The reason the clutch on yours feels heavier is probably a lack of grease on the clutch slider and where the clutch fork contacts the slave cylinder. I greased those on my s2000 and the pedal became much softer.
The gauge cluster on the S2k is one my favorites. The huge digital tach and speedometer are just so cool an unique and easy to read out of your peripherals. I wish i could transplant one into my miata
Working in the automotive industry for maaany years over here in Europe, driven a lot of nice cars from the //M GmbH and some other OEMs, having gained the driver license '94 and though beeing a little bit oldschool I must admit - nothing, just NOTHING beats a high revving NA engine in a proper, light RWD car with an LSD!! Long live the legends: S2k & ND2! They're the ultimate keepers, espacially in the crazy green-mindfu...ed Europe!
The only car that spoke to me when I sat in one in the NY auto show back in early 2000. I will never forget that feeling. Hoping to buy a clean one someday.
The video and sound quality is just amazing, playing this on your phone doesn’t do it justice, gotta play this on a big screen TV. I wish I could downshift like him.
I purchased an ‘05 s2k in berlina black back in 2004, and have never had a driving experience like it since. Incredibly fun to drive but also terrifying when those stock bridgestone tires were cold.
2002 late September on and the 2003 are the best years for the Honda S2000. That's when Honda upgraded them with the beefier so-called, AP2 retainers. I have to agree the original S2K was what all of the Honda engineers designed it to be.
Love to drive my 02 12:41 Spa Yellow once I’m out of Southfield. Live the sound. 14:33 69K with no issues. Change the oil. Watch the oil level. Very fun video to watch. Thanks. See you out there!
Peak Honda IMO and I really miss these type small displacement high revving engines. The driving experience although not “perfect” felt so raw, direct, and connected. I’d sacrifice modern power and “ultimate acceleration” for what Honda offered in the AP1. Just cruising around at 4.5k rpms ready to drop a gear as soon as needed.
I test drove one of these for an entire afternoon from the dealer in 2000. It was the 2.0L variant (like this one) with 9k redline. Not the fastest car, but man, nothing closer to driving a go-kart on public roads than that thing. I LOVED it, but it so encouraged driving fast all the time and was so eager to do it I wondered if I wouldn't lose my license owning one...
No, its garage kept and not driven in the rain or winter. Also you can see the pure Michigan plate at :57. I think he bought it from a dealer in Chicago iirc.
I think it’s a collector thing. People take pride in low mileage original vehicles. I’m with you though. I’m like Ed Bolian lol, put some miles on that beast!!
it's an impractical convertible specifically built for driving enjoyment. It's generally going to be someone's 2nd or 3rd+ car. I've owned two of them, good luck even taking a proper phone call in one.
Saving it for the next driver lol. imo it's a loser thing to do. Just drive your damn car and enjoy it. Not like it will ever be worth a million dollars
I don't get it either as an S2000 owner. I've put 120,000 miles on mine over the years all over the western US and Canada. This is not meant to be a decoration!
Car companies really be sleeping on the easy money bag they would get from bringing back amazing retro cars like this. Them guaranteed sales but theyon want it
@@jagymeister OH really? I had no idea other than emissions. I would think most could be updated without hurting the car too bad. What else makes it not possible?
There's no reason the clutch should feel heavy or bad. First, grease the ball-and-socket joint on the slave cylinder and the clutch fork. If that doesn't work, replace the clutch. OEM parts only.
Here I am, still getting used to driving manual in my ITS with it’s fancy auto-revmatch (my first manual), and I see you downshifting in a S2K perfectly as if it had auto-revtmatch 😮.
i have a all stock white 2004 S2000 with 78k miles. I rarely drive it because of health issues, i wonder if I should sell it to someone who would put this baby to good use. Such a fun car to drive
My 2005 only has 14k miles. Bought it 10 years ago with only 6k miles. Yes I know I need to drive it more. 😂 This video inspired me to take it for a spin this weekend.
The speed gauge cluster is amazing!! I have an ‘04 Camry and the dial cluster is nice, but seeing a full digital cluster in an older model than my car? Truly shocking and idek why 😭
I would love for Honda to bring back the S2000 and give it the modern look and feel like the Miata. Honda doesn't realize the love people have for this amazing and rare gem 💎
You just assume. I am member in the groups for some years. Most owners are just posers or build these cars like any trash for straight lines. Ap2 was a better version for most of these people because Honda understood they didn't understood this car 😊 S2k is good as it is. Dead and gone
Awesome review and points on the comparison. It's important to know that on a 20 plus year old car you'll probably need to replace the rubber components whether its lower mileage or higher. Yes there will be some better condition ones versus some completely torn apart ones but rubber deteriorates over time.
