The chase started subtly. A flash of white in the rearview mirror during a spirited run through a blind corner on Mulholland Drive. It was a Chevy pickup, and the determined set of its grille suggested it wasn’t just out for a leisurely drive. In the driver’s seat, an agitated park ranger was quickly becoming part of the Honda S2000 CR experience. This is the kind of car that encourages a bit of spirited driving, and sometimes, maybe just a little bit more.
Pushing the throttle, the 2.2-liter VTEC engine of the 2009 Honda S2000 CR screamed its defiance. The world narrowed to the ribbon of asphalt ahead, the tachometer climbing towards the redline. This wasn’t just about speed; it was about the raw, visceral connection to the machine, the feeling that only a car like the S2000 CR can deliver. It’s a feeling that makes you understand why this car remains so revered among driving enthusiasts.
A Legacy of Performance: The Honda S2000 Story
The Honda S2000 burst onto the scene as a concept at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show, a spiritual successor to the classic S500, S600, and S800 roadsters of the 60s. Named for its high-revving 2.0-liter engine, production began in 1999, perfectly timed for Honda’s 50th anniversary. For a decade, it captivated car enthusiasts with its pure sports car formula: front-engine, rear-wheel drive, and a naturally aspirated engine that begged to be pushed to its limits.
Early reviews were ecstatic. As Larry Webster noted in Car and Driver in August 1999, the S2000 arrived with “one goal: driving fun.” He highlighted its dream sports car ingredients: the layout, the close-ratio six-speed manual, the sophisticated suspension, and the lightweight construction. But the crown jewel was undoubtedly the engine, a 2.0-liter marvel producing an astonishing 240 horsepower at a stratospheric 8300 rpm, with a redline at 8900 rpm. Even two decades later, these words still resonate. The Honda S2000 isn’t just fast; it’s an experience.
Driving the 2009 S2000 CR: Raw and Exhilarating
Out on the open roads of Malibu, the 2009 Honda S2000 CR truly comes alive. The car feels perfectly at home carving through challenging corners like “The Snake,” exhibiting incredible balance and stability. Its front-mid-engine layout becomes apparent when you open the hood, revealing the engine pushed far back behind the front axle, contributing to its exceptional handling dynamics. The chassis is communicative, the steering is precise, and the car shrinks around you, inspiring confidence to push harder.
Honda refined the S2000 over its production run. In 2004, they increased the engine displacement to 2.2 liters, boosting torque and broadening the powerband, while also tweaking the suspension for enhanced stability. Despite these changes, the core character remained: a high-strung, intensely mechanical machine that delivers a constant stream of feedback to the driver. As Joe DeMatio aptly described in Automobile magazine, the engine “screams like Janet Leigh in her final scene in Psycho,” a testament to its thrilling nature.
Starting the S2000 CR is an event in itself. The engine zings to life with a high-pitched whir before settling into a purposeful idle. The short-throw six-speed gearbox is a delight, encouraging frequent shifts to keep the revs high and the VTEC engaged. The gearing is intentionally short, emphasizing performance over relaxed cruising, making it an ideal companion for spirited drives in the hills rather than long highway journeys. It’s a car that encourages you to explore its limits, to chase the redline, and to revel in the pure joy of driving.
The 2009 S2000 CR: A Track-Focused Finale
The “CR” designation stands for Club Racer, and it marked the ultimate, track-focused iteration of the S2000, produced in its final two years, 2008 and 2009. Honda intended to send off its iconic sports car with a bang, creating a lighter, more intense version. The S2000 CR received a stiffer suspension, wider rear tires, and weight-saving measures like an optional air conditioning and radio. The soft top was replaced with a fixed tonneau cover and a removable hardtop, further enhancing rigidity.
Beyond weight reduction, the 2009 S2000 CR featured chassis bracing and a quicker steering ratio for sharper responses. Aerodynamic enhancements, including front and rear spoilers, were added, contributing to improved stability at higher speeds, even if they hinted at a Fast and Furious aesthetic. Priced slightly higher than the standard model, the CR was a relative bargain for its increased performance and exclusivity. Limited to just 625 units in the US over two years, the Apex Blue Pearl examples, with their distinctive black and yellow interior, are particularly sought after.
While the CR’s enhancements made it more track-ready, the driving experience on public roads remains engaging, albeit firm. The stiffer suspension can transmit road imperfections into the cabin, and the fixed steering column might not suit all drivers. However, the reward is a heightened sense of connection and immediacy. Forward visibility is excellent, and despite the rear wing, rearward vision is surprisingly good, allowing you to fully exploit the car’s capabilities.
The Enduring Allure of the 2009 Honda S2000 CR
Nearly fifteen years after production ended, the Honda S2000, especially the 2009 CR, holds a mythical status. Often described as a “four-wheeled Japanese superbike,” its combination of lightweight construction, high-revving engine, and razor-sharp handling is unmatched in many modern sports cars. Compared to contemporary roadsters like the Mazda Miata or Nissan 370Z, the S2000 CR offers a more raw and intense driving experience.
This unique character has fueled demand in the used car market. Even Honda themselves keeps a 2009 S2000 CR in their US headquarters for special events and press drives, a testament to its enduring appeal. Spotting an S2000 CR on the road is a rare treat, recognized instantly by car enthusiasts who appreciate its blend of performance, rarity, and pure driving pleasure. It’s a car that reminds us of a time when driving was less about technology and more about the visceral connection between driver and machine.
In conclusion, the 2009 Honda S2000 CR is more than just a sports car; it’s a legend. Its thrilling VTEC engine, precise handling, and track-focused enhancements make it a standout even today. For those seeking an undiluted, engaging driving experience, the 2009 Honda S2000 CR remains an irresistible choice, a true testament to Honda’s engineering prowess and commitment to driving fun.
