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Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
I Drove the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata, Here Is How It Compares to the Honda S2000
As I peered down the winding canyon road, I anticipated the next turn and pitched the Miata into it with ease. I know every turn on this road because I take every press car I drive on it, but this time, it felt different. The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata has such communicative steering that it felt like the car could read the turns with me as I made my way down the road. Its brakes provided good feedback, and its suspension was compliant yet stiff enough that I could feel the weight transfer as I hit the apex and made my way out of every corner. I have driven hundreds of cars, and there is no other car that eats up the turns like this little roadster… except for one—the Honda S2000. My love affair with the Honda S2000 came when I rented one from Turo for two days back in 2016. My mission was to see if I could live with it on a daily basis, and it turned out that I could at the time, so I bought one. I drove my beloved Laguna Blue S2000 daily for two years straight in the sunshine, rain, and windiness that the Bay Area, Calif., had to offer. It was fun, impractical, and mildly uncomfortable, but I still loved it. I sold that car a year ago, and I don't miss squeezing in and out of it, but I do miss its driving spirit. 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata — Source: Mazda But now, as I slink behind the wheel of the Mazda Miata press car that I have for a week, my memory is flooded with visions of that old S2000. Of course, I still favor the Honda over the Mazda, but the Miata is a stark reminder of what pure driving enjoyment a roadster can bring to your daily life. But a convertible top, a lightweight chassis, and responsive steering aren't the only comparisons to draw between the two cars. Here is how the Mazda Miata stacks up against the Honda S2000, in case you're looking for summer fun in a roadster. The Honda S2000 and Mazda Miata Are Similar But Different If you're shopping between these two convertible cars, you likely already know the specs for each one. If not, the 2025 Mazda Miata is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower, weighs just over 2,300 pounds, and comes with a manual soft top roof or a retractable hardtop. It also features a range of modern amenities, including heated seats, premium sound, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Those are features that the Honda S2000 does not have. 2006 Honda S2000 — Source: Honda The Honda S2000, on the other hand, uses its naturally aspirated, high-revving engine as its soundtrack. Under its hood is a 2.0-liter (2.2 in the later years) engine that produces 237 horsepower at a staggering 7,800 rpm. The earlier versions (2000-2003) had a 9,000-rpm redline, which made the car feel like a sport bike on four wheels. Even better, the S2000's six-speed manual transmission was shifted by the best-feeling shifter on the market. I challenge anyone who says the Miata's stick feels better. It doesn't. Aside from that, the S2000 tipped the scales at around 2,800 pounds and was significantly faster than the Miata. It also had a powered soft top with the option for an OEM removable hardtop. That said, it's clear that these two cars have a good amount of similarities, despite their differences in weight and power. Both vehicles are rear-wheel drive and have similarly sized cabins and trunk spaces (around four cubic feet), so they should feel the same when daily driving, right? Not really. Daily Driving Each Car Feels Different When it comes to daily commuting, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is the better car. No, it's not any easier to get in and out of, unless the top is down, but it does have a more pliable suspension, and that modern tech really comes in handy. Sure, any S2000 enthusiast (including myself) will tell you that the sound of the glorious VTEC engine is the only sound you need to smile from ear to ear every time you get behind the wheel. But now, after daily driving the car for a couple of years, I can say that driving without music while sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic is no fun. My car did have a radio, but it paled in comparison to the infotainment system in the Miata. Additionally, the Miata's heated seats, headrest speakers, and safety systems make the car more enjoyable to live with as well. It also gets better gas mileage. During my week with