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Review 1 of 1
Price Paid:
$31000.00
from Honda Year / Model Reviewed:
2005 S Summary:
If you are a follower who is just buying a car as a status symbol, DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER. If you like a cushy ride and quiet serenity while driving, DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER. If you like it a little rough, a little hard, a little loud, and a little furious, then keep reading.
All the articles I read about this car before buying my S2000 almost scared me away. Miniscule torque, lousy radio, rough ride, loud... Understand, most of them ended on a positive note but I thought this car may be too serious, even for a car enthusiast. I mean, I love cars but I don't think I am a masochist.
I bought the car after driving it for ten minutes. A little rough? Maybe. A little loud? Not with the top down (which is how it should be!). Stereo? I was pleasantly surprised. Here's my summary (opinion) of the issues people have mentioned.
Ride: This car rides firmly but on average roads it is more than acceptable. I live in Atlanta where some of the inner city roads are very bad. Admittedly, these roads will beat you, but they are VERY bad. Once out of the two-three inch pot holes you will not complain about the ride. Especially when you hit your first fast sweeper or “S” curve. I have taken drives up to 4 hours so far with no discomfort. The car does fit like a glove which is wonderful. I consider the ride a tactile feel, like running your hand over a wooden table. It makes you sure of the surface.
Noise: With the top down you can hardly hear the car over the wind and traffic. It's as loud as any other convertible which isn’t bad at all. With the top up it's a little noisy but it’s definitely acceptable, turn on the radio if you want to cover it up.
Stereo: They must have upgraded the system for 04-05 because I think it has excellent sound quality for a stock system. It’s easily better than the Monsoon system in my 01 Jetta and others. Of course, wind and traffic noise that come with an open top make it difficult for sound quality in any car. I do not plan on buying the headrest speakers but I'm sure they would improve the sound further if you need more.
Torque: I haven't owned a big V8 in many years so the low speed oomph for me is more than enough and more than I have had. After reading the articles I thought I would have to rev it to the moon. Not so. I can tool around at, or below 3000 all day long. On that note, you may find yourself driving one gear lower than you do in previous cars around town (unless cruising), but that's not because you have to, it is the nature of the car. It puts you that much closer to the joy.
Now that we've discussed the "weak points" of this car let me continue on. As stated in many other articles, this car has two personalities. It has the “quiet one” that you cruise around in while on the city streets. I like to think of this as the "Everybody deserves to see how hot this car is" mode. It truly is more beautiful in real life than the pictures can do justice. Then when the road opens up and you get up the nerve to hold that pedal down there is the "evil twin". Once you pass 6000 the clothes come off and there is leather underneath! #&@* yeah!!! (and I don't cuss often). Those of you who love, or are going to love this car know, I mean "really" know what I'm talking about. It is exhilarating, it is what driving this car, or any car, is all about. Rough ride, loud, poor stereo, WHATEVER!!! You don't care at that moment in time how much noise you're making (and what a beautiful sound it is!) or who is watching, you are euphoric! YYYYYEEESSS!!!
When you finally convince yourself to let up if your not laughing from the pure joy of release, you are at least grinning from ear to ear. So large in fact, slobber is almost dripping out of your mouth. Facial expressions like this have probably only been made in the privacy of your own home. Some people may look at you funny at the traffic lights but who cares, you have become an exhibitionist. No longer are you a voyeur, you are the Star!!
Best of all I can afford this car (new) at 30+ years old. I get to play with the big boys (Porsche, Corvette, BMW) for a fraction of the price. I am also very biased, and consider my car to be more beautiful than the others. It is certainly more rare (Mine is Sebring Silver with the Red/Black interior) which draws a lot of attention. Before anyone gets upset, all the previously mentioned cars are the best in the world, period. I'm just ecstatic that my 30k car is in the same category! Don't take my word for it, read Road & Track July "Best All Around Sports Car", or Car & Driver "Top Ten". The RX-8 is in the same price range and also an excellent car but it's not a convertible and doesn't have the "evil twin" that I love so much.
If you are in the market for a pure sports car, DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER. Go take a drive; you'll understand what I'm saying. It will change you.
"Honey, have you seen my nipple clamps?”…. Strengths:
For 30k this is the hottest car on the planet unless you want four seats or a huge wing, but I prefer a convertible. It also reduces your need for therapy and stress management. It really does bring you joy. Weaknesses:
Sometimes it would be nice to push a button and have a cushy ride and a little more storage, but only if it didn't take away from the cars visceral, tactile feel. Similar Products Used:
None really... 01' Jetta GLX, 04' Mazda3 S
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