Compared to other small sports cars on sale from various manufacturers at the same time, the S2000 offered savage power courtesy of the F20C VTEC engine mated to a RWD setup. With the engine mounted behind the front axle to support near perfect 50/50 weight distribution and power ranging (depending on what market the vehicle was sold in) from 237 - 250PS and 207-218NM of torque, the setup of the car was not for the faint hearted with many an unsuspecting new driver finding their first experience of oversteer via the taut chassis and lack of a traction control system. The S2000 was designed to be a true driver’s car from day 1 of its concept.

2004 model revisions included 17” wheels, newly designed tyres and revised suspension to attempt to tame oversteer while retaining the spirit of the original.

Production of the S2000 ceased in June 2009 with the UK enjoying availability of the runout GT Edition, featuring removable hard top, red leather interior and special Grand Prix White paint.