the Miata, I averaged nearly 30 mpg, with a mix of city and highway driving, along with the occasional throttle romp. In my S2000, I was lucky ever to see an average of 23 mpg. Yes, it's that bad. 2006 Honda S2000. Sitting inside each car is a different experience. The S2000 features a cockpit-like interior, where all the HVAC and radio controls are positioned to face the driver. There's also a radio that can be hidden, as well as a cupholder cover. The sport leather buckets are also supportive but not soft. The Miata's interior is a little more cramped but also more accommodating. The vehicle features a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite radio, a Bose sound system, and wireless smartphone connectivity, all of which are easily accessible for both the driver and passenger. Maintenance is also a little easier with the Miata because Mazda still makes the car, so finding replacement parts doesn't require deep Internet searches. Parts for the Honda S2000 are being slowly discontinued, so future maintenance and repairs could be challenging. If you're shopping between these two cars, that could be something to consider. 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata — Source: Mazda Final Thoughts Although my Honda S2000 is long gone, I will never forget the way it made me feel every time I drove. Its suspension was stiffer than the Miata's, but its engine had far more power, and the exhaust note sounded so much better. I drove down that canyon road many times and was never disappointed as I hit every gear change and rung the engine up to its redline. In that case, which one would I pick? The S2000, of course, but the Miata is not without its merits. After spending time in the Miata, I can say that it's the better daily commuter of the two. If Honda hadn't discontinued the S2000 in 2009, it probably would have had many of the same accoutrements as today's Miata, but alas, it's gone. So, if you're looking for a fun roadster to flog on a canyon road and keep it for a long time, the Miata is a good choice. But if you don't care for all the fancy features and livability, the Honda S2000 is the way to go. About the Author Joe Santos View Profile
Motor 1
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
‘You Aren't Going to Lock the Car:' Man Says He Has an ‘Anti-Theft Device.' Then He Reveals What It Is
A man claims to have an unbeatable anti-theft system for his car. But once he revealed what it is, some people didn't quite agree that it's as effective as he thinks. Retromr2k ( @retromr2k ) recently shared a post in which he and a friend acted out a scenario to showcase how confident he is in his car's 'anti-theft' system. Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . The two appear to have just parked and gotten out of Retromr2k's Honda S2000 convertible. The friend asks, 'You aren't going to lock the car or put the top up?' Retromr2k answers, 'Nah, it's [got a] pretty good anti-theft device, we good.' The video then cuts to reveal the 'anti-theft device': the car's manual transmission gear shift. The video appears to be a humorous take on the fact that in an age dominated by automatic transmissions, electric vehicles and self-driving cars, driving a stick shift is a less common skill to have. Some thieves trying to steal a car with a manual transmission might not get too far before the vehicle started to stall and get stuck—if they can start it at all. Retromr2k's post has a cumulative 2.3 million views as of this writing. Are Manual Cars Stolen Less Often? Trending Now 'That's a First:' Police Officer Pulls Over Man. Then She Asks if He Has IDs in Other States 'Help Me Find Stacey:' Man Uses Girlfriend's Mercedes-Benz. Then She Finds a Delta Airline Name Tag in It A manual transmission is a gear system that requires the driver to change gears by hand. They accomplish this by manipulating the stick shift and pressing down on the clutch pedal. Unlike with automatic transmissions, a manual gear shift gives the driver complete control over gear changes and the overall driving experience. Automatic transmissions, on the other hand, are easier to drive. Many drivers also prefer them for driving in stop-and-go traffic, such as in urban areas. Fox Business reports that vehicles with manual transmissions made up a third of the United States market in 1980. By 2010, that share had dwindled to just 7%. Many driver's ed courses don't even teach students how to drive a stick shift. This and the dwindling popularity of manual transmissions supports Retromr2k's hypothesis about leaving his manual Honda S2000 unlocked to