
The Honda S2000 is a popular sports car known for its performance and design. One notable aspect of the S2000 is its rear window, which has gone through some changes over the years. The early models of the S2000, specifically the 2000 and 2001 versions, featured a plastic rear window, while the 2002 model year introduced a glass unit with an electric defroster. This change sparked some discussion among owners and enthusiasts, with some preferring the larger field of view offered by the plastic window, while others appreciated the improved visibility and durability of the glass window.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 2000-2001 |
| Window type | Plastic |
| Replacement options | Glass |
| Maintenance | Requires regular cleaning, waxing, and polishing |
| Visibility | Distortion and reduced visibility |
| Durability | Prone to yellowing, brittleness, and cracking |
| Size | Larger than glass window |
| Zipper | Absent, limiting the ability to unzip on certain days |
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What You'll Learn

The 2000 and 2001 Honda S2000 models had plastic rear windows
The Honda S2000 is a popular sports car known for its sleek design and powerful performance. Introduced in 1999, the S2000 quickly gained a reputation as a driver's car, offering a dynamic driving experience with its high-revving engine and precise handling.
When it comes to the rear window of the Honda S2000, there were some variations between model years. Specifically, the 2000 and 2001 models of the Honda S2000 featured a plastic rear window as a standard feature. This window was part of the electrically powered vinyl top that gave the car a sleek and distinctive look. While some owners appreciated the unique appearance and functionality of the plastic window, others sought alternatives due to challenges with maintenance and visibility.
The plastic rear window of the 2000 and 2001 S2000 models offered a unique aesthetic, and some owners even tinted their windows to enhance the aggressive look of their vehicles. However, one of the main drawbacks of the plastic window was the amount of maintenance required to keep it in optimal condition. Owners had to regularly clean, polish, and wax the plastic window to prevent it from becoming yellow, brittle, or cracked over time.
Despite the dedicated care, the plastic window's longevity was still limited compared to glass alternatives. Additionally, some owners experienced issues with distortion and flapping at high speeds, impacting their visibility and overall driving experience. As a result, some owners of the 2000 and 2001 models opted to replace their plastic windows with glass ones, seeking improved durability, easier maintenance, and enhanced visibility.
In 2002, Honda responded to customer feedback and made a significant change to the S2000's design by replacing the plastic rear window with a glass unit. This glass window offered improved visibility, easier maintenance, and the convenience of an electric defroster. The switch to a glass window addressed the concerns of many S2000 owners, providing a more durable and user-friendly option for the rear window.
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Honda replaced the plastic window with glass in 2002
The Honda S2000 is a roadster that made its world premiere at the 1999 Geneva International Motor Show. The S2000 was initially offered with an electrically powered vinyl top with an internal cloth lining and a plastic rear window. An aluminium hardtop was available as an optional extra.
For the 2002 model, Honda replaced the plastic rear window with a glass unit incorporating an electric defroster. This change addressed some of the issues with the plastic window, such as distortion and flapping at high speeds, which made it difficult to see detail out of the rearview mirror. The glass window also offered easier cleaning and reduced concerns about scratching or creasing.
Some owners of the 2000 and 2001 models considered replacing their plastic windows with glass, but this required changing the entire top, which was a costly and time-consuming process. Additionally, the glass window reduced rear visibility, particularly when driving behind SUVs or police cars with roof-mounted lights.
Despite the advantages of the glass window, some owners preferred the plastic window as it provided a larger field of view and could be tinted for a more aggressive look. Proper maintenance and cleaning of the plastic window could also help keep it in good condition and improve visibility.
In conclusion, Honda's decision to replace the plastic window with glass in the 2002 S2000 model addressed several issues and improved the overall driving experience. However, some owners of earlier models opted to retain their plastic windows or make modifications to enhance their functionality and aesthetics.
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Plastic windows require more maintenance than glass
The Honda S2000 is a popular sports car that was first introduced in 1999 and manufactured until 2003. One notable feature of the early models of the S2000 (2000 and 2001) was the inclusion of a plastic rear window. However, starting with the 2002 model, Honda replaced the plastic rear window with a glass unit, which offered several advantages in terms of visibility, durability, and maintenance.
While plastic windows can provide certain benefits such as impact resistance, strength, and design flexibility, they also come with their own set of challenges when it comes to maintenance. Plastic windows, particularly those made from polycarbonate or acrylic, require more frequent care and attention than glass windows.
One common issue with plastic windows is their tendency to distort the view, as reported by some S2000 owners. The plastic window can flap around at high speeds, making it difficult to see any detail behind the car. Additionally, plastic windows are more prone to scratches and damage than glass. They require careful cleaning and maintenance to prevent scratching or creasing, which can affect visibility and aesthetics.
In contrast, glass windows offer superior scratch resistance compared to plastic. Glass can withstand the accumulation of small particles and the rigours of cleaning much better than plastic windows. Glass is also less susceptible to environmental degradation from sunlight and chemicals, ensuring a longer service life with minimal maintenance.
Another consideration is the potential for discolouration and degradation of plastic windows over time. Plastic windows may turn yellow, haze over, or experience material degradation due to UV exposure and chemical influences. On the other hand, glass windows maintain their clarity and structural integrity for much longer, requiring fewer replacements.
While plastic windows offer advantages in specific applications, such as in schools, subways, and hurricane-prone regions, they generally necessitate more maintenance and upkeep than glass windows. Glass windows provide better insulation, superior scratch resistance, and longer-lasting clarity, making them a more low-maintenance option in most cases.
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$589

