We're not too keen on the instrument package, either. The modest layout is dominated by a digital tachometer that arcs across the top of the array like an electronic rainbow, with a digital speedometer in the middle, flanked by small fuel and coolant temperature gauges. A big tachometer is standard competition practice -- most race cars don't even have speedometers -- but as racy as it is, we'd still prefer an analog speedometer in this car because analog instruments provide rate-of-change information and digital readouts don't.

We're also a little mystified by some of the choices Honda made concerning the S2000's soft top. Mystifying choice number one: the rear window is plastic, rather than glass. Plastic doesn't wear well in a folding top. Honda opted for plastic as a weight-saving measure, according to company officials, but we note that the rear window in the much less expensive Miata is glass. Mystifying choice number two: the top is power-operated. If weight savings is such an issue -- and less is always better when it comes to weight -- then what's the point in the complex machinery, including hefty little electric motors, associated with a power top? The Miata's manual top can be operated with one hand, from the driver's seat.

As you'd expect of a car in this price range, the S2000 comes with the usual luxury features-leather seats, air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD sound system, power windows, power mirrors, cruise control, keyless remote entry, and tilt steering. It also has some-thing you wouldn't expect-a big red starter button to the left of the steering wheel, an-other reminder that you're driving a thinly disguised race car.