From 1999-2009 Honda released the s2000. This car was an open top sports car that was launched by the company to celebrate Honda’s 50th anniversary.
The Honda s2000 was original shown as a concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1995. It was fully released by the company in April 1999 and it would undergo several revisions during it’s time span in the Honda lineup. The s2000 gets its name from its engine, which has a displacement of 2 liters. This follows the tradition of several Hondas; the s500, s600 and s800 which were popular vehicles in the Honda family in the 1960s. There are officially 2 generations of the Honda s2000, the AP1 and the AP2.
First Generation
The first generation is known as the AP1 and it was in production from 1999-2003. This original version featured a front mid-engine, rear wheel drive layout and an inline four-cylinder DOHC-VTEC engine. A 6 speed manual transmission and a Torsen limited slip differential came standard with the Honda s2000. This configuration gave the Honda s2000 the highest specific output of a normally aspirated production automobile engine in the world.
Other Features of the AP1
This first generation of the Honda s2000 also had many nice features. It sported an independent double wishbone suspension, electrically assisted steering and an integrated roll hoops. These roll hoops were cages that were deigned to protect the passengers in the event of a roll over. Honda designed the engine to fit completely behind the front axle. This position allowed the s2000 to have an evenly distributed weight the front and the rear of the car.
Since the s2000 was an open top sports car, the vinyl top was opened and closed electrically. The inside lining was made out of cloth and there was an option to purchase an aluminum hardtop. The Honda s2000 was available in 5 different colors- Berlina Black, New Formula Red, Grand Prix White, Sebring Silver and Silverstone Metallic.
In 2001, Honda made some minor modifications to the s2000. A digital clock was added to the dashboard and the rear wind blocker became a standard feature on the car. They also added a new color option, Spa Yellow.
For the year 2002 a few more minor updates were added to the s2000. The rear window was changed to glass so that a defroster could be added. Additionally, the tail lights were updated to include chrome rings, the radio was updated and included separate tweeters. This variation also sported a leather gear shift knob and a leather console cover. Honda also added another color, Suzuka Blue, to the s2000 family.
The Second Generation
The second generation of the Honda s2000 ran from 2004-2009 and is referred to as AP2. This generation saw the s2000 have several major updates. The wheels changed from 16” to 17” and the suspension was adjusted to help avoid oversteering. The shock absorbers were also modified along with the suspension to help improve stability.
On the inside of the AP2, the gear shift was changed from brass to carbon fiber. The subframe was also updated to add more stability.
The second generation Honda s2000 was given new front and rear bumpers, new headlights, new rear lights with LED lights, and the exhaust tips were redesigned in an oval shape.
The s2000’s that were sold in the Japanese, Australian and European markets kept the same engines that were in the AP1 version. However, the vehicles sold in the North American market were given a new engine.
The engine for the Honda s2000 sold in North America was a bigger engine. This larger engine changed some of the aspects of how the car ran. This larger engine lengthened the stroke and increased its displacement. This in turn, increased the torque by 6%. Honda was then able to change the transmission ratios by shortening the first 5 gears and lengthening the 6th one.
Other updates for the AP2
There were some other revisions to the second generation of the Honda s2000. Some of the updates include the addition of an electronic stability control system and a new color, Laguna Blue Pearl.
The Club Racer
As the Honda s2000 gained in popularity, the company began to offer the Club Racer for model year 2007. Honda decided to offer the s2000 in more trim levels. The Club Racer was designed to be a lighter weight version with less options and better performance. The Club Racer was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show in 2007.
There were several cosmetic changes that made the Club Racer stand out. The Steering ratio was lowered, the exhaust system was changed, the wheel lug nuts were black and the wheels were also dark colors.
The redesigned body on the Club Racer sported a larger rear spoiler that Honda claimed reduced the overall coefficient. Although the other s2000 versions had a removable soft top, on the Club Racer a hardtop became standard. In keeping with making the Club Racer faster, the gear shift was also redesigned. It was built 12.6 mm lower which reduced the shift stroke by 6%. And the knob was also exclusive to the Club Racer and was made out of aluminum.
What colors were available for the Club Racer?
Since the Club Racer was an exclusive version of the s2000, the colors were exclusive too. The Club Racer was only available in either Yellow or Black Alcantara interiors. In addition, the interior of the Club Racer sported faux carbon fiber on the center console and radio door and there was a peak power indicator light on the instrument panel. The Club Racer did not have a spare tire and both the stereo and air conditioning were options.
Only 699 Club Racers were actually sold.
Awards
The s2000 received many notable awards during its run. It was on Car and Drivers 10 Best List for 2000, 2002 and 2004. In 2004,2006 and 2008 it was the highest ranked premium sports car for JD Power and Associates. The BBC Top Gear ranked the s2000 #1 in 2003,2005 and 2006. US News and World Reports ranked it “Best Affordable Sports Car” in 2008 and 2009.
The F20C engine won best engine in its size five years in a row in the International Engine of the Year Competition. And Road and Track called it the best all around sports car.
Pricing
The MSRP for the last year the Honda s2000 was manufactured, 2009, starts at $35,500. This was the base price of the s2000, the addition of options would have increased the price. Today the Honda s2000 can still be found for sale through various outlets and auction houses.
Review
The Honda s2000 was a well-received car by both consumers and critics. It was designed to be lighter and faster than other cars at the time. This was achieved through engine and structure design. It was known to be a safe car, as well as a well-made car.
The future of the s2000
Rumors are swirling that Honda is set to release an updated version of the s2000 for the company’s 70th birthday. Although nothing has been officially stated, it is thought that model year 2019 could see the new version with an estimated price tag of about $50,000.
Get a repair manual for the Honda S2000 right here.