Plastic windows distort the view out of the rear window
The Honda S2000 is a popular sports car, known for its sleek design and powerful performance. However, one aspect that has been a point of discussion among owners and enthusiasts is the use of plastic windows in some model years. Specifically, the 2000 and 2001 models of the S2000 came equipped with a plastic rear window, which has been known to distort the view out of the rear window.
While the plastic window offered some advantages in terms of weight reduction and styling, it also presented some challenges in terms of visibility and durability. Some owners have reported that the plastic window distorts the view, making it difficult to see objects clearly in the rearview mirror. This distortion can be especially noticeable on highways or at high speeds, where the plastic window may flap around and make it hard to discern details of the vehicles or obstacles behind the car.
One S2000 owner shared their experience, stating that they traded up to a newer model with a glass window specifically because of the issues with the plastic window. They noted that the plastic window distorted their view, and they found it challenging to see anything in detail behind them. Additionally, the plastic window required careful cleaning and maintenance to keep it in good condition.
In response to these concerns, Honda made a change in the 2002 model year, replacing the plastic rear window with a glass unit. This glass window offered improved visibility and included an electric defroster, addressing the issues raised by some owners. The glass window also provided easier cleaning and maintenance, as it was more resistant to scratching or creasing compared to the plastic window.
While some owners preferred the look and uniqueness of the plastic window, the majority seemed to favour the improved visibility and durability offered by the glass window. It's important to note that individual preferences vary, and some shorter drivers shared that the plastic window allowed them to see more of the trunk, which they appreciated. However, the general consensus among owners seemed to be that the glass window was a welcome improvement, providing a clearer and less distorted view of the surroundings.
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Glass windows are easier to clean than plastic
The Honda S2000 is a popular car model that was released in 1999. The early models of the car, specifically the 2000 and 2001 versions, featured plastic rear windows. However, in 2002, Honda replaced the plastic rear window with a glass unit.
While plastic windows offer several advantages, such as superior impact strength, flexibility, and customizability, glass windows have their own set of benefits, including ease of cleaning and maintenance. Glass windows are generally easier to clean than plastic windows for several reasons. Firstly, glass is more resistant to scratches than plastic. When cleaning plastic windows, there is a higher risk of accumulating small particles of grit on the surface, which can lead to scratches during the cleaning process. Glass windows, due to their higher scratch resistance, are less prone to this issue.
Additionally, glass windows are less susceptible to environmental degradation caused by factors such as sunlight exposure and chemicals in the environment. Plastic windows, on the other hand, tend to discolour, become brittle, and crack over time, requiring more frequent maintenance and replacement. Glass windows also do not require the same level of cautious cleaning that plastic windows may need. With plastic windows, special care must be taken to avoid scratching or creasing the surface. Glass windows provide a more durable option that can withstand regular cleaning without the same risk of damage.
Furthermore, glass windows offer better insulation than plastic windows, providing improved protection against cold temperatures. While multi-layered acrylic plastic can enhance insulation, it may not be as effective as glass. Glass windows also do not distort the view as much as plastic windows can. Plastic windows may provide a larger field of view, but the image can appear distorted or unclear. Glass windows offer a clearer and less obstructed view, making them preferable for certain applications.
While plastic windows have their advantages in terms of strength and customisation, glass windows excel in ease of cleaning and maintenance. Glass windows are more scratch-resistant, environmentally durable, and provide improved insulation and clarity, making them a preferred choice for those seeking a window option that requires less frequent maintenance and cleaning.
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Frequently asked questions
The Honda S2000 models from 2000 and 2001 had plastic rear windows.
The plastic windows were prone to becoming yellow, brittle, and cracked. They also distorted the view from the rearview mirror and were difficult to see out of on the highway.
Yes, some people have replaced their plastic windows with glass ones. However, this requires a lot of work and may be costly.










































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