick it up friday. Paid $21,300

I cant wait to run through the gears, man oh man

pelequero · October 2005

I have the same problem. The first 10 mins. of driving has that "clunk" between 1st and 2nd. After 10 minutes though it disappears. It's really annoying though b/c it feels like you're F'ing something up as you're doing it. I've got 1800 on mine and I'm hoping it goes away.

bloobyu · November 2005

Recently, my driver's side window on my 2002 S2000 started malfunctioning. When I lower the top, the window does not go down all the way. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I either have to click the top switch several times, or use the power window switch to lower the window completely. Has anyone else had this problem?

nicosommer · November 2005

I have a 2,5 month young 3.500 miles driven 2005 S2000. Besides the known 2nd gear problem I was nothing but happy. Since Saturday night I'm happy being still alive.
On my way home on a empty freeway (rare condition in Southern California) my live was challenged without any warning.
A short sharp metallic bang and the S2000 were almost completely out of control at 68mi/h and were spinning several 360s. Finally I ended up in the soft bank in a huge cloud of dust after passing luckily the unforgiving concrete of a bridge.
The good news first: I was able to keep the car more or less on the road and the S2000 seem to be flipping over resistant.
The scary bad news: The right rear upper A-frame was broken off the Hub (the cause). The suspension is after this wild ride heavily damaged - Im looking at ~ $10.000 repair.
Honda USA reacted insulting and of cause declined any responsibility.
Im from Germany  use to drive fast but responsible and without accident for over 30 years  live now in California for 8 years (means I know the roads) and with 52 certainly not a silly punk.
At Honda USA, they play the Blame the customer game and Im seeking for help and information. Any similar events out there?

PS. I checked the freeway on the next day at daylight for unusual road conditions and was unable to blame the incident on CalTrans.

speedman · December 2005

hi,
have a s2000 2003 red with 5000m,best car i ever had(more than 60).i need some info please: would like to buy some headrest speakers but not the one from honda, any suggestions please. and would like to buy a bra,can nt find any. i try the compagny wolf...forget it. and for last, if i want to put an intake does KN make the best ,i m open to your advice.i only drive my car when it s nice,never had any rain except when i wash it.(every day)
very interresting site,you guys know what your talking

p.s i m thinking to put somme red leather on my seats and on the doors,does any body did that on there S
thanks a million
regards

guitarlynn · December 2005

I have a Honda s2000 which i absolutley love. Unfortunately I now get drenched everytime it rains! This is getting worse; when I pull off, a stream of water falls on me and my passenger from the roof where the seal folds. Any suggestions?

godot1066 · December 2005

I just was offered what I consider a "heck" of a deal on an 05 S2K. West Virginia is not the sports car capitol of the world and the dealer really wanted to sell it. I loved the test drive yesterday on a clear crisp day, but the horror stories about the Potenza tires and the snow-plowing spoiler has k-bashed what I was going to be a cure for my middle-aged angst. Is the snow performance really that big a crisis!

habitat1 · December 2005

"Is the snow performance really that big a crisis!"

No "crisis" unless you actually want to drive in the snow.

I only attempted to drive my S2000 once a short distance on packed snow and ice. It was enough to convince me to leave it parked whenever there was snow on the streets. And I'm originally from a town that averages 120" per year, so I'm hardly afraid of driving in snow.

Given that you live in West Virginia, and (I assume) get more snow than DC, it seems to me an S2000 is impractical (as any high performance roadster / sports car would be) as a year round sole car. You can spend a fair amount of money on a second set of wheels and snow tires, but that's still not going to make up for the low ground clearance and extremely light back end. Even with snow tires, you really need a back up vehicle to use in more than 3"+ of snow, IMO.

jt350 · December 2005

I just had the same problem after getting the top replaced due to vandalism. Someone told me to try resetting the window actuators.

