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Culture & Lifestyle • Automotive

Honda S2000

The Honda S2000 is a Japanese rear-wheel-drive roadster produced by Honda from 1999 to 2009.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Honda S2000 is a Japanese rear-wheel-drive roadster produced by Honda from 1999 to 2009. It was created to mark Honda’s 50th anniversary and continued the company’s earlier S-series sports cars. The model is known for its front-mid engine layout, high-revving naturally aspirated engine, and manual transmission. The Honda S2000 was sold in Canada and remains a notable enthusiast car in the Canadian used-car market.

Development and launch

Honda developed the S2000 as a special anniversary model for the company’s 50th year. The production car followed the SSM concept shown at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show and entered the market in 1999.

Design and engineering

The S2000 is a two-seat roadster with a front-mid engine and rear-wheel-drive layout. It became known for its rigid chassis, double-wishbone suspension, and high-revving 2.0-litre DOHC VTEC engine, which produces 176 kW (240 hp) in standard form. A 6-speed manual transmission was standard.

Production history

The car remained in production until 2009, with updates over its lifecycle. It was sold in different markets and is commonly associated with the AP1 and AP2 chassis codes.

Reception and legacy

The S2000 gained a reputation among enthusiasts for its handling, manual gearbox, and engine character. It is often regarded as one of Honda’s best-known modern sports cars.

Key facts

  • The S2000 was introduced in 1999 and discontinued in 2009.
  • It was launched to celebrate Honda’s 50th anniversary.
  • Its name reflects its 2.0-litre engine and Honda’s earlier S-series naming tradition.
  • It used a front-mid engine layout with rear-wheel drive.
  • The model featured a high-revving naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox.
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Canadian context

The Honda S2000 was sold in Canada and remains a notable enthusiast car in the Canadian used-car market.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Honda S2000?
It is a two-seat Japanese roadster produced by Honda from 1999 to 2009.
Why is it called the S2000?
The name refers to its 2.0-litre engine and continues Honda’s S-series roadster naming tradition.
What type of engine does it have?
It uses a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre inline-four DOHC VTEC engine.
Was the S2000 rear-wheel drive?
Yes. The S2000 used a rear-wheel-drive layout with a front-mid engine configuration.
Why was the S2000 introduced?
Honda created it to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_S2000
    Supports: Production dates, model type, naming explanation, and general overview.
  2. Wikipedia — https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_S2000
    Supports: 1999 introduction, 50th anniversary context, and continuity with Honda's S-series.
  3. Hagerty — https://www.hagerty.com/media/buying-and-selling/honda-s2000-buyers-guide/
    Supports: Two-seater roadster description, front-engined rear-wheel-drive layout, and enthusiast reputation.
  4. Honda brochure archive — https://autocatalogarchive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Honda-S2000-2009-AU.pdf
    Supports: 2.0-litre DOHC VTEC engine, power figures, and 6-speed manual transmission.
  5. Magneto Magazine — https://www.magnetomagazine.com/articles/1999-2009-honda-s2000-buying-guide-from-magneto-magazine/
    Supports: Rear-wheel drive, 50:50 weight distribution, suspension layout, and performance context.