2004 Honda S2000 New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 Honda S2000?
A larger displacement 2.2-liter engine develops additional torque across a broader range, making the 2004 Honda S2000 more pleasurable as a daily driver because the power arrives at 3,000 rpm rather than 6,000 rpm. Other changes include a revised suspension and larger 17-inch wheels for greater stability and a less abrupt limit of adhesion, increased body rigidity, retuned electric steering for less bump steer and more road feel, improved brake pedal feel, and modified gear ratios with carbon synchronizers on all forward gears. Styling is tweaked front and rear, and interior revisions include more shoulder- and elbow-room as well as an additional cupholder. New options include XM satellite radio and headrest speakers.

Advantages of the 2004 Honda S2000:

• Singular sports car purpose
• Brilliant gearbox
• Engine howl
• Razor sharp handling
• Simplistic cabin layout and design
• Available hardtop

Objections to the 2004 Honda S2000:

• High beltline a bit confining with the top raised
• Plastic rear window with no defogger

Editor's Advice:
It’s a great time to be an automotive enthusiast. Elemental sports cars exist at almost all levels of affordability, from the Mazda Miata on the low end to the Ferrari Enzo in the nether regions of the MSRP stratosphere. Lucky for you, the outstanding 2004 Honda S2000 sits just one rung above the Miata and one rung below the Porsche Boxster on the pricing continuum, right where lots of people are spending lots of money. And for 2004, the Honda S2000 gets a dose of Ritalin to manage its often high-strung character. Our last test drive of the Honda S2000 revealed behavior commensurate with a bullet bike on four wheels. With more accessible torque, a lower redline, more apparent adhesion limits and improved shifter and steering feel, the Honda S2000 is a more mature, if less frenetic, sports car. We highly recommend a test drive of the wonderful Honda S2000 if you’ve got $33,290 burning a hole in your pocket, a bottle of SPF 15 sunblock and nothing to do on the weekends.