Start vehicle.
Lower window all the way and keep button depressed for about 5 seconds. Then raise window and hold button up for 5 seconds once window is completely raised. Do this a couple of times and see if that works.

toydriver · January 2006

Has anyone had experience transporting their S2000 long distance by truck ???
I'd like to send the car from MN to AZ for the winter (we both need some warm weather). I want to ensure it arrives without any problems.

s2k02 · January 2006

I heard of a problem with the 1st 2nd and 3rd syncro. try to research but that could be it and it is a factory defect so its fine, but get it taken care of asap before u need a new tranny! good luck.

s2k02 · January 2006

If you still have'nt found and rear speakers go to lsaudioco.com, I have an 02 s2k and I will make a custom mount if u need it still.

s2k02 · January 2006

I have an 02 but on pretty much all of the S2000's I've seen there has always been a gap between the right rear tail light and the bumper. So ur ok!

lostcount · January 2006

http://www.streetsmarttechnologies.net/

these enclosures look good, but are a bit expensive, less than factory though and you can use your own speakers.

also, 2004 and up models are prewired for headrest speakers, making installation easier....

sjde · January 2006

I am looking at both these cars and like the looks of both. I am a woman and really don't need the extra horsepower of the S2000. My husband doesn't seem to care one way or another. Comments?

Joan

kyfdx · January 2006

No reason to get the S2000, given your circumstances...

Just my $0.02
kyfdx

habitat1 · January 2006

Only you can decide why you "should" buy anything.

The attributes that distinguish the Honda S2000 from the Miata are mostly performance oriented - namely acceleration and handling. Although I have to add that the fit and finish and build quality of the Honda are exceptional.

But still, it's up to you to decide. My only suggestion is to test drive both before making a decision.

artcb · February 2006

My wife wants to buy a new 2006 S2000. We both fell in love with the car after a test drive but have heard various comments on the tires life. She isnt a agressive or hard driver and has always gotten more life than manufacturer specs out of tires, so we expect the same on the S2000. We would like to hear comments on how long your tires have lasted and if you changed, what brand did you switch to so they would last longer? Part of the problem seems to be that you cant rotate them like most cars as the front tires are different size than the rears? Is this still the case on the 2006 Models?

Also, I know its a sports car, but no matter, she will nurse as much gas mileage out of it as she can. What has been experiences in "warmer" cities for those that like to nurse it?

Thanks alot!!

habitat1 · February 2006

I had a 2002 upon which I put 18,000 miles in 2.5 years before trading the car. The rear tires were near the end of their life and the fronts probably had 7,000 miles left. I drove pretty reasonably. For what it's worth, I put new tires on my TL 6-speed at 19,000 miles, so getting 20-25k out of a Honda S2000 is not bad. The guys at Tire Rack can give you the best replacement tire advice - call them.

Overall, I averaged about 23 mpg, with a heavy mix of city and highway. On pure highway runs of 200+ miles at 75 mpg, I got between 28 and 32 mpg. Pretty good considering the EPA highway estimate was 26.

Tire replacement and gas mileage are certainly factors to consider in evaluating the overall cost of ownership. But also consider that, in 2.5 years and 18k+ miles, I spent less than $300 in total maintenance, including 4 Mobil One oil changes. And, probably most importantly, the car holds it's value exceptionally well.

The S2000 is probably the most prudent way to get serious sports car performance at a reasonable price. Something like a Miata would be cheaper if you are going to "nurse" a car along, but the S2000 is in a different performance league and approaches the Boxster S. So sneak the keys away from your wife every once in awhile and enjoy it for what it's designed for.

anythngbutgm · February 2006

Everything habitat mentioned applies here as well. I only have 4700 miles on my 04' so I am a ways away from my first tire replacment, but 15k is a good mark to expect from what I hear. Drive it harder and that number goes down, but drive it sanely (like I do) and you may be able to milk a few extra miles.

My mileage before I put her away for the winter was about 24 mpg for my around town commute with a few highway blasts here and there, and I managed 30! mpg on a tank of mostly highway miles through the back roads of NH and Vermont.

BTW, if you happen to have access to an area like this, you'll find that the attributes of the S2000 really shine. A truely rewarding experience.

Anxiously counting the days until Springtime...

midnightcowboy · February 2006

Here, in Houston, there is really no winter, you can drive it all year long. In fact I drove it to work today with the top down.

MidCow,

2006 Red S2000

anythngbutgm · February 2006

How do you like your 06'? I haven't driven the new model yet so I am curious how the DBW is for feedback. I hear the new seats are quite comfy even though they are more generic design.

S2ki N.E. still has no 06's in the club yet. Congrats!

midnightcowboy · February 2006

The '06 is awesome and comfortable, however I didn't have an earlier model so I don't have anything to compare to.

