Quick. Noisy. Exhilarating. Exasperating. All those describe the 2008 Honda S2000 CR edition.
This is not your mom’s Miata, nor your regular S2000. The CR is a race-inspired, two-door roadster that is intended for track time, not commuting. The CR, by the way, stands for “club racer”.
The regular S2000 and CR versions both have the same in-line, four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower. However, the CR is slightly quicker thanks to 99 less pounds, which is achieved by eliminating the air conditioning, audio system and folding soft top. You can order the AC and audio as options, the only options available. The CR comes with a 48-pound removable hardtop, which further lightens the load if you leave it in the garage. We didn’t because it was threatening to rain every day we had the little Honda to test.
The S2000 has fuel mileage figures of 18 in the city and 25 on the highway, but premium fuel is recommended.
While there are plenty of ponies up front, the best thing about the S2000 is the ultra-quick six-speed manual transmission that obviously has some DNA from Honda’s racing program. The short throws between shifts are wonderful and needed, because the CR wants to run at high revs. Redline is close to 9,000 rpm, which makes a wonderful scream if you push it that hard.
The CR version also gets some additional goodies such as a huge front nose addition and rear wing that would be more at home on a NASCAR racer.
Since it was designed for weekend racing warriors, the CR isn’t loaded with comfort features. Leather seating isn’t available on the CR edition but you can get a leather-wrapped steering wheel with the optional audio package.
The two bucket seats are comfortable and hold you in place, once you get in. Tall or portly people will find entry and egress equally difficult.
The ride is harsh because of the stiff suspension.
The S2000 was first introduced in 2000 to challenge the likes of the popular Miata. Now, it has several new rivals such as the Pontiac Solstice-Saturn Sky twins, the BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster. The Honda hasn’t change much in the past eight years, although a new gauge cluster is different for 2008.
However, the CR version stands out because it’s most of the way toward being a weekend race car. The regular version, with a softer ride, will probably be the better choice for most people. Besides, there will only be 1,500 CRs brought to the U.S. this year.

Ryan’s Ride –
Honda probably had the CR version in mind when it first introduced the S2000. It has always been a high-revving, small two-seater with an iconic push button starter on the left dash, something older race cars used to have.
But until the CR, that was mainly a gimmick to help set the Honda apart.
The S2000 can be a relatively inexpensive starter kit for a weekend racer. The CR lists for around $37,300. Figure another $5,000 to $10,000 and you’re ready for Road Atlanta. Hey, racing is all about cubic dollars.
The cockpit of the S2000 is snug to be generous. The seats are comfortable but don’t have much adjustment room. The audio system can be controlled from the center dash or a separate toggle switch above the starter button on the left dash. It’s in an odd place, but easy to operate while keeping your hand on the steering wheel.
But the S2000 is a ball to drive. The high revs, quick shifts and firm feel for the road can make you feel like Mario Andretti just getting out of the neighborhood.

Marilyn’s Moment –
No. This car is totally out of the question for me because I never intend to drive in a race. And I didn’t like driving it on the street.
It’s small, noisy, bumpy, hard to get in or out of and that hideous rear wing juts out like a sore thumb.
About the only thing I did like were the two-tone yellow and black seats. The gear shift knob even had the H pattern in the same yellow … nice touch.
Ok, I’ll give you the push button starter as an asset, but even that’s been copied by others and you don’t have to insert and turn the key first.
I didn’t drive the CR that much but did like the shifter. Honda does a great job with all its manual transmissions and this one is among the best.
And, I’m sure I wouldn’t have been able to manhandle the hard top cover off by myself.
Sorry, but this is one car best left to others who think they’re race car drivers.