deter theft. However, MSN reports that a 2020 survey by Cadillac found that two-thirds of drivers know how to drive a manual. A little over half had owned or leased one at some point. So while it would be a deterrent to some thieves, such as Maryland teens who got caught because they couldn't drive the stick shift they tried to steal, most probably wouldn't be deterred. A Manual Comeback CarMax reports that while 97% of their customers drive automatic cars, stick shifts are more popular in certain areas of the country. Manual transmissions are more common in Idaho, Oregon, and New Mexico, per CarMax. Even in the states where stick shifts are popular, they still reportedly make up less than 5% of CarMax sales. They're also making something of a comeback, however. CarMax reports that sales of vehicles with stick shifts increased from 2.4% in 2020 to 2.9% in 2022. So today's thieves may be more likely to be able to pop that clutch and take off than those of recent years. 'Oh free S2000' A few people agreed with Retromr2k's joke about his stick shift being an anti-theft device. One woman wrote, 'Literally the reason I didn't lock my old manual Corolla ever. Nobody in 2025 driving this car.' But several suggested that Retromr2k has underestimated the popularity of manual transmissions . 'The current generation of young people want to drive stick more than the previous generations. They are causing a resurgence of manual cars,' one person claimed. 'You hold [the] clutch down every time you shift. You guys act like multitasking is soooo hard,' another user wrote sarcastically. A third joked, 'Oh free S2000.' Others suggested nefarious ways people could mess with the Honda S2000 without stealing it. 'You do realize they can just take a poo in your car,' one person asked. This was not an isolated comment. Another commenter wrote that once he borrowed his parent's Saab convertible when he left the top down. He returned to find Ziplock baggies filled with excrement inside. 'Thank God it was in the ziploc baggies but we were so bewildered,' he wrote. Motor1 has reached out to Retromr2k via Instagram direct message. We'll be sure to update this if he responds. More From Motor1 The Last Five-Speed Manual Is Dead The Manual R35 Nissan GT-R Is Real. Here's How One Japanese Tuner Did It Thieves Sneak 900 Engines Out of Kia Factory Over Five Years Thieves Have a New Target: Ford F-Series Taillights Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Blog
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Your Favorite Classic Honda Just Got Factory Support
It isn't easy getting parts for aging sports cars. Honda is the latest automaker to step up One of the biggest challenges of owning an older car — enthusiast or otherwise — is finding parts that have gone NLA, or No Longer Available. While the aftermarket can usually accommodate, sometimes the results aren't what you'd hoped. Whether it's aesthetics, longevity, functionality, or some combination thereof, there's often no true replacement for the gear the car originally shipped with. If you're a Honda owner, though, your woes may be a thing of the past. Nissan's revolutionary self-driving tech hits Japan's streets Watch More Honda/Acura NSX 2006 Honda S2000. Getting your hands on an OEM radio for your NSX or the proper trim piece for your Integra Type R might become just a little bit easier in the next 365 days or so. Honda has officially launched a pilot program to reproduce heritage car parts, beginning with the first-generation NSX. The initiative, which leverages modern manufacturing and 3D printing, aims to provide brand-new replacement components that were previously unavailable. Future plans reportedly include expanding support to other sporty models like Type R variants and potentially the S2000. Additionally, Honda is even rumored to offer in-house restoration efforts in the near future, too. It's all good news for vintage car enthusiasts. Honda's not the first automaker to offer the service, and the list might surprise you While we're glad Honda's come around, they're late to the party. Similar programs have been going on at competing brands like Nissan, Mazda, and Toyota for years. The Germans, too, have been offering factory-fresh parts for older models for even longer, but brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche focus only on very specific parts for very specific models. When you look at the list, it's almost surprising it took Honda so long to hop on board. 