@@Steve-dw2di I'd say you start with the easier stuff such as hoses if they're the originals. Then all the boots on the ball joints, and lastly the control arm bushings. Some may feel or look solid but that doesn't indicate a good bushing. Of course other not as crucial ones are seals around the soft top , doors, trunk.
Honda made the ultimate Japanese roadster, (quite literally out miata-ed the Miata) and then dumped it after a few years to never return. So sad Honda didn't build on this concept, but still happy when I see one of these out in the wild from time to time. I couldn't afford one of these new and then missed the brief period of time when used ones weren't outrageously expensive. Oh well, one of these days I'll get a Miata as a weekend runabout, but it still won't be an S2k.
Do you think we’ll ever see a video on a new Mazda 3 Manual? Would love to hear your opinions on it. I feel like it competes with the integra manual, giving you just as much at a lower price. Has the great Bose system in it, and makes 191hp and 186lb ft at 3300 rpm. They’re decently quick with 0-60 rated at 6.9 too.
What a shame the only curves you seem to have out there are the highway on ramps! Without a twisty road, you're missing out on 80% of what this car's about.
The fact that a naturally aspirated four banger from 2003 is making 240hp, is pretty f****** crazy. Honda's amazing.
& revs to 9k
[H]
@@tommystockwell3589 its 240 hp, because it revs to 9k, otherwise it would be 70-80 hp less
@@tamasloki6456 It makes peak HP at 7800rpm nimrod.
It’s one of the funnest cars I’ve ever been in and driven, and with the top down it feels way faster than it is.
You drive manuals perfectly.
Back when Honda knew what they were doing.
@@porfiriato84drive one of their modern manuals, they still know damn well what they’re doing
@a320driver that shifter is like an extension of his arm
I’ve always been really impressed with how he can seemingly heel toe downshift in every car, even ones with floor mounted pedals.
@@Ok_Mountain_8698their hanging on to dear life with the CTR as the only option
This is the car Honda needs to make again
@@leedaomillz psshh yeah right. The way Honda is going they'll ruin a newly designed S2k
Nah, just let it RIP.
@@porfiriato84 and make it EV :(
Honda doesn't even have a coupe in their lineup anymore.
As Regular Car Reviews have said “Give the people what they want”
indeed I got honda accord 2020, GARBAGE!! GAAAAARBAGE!! soooooo BORING!!!!
The reason the clutch on yours feels heavier is probably a lack of grease on the clutch slider and where the clutch fork contacts the slave cylinder. I greased those on my s2000 and the pedal became much softer.
Peak Honda with the S2000. You can still enjoy the benefits of Hondas fantastic racing heritage.
Your driving skills are honestly fab
9:55 Becoming 1 with the car
12:20 S2K is it
13:50 Best 6MT
15:00 Can’t really enjoy a faster car on the street
28:00 ~150k mile S2K ownership
Driving a proper sports car next to all those SUVs must make you feel like the only free person on the road.
The gauge cluster on the S2k is one my favorites. The huge digital tach and speedometer are just so cool an unique and easy to read out of your peripherals. I wish i could transplant one into my miata
Working in the automotive industry for maaany years over here in Europe, driven a lot of nice cars from the //M GmbH and some other OEMs, having gained the driver license '94 and though beeing a little bit oldschool I must admit - nothing, just NOTHING beats a high revving NA engine in a proper, light RWD car with an LSD!!
Long live the legends: S2k & ND2! They're the ultimate keepers, espacially in the crazy green-mindfu...ed Europe!
The only car that spoke to me when I sat in one in the NY auto show back in early 2000. I will never forget that feeling. Hoping to buy a clean one someday.
I know that feeling....its just something u cant describe in words
The video and sound quality is just amazing, playing this on your phone doesn’t do it justice, gotta play this on a big screen TV. I wish I could downshift like him.
Thanks for helping the value of my AP2 appreciate :)
I purchased an ‘05 s2k in berlina black back in 2004, and have never had a driving experience like it since. Incredibly fun to drive but also terrifying when those stock bridgestone tires were cold.
2002 late September on and the 2003 are the best years for the Honda S2000. That's when Honda upgraded them with the beefier so-called, AP2 retainers. I have to agree the original S2K was what all of the Honda engineers designed it to be.
A spiffy little car that will swap ends if you don't know how to drive it properly.
I also bought a 19k mile AP1 last year. Cool to see another one getting reviewed 🙌
dream car for me to be honest, these are insanely expensive here now sadly
Toph daddy! So glad I found this channel. v sick car. 10/10 video.
Chris, I think the expression 'floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee' would be applicable. 🤩
Love to drive my 02 12:41 Spa Yellow once I’m out of Southfield. Live the sound. 14:33 69K with no issues. Change the oil. Watch the oil level. Very fun video to watch. Thanks. See you out there!