The DBW seems to provide good feedback, but I haven't even gotten the engine broken in yet so I am still driv'n easy.

I have DBW on a 2005 Accord 6-speed and the S2000 seems to have better, quicker feedback response.

Cruis'n Double sixes,

MidCow

anythngbutgm · February 2006

Accord 6-speeder. Nice compliment for your S.

The wife has been looking at TL's for a Summer/Fall purchase. She had a 2000 Accord V6 coupe that she raves about daily. Maybe I should steer her into the new one as well...

hmmm.

hondahead · February 2006

All, my 1st tank (assuming the Dealer DID fill 'er up) showed about 23.3 mpg...new '06 S2000, still being mostly gentle, around town...
Guess I'm new, what's DBW? thx...

hondahead · February 2006

Was seriously looking at '05s, drove 3 of 'em, for 10 - 20 mi each...the '06 (must be the seats?) felt significantly "larger" that the '05, my wife felt the same way. Don't know how, as the internal dimns are all the same, but...

midnightcowboy · February 2006

DBW - Drive By Wire. Electronic throttle on 2006. It seems to be repsonsive though.

Caution on Invidia exhaust the hangers must have changed for 2006s if you hook upo the resonator rubber grommet, it pulls the exhaust to the frame, rattle at idel and bad bad resonance at 5K RPM. If you reposition the rubber grommet to be between the hanger it corrects the problem. Ran a wire through a warpped around each hanger so that it won't shift.

Rick's Voodoo shift crome shift knob is awesome lowers shfter by almostr an inch.

Cheers,

Midcow

jkgreer2 · February 2006

S2000 Experts:
Please assist with my attempt to verify Invoice price for '06 S2000 of $30,633(Edmunds) + $550(shipping)= $31,183. I have read another post stating Invoice for '06 is $31,333.49 and hold-back is $1,021.50, with the statement, "dealership has $30,311.99 invested in the car." I may make on offer in March for an '06. Also, I called Honda 'customer assistance' to learn when the last batch of '06 S2000s would be produced in Japan, and none of assistants could confirm that 2006 was last year for S2000. Thank you in advance and best regards.

anythngbutgm · February 2006

That mileage will rise during breakin. What kind of route did you go? Lot of stoplights?

anythngbutgm · February 2006

The seats have been redesigned for the 06' model. They may be a smidge wider. I personally find my 04' seats to be the most supportive, comfortable ones this side of Volvo :surprise:

anythngbutgm · February 2006

Those voodoo kits are awesome. I was pondering the same thing for my car.

hondahead · February 2006

eehh, a mix, really - my commute is only 8 - 9 mi, with a good long stretch of about 3 mi, 4-lane, straight to a gate. Mostly also tooling around the area, w/some 4-lanes n stoplights, some in 35-ish areas thru neighborhoods. Trying to do the proper thing by varying RPMs during breakin period...not over 5500, of course, per the manual.

njexpress · February 2006

Hi,
I got my 2002 S2K (24500 Miles, Hardtop, Formula red, Grille Inserts, Injen Cold airflow intake, meticulously cared for) ten days ago.
Being the SUV driver that I have been almost all my driving years, I ran the front right wheel into a tiiiny pot hole (which was big enough for an S2000, apparently

) and scraped the wall of the tire and promptly blew it. New tire is in order at BJs- I am now riding with the spare donut on the front(?!) passenger side. It has been inflated to about 36 PSI of air; My question is this :confuse: : I feel that it kind of pulls to the right and if I take my hands off the steering wheel, I am definitely dragging to the right. Is that normal with the donut (which of course is smaller) or did I also manage to knock the alignment off??
Even if that is the case, I realize it is not a big deal, but it just feels miserable seeing my poor baby acting imperfect, no thanks to my own carelessness :mad: ....

hondahead · March 2006

Sorry about the misfortune..

I've been trying to be careful too, esp about curbs w/the low front air scoop...wish it was about .5in higher
bet the pull is usual, should return to normal w/correct tire/wheel - donut is temp only, don't drive too long :confuse:

hondahead · March 2006

OK, one more update - another 300ish mi, this time 25.5mpg overall. not as good as my ol' '81 civic did, abt 32 in town, 36 hwy, but...

