Verdict
A
Roadster · Japan · 1999-2009
Honda S2000
Honda S2000 — spec data and generation history.
Years
1999-2009
Generations
2
Segment
Roadster
Honda's 50th-anniversary roadster — front-engine, rear-drive, naturally aspirated, manual only, screamer of a four-cylinder. AP1 (1999-2003) ran the F20C 2.0 — 240 bhp at 8300 rpm with a 9000 rpm redline, the highest specific output of any production NA engine at launch. AP2 (2004-2009) brought the 2.2 F22C with more torque, a tamer redline (8000 rpm) and revised suspension to settle the snap-oversteer reputation. Last of the high-rev VTEC era, prices climbing fast, the kind of car you should buy now if you ever want one.
What changed
Era-to-era deltas
AP1 1999-2003 → AP2 2004-2009
BHP -3 bhp
Torque +13 Nm
0-60 mph +0.1 s
Top speed +0 mph
MPG +1 mpg
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
1999-2003
AP1
→
2.0 F20C — 240 bhp, 0-62 in 6.2s.
Verdict
A
BHP
240
0–60
6.2 s
Top
150 mph
MPG
23 mpg
Used
$13,000-$28,000
- + F20C a 9000 rpm masterpiece
- + Steering feel sublime
- − Snap oversteer if you provoke it
- − Soft-top plastic window cracks
2004-2009
AP2
→
2.2 F22C — 237 bhp, 0-62 in 6.3s.
Verdict
A
BHP
237
0–60
6.3 s
Top
150 mph
MPG
24 mpg
Used
$15,000-$32,000
- + More torque, easier to drive
- + Suspension settled vs AP1
- − Lower redline than AP1 (8000 rpm)
- − Pre-cat failure on early cars
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
1999-2003 · AP1
- Snap oversteer reputation (AP1 suspension geometry)
- Soft-top rear plastic window cracking
- Engine valve adjustment service item
- Differential pinion seal leaks
2004-2009 · AP2
- Soft-top fabric stitching wear
- Engine valve adjustment service item (carryover)
- Pre-cat failure on early cars
- Differential pinion seal leaks
Rivals
Mazda MX-5 · Porsche Boxster · BMW Z4 · Lotus Elise