Now that Memorial Day is conveniently tucked away in the rear-view mirror, summer may be declared unofficially here. It's about time to turn our attention to vehicles specifically designed for this type of warm-weather environment: the two-seat convertible roadster.
A majority of those who posses these fun-to-drive machines utilize them as second or third options, especially here in the Midwest where the convertible season is limited by an inordinate amount of adverse weather conditions.
Back in the 2000 model year , Honda introduced the eye-popping, rear-wheel-drive S2000 (hence, the S2000 name). During the 2004 model year, S2000 underwent major second-generation updates including receiving a larger engine displacement and a re-tuned suspension. The 2005 edition of this rather light, 2,800-pound car remains virtually unchanged from the 2004 tweaking.
With a starting price of $33,150 (exclusive of a $515 destination charge), the 2005 S2000's pricing falls somewhere between a manual soft-top Mazda Miata (starting price of $22,098), and a slightly more upscale Cadillac XLR hard-top convertible (around $75,000). Miata debuted in 1989 while XLR came online in the 2004 model year. General Motors' Pontiac division jumps into the fray this fall when the all-new two-seat Pontiac Solstice arrives on the scene priced around $20,000.
The sole S2000 powertrain for 2005 is a 2.2-liter, inline, 16-valve four-cylinder engine generating 240 horsepower and mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission and aluminum shift knob. Honda recommends the use of premium unleaded fuel for the 13.2-gallon tank. Mileage estimates check in at 20 m.p.g. city and 25 m.p.g. highway. By comparison the Miata features a 1.8-liter four cylinder cranking out 142 horses and requires regular unleaded. The two-seat XLR includes a 4.6-liter V-8 generating 320 horses.
The S2000's electronic soft top powers down in less than 20 seconds. Two roof latches (each adjacent to the sun visors) must first be manually unhooked via a squeezing motion before the roof is able to retract. Once unlatched, the hand-operated parking brake found between the bucket seats must be pulled up and engaged before the driver activates a switch also found between the bucket seats to send the roof speeding down.
As with other like vehicles, driver and front passenger are relatively low to the ground in the leather-trimmed seats; yet, the S2000 ride is not as bumpy or rough as some other competitors or even its pre-generation counterpart. The glass rear window makes viewing out the back a little more tolerable than with plastic windows from a by-gone era.
Starting the S2000 is different than conventional vehicles. A red, left-side dashboard button is utilized in the process. Once a key gets inserted into the steering column ignition cylinder and turned to activate the electrical system, the button must be pushed to turn the engine over. This system contrasts slightly with the redesigned 2006 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac XLR (both assembled in Bowling Green, Ky.) where a dashboard button is used to start the car with no ignition cylinder (although a transponder must be within close range in order for the engine to engage.) Turning offthe S2000 engine is more conventional; just twist and remove the key from the ignition cylinder.
The quirky, rear-wheel-drive S2000 incorporates a few interesting nuances including no traditional glove box and a small fuel-release button between the driver's door jam and bucket seat. Honda includes a small vertically arranged lockable storage area with a closing top in between the bucket seats, but that's about the extent of interior storage.
The dashboard design is influenced by a racecar's cockpit; rather busy but functional. The traditional analog instrument panel is no where in sight, replaced with a digital speedometer, fuel gauge and tachometer. A central message board keeps driver's abreast of the time and odometer readouts.
The rectangular stereo system features a large, sporty, brushed aluminum retracting cover. Secondary radio controls on the dashboard's far left side allow radio frequency station changes with the cover still intact. Compact ventilation functions to the right of the steering column include turn knobs for controlling temperature and direction. The power window controls rest very low on the driver's door at knee level. While most cruise control operation takes place from buttons on the right-side of the steering wheel, the square activation button is inconveniently located behind the turnsignal stalk with twist-on headlight controls. The same holds true for the rear-window defroster button positioned behind a right-side steering column windshield wiper activation stalk.
Since the S2000 falls into a niche category, standard equipment is plentiful while options are very limited. Two of the few dealer-installed options are XM Satellite radio and an aluminum hardtop.
Standard features include air conditioning, compact disc player, cruise control, power windows, dual power side mirrors and rear-window defroster. Safety features include dual front air bags, keyless remote entry, theft-deterrent system, impact-absorbing bumpers and anti-lock brakes.
Exterior wise, large tires contrast nicely with the diminutive frame. Door handles are flush mounted and body colored. The square fuel door is on the driver's side rear panel and a short, stubby radio antenna extends up from the right rear fender top. In front, small cat's eye headlight housing morphs in from the side fenders. In back, dual chrome-tip exhausts add to the sporty ambiance.
The diminutive 5.0 cubic-foot trunk is fully usable whether the convertible soft top is up or down. Seven exterior colors are available including the bright yellow hue of our test-drive model.
Driving the S2000 is pure pleasure. Those behind the wheel feel in tune with the driving process because of responsive handling and quick maneuverability. There's no feeling of disconnect. |