Why America Fell in Love with Honda's Legendary S2000
Honda likely never expected the S2000 to become such a massive hit, nor create a passionate fan base that's larger than ever today.
Falling in Love
Even today, roughly 20 years since the S2000 came to be, the car's fan base continues to grow. Few automotive models ever reach these levels of popularity, especially ones that weren't produced for a terribly long time. But the S2000 endures and continues to grow in prominence. Thus, it's worth taking a closer look at how this happened, and why we here in America fell head over heels for Honda's iconic roadster in the first place.
Introduction of the SSM Concept
It all started with the original SSM Concept, which was introduced at the 1995 Tokyo International Motor Show. The simple and cleanly styled concept was a huge hit, despite its many quirks including the separate driver and passenger compartments. Several elements carried over to production form and started trends, however, including the digital instrument cluster and big red starter button. The SSM proved to be a huge hit, and Honda saw enough interest to move forward with building a production version.
Photos: Honda
Impressive Equipment
Honda knew that they needed to make the S2000 more than just a soft drop top cruiser. They also needed to make it fun and exciting to drive. The basis of that is the car's “high X-bone” monocoque construction, which utilized double wishbones at each corner, much like the NSX. The car packed some impressive equipment from the start, including four-wheel disc brakes, a standard Torsen limited-slip differential, and quick, precise steering.
Photos: Honda
Screaming Powerplant
The centerpiece of the S2000 is, and always has been, its powerplant, however. When it landed in the S2000, the F20C represented the culmination of many years of Honda four-cylinder engine technology development. Its output of 120 hp per liter was simply incredible at the time and is still impressive today. It also didn't hurt that the 2.0 will rev to the sky, nor that it sounds great and provides sharp throttle response.
Photos: Honda
Joys of Shifting
We've seen plenty of cars that pack great engines and underwhelming transmissions, of course. But Honda nailed it with the S2000's clean-sheet design, close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox. Shifts are tight, precise, and easy to complete at lightning-quick speed. And the mechanical feel present in the shifting action is rather pleasing as well, especially for purists.
Photos: Honda
Handling Prowess
The S2000's advanced suspension and stiff structure also make it a joy to throw into corners. Of course, the car's 50/50 weight distribution doesn't hurt in that department, either. Honda accomplished that feat by placing the engine further back, and it paid off. As a result, turn-in is quick, chassis balance is neutral, and grip is copious.
Photos: Honda
AP2 Updates
When the AP2 debuted in 2004, Honda sought to make a host of revisions that would improve the driving experience. That included some chassis strengthening, tuned rear end designed to reduce oversteer, and revised suspension geometry. The car also featured some modest visual revisions and larger wheels. Here in America, we also received a larger, more powerful 2.2-liter powerplant, which doesn't rev quite as high. Which gen fans prefer varies, of course, but both the AP1 and AP2 have their proponents.
Photos: Honda
Special Editions
Sadly, we never saw a Type R S2000, but Honda did roll out a few special editions over the years. That started with the Japanese-only Type V, which featured variable gear steering. Then came the Type S, which had a stiffer suspension, lighter weight, and a body kit. Here in North America, we got the Club Racer, which featured many of the same modifications as the Type S, though with slightly different suspension tuning.
Photos: Honda
Love at First Sight
For all of these reasons and more, America developed a love affair with the S2000 that has never wavered. One could argue that the car has only become more popular with time, likely because we'll probably never see anything like it ever again. And while that might be pretty sad when you think about it, at least we can still hop in our cars and remember the glory days whenever we wish.
Photos: Honda
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