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2008 Honda S2000 Safety Review

November 5, 2008

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Four stars, front impact rating; five stars, side impact rating
NHTSA

2008 Honda S2000 performed impressively in government crash tests
Edmunds

All-disc antilock brakes are standard
Cars.com

Many sportscars have trouble in crash tests—especially convertibles. Their smaller size, lower ride height, and lightweight roofs can make the occupants inside the vehicle vulnerable in an accident. The 2008 Honda S2000, however, earns an impressive report card for safety from the feds.

Although the IIHS has not had the chance to test any 2008 Honda S2000’s for their crashworthiness, NHTSA did manage to procure a couple to demolish. Their results were, to paraphrase Edmunds reviewers, damn impressive, especially considering the safety features that were and weren’t included on the S2000 Honda. TheCarConnection.com has found that the Honda S2000 earned four out of a possible five stars from NHTSA in the front impact category, while also managing a perfect five stars in the side impact rating.

Edmunds finds this side impact rating for the 2008 Honda S2000 even more impressive because it comes “despite its lack of side airbags.” Cars.com mentions that, unlike with many cars on the road today, “side-impact airbags are not offered,” even as options. Among the included features are “antilock disc brakes and stability control,” both of which are standard, according to Edmunds. ConsumerGuide adds that “dual front airbags” and “brake assist” come standard as well, and in a nod to the Honda S2000’s track-readiness, “roll bars” are included free of charge.

One would expect visibility from within a convertible to be spectacular, and for the most part, that’s true. The only downside to visibility from within the cramped confines of the 2008 Honda S2000, according to ConsumerGuide, is that “top-up visibility is not great over the shoulder,” but they also note that it’s “better than in many rivals.”

Conclusion

Despite being a small, lightweight sportscar without side airbags, the 2008 Honda S2000 tests well and is track-ready off the lot.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Four stars, front impact rating; five stars, side impact ratingNHTSA2008 Honda S2000 performed impressively in government crash testsEdmundsAll-disc antilock brakes are standardCars.com Many sportscars have trouble in crash tests—especially convertibles. Their smaller size, lower ride height, and lightweight roofs can make the occupants inside the vehicle vulnerable in an accident. The 2008 Honda S2000, however, earns an impressive report card for safety from the feds. Although the IIHS has not had the chance to test any 2008 Honda S2000’s for their crashworthiness, NHTSA did manage to procure a couple to demolish. Their results were, to paraphrase Edmunds reviewers, damn impressive, especially considering the safety features that were and weren’t included on the S2000 Honda. TheCarConnection.com has found that the Honda S2000 earned four out of a possible five stars from NHTSA in the front impact category, while also managing a perfect five stars in the side impact rating. Edmunds finds this side impact rating for the 2008 Honda S2000 even more impressive because it comes “despite its lack of side airbags.” Cars.com mentions that, unlike with many cars on the road today, “side-impact airbags are not offered,” even as options. Among the included features are “antilock disc brakes and stability control,” both of which are standard, according to Edmunds. ConsumerGuide adds that “dual front airbags” and “brake assist” come standard as well, and in a nod to the Honda S2000’s track-readiness, “roll bars” are included free of charge. One would expect visibility from within a convertible to be spectacular, and for the most part, that’s true. The only downside to visibility from within the cramped confines of the 2008 Honda S2000, according to ConsumerGuide, is that “top-up visibility is not great over the shoulder,” but they also note that it’s “better than in many rivals.” ConclusionDespite being a small, lightweight sportscar without side airbags, the 2008 Honda S2000 tests well and is track-ready off the lot. 2008 HONDA S2000 STYLING | [8 out of 10] Cars.com: "wedge-shaped profile that stands apart from other roadsters" Edmunds: "A chin prominent enough to make Jay Leno envious" Kelley Blue Book: "flared front-wheel arches and tapered hood closely resemble an angry cobra about to strike" ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Mazda Miata is also a basic, elemental sports car with a four-cylinder engine and a manual transmission; a new retractable-hardtop version offers all-season driving for its fans. The Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky are fraternal twins from General Motors; they come with less-refined four-cylinder engines, including optional turbocharged models, and they also have great handling, but their cargo space is extremely limited as in the S2000. Both the Mazda Miata and the Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky offer better interior room and a suppler ride than the Honda S2000.

Next Steps:

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See the Honda S2000 in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Todd Sturdavant #1, Posted: 2/6/2009

    Oh my frik'n gosh!

    The fact that Honda even has the manparts to try and sell this old turd has me convinced that GM definitely has a bright future building cars. After looking and driving the Solstice, I tear my shirt of Honda. C'mon review guys! How much is "you know who" really paying you to say anything good about this "boat anchor"? Words like firm, stiff, road worthy? Do you really think we readers are that stupid? "Print will live only when it stays true." I'll give you a Benjamin if you even know where that quote came from you frik'n hacks.

  2. By Sara #2, Posted: 8/11/2009

    Where can I buy a stock Honda S2000 steering wheel?

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