At the same time, we were impressed with the S2000's tractability when cruising se-dately. With an engine that doesn't really wake up until the tachometer ticks up to 7000 rpm and suspension tuning designed to eliminate body roll in cornering, we expected sluggish performance and harsh ride quality. Not so. It takes a little rowing through the gearbox to generate passing speeds, but the S2000 is otherwise as composed and comfortable as any other topless boulevardier. Unlike the Mazda Miata, the Honda en-gine does not emit a particularly pleasing exhaust note under these sedate driving con-ditions. But tromp down on the throttle and the engine makes up for that with its terrific growl at higher rpm.
The key to enjoying the S2000 is to drive it hard: Take off, wind the engine to 9000 rpm in first gear, shift into second, stand on it, and don't shift until you hit nine grand again. This is what the Honda S2000 has to offer over the less-expensive Miata.
That gearbox is a six-speed manual transmission with very short throws and wonder-fully precise engagements that enhance the driving experience. It reminds us of a for-mula car. For 2002, Honda has improved the transmission for smoother and quieter shifts. (An automatic transmission is not available.)
The S2000 is built on an extremely rigid chassis, among the most rigid of all the road-sters. A stiff chassis is the fundamental prerequisite for precise handling, because it allows suspension engineers to tune spring rates, shock absorber damping, and bush-ing durometers to achieve exactly what they want in terms of ride and response; sus-pension components can do a better job when they aren't called upon to compensate for chassis flex.
Like all current Honda automobiles, the S2000's suspension is independent, with con-trol arms (as distinct from struts) at all four corners. It is distinguished from any other current Honda cars, however, by its front-engine, rear-drive layout, a platform devel-oped specifically for this limited-edition roadster.
But that's only part of the fun. Though the S2000's 16-inch Bridgestone tires aren't par-ticularly wide, the car can handle impressively high cornering speeds, and its re-sponses are as decisive and precise as a cheetah closing in on an antelope. Not a misstep or false move, regardless of the pace.
A set of world-class brakes complements the S2000's speed and agility, augmented by ABS (a standard feature). These are the best brakes we've ever encountered on any Honda vehicle, and they round out a set of sports car credentials that's tough to top. Next Page