The Honda S2000 is a legendary sports car that still excites driving fans years after it first came out. It has a high-revving VTEC engine, perfect 50:50 weight balance, and thrilling open-top driving. The S2000 is one of the best driver-focused roadsters ever made. This iconic Japanese sports car offers a unique mix of performance, reliability, and pure driving feel that’s hard to find in modern cars. In this guide, we’ll look at the history, performance, key features, and buying tips for this automotive gem. Whether you want a perfect collector’s item or an exciting weekend ride, we’ll help you explore Honda S2000 for sale options and understand why drivers love this car so much.
Key Takeaways:
- The Honda S2000 was made from 1999 to 2009, with two main versions: AP1 and AP2
- It has a high-revving VTEC engine that can go up to 9,000 RPM in early models
- Perfect 50:50 weight balance and rear-wheel drive make it handle exceptionally well
- Prices range from $25,000 for higher mileage cars to over $100,000 for rare versions
- The S2000 is seen as a future classic with good investment potential
- When buying, focus on maintenance history and overall condition more than just mileage
The Legacy of the Honda S2000
The Honda S2000 was made from 1999 to 2009, marking a decade of pure driving excitement. It was designed to celebrate Honda’s 50th anniversary. This rear-wheel-drive sports car quickly became a key part of Honda’s performance lineup and set a standard for roadsters worldwide. Honda made about 110,673 to 113,889 S2000s, making it a relatively rare and sought-after car. This limited production helps make it exclusive and increasingly collectible among car enthusiasts.
The S2000 had two main versions during its lifetime:
- AP1 (1999-2003): The original model, with a 2.0-liter VTEC engine known for its incredibly high redline and quick throttle response
- AP2 (2004-2009): An updated version with a slightly larger 2.2-liter engine and improved handling, offering a more balanced driving experience
The main differences between these versions are in their engine tuning, suspension setup, and overall handling. The AP1 is known for revving higher, with a 9,000 RPM redline that was unheard of for a production car at the time. It gives an intense, thrilling experience that purists often prefer. The AP2, on the other hand, offers a bit more low-end torque and slightly more forgiving handling, making it more suitable for daily driving while still keeping the S2000’s exciting character.
The S2000 remains highly respected and sought-after because of its unique mix of performance, reliability, and pure driving feel. Its naturally aspirated engine, manual transmission, and balanced chassis make it a favorite among driving enthusiasts who appreciate a connected, analog driving experience. The car’s timeless design, both inside and out, has aged well, further adding to its lasting appeal. As modern sports cars increasingly rely on turbocharging and electronic aids, the S2000’s pure, mechanical nature becomes even more special, cementing its place in automotive history.
Why the Honda S2000 is a True Driver’s Car
The Honda S2000 earned its reputation as a driver’s car through cutting-edge engineering and a focus on pure driving enjoyment. It was developed using Honda’s racing experience, resulting in a car that delivers track-level performance in a road-legal package. Let’s look at the performance highlights that make this roadster so special:
High-Revving VTEC Engines
The heart of the S2000 is its high-revving four-cylinder engine, a masterpiece of engineering that shows Honda’s skill in getting maximum performance from naturally aspirated engines:
- AP1 (1999-2003): 2.0-liter F20C engine producing 237-247 hp (depending on the market) with an incredibly high 9,000 RPM redline
- AP2 (2004-2009): 2.2-liter F22C1 engine with slightly different characteristics, offering more low-end torque while still maintaining a high redline
Both engines use Honda’s VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology, an advanced system that changes valve timing and lift to optimize performance across the entire rev range. This technology allows for an incredible 9,000 RPM redline in early models, a figure that was unheard of in production cars at the time and remains impressive even today. This high-revving nature gives the S2000 a unique character, with explosive performance above 6,000 RPM that rewards drivers who aren’t afraid to push the engine to its limits.