Jeez, hit the +6000 zone yesterday for 1st time - holy smoke! felt to me like a turbo or nitro kicked in. Abbsolutely lovin' it!!!!!! :P

estreka · March 2006

I'm on the harder extreme of driving. I've tested 3 sets of tires, and I can tell you the Hankook K-series work very well. I burned the Potenzas in 10K miles. I burned a set of Kumhos in 5K. The Hankooks I have on now have lasted 15K so far, and they still have a long way to go.

Btw, my S is supercharged, so tirewear is considerable with my application. Your results will definately vary. I would expect 20K-30K with the Hankooks with conservative driving. Make sure you get a 420 treadwear rating!

habitat1 · March 2006

A high performance tire with a 420 treadwear rating?? :surprise:

I would have thought that was impossible. Are they "W" or "Y" rated? Where did you get them. I am still quite a ways from needing new tires on my 911, but I'd like to check them out. Tire Rack does not list the Hankook brand.

anythngbutgm · March 2006

It's fun huh?

I am getting mine back in a month from out of storage. Cannot wait! Good to see your mileage is rising. I find Honda motors really don't "Break in" until around 10 - 20k miles so mileage creeps up over that time.

anythngbutgm · March 2006

I believe the recommendation for a flat tire is to NOT put the donut on the front? It mentions to locate the rear tire to the front and put the spare on the back. I could be wrong, but I need to check the manual (which is currently in storage with the car...)

midnightcowboy · March 2006

anythngbutgm,

Mine is just getting broken in a little over 1,000 miles. My mileage isn't so great (22.5) but I have been driviing sporty and loving it.

I have an Invidia exhaust and it is hard not to VTEC it

Cheers,

MidCow

P.S.- I live in Houston and can drive year round, drove to work today top-down, 65 degrees.

anythngbutgm · March 2006

Up here in Mass we are expecting a few inches of snow... Guess I should take a road trip down south!

How's the exhaust note with the new setup?

It's funny, people hate the stereo quality of the cars, I think I've turned my radio on only a dozen times. Still have the factory presets. I find the engine and exhaust note are far more entertaining than the stereo.

habitat1 · March 2006

I think you have that in reverse.

I believe that in the event of a rear flat, you are supposed to put the spare tire in front and move the front to the back. I seem to recall that from my old owners manual. And at least that would make sense in a RWD car where the rear tires are larger than the front.

In any event, I would reserve judgement on whether or not the car needs an alignment until after the tires are replaced. The smaller width, different rolling resistance donut is bound to cause a little pull.

anythngbutgm · March 2006

Ah... That's it. Thanks

Makes sense not having a donut on the rear for a RWD car...

hondahead · March 2006

Hey MidCow, I'm in Huntsville (no, the other one, in Ala), weather's been cooperating here too. Jeez, 71 yesterday, 66 today. Can't get enough - even asking the wife if there's anything, ANYTHING, from the store that she needs - last time a trip to the store (2 mi away) for buns, burger, etc took almost an hour, and no, not spent shopping or in line...ha :P

habitat1 · March 2006

Glad to hear that you aren't just going to the store 2 miles away during the break in period.

My former Honda service manager (2002 S2000) is now the head of Service at a BMW dealership. Caught up with him when I went in to look at the new M5. He believes that Honda is not very good about instructing S2000 users of the proper break in procedure. He completely agrees with the instructions I got for my 911 last fall - for the first 1,500-2,000 miles, avoid starting the car unless you are going to drive it for 20 minutes. It takes at least that long for all engine components and the oil to heat up to full operating temperature (and fully expand). Which is required to properly seat the pistons, rings and seals on a high performance, high rpm, tight tolerance engine. When you run the engine for shorter periods, the expansion is stopped short and the "break in" process is compromised. Future oil leaks and loss of engine compression can result.

Why this "drive for 20 minutes" practice seems to be universally agreed upon by the smartest and most experiences service managers (and my buddy with a Masters from Duke in ME and Material Science), but not emphasized in owners manuals, is beyond me. At least Porsche says "avoid short drives" and has an "engine oil temperature" gauge in addition to the standard radiator temperature guage - which, by the way, takes considerably longer to reach operating temperature than the radiator.

Note that this "drive for 20 minutes" rule is much more important in engines like the S2000, 911, M3/M5 than in your run of the mill Accord.

Honda S2000

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