Review:2003 Honda S2000
SEE ALSO: Honda Buyer's Guide
By Carey Russ
The saying ``don't mess with success'' is not a Honda motto. Although the S2000 roadster is only in its third year of production, Honda has given it a few minor improvements that edge it even closer to perfection, without compromising its uncompromising performance and carved-from-solid-billet feel.
A glass backlight with a built-in defroster is the most noticeable new feature, and
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There are minor interior changes, highlighted by a more-powerful stereo and small net storage pockets. The S2000 is still a very serious sports car, and, as such has little in the way of extra frills or luggage capacity. Honda hasn't softened it any, and its fans will be glad of that.
The 240 horsepower 2.0-liter engine continues unchanged, and no changes are need there. It still has the highest specific power output of any street-legal naturally-aspirated engine, with more power for its size than even the engines of the Italian exotics. As always, it feels like a healthy two-liter from idle to 5000 rpm or so.
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Drive an S2000anywhere near the limit, and you'll feel like you're in some sort of virtual-reality video game - things happen fast, and the sound of the engine intensifies the experience. Yet, the S2000 doesn't have to be driven near its limit to be enjoyable. Vintage F1 cars had very narrow power bands; the S2000 develops useable power from 2500 to nearly 9000 rpm, an incredible spread.
Like any Honda, the S2000 will trundle through stop-and-go traffic without complaint, or scream at redline. Think of it as a very healthy two-liter sports car with an afterburner.