DecodedCars2008 Honda S2000
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- Convertible
- Engines
- 2.2L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 162.2 in
- Curb weight
- 2,844 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints3 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 32 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Honda S2000 is a two seaters offered with a 2.2L 4-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 162 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 95-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,844 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 13% better than the 2008 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 S2000 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 S2000 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Convertible | 162.2 in | 68.9 in | 50.8 in | 94.5 in | 57.9 / 59.1 in | 2,844 lb | 49/51 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S2000 | 2.2L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +13% | $3,900 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Honda S2000 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Honda S2000 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Saturn SKY | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Pontiac Solstice | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Chrysler Crossfire | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Nissan 350z | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Honda S2000.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Honda S2000 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Honda S2000 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Seat Belts — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 65,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Honda S2000. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S2000 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 S2000 | 21 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 S2000 | 20 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2006 S2000 | 20 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2005 S2000 | 20 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →