Why The Honda S2000 Remains A Timeless Masterpiece - 20+ Years Later

The late 90's and early 2000's were the golden age for Japanese classics. We saw the pinnacle of iconic models such as the Nissan 240SX, Skyline GTR, Toyota Supra and Mazda RX7 (among many others). While American car manufacturers were still struggling with fuel efficiency issues and reliability, Japanese cars quickly ate up market share, and grew to become household names.

Honda made the S2000 as a way to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary, and also to showcase its engineering and design capabilities. It was first introduced as a concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1995, and then debuted as a production model at the Geneva Motor Show in 1999. The S2000 was designed to be a spiritual successor to Honda's earlier roadster, the S600, and was named after its initial engine displacement of 2.0 liters.

The S2000 was powered by a high-revving four-cylinder engine that produced from 240-247 horsepower depending on model year. It featured rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, and was known for its sharp handling and balanced chassis. The S2000's engine was also notable for its ability to rev up to 9,000 rpm in earlier models, making it one of the highest-revving production engines of its time. In addition, it held the record for the highest horsepower per liter of displacement from 1999-2010, only being dethroned by the Ferrari 458.

 Over the course of its production, the S2000 underwent several updates and revisions. The first-generation model, known as the AP1, was produced from 1999 to 2003 and featured a 2.0 liter engine that produced 240 horsepower and was capable of revving to 9,000 rpm. In 2004, Honda introduced the AP2 model, which had a slightly larger 2.2 liter engine which provided better torque at lower engine speed, but dropped redline to 8,200 rpm. In addition, other upgrades included revised suspension, and updated styling. 

Image Source: Jubbal & Cars

In the S2000's outgoing years (2008-2009), Honda released the most sought after model, the Club Racer, or CR. It had improved suspension, aerodynamics, and a removable hardtop, and was designed for more track-focused driving. It had a stiffer suspension, unique sport seats, and no radio, air conditioning, or power accessories included as standard equipment. The S2000 CR was produced in limited numbers and is now considered a sought-after collector's item with about 700 units sold in the United States. Well kept CR's are selling into the near six figures, with a mint 123 mile example selling for $200,000 USD. 

 The market for S2000's has greatly appreciated over the years. Enthusiasts and collectors alike continue to pay more for these cars, despite faster and better handling modern options being available. The S2000 represents a time before big screens, intrusive driver assists, and DCTs made it into our vehicles - aiming for a raw, driver focused experience that is unlike any other car today. The S2000 reminds us that oftentimes, the simpler, the better; and the fact that horsepower isn't the sole measure of how fun a car can be.