2008 Honda S2000 CR test drive

About.com Rating 4 Star Rating

User Rating 5 Star Rating (1 Review) Write a review

By Aaron Gold, About.com Guide

S2000 CR with its aluminum roof in place

Photo © Honda

(Continued from Page 1)

What I liked about the Honda S2000 CR:

Responds to inputs like it was hard-wired to your brain
Sounds fantastic
As close as you'll come to driving a race car legally on public roads

What he didn't like:

Dorky-looking wing
Costs $2k more than the base S2000
Removing the top is a pain

Who should buy the Honda S2000 CR:
Racers and people who have money and garage space for a weekend-only car

Who should not buy the Honda S2000 CR:
Anyone looking for a roadster to use as a daily driver

Details and Specs:

Body style: 2-door convertible
Seating capacity: 2
Trim levels: One (CR)
Price range: $36,935 - $37,935
Model tested/price: S2000 CR w/ A/C and audio delete, $36,935
Base engine: 2.2 liter inline 4-cylinder, 237 horsepower @ 7800 RPM, 162 lb-ft @ 6800 RPM
Optional engine: None
Premium fuel required? Yes
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Driveline: Front engine, rear-wheel-drive
EPA fuel economy estimates: 18 MPG city/25 MPG highway
Where built: Japan
Standard safety equipment: Front air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control
Optional safety equipment: None
Major standard features: Power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, rear defroster, removable (non-retractable) aluminum hard-top, performance tires
Major options: Air conditioning, CD player
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain, 5 years/unlimited miles outer-body rust-through
Roadside assistance/free maintenance: None

Best rivals:

User Reviews

5 out of 5

An S2000 made for the track, finally!, Member Josh.R

If your new to the model the Honda S2000 has been around since the year 2000. In it's nine years of production (and this is the last year Honda says it will produce the car) the S2000 has gained a small but extremely faithful following of enthusiasts around the world. The creation of the S2000 CR (Club Racer) caters to that race enthusiast following. After a short test drive I can say that the car drives almost identical to a regular S2000. (I owned 1 for about 2 years). The main differences you will find is that it has no A/C, no radio and has a manual hard top. These few items make the car lighter and thus improves handling. Of course you could install a radio and add A/C through the dealership (both recommended). For me the biggest drawback is the top. Not being able to remove it while out an about and needing another person to help put it back on the car seem like an extreme inconvenience. Basically you REALLY need to be sure before leaving the garage on the weather and if your not sure, obviously it's best to leave the top on. I live in California so weather for the most part is a non-issue. I would recommend this car for anyone looking to buy a sporty, reliable street-able race car. Someone who is looking to go to track days (days that local tracks allow regular joe's to run laps) or someone who is into autocross (a type of single car timed race usually held in large parking lots that focus's on precision driving through coned courses). For owners who are not into racing your gonna miss being able to lower and raise the roof at the touch of a button, you should opt for the regular S2000.

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