2001 Acura Integra Type R — Source: Acura Some automakers may still be leaving money on the table — but how much? Perhaps the most surprising omission from the list is American automakers. Mopar, Chevy, and Ford will let you browse to find parts for your classic car, but there's no program in place actively manufacturing new old parts. That's surprising, since classic American cars have been in vogue for decades. Other automakers, like Hyundai and Kia, simply don't have many heritage models to look out for. A similar case can be made for Subaru, but we think we'll see something similar from them in the future. With an aging catalog of STI models and niche favorites like the Baja running around, a burgeoning market might appear sooner rather than later. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. How much money are automakers really leaving on the table? OEMs don't break out independent financial figures from these factory-backed initiatives, so a firm number is nearly impossible to pin down. Honda clearly recognizes a market, or it wouldn't be taking steps to join the club. Also, consider the optics: preserving brand heritage goes a long way for current owners, but also matters to enthusiastic fans of the brand looking in. When you further consider the accoutrements and accessories that some 'classic' brands have spawned (tartan-patterned and Porsche-badged wallets and handbags, anyone?), the revenue could be substantial. 2000 Honda Civic Si — Source: Honda Final thoughts Honda's making things easier for drivers piloting some of the brand's most iconic cars ever, and we'd be crazy not to support that initiative. As the world moves — perhaps more slowly than initially guessed — towards electrification, we're probably not too far from a world where every automaker needs a 'classic' division to support gas-powered and older models. In the meantime, we look forward to the crazy NSX and Type R factory restoration projects that will no doubt eventually surface from Honda HQ. About the Author Steven Paul View Profile
The Drive
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
This Honda Hot Wheels Set Is the Perfect Gift for the VTEC Fan in Your Life
The latest car news, reviews, and features. A new Hot Wheels set is about to drop, and it's going to make the Honda boys jump out of their shoes. Rightfully so, to be fair. This new box set is flippin' sweet. It combines both Hot Wheels and JDM royalty into one perfect package for any fan of either or both, and it's currently available for pre-order. In this set, you get four pieces and a little stand: A Honda Sakura Sprinter transport truck, a 1999 Honda Civic Type R, a 2020 Honda S2000 20th Anniversary edition, and the legendary 2003 Honda NSX-R. Those three are essentially the holy trinity for any Honda fan, even if one of them isn't actually real. And even the truck is cool. The 2020 Honda S2000 20th Anniversary was never actually put into production. It was a show car, designed to flex Honda's accessories and parts division's muscles. But it looked so good that fans begged Honda to bring the S2000 back for real, 11 years after it left production. While that won't ever happen, this die cast is the closest anyone will ever get to owning one. Hot Match Collectibles While the Civic Type R might not seem special to the average car enthusiast, the first-generation 'EK9' version is a legend in the JDM community. But that status is well-deserved, as it's still widely regarded as the best Civic Type R of them all and had a 185-horsepower 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine. That gave it the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated engine ever, at the time. Lastly is the Honda NSX-R. Just before production of the NSX ended, Honda released one final version, the facelifted NSX-R, and it was about as perfect as a mid-engine car could be. It was lighter, stripped-out, more focused, and had better aero than the already brilliant normal NSX. Honda only made 140 of these, so getting your hands on a real one seems unlikely. But you can have Hot Wheels' take on it. And to carry them all is the Honda Sakura Sprinter, a transport truck designed to look like a Hino ZM Series COE. It's a collectible in its own right, finished in Championship White to match the sports cars it hauls. For a Honda fan, this Hot Wheels set is just about the perfect gift. But you're going to have to act fast, as pre-orders are already selling out at multiple vendors. Got tips? Send 'em to tips@ Nico DeMattia is a staff writer at The Drive. He started writing about cars on his own blog to express his opinions when no one else would publish them back in 2015, and eventually turned it into a full-time career.
