Customer Reviews

Honda S2000

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Carney isn't a particularly good writer but he did homework when he wrote this fairly in-depth book about the Honda S2000. I really enjoyed the introduction and history about Honda. And especially enjoyed the chapters discussing the development of the engine, chasis and transmission of the S2000.

If you've ever read in-depth books on specific automobiles published in Japan though, you'll see that this book's discussion is rather cursory. However, since there aren't too many such books--written in English on Japanese autombiles--this one does fine.

Overall, the book satisfied my curiosities about the wonderful car but, it also left me wanting to read more in two areas. First, I wanted to know more about the specific technical decisions made by Uehara and his team (stories and anectdotes and such). Second, I wish there was a chapter showing the complete performance specs of the car--and comparing it to its competitors.

Buy this book. It's a pretty good deal.

This is a fantastic book, covering all facets of the S2000. From the development and prototype drawings, through the testing of the car, and finally, discussing the production models, this book is a complete overview of this great convertable coupe. The driver even has head to head comparisons with the S2000's competitors (ie BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster, etc.), which are actually quite fair, pointing out strengths and weaknesses of each car vs. the strengths and weaknesses of the S2K. Very enjoyable and enlightening book.

I purchased this book in 2011 while doing research for my next fun car. I have spent years in the Miata world and I had no idea how spoiled that community is in regards to materials published on the model.

While there are no glaring faults in this book (keep in mind it's publish date - very early after the S2000 was released) it lacks the depth that I have enjoyed in many other motoring books (from C1-C2 Corvettes, through muscle cars, early BMW and up to and including Miatae). While I don't have the patience to actually count, I would estimate that the author refers to the S2000 as a 'race car' or 'race car for the street' at least once every other page. Overall, I would have much preferred a more in depth review of the design and development process, concept drawings, etc. (there is a section on this, it could have been about two or three sections). Since it is so early in the production run, there are not too many year-to-year changes to focus on, and I would think that the access to the development information would have been as easy to get as it was ever going to be.

In my opinion (keep in mind I am cross-shopping) the most useful and honest part of this book is the end where they review the S2000's competitors and give a fair assessment of each vehicle. Too often you see enthusiast publications disregard any other model, it is refreshing to see each car given credit for its strong points, esp. in comparison to the S2000. For what it is worth, throughout the book it is obvious that the first generation Boxster is the S2000's target, it is interesting to see how different the cars that Honda and Porsche created for basically the same slice of automotive pie.

Given the choice, I would have assigned 3.5 stars, but paying much more than sticker in 2011 for a so-so book was a little disappointing, I have to give it three stars.

This is a great book for the S2000 collector or enthusiast. It faithfully covers everything - from the concept, to other Honda and Acura performance cars, the early F1 efforts, the S360 thru S800, the competition (ha!), and the first years of production.
It is a bit dated; it does only cover the AP1.
However, the car hasn't changed that much so any enthusiast would want a copy of this. And if you think there isn't much out there about the S2000, check out Amazon Japan and you'll find a ton of good stuff - including some very unique videos.
-Jeff, S2000 owner and author of S2000Enthusiast.com

This book is a must for all S2000 enthuiasts. It covers all the aspects of the
car extremely well. It's only negative is it is 6 years old and does not
cover any of the updates the car has had since. The problem is no other
books have been printed on the S2000 (Except for a worthless e-book also
sold by Amazon) If this is the only one, it's a good one.

This is an excellent book about the car we all know and love. The fabulous s2000. It had info about Honda racing history, and other honda hotrods as well as about dedicated S2000 sections and some good pictures. I would have wanted more pictures expecially spectacular pictures like kicking up sand, making smoke from the tires, driving through shallow water etc. I also would have liked more information on the extras available like spoilers etc. Overall it is a good book and a good part of an enthusiasts collection.

Been on the coffee table for 3 years now and always fun to pickup and read sections, still relevant and a great read!

Not many automobiles have a story to tell. Well, not many autos have the character that the S2000 has. This book by Dan Carney really does a good job on all aspects. Detailed enough for the engineers and broad enough to "read" as a book. This book sat in my office for about 12 months until one day I one day I decided to take a trip to the Honda dealer. Book is great and so is the car.

this book is a must have for S2000 owners. Put it on you coffee table or desk at work for a conversation peace! the pictures are excellent! The price is excellent!