I Drove The Honda S2000 in Japan and It’s Not What I Expected

[@mu6554]

I stumbled upon your fd2 video as NA never got those. I then continued into E90 and GRY. I have to say there are subtle things in your reviews that aren’t too different from my observations and you gave them words. Oceans apart, there’s a bond. Keep up the good work!

[@FizzyMotors]

Thanks Glad you agree with me

[@abrahamfabela8457]

A poorly maintained car will never run right. A well maintained car will always drive like a dream. Supposed this car needed a whole lot of love and i can guarantee it will show you what its got.

[@sonof69star]

I have driven the S2K, MX5 NB AND NC, E85 Z4, E89 Z4 and the Elise. Imo, surprisingly, the e85 z4 roadster was the best of the lot. S2K is way over rated and now super expensive now. You are 100% right in your review that it is disappointment in some ways.

[@FizzyMotors]

Wow you’re the first commenter to not shit on me lol thanks. Very interested to try the E85. Why do you say its the best?

[@Karalco]

I have the same one with 17 inch alloys with D2 coilovers and Ferodo pads. I know the steering doent give you confidence but the chassis is more communicative. If you invest on its a very rewarding car

[@FizzyMotors]

yea I believe that. I wasn't being totally fair to the car. I am sure this car has had a tough life, being a rental, so it probably isn't the best example to judge all S2000s on. Unfortunately, I went into it with really high hopes, so that is why I felt quite disappointed at the end of the day. Having said that, I actually really enjoyed it when driving at 7/10th. shorter feel is great, pedal position is great, engine is quite fizzy, turn-in is very sharp, and steering weight is very nice. I am sure with the suspension sorted, it could be much better on the limit.

[@binskee677]

Haha i can understand you opinion and i just hope you get to drive a nice example S2000! The one i first test drove was a 1999 model with only 45k km on it and because i had no expectations and only experience with newer high powered german cars i was totally blown away by the viceral experience this car gave me. Especially the suspension and the setup (maybe because it was a 1999 model, later models were toned down, less sharp) i remember it as very statisfying to drive and extremely good for a OEM suspension (much better than the M cars imo), maybe it was also due to the harder roll bars. Chassis was much stiffer than a ND Miata which i also test drove at the time etc. and i immeadiately knew i wanted one. I got a 2002 model with 50k km and did all the suspension stuff, bushings improve the steering feel a lot, just make sure you attend to the roll center corrections etc because the car reacts to every tiny chance rather sensitively (which makes it very fun to mod and play around). Next thing i did the interior, i fitted some seats, a roll bar, harness and most importantly a smaller radius steering wheel, and that again improved the steering feel a lot! The bucket seats also made a huge difference regarding the feedback, the stiffened chassis really communicates well and imo compensates for the lack of steering feel. Engien wise i did an exhaust and the TODA headers which improves torque a lot (and sound) ... it's not a torque monster but it's enough to enjoy the car now. Also removed the AC and put in some lighter pulles. It's very fun modding the car, the after market is huge and the car reacts very delicate to every single littel mod even small chassis stiffening stuff can be felt immediately, especially the suspension tuning and setup was a huge learning curve for me and probably made me a better driver too. I have to say i bought my 50k km S2000 for around CHF 24'000 (same as USD) and i would never buy one at 130k USD it's definitly not worth that money (but then a well set up one gives you an experience you rarely get from another car no matter the price range) the price for a S2K in Thailand are crazy! You are welcome to drive mine anytime if you come to Switzerland! I really need to change that opinion of yours (but the car is still slow though that won't change lol).

[@FizzyMotors]

Yea I was quite disappointed with this S2000 overall, but I know for sure that this car is not a good representation of S2000s overall. I have used this rental company on many occasions, and I think their cars, at best are like 80% sorted. I once rented a R34 GTR which was a lot of fun, but the shifter was so bad that it felt like I was stirring a pot of soup. The point I want to make is, every car that is 20+ year old will drive different from one another even if it is the same model. Which is why it is just so hard to review older cars in a fair way. For example when I see some people review the 996 gt3 and complain about the understeer, I know exactly that because their suspension was not set up properly. If I ever go to Switzerland, I will let you know. Thanks for the offer.

[@binskee677]

@@FizzyMotors yea thats so true with olders cars! I think it's even hard to review a car if you drive it for a day or two. Maybe i'm slow at understanding cars but all the cars i bought in the past or have right know feels like doing a long term test drive lol! I can't wait to get into a 996 GT3 ... they are really shooting up in value here!

[@VirtualGuth]

By the way, I dig those forged BBS wheels seen on this car. Those are the wheels that Honda used on the S2000 prototype cars and are significantly lighter than the production wheels that Honda would end up using on the S2K.

[@FizzyMotors]

Yea i noticed the wheels are forged! I thought they were JDM spec, but im not sure.

