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Honda S2000

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Honda S2000: Naturally aspirated, 9,000 rpm redline, 50/50 weight distribution. The Honda S2000 is one of the great driver
Photo: Rich Niewiroski Jr. / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.5

Naturally aspirated, 9,000 rpm redline, 50/50 weight distribution. The Honda S2000 is one of the great driver cars of any era.

The Honda S2000 is a two-seat roadster produced from 1999 to 2009. The car was developed to celebrate Honda 50th anniversary and represents one of the most extreme naturally aspirated factory engines ever produced. The F20C engine in the AP1 generation made 240 horsepower from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder revving to 9,000 rpm, a specific output of 120 horsepower per liter (the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated production engine at the time). The S2000 chassis was equally extreme. 50/50 front-rear weight distribution. Front-mid-engine layout (the engine sits behind the front axle line, putting more weight inside the wheelbase). Six-speed manual transmission as standard with no automatic option. Rear-wheel drive with a Torsen limited-slip differential. The result is one of the most balanced, most engaging two-seat roadsters ever produced. The AP1 (1999-2003) and AP2 (2004-2009) generations differ slightly. The AP2 received the F22C1 engine (2.2-liter, slightly more torque, redline reduced to 8,000 rpm), revised suspension geometry to reduce the snap-oversteer characteristic of early AP1 cars, and various trim updates. Production ended in 2009 with no direct successor; the Honda S660 kei roadster of 2015 referenced the S2000 spirit but at a much smaller scale. On WhipJury, S2000 submissions reliably do well in voting. The community recognizes the engineering significance and the rarity (Honda built fewer than 130,000 globally across both generations). Track-prepped, OEM-plus, and clean-stock examples all find strong support.

AP1 vs AP2

AP1 (1999-2003). F20C engine, 9,000 rpm redline, 240 horsepower. The original. Snap-oversteer characteristic at the limit due to specific suspension geometry.

AP2 (2004-2009). F22C1 engine (2.2 liter, more torque, 8,000 rpm redline), revised suspension geometry (less aggressive at the limit), tighter trim integration. The CR variant (Club Racer, 2008-2009) was the focused track variant with stripped interior, hardtop, and tightened chassis tuning.

The F20C engine

The F20C is one of the most respected production engines ever made. Naturally aspirated, 2.0 liters, four cylinders, dual overhead cam with VTEC. Specific output of 120 horsepower per liter (240 total). 9,000 rpm redline. The high-rev character of the engine (and the dramatic increase in power and sound past 6,000 rpm) defines the S2000 driving experience.

S2000 on WhipJury

AP1 and AP2 submissions are common. Track-prepped builds with hardtops, sticky tires, and aero kits reliably do well. OEM-plus modifications (Mugen front lip, sport exhaust, lowered suspension) are popular. The CR variant is rare but always memorable. The community recognizes the engineering achievement and respects clean execution over flash.

Frequently asked questions about Honda S2000

Why is the S2000 redline so high?
Honda design philosophy. The F20C uses a relatively small displacement and high RPM for power production. Higher RPM provides more power strokes per minute, compensating for moderate torque. The valvetrain, rotating assembly, and oiling system are designed for sustained 9,000 rpm operation. The engine is widely considered one of the great naturally aspirated engines.
Is the AP2 better than the AP1?
Different priorities. AP2 has better suspension geometry (less snap oversteer), more torque, slightly more refined ergonomics. AP1 is more raw, has the higher 9,000 rpm redline, and is often preferred by purists. The AP2 CR variant is the most focused. Choice depends on preference for refinement vs. rawness.
Are S2000s reliable?
Yes, generally. The F20C and F22C1 engines are durable when maintained properly. Common issues are valve adjustments (needed at scheduled intervals), water pump and timing chain components at higher mileage, and occasional oil consumption. With proper maintenance, S2000s regularly cross 200,000 miles. Production ended in 2009 so parts availability remains good through Honda dealer network.
How much does an S2000 cost now?
Used pricing has appreciated significantly. Project AP1 cars: $15,000-$25,000. Driver-quality cars: $25,000-$40,000. Clean low-mile examples: $40,000-$60,000+. Limited variants (CR, Type S in JDM) are higher. Production ended in 2009 and the cars are increasingly recognized as future classics, driving prices upward.
Was an S2000 successor announced?
Periodic rumors about a new S2000 successor have appeared but never materialized. The Honda S660 kei roadster (2015-2022) referenced the S2000 spirit at a smaller scale. The Honda Prologue and other modern Honda products have not included a direct S2000 replacement. Whether Honda will produce another small roadster remains unclear.

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