Honda S2000

Honda S2000 AP1/AP2

2000-2009

EnthusiastExcellent

2.0L F20C (AP1) / 2.2L F22C1 (AP2)237-240 hp2,765-2,835 lbsRWD6-speed manual

HPDE Overview

The S2000 is Honda's masterpiece — a front-midship, naturally aspirated, 9,000-RPM roadster that was designed from the ground up as a sports car. The F20C engine in the AP1 (2000-2003) revs to an absurd 9,000 RPM redline, producing 240 hp from just 2.0 liters — the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated production engine of its era. The AP2 (2004-2009) traded 200 RPM of redline for a broader torque curve, which most track drivers consider the better tradeoff. On track, the S2000 is a precision instrument. The steering is electrically-boosted hydraulic and retains excellent feel and weight. The car changes direction instantly, the brakes are strong, and the close-ratio 6-speed gearbox snicks between gears with a mechanical perfection that makes every shift satisfying. The LSD (on all models) ensures clean corner exits. The challenge is that the S2000 demands respect. The car has a razor-sharp limit with minimal warning — one moment the rear tires are gripping, the next they are gone. The AP1 is especially snappy in oversteer, and many new S2000 track drivers have experienced the sudden moment when the car rotates faster than their hands can correct. The AP2's revised rear suspension is more progressive, but the car still requires a level of smoothness and precision that many drivers need time to develop.

Strengths

F20C/F22C engine revs to 8,000-9,000 RPM — the highest-revving production car engine of its eraFront-midship engine layout provides excellent weight distribution (50/50)Precision handling with immediate turn-in response and adjustable balanceBest manual gearbox feel of any roadster — Honda perfected the 6-speedStandard LSD on all models ensures clean power deliveryStrong brakes that resist fade with quality pads and fluid

Weaknesses

Snap oversteer at the limit, especially AP1 — requires experienced, smooth drivingThe car punishes sloppy driving more than a Miata — mistakes happen quicklyConvertible chassis flex is noticeable at higher speeds without a roll bar/cageRising collector-car values make track use increasingly expensive (risk of damage)Replacement parts are becoming expensive as supply dwindlesTight cockpit makes fitment challenging for larger drivers with a roll bar and harness

Why People Love It

The S2000 is the last Honda sports car that was designed without compromise. The F20C engine at 9,000 RPM is one of the most visceral experiences in automotive history — the sound, the pull, the sensation of an engine that just keeps revving when everything else would have hit a wall. The chassis is telepathic in the hands of a skilled driver, and the gearbox is the standard by which all other manual transmissions are judged. On a tight, technical track, a well-driven S2000 can stay with cars making twice the horsepower. It is a pure driver's car in an era when they are nearly extinct.

Why People Hate It

The S2000 is unforgiving. The limit comes suddenly and without the progressive buildup that a Miata provides. New track drivers in S2000s spin more than in any other common track car because the car demands precision that beginners have not yet developed. The rising collector value makes every track incident a potential $10,000+ mistake. Parts are becoming scarce and expensive. And the convertible layout, while fun for cruising, adds complexity and reduces rigidity for serious track use — you really need a hardtop and a cage to get the most from the chassis, and that adds significant cost and eliminates the open-air experience.

Best For

Experienced track drivers who value high-rev naturally aspirated engines, Honda enthusiasts, time attack competitors, and drivers who have developed smooth car control skills.

Not Ideal For

Track beginners (start with a Miata), budget-conscious buyers, anyone uncomfortable with snap oversteer risk, or people who want a relaxing track day experience.