[@POVShotgun]

Taking a dump on their pride and joy in their own country. Very nice.

[@FizzyMotors]

I did get explosive diarrhea

[@lazyrider6918]

Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but consensus within the automotive industry for past 20+ years has proven that the s2000 is a very special car. Not everyone can appreciate or understands it fully, but the word "flimsy" has never been used to describe an s2000. The fact that you are driving a 190K car that probably will never break down unless it is neglected is proof that your opinion sucks.

[@FizzyMotors]

never break down? sure. im sure the s2000 is special at a price that makes sense. but where im from it's ridiculous! over 130,000USD! can you justify that? About the "flimsy"ness, like I said, it's probably because the suspension needs refreshing or the rental company cheaped out and bought crappy dampers, it's totally possible. I would love to try a mint example of an S2000, I still have hope.

[@lazyrider6918]

@@FizzyMotors as I said an s2000 that was not neglected is probably one of the most reliable true sports car ever built. This is common knowledge.

[@lazyrider6918]

@@FizzyMotors and what makes something "worth the price" is what you'd be able to sell it for. A very low mileage s2000 CR sold for $200k USD.

[@FizzyMotors]

@@lazyrider6918 the one for sale at 130k is a clapped out, body kitted, and stanced out S2000. trust me it's not worth it lol. The CR is a truly special car, I believe that is worth the price.

[@Bleifuss88]

I think tires was the problem here. They might have been pretty old on this beatup rental. Fitting new semis can make a huge difference, especially with the steering feel. Had the same problem when I bought my 2008 AP1 (Europe never got the AP2, instead we got the AP1 facelift with AP2 looks but the F20C fitted). Zero confidence on old tires. When I changed to new semis slicks, the feeling and responsiveness changed completely. It was like a new car.

[@FizzyMotors]

Yea i am sure tires and suspension needed attention. I really want to try another S2000, i still have hope. The shifter feel i still getting get out of my head, it truly is one of the best i have experienced

[@VirtualGuth]

That particular S2000 as a rental was probably abused time and again without a suitable amount of maintenance, likely impacting your impressions of the car. Still, the S2K is not for everyone. I love that Honda intentionally designed the S2000 as a roadster and the only cars that I would compare directly are other roadsters. Though Japan and North America were the only markets to receive the later AP2 with the F22C engine and improved chassis (reducing oversteer/bumpsteer), the later AP1 facelift cars also received the upgraded chassis while retaining the F20C engine. It seems that the rear subframe of these later cars can be fitted to the earlier AP1 cars.

[@FizzyMotors]

Thanks for keeping an open mind. You are exactly right. My disappointment was with this particular car. I still would like to try another S2000 that is in better condition. Thanks also for all the information too, love it

[@trigganometry168]

I was also thinking of renting a JDM classic when I visit. Is it easy to find a NSX to rent?

[@FizzyMotors]

the company I rented from is called Omen, they have an excellent selection of cars and priced very reasonable. the older cars, as you can see in my video, aren't always in the best condition. but usually from my experience is at least 80%+ mechanical condition. Omoren also have an NSX for rent, but it is has an Auto transmission, so I haven't gotten around to trying it yet. There is another company called Fun2Drive which offers a much more premium selection of cars, including manual NSX, which are in much better condition. But this company is more strict with your driving. I suggest you check both out. good luck and have fun.

[@trigganometry168]

@@FizzyMotors. Thanks! These were cars I wish I had owned when I was younger and will be a delight to drive especially in Japan. Too bad you didn't get along with the eps.

[@FizzyMotors]

@@trigganometry168 I'll be posting more if I go again. I usually go once or twice a year for business, and will always stay one or two extra days to rent these jdm legends.

[@bige7186]

I’d take an S2000 over a type r any day of the week, it’s simply more rare n more fun.

[@FizzyMotors]

I guess the example I rented is just too tired

[@raiphtheimposter]

I felt the same way as you when I test drove a badly maintained s2000. looks are subjective but 996s are b utt ugly the worst 911 design of all. s2000 is a timeless design and engine of the year more times than the 996. maybe should've tried a better example than this old girl.

[@FizzyMotors]

lol your comment about the 996 cracked me up. I think the 996 is a very elegant design. Yea I would of course have preferred to try a better example, but it is the only choice offered. Don't get me wrong though I had a blast driving it.

[@SamuelMonteiro16]

These cars need mods to feel better stock seems boring

[@FizzyMotors]

what kind of mods?

[@SamuelMonteiro16]

@@FizzyMotors bolt ons and suspension to start off

[@jovindahschannel]

FD type r for lyf 🤍

[@jovindahschannel]

fd is more fun i can say but to driver not to viewers because they like drama and fd cant do that ;)

[@FizzyMotors]

yea that's quite true