This car is timeless. I’ve always been a fan.
He a fan he a fan he a fan......lol Im a fan as well I love this thing
This car actually makes you feel like you are driving. Newer cars nowadays try to mute everything and remove every bump.
Just got one like 2 months ago love it been Doing maintenance on it nice car to work on love it and the 9k rpm is the most fun thing ever
Hope to get an AP2 sooner or later. That last video you Made really sold me
love watching these videos
Peak Honda IMO and I really miss these type small displacement high revving engines. The driving experience although not “perfect” felt so raw, direct, and connected. I’d sacrifice modern power and “ultimate acceleration” for what Honda offered in the AP1. Just cruising around at 4.5k rpms ready to drop a gear as soon as needed.
Just picked up a 2000 nb miata with 23k miles that still have the original tires on it. Not quite a S2k but still a great time! 😂
Replace those tires before you follow Paul Walkers steps to the pearly gates.
@@Leonidae I ordered tires before i even picked it up. Have only had it for 3 days
Picked up an NA about a month and a half ago. Congratulations! Such fun cars. Enjoy it!
Loved my 02. Great car!!! I put a Comptech exhaust on. Tein springs, & an AEM CAI. Loved rolling w/the top down on a cool night, heat on(if needed).
Just sat down for breakfast, perfect
I always thought your profile picture was a pic of an s2k until only recently found out it's a brz
Yezzir brz’s are dope especially driving them on forza lol
lol i though the same
It's GR86
@@ultraboi1590 FRS, BRZ, GR86 are all practically the same car.
@@ultraboi1590 also his profile pick is a BRZ
I owned one for 13 years, sold it 8 years ago and still miss it :(
Beautiful S2k. Great vid 👍
I have an 05 that I bought new thats been sitting in my garage for years. It's time to get her back on the road again.
I'm at 152k in my 02, don't get to drive her much but when I do is such a great feeling!
There's also the bonus that the S2000 looks better than any Porsche. A future classic for good reason. Great review.
One of the best drivers cars ever made. Every person that sold theirs regrets it.
@ 5:10 what did he sayyyyyyyyy 😂
Honda said wow, give me more of this gas my friend. Im thirsty for acceleration.
I remember buying my 02 S2000 in 2007 with 19k miles on it. sold it a couple years ago for the 2nd time with 110k miles.
Id cry.
I love this ride. Sweet Honda
I would suggest you do a pedal camera if you drive manuals, that would be awesome! Love the vids btw!
4:33 I’ve lost it completely, holy s*** that’s menacing
OEM clutch all the way!! No clutch bluzz watch LHT performance on replacing the clutch and shifter to get that OEM feel! TOPHER THANK YOU
I've only gotten the chance to drive one once, but man was it excellent. Definitely one of the best Hondas, possibly best driver's cars ever made.
I test drove one of these for an entire afternoon from the dealer in 2000. It was the 2.0L variant (like this one) with 9k redline. Not the fastest car, but man, nothing closer to driving a go-kart on public roads than that thing. I LOVED it, but it so encouraged driving fast all the time and was so eager to do it I wondered if I wouldn't lose my license owning one...
Great video, keep the S2000 content coming! 💙
Out of state car considering that condition and we don’t have front plates in MI. Nice of the owner to let you take it out for a drive.
No, its garage kept and not driven in the rain or winter.
Also you can see the pure Michigan plate at :57. I think he bought it from a dealer in Chicago iirc.
I'll never understand how these cars have such low mileage! Do people just buy them to garage them 90% of the time?
I think it’s a collector thing. People take pride in low mileage original vehicles. I’m with you though. I’m like Ed Bolian lol, put some miles on that beast!!
it's an impractical convertible specifically built for driving enjoyment. It's generally going to be someone's 2nd or 3rd+ car. I've owned two of them, good luck even taking a proper phone call in one.
Saving it for the next driver lol. imo it's a loser thing to do. Just drive your damn car and enjoy it. Not like it will ever be worth a million dollars
I drive about 3k /year. Only weekends if the weather is good. But I push the car very hard. My 3k is like 30k in posers coin 😊
I don't get it either as an S2000 owner. I've put 120,000 miles on mine over the years all over the western US and Canada. This is not meant to be a decoration!
Heyyy Topher!! Any chance you can give a tutorial on heel toe downshifting in the S2000? Kind of like the one you did in the BRZ back in the day? 😎😎
My first love. Nothing beats this car.
I completely understand why you don't ride motorcycles, but you'd so much enjoy riding motorcycles :D
30 minutes of topher and s2000 nice!!
Car companies really be sleeping on the easy money bag they would get from bringing back amazing retro cars like this. Them guaranteed sales but theyon want it
its literally not possible due to many regulations.
