2008 Honda S2000

The 2008 Honda S2000 is highly favored by import track enthusiasts across the country. The S2000’s handling is superb, as is the weight to power ratio and braking. It finds itself more comfortable on the track, and ride quality suffers a little on the street because of this. Passenger room and storage are at a minimum, but this is a price every roadster has to pay for performance. The S2000 remains unchanged for 2008. Exterior styling is the same, with dated styling that has come to be synonymous with the S2000. Interior design is functional and to the point, with all needed controls within inches of the steering wheel, placing more attention on the road.

The S2000 is offered in two trims: standard and new for 2008, CR (Club Racer). The standard includes a power operated soft top with glass rear window and defroster, 17 inch alloy wheels, HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights, leather seats, full power accessories, CD player, and air conditioning. The CR features large ground spoiler kit and large rear trunk lid spoiler, no air conditioning, a removable hardtop in place of the powered soft top, no audio system, fabric seats, tuned suspension, and high performance tires. The air conditioning and audio system is removed for weight reduction (99lbs), and can be added back as an available option.

Powertrain for both trims is a 2.2L inline four cylinder with 237hp and 162lb-ft of torque. Transmission is a close six speed manual. This engine and transmission pairing give the S2000 quick-revving power peaking at 8000 rpm. Fuel economy is at EPA estimated 18 City/25 Highway.

When driving the S2000, I couldn’t stop grinning when hitting the accelerator and while carving sharp corners. While my preference is turbo assisted power, the S2000 greatly impressed me with its power delivery. I could ask nothing more out of the braking, as it was spot-on. This vehicle is definitely engineered for the spirited drivers and track enthusiasts of America.

Prices: standard-$34,300; CR-$36,300; CR with A/C-$37,300