Miami Herald
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Here's Why I Think These 6 Used Convertibles Guarantee a Fun Summer Behind the Wheel
There is almost nothing better than driving around in a convertible car on a nice summer day. The sun's rays beating down on you, the wind in your hair (if you have any), and the sound of the car's engine as it works its way through the RPM range make for a glorious way to spend a hot day, which gets even better when the sun goes down. However, finding a new convertible car in the market is tough nowadays, as there are only a few available. With every buyer's interest turning to SUVs, automakers aren't seeing any need to produce convertible cars, since they have historically been a tough sale. Fortunately, the used car market has all types of convertible cars that can fit a variety of budgets. These range from sports cars to passenger cars, with some being more practical and sportier than others. Either way, if you're looking for a convertible car to make the most of summertime, here are six used examples that could fit your criteria. The Mazda Miata has been on the market since the early 90s, and over a million units have been sold worldwide, which means that it's still very popular. While some buyers may still doubt that the Miata is worth checking out because it's small and seemingly underpowered, we would beg those buyers to take a closer look. The latest generation of the Miata, which debuted in 2016, features an aggressive style inside and out, without straying away from its formula for success. Instead of pushing massive horsepower numbers, the Miata remains a fun ride by utilizing a lightweight body structure, an agile suspension, and a high-revving engine. Under its hood is a naturally aspirated, four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. That's not much, but it's enough to have fun driving the car, especially when it's equipped with a manual transmission. To top things off, the Mazda Miata is also available with either a soft-top or a retractable hardtop when the MX-5 RF version is chosen. The Honda S2000 is one of the most legendary convertible cars on the market. Not because it has a soft top that can fold down or up in less than 20 seconds, but mainly because of its powertrain. The S2000 is powered by a high-revving, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that makes 237 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque. That power matches well with the car's sub-2,800-pound body frame, which is reinforced with a lot of bracing and aluminum for lightweight sturdiness. The earlier S2000 models (2000-2003) had a 9,000-rpm redline, which made the car extremely fun to drive, especially with its silky smooth six-speed manual transmission. Let's not forget that the S2000 was also one of the only rear-wheel-drive cars that Honda ever built, which only adds to the car's driving engagement. If Japanese roadsters aren't your thing, then the BMW 2 Series Convertible might be. The 2 Series is a stout luxury coupe that provides plenty of driving excitement with its balanced personality. The 2 Series offers elevated levels of braking, steering, and handling, making it a blast to drive on winding roads and open highways, especially when the top is down. Under the car's hood is a 255-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but if more power is desired, then the six-cylinder M240i is the better choice. Regardless of which trim level is chosen, the BMW 2 Series is a rear-drive platform in standard form, but an all-wheel-drive configuration can also be found. The 2 Series convertible was also produced as either a soft-top convertible or a hardtop coupe, making it a good fit for anyone in search of open-air motoring fun. The Porsche Boxster has always been a staple in the convertible sports car segment, thanks to its impeccable build quality and unrivaled speed. Over the years, the Boxster has gone through many different iterations and been powered by a variety of powertrains, but one thing has stayed the same: its layout. What makes the Boxster unlike most other convertibles is its mid-engine, rear-drive layout, which gives it a near-perfect weight balance for better cornering abilities. The current Boxster also provides plenty of thrust with its turbocharged, four-cylinder base engine that produces 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. We would say that it's enough power for most motorists, but of course, it's hard not to recommend the 350-horsepower Boxster S, which only increases the driving fun. The Ford Mustang has been an icon in the automotive space since the 60s, and it doesn't look like it's going away anytime soon. The current Mustang is still offered in convertible form, but if you're looking for a bargain, we suggest checking out the last generation, produced from 2015 to 2023. The sixth-generation Mustang was the first to feature an independent rear suspension for better handling and ride refinement. In addition to a convertible body style, this version of the Mustang also came with a choice of three different engines, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a peppy V6, and a monstrous V8. Of course, we would choose the latter for the best driving experience possible, even just from the sound of it alone with the top down. Like the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro is an iconic muscle car that's been on the scene since the late 60s, when it was introduced in both coupe and convertible form. While you may be able to track one of those down with some success, we recommend opting for the latest version for most technology, power, and refined drivability. The sixth-generation Camaro featured a well-equipped cabin, a sports suspension, and a choice of engines to suit a variety of tastes. The entry-level model featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provided a good amount of power and fuel efficiency, but the 455-horsepower V8 was the one to get for optimal driving pleasure. For those who wanted some power without all the noise, the V6 engine split the difference between the two. No matter which powertrain you choose, however, the Camaro convertible is an excellent choice for summer fun. Although buyers are no longer gravitating toward convertibles and prefer SUVs instead, there are still plenty to be found in the used market. From American muscle to German finesse, these convertibles offer all kinds of driving fun with the simple push of a button or the flick of a switch, making them perfect for the warm summer days. As an added cherry on top, most of the examples you'll find on the used market cost far less than their new counterparts. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