@@jagymeister OH really? I had no idea other than emissions. I would think most could be updated without hurting the car too bad. What else makes it not possible?
@@skullz0019 emissions, safety regulations, cost, etc. Simply wont happen…
always a good day when thetopher posts
the instrument cluster ressembles the Senna`s F1 honda mp4/5b
Man I hope you end up getting an NSX
My favourite car ever, it's so perfect!
Damn that looks so fun to drive!
looks super fun to drive
So clean!
Using headphones while listening to his videos sounds realistic as if youre in the car
I wish the convertible top sat in a more graceful position when folded open.
There's no reason the clutch should feel heavy or bad. First, grease the ball-and-socket joint on the slave cylinder and the clutch fork. If that doesn't work, replace the clutch. OEM parts only.
the sound of gearshift is awesome!😍
Yes! I don’t care what anyone says; having NO SCREENS (or at least a smaller screen) makes you a better, more focused driver.
It just does.😊
Maybe if you have ADD
no
fall in love with this thing
amazing video man. car is beautiful
Here I am, still getting used to driving manual in my ITS with it’s fancy auto-revmatch (my first manual), and I see you downshifting in a S2K perfectly as if it had auto-revtmatch 😮.
i love it when you make videos of cars i can afford
Though I prefer my K-swapped MRS over my previous Ap1 s2k, no doubt the s2k is great platform, and will only appreciate over time.
i have a all stock white 2004 S2000 with 78k miles. I rarely drive it because of health issues, i wonder if I should sell it to someone who would put this baby to good use. Such a fun car to drive
push button start for a 2003 model is cool
that mirror is perfect
2003 is the best year imo
This car is such an amazing example of Honda ingenuity
I like the sound of your s2000 much better 😅
nothing is more better than a honda s2000
I never not click on an s2k topher vid
Probably my favourite sounding engine is a BMW E30 DTM M3 .This.as a road car, sounds very close to it👌
My 2005 only has 14k miles. Bought it 10 years ago with only 6k miles. Yes I know I need to drive it more. 😂 This video inspired me to take it for a spin this weekend.
That f* engine sound is amazing! Really nice car
The speed gauge cluster is amazing!! I have an ‘04 Camry and the dial cluster is nice, but seeing a full digital cluster in an older model than my car? Truly shocking and idek why 😭
I regret selling my AP1 s2000. It was a fun car. My s2000 and my blue 2000 Honda Civic Si were my favorite cars that I owned.
I would love for Honda to bring back the S2000 and give it the modern look and feel like the Miata. Honda doesn't realize the love people have for this amazing and rare gem 💎
You just assume. I am member in the groups for some years. Most owners are just posers or build these cars like any trash for straight lines. Ap2 was a better version for most of these people because Honda understood they didn't understood this car 😊 S2k is good as it is. Dead and gone
Hows this vs a 2025 civic si?
I love my ND MX-5 but this S2000 is god-tier.
Older car with low mileage looks perfect
That steering wheel is incredible
Awesome review and points on the comparison.
It's important to know that on a 20 plus year old car you'll probably need to replace the rubber components whether its lower mileage or higher.
Yes there will be some better condition ones versus some completely torn apart ones but rubber deteriorates over time.
specifically what rubber components need the most attention first?
@@Steve-dw2di I'd say you start with the easier stuff such as hoses if they're the originals.
Then all the boots on the ball joints, and lastly the control arm bushings. Some may feel or look solid but that doesn't indicate a good bushing.
Of course other not as crucial ones are seals around the soft top , doors, trunk.
This is the first ami guy to know how to shift a manual transmission in a car properly.
Honda made the ultimate Japanese roadster, (quite literally out miata-ed the Miata) and then dumped it after a few years to never return.
So sad Honda didn't build on this concept, but still happy when I see one of these out in the wild from time to time. I couldn't afford one of these new and then missed the brief period of time when used ones weren't outrageously expensive. Oh well, one of these days I'll get a Miata as a weekend runabout, but it still won't be an S2k.
Great to see it hasn't been gary'd
wish they still made cars like these
Back in the days when 240hp from a 4 cylinder road car was unheard of!
こんなにコンディションが良いS2000は見たことがない！
Do you think we’ll ever see a video on a new Mazda 3 Manual? Would love to hear your opinions on it. I feel like it competes with the integra manual, giving you just as much at a lower price. Has the great Bose system in it, and makes 191hp and 186lb ft at 3300 rpm. They’re decently quick with 0-60 rated at 6.9 too.
What a shame the only curves you seem to have out there are the highway on ramps! Without a twisty road, you're missing out on 80% of what this car's about.
Damn, makes me miss mine!
Man that looks so fun
Honestly, any manual Honda is fine
absolute marvel