2001 Honda S2000 Review
Price Estimate: $3,510 - $5,305





+15
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Agile chassis, rev-happy engine, minimalist design, optional hardtop.
Cons
- Not much low-end torque, plastic rear window, no passenger airbag cutoff switch.
What’s new
Indy Yellow is a new color for the 2001 Honda S2000. Floor mats, a rear wind deflector, a clock and an emergency trunk release are also new standard items. Midyear, a removable aluminum hardtop became available and can be retrofitted to all S2000s.
Edmunds says
A sports car that makes few compromises, the 2001 Honda S2000 is one of the more visceral cars sold in America. And yes, that's a good thing.
For sale near , ia
20 listings
- Photos not available$38,800fair price$1,167 below market
- 18,461 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 4cyl manual
- Diamond Motorworks (278 mi away)
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Soft Top
- Audio and cruise con...
Close
Located in Lisle, IL
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (18 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JHMAP11451T006740
Stock: 006740
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-03-2024 - 154,635 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, personal use
- 4cyl manual
- AE Auto Brokers (281 mi away)
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Soft Top
- Audio and cruise con...
Close
Located in Roselle, IL
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (18 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JHMAP11461T003300
Stock: 003300
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-31-2024
Vehicle overview
It's all about that little red button. Located on the left side of the driver's console and labeled "engine start," the button reflects the racing heritage found on the S2000 roadster.
Honda's two-seat, open-topped roadster is based on the SSM concept car first shown at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show. Designed to be fun to drive, the S2000 uses a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration. As is often the case with Honda's performance vehicles, the S2000 contains many new technological advances that will surely trickle down to less-expensive models as time rolls by.
The centerpiece is a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine. It is equipped with an updated version of Honda's VTEC system, which can alter both valve timing and valve lift. The VTEC system allows the engine to produce maximum power while still being tractable enough for urban driving. If you need proof of Honda's technological prowess, look no further than the specifications: 240 horsepower at 8,300 rpm and 153 foot-pounds of torque at 7,500 rpm. Twist the key, hit the red start button, and the engine will give you the highest specific output (120 horsepower per liter) of any normally aspirated mass-production engine in the world. It will also spin to speeds that most other engines would choke on -- redline is 8,900 rpm. If this still isn't impressive enough, Honda also says that the engine will meet low-emission vehicle status.
Power is routed though a six-speed, close-ratio transmission. The transmission is a compact design and features a direct shift linkage with excellent feel and short throws. A Torsen limited-slip differential is standard equipment.
Honda's expertise is also evident in the S2000's responsive handling. The exceptionally rigid chassis has an ideal 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution. Both the suspension and power steering systems are unique designs. The suspension is a four-wheel double-wishbone type with a racing-inspired "in-wheel" design. And in place of conventional hydraulic power steering, the S2000 uses an electrically assisted system. This makes the steering feel much more responsive.
Visually, the S2000 is compact and angular. The convertible top is power-operated, but the rear window is plastic, not glass. An optional aluminum hardtop, which can be retrofitted to all S2000s, became available mid-way through the 2001 model year.
There is only one version of the S2000, so all cars get 16-inch wheels and high-intensity discharge headlights as standard equipment. For occupant safety, Honda says it has designed the car to absorb as much crash energy as possible. It also has installed seatbelts with load limiters and pre-tensioners, driver and passenger airbags and roll bars. Inside, the S2000 comes with air conditioning, a digital instrument panel, a CD audio system and leather seats.
Honda's new roadster provides an excellent alternative to the Audi TT, BMW Z3, Mercedes-Benz SLK and Porsche Boxster. Out of that group, the S2000 is the most performance-oriented. It's not as apt at city use, nor does it have the prestige that comes with owning a car emblazoned with a German marque. But for a visceral (and less-expensive) driving experience, the S2000 is the car to get.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Iowa
$226/mo for S2000 Base
S2000 Base
vs
$156/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Honda S2000 Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Not pracitcal, but FUN!
4.88 out of 5 starsmikeandterri, 07/19/2007
2001 Honda S2000 2dr Roadster (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
I bought my 2001 S2000 with 5K miles on it. It was too impractical for the previous owner. Since I only drive it to work and back, practicality is not an issue. In fact, the S2000 makes my 30-45 minute commute fun, everyday except when it's snowing. Acceleration is awesome, top goes up and down in seconds (important for the surprise thunderstorm), handling is superb. The interior is … quite cramped, and not recommended for someone 6 feet or taller. I'm 5'10" and fit fine, although getting in and out with the top up requires some agility. The stock stereo system in poor, and if you upgrade you lose the remote control functions on the dash. So I just upgraded the speakers.
Great car
4.75 out of 5 starselanderholm, 03/04/2002
2001 Honda S2000 2dr Roadster (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
I love my S2000. It is one of the most fun to drive cars made....at any price. I would recommend it highly. The long term reliability worries me a little. Not the engine, but other parts like the clutch, diff, and cv joints. While, I have not had any problems yet, my car only has 14.6k miles on it. It is my daily driver, rain or shine. The car is rattle free, looks great, with the … hardtop is a decent daily driver, and has good performance.
20 years, moved up to a 911 C4S for 8K more
5 out of 5 starsESTEBAN, 08/01/2015
2001 Honda S2000 2dr Roadster (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
I bought the car for $32 in 2000, sold it for $28 in early 2020, and upgraded it to a 2004 Porsche 911 C4S. Needed some more HP for higher altitude retirement home in the mountains and the all-wheel drive. And a bit smoother ride and extra room from High School and College sports injuries. Learn how to drive in an S2000; they are a tad expensive used, no need for low miles. I just got … lucky and they held their value, and mine was stock as the day I picked it up. The 911 handles just as well, but you feel like you are in a Lexus. Don't get hung up on AP1 or AP2 or even the Club Racer; all are the same horsepower, same 0-60 times, learn how to drive and handle a fully manual car. Not just the 6 speed, the steering, suspension, no autosave traction controls. Modifications will not get you much more, especially on these cars, don't waste your money. Take a course at Mid Ohio Raceway from a professional, and you will outrun many others who spent thousands on modifications.
Great fun
4.63 out of 5 starsStef, 05/08/2007
2001 Honda S2000 2dr Roadster (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
I have had my S2000 for 5 years now and I am totally satisfied. It's a fun car for the right price. No need for a Porsche. Drives like a pussycat or can punch it when you need to. Highly recommend for those who want one.
2001 S2000 Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $32,300 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $226/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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