Lightweight Design and Exceptional Handling
Weighing just 2,800 lbs (1,260 kg), the S2000 is a lightweight sports car that prioritizes agility and responsiveness. This low weight, combined with its perfect 50:50 weight distribution, contributes to exceptional balance and handling. The car’s engineers paid close attention to weight distribution, placing the engine behind the front axle to achieve a front-mid-engine layout. This setup, typically found in much more expensive sports cars, provides near-perfect balance and allows for incredibly precise handling.
The rear-wheel-drive layout and sophisticated suspension system provide precise control and feedback to the driver. The S2000 has a double-wishbone suspension at all four corners, a design typically reserved for high-performance and racing vehicles. This suspension setup allows for excellent wheel control throughout the suspension’s movement, contributing to the car’s renowned handling prowess and road-holding abilities.
Close-Ratio 6-Speed Manual Transmission
The S2000 comes with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission that’s often praised for its short throws and precise engagement. This gearbox perfectly complements the high-revving engine, allowing drivers to keep the engine in its sweet spot for maximum performance. The transmission’s design focuses on performance driving, with gear ratios carefully chosen to maintain optimal engine speed during spirited driving or track use.
The shifter itself is a work of art, with a titanium shift knob (in later models) and a mechanism that provides a satisfying mechanical feel with each gear change. The short throw and precise gates make gear changes a joy, encouraging drivers to shift frequently and engage more deeply with the driving experience. This level of driver involvement is a key factor in the S2000’s reputation as a true enthusiast’s car.
Comparison with Modern Roadsters
While modern roadsters like the Mazda MX-5, BMW Z4, and Porsche Boxster offer their own unique driving experiences, the Honda S2000 stands out for its raw, connected feel and high-revving naturally aspirated engine. Many enthusiasts say the S2000 provides a more pure and engaging driving experience compared to its more modern counterparts. Here’s how it compares:
- Engine Character: The S2000’s high-revving naturally aspirated engine offers a linear power delivery and immediate throttle response that many turbocharged modern engines can’t match.
- Driver Engagement: With its manual-only transmission and lack of electronic driving aids (in early models), the S2000 demands more from its driver, resulting in a more involving and rewarding experience.
- Simplicity: The S2000’s relatively simple design, free from complex electronics and driver assists, offers a more direct connection between car and driver.
- Performance Envelope: While modern roadsters may offer higher outright performance figures, the S2000’s balanced chassis and high-revving engine allow drivers to explore the car’s performance limits more frequently and safely on public roads.
Honda S2000 vs Modern Roadsters
Driving Experience
Engine Character
Transmission Feel
Weight Distribution
What to Look for When Buying a Used Honda S2000
If you’re looking to buy a used Honda S2000, there are several key things to consider to make sure you’re getting a well-maintained car. The S2000 is known for being reliable, but like any performance car, proper maintenance is crucial. Here’s what to look out for:
Checking the Condition
When inspecting a potential purchase, pay close attention to these common issues:
- Clutch wear: The S2000’s clutch can wear out, especially if the car has been driven hard. A clutch nearing the end of its life may slip when you accelerate hard or have a high engagement point. Replacing it can be expensive, so keep this in mind when budgeting.
- Transmission synchros: Listen for any grinding or difficulty shifting, especially in lower gears. The S2000’s transmission is generally strong, but synchros can wear over time, especially in cars that have been used on tracks.
- Soft-top condition: Check for tears, leaks, or wear around where the frame touches. The soft top should open and close smoothly. New tops can be expensive, so make sure it’s in good shape.
- Suspension wear: Look for signs of uneven tire wear or unusual noises when driving over bumps. The S2000’s suspension parts, especially bushings and ball joints, may need attention on higher mileage cars.
- Engine health: The F20C and F22C1 engines are known for being durable, but make sure regular oil changes have been done. Listen for any unusual noises, especially at high RPMs.
- Body and frame condition: Check for signs of accident damage or rust, especially in the rear quarter panels and around the windshield frame.
It’s important to review the car’s maintenance history. Regular oil changes and proper care are essential for the S2000’s high-performance engine. A good service history can give you peace of mind and might justify a higher asking price. Look for records of timing chain tensioner updates, valve adjustments, and other model-specific maintenance items.
