The Honda S2000 is one of the most venerable and fun convertibles in the used market. No, it’s not that fast, but it’s quick enough to put a smile on your face when the road opens up. There’s nothing like hitting the 9,000 rpm redline and listening to the VTEC crossover at 6,000 rpm.

Also, the S2000 carves through corners like a hot knife through butter when the road gets twisty. That said, there are a few pros and cons to driving an S2000, especially when you plan to do it every day. Check them out.

Pro: The Honda S2000 looks cool and will garner a decent amount of attention

Although most uneducated onlookers will think that your Honda S2000 is a Mazda Miata, pay no mind to them. Plenty of other random people will think it looks cool and new. Over the past six years that I’ve owned my 2008 S2000, I have had a few people come up to me and ask about it at gas stations and car washes. One gentleman even said that it reminded him of the fighter jets he used to fly in the air force.

Needless to say, the S2000 looks cool, and it garners a decent amount of attention on the street. Fortunately, it’s not enough attention to be annoying.

Con: The S2000’s gas mileage is not that great

The Honda S2000 is a lightweight car with a four-cylinder engine, but that doesn’t mean it’s fuel-efficient. The EPA rates the S2000 at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. In my experience thus far, I’ve been able to average about 20 mpg when driving around normally (running errands and driving spiritedly in the canyons) and up to 30 mpg on long road trips. Either way, don’t expect Civic-like fuel economy numbers in this thing.

Pro: The Honda S2000 drives like a Civic around town

Speaking of Civic-like driving dynamics, the S2000 feels civilized (and really slow) when it’s driven at lower speeds. Its F20/F22 engine delivers all of its 240 hp at the top RPM range, so you need to wring it out to redline to really get anywhere. Of course, revving the car out from stoplight to stoplight like an F1 car isn’t exactly practical, but the good news is that it’s perfectly civilized when driven normally.

Con: The ride is a little noisy, and it’s not supple by any means

The S2000 is not a luxury car, so don’t expect a cushy ride or a quiet cabin. With the soft top up, the cabin noise is bearable, but you won’t be able to talk to your passenger much at highway speeds without shouting. If anything, it’s a good car for couples that are fighting because it’s loud enough at highway speeds that it’s pointless to try and talk over the noise.

This car is meant for driving, after all. Additionally, the S2000’s semi-stiff suspension is great for tackling corners but not great for long drives. You can feel almost every bump in the road, and the sound from the suspension travels up to the cabin.

Pro: The S2000 is a Honda, so it’s easy to maintain

During the six years that I have owned my S2000 — which has 89,000 miles on the odometer – I have only had to change the fluid and filters a couple of times. I haven’t had major breakdowns (knock on wood). Also, changing the car’s oil and filter is easy as the filter sits toward the front of the engine.

Con: There aren’t many tech features

If you’re the type that likes dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay, and driver-assist features, you won’t like the S2000. There’s nothing but the basic necessities in the car’s cabin, and what’s more, all of the radio and climate controls are pointed toward the driver. The passenger only has a vent to stare at.

That said, if you want modern tech goodies like Apple CarPlay or a rearview camera, you’ll have to add aftermarket products to the car to get them.

The pros and cons of driving a Honda S2000 every day

If you’re planning to purchase a Honda S2000, do it. It’s a fun car that can be driven every day, and it’s OK for long road trips – provided you stop every few hours to stretch. But remember, there are a few cons if you’re brave enough to drive this sports car every day. You have been warned.