Honda S2000: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Honda S2000 is a compact two-seat sports roadster known for its high-revving four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, and sharp handling. It favors a close connection between car and driver over everyday comfort.
The S2000 stayed focused on driver involvement throughout its 2000-2009 run. Its formula paired an eager four-cylinder engine with a manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, quick steering, and a low open cockpit. Rather than becoming a comfort-focused convertible, it remained a compact, responsive sports car with a distinct Honda performance character.
Strengths
- Its high-revving four-cylinder engine gives the S2000 a lively, distinctive character.
- The six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive keep the driver closely involved.
- Quick steering and sharp handling make it feel responsive on a winding road.
- The low open cockpit creates a direct, close-to-the-road driving experience.
- Its focused two-seat layout stays true to the simple sports-roadster idea.
- The 2009 model produced 237 horsepower from a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine.
Who it's for
The S2000 suits someone who wants weekend drives to feel involving and does not need more than two seats or much cargo room. It is a better match for an enthusiastic driver who enjoys shifting gears than for someone seeking a relaxed, practical convertible.
Honda S2000 lineup
The Base model is the standard S2000 and the clearest expression of its roadster formula. Pick it for the core mix of a high-revving engine, manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, and open-top driving. In the final two model years, the CR served as the more performance-focused variant. Step up to the CR when that sharper identity matters more than simply owning the standard roadster.
Honda S2000 generations
From 2009 to 2009, the S2000 spans 1 generation. The current AP2 Era arrived for 2004.
AP2 Era (2004–2009)
The AP2 S2000 is a rear-wheel-drive roadster with a 2.2-liter VTEC four-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. Its final-year lineup included the standard roadster and the more performance-focused CR.
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2009
The standard roadster and CR carried over unchanged. This was the S2000’s final model year, with production ending in June 2009.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Honda S2000 only a convertible?
Yes. The Honda S2000 is a compact two-seat convertible with a low, open cockpit. It was not sold as a fixed-roof coupe, though the late-run CR is a more focused version of the same roadster formula.
What is the Honda S2000 known for?
The Honda S2000 is known for its high-revving four-cylinder engine, precise six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive, quick steering, and sharp handling. It puts driver involvement ahead of comfort and everyday practicality.
Who is the Honda S2000 a good fit for?
The Honda S2000 fits someone who wants a small, responsive sports car and enjoys shifting manually. It has only two seats and limited cargo room, so it makes more sense for solo drives or two-person trips than family duty.
Is the Honda S2000 practical enough for daily driving?
It can work as a daily driver for one or two people, but practicality is limited. The S2000 has two seats, two doors, and about 5 cubic feet of cargo space. Its low, performance-focused layout also favors involvement over comfort.
Does the Honda S2000 come with an automatic transmission?
No. The Honda S2000 uses a six-speed manual transmission. That manual-only layout is a central part of the car’s driver-focused character.
Is the Honda S2000 a hybrid?
No. The Honda S2000 is a gasoline-powered sports car. In its final lineup, it used a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission.
How long was the Honda S2000 made?
The Honda S2000 ran from 2000 through 2009 as one generation. The AP2 era covered 2004 through 2009, and Honda ended worldwide production in June 2009.