The Legendary Honda S2000: A Look Back at a JDM Icon

Few cars in automotive history strike the perfect balance between simplicity, performance, and pure driving joy quite like the Honda S2000. This iconic roadster, produced from 1999 to 2009, was Honda’s gift to enthusiasts who craved high-revving engines, rear-wheel drive thrills, and bulletproof reliability—all wrapped in a sleek, timeless design. Let’s take a spirited ride through the history of the beloved Honda S2000.

The Birth of a Roadster Legend

The Honda S2000 was introduced in 1999 to celebrate Honda’s 50th anniversary. The name "S2000" is a nod to Honda’s classic roadsters from the 1960s—the S500, S600, and S800—and refers to the 2.0-liter engine under the hood. At its debut, the S2000 took the automotive world by storm, offering razor-sharp handling and a screaming redline of 9,000 RPM. Yes, you read that right—9,000.

The engine, code-named F20C, was a masterpiece of engineering. Producing 240 horsepower naturally aspirated from just 2.0 liters, it boasted one of the highest specific outputs of any production engine in history at the time. Combined with a six-speed manual gearbox considered one of the best ever made, it made for an unforgettable driving experience.

AP1 vs. AP2 – Know the Difference

The first generation, known as the AP1 (1999–2003), was known for its high-revving excitement and a tail-happy character thanks to its lightweight chassis and minimal electronic interference. In 2004, Honda released the AP2 (2004–2009), which brought a host of changes including a slightly larger 2.2-liter F22C1 engine in the U.S. market. This increased torque and improved drivability, although the redline dropped slightly to 8,200 RPM. Suspension tweaks also made the AP2 more composed and less twitchy.

A Cult Classic

Though production ended in 2009, the S2000's legacy has only grown. It has become a modern classic, particularly cherished in the JDM community and among track-day warriors. Its precise handling, minimalist cockpit, and pure driver engagement make it a standout even in today’s performance car landscape.

The S2000 was never about brute force or luxury—it was about connection. With no turbo, no all-wheel drive, and no heavy tech gimmicks, it forced you to become a better driver. And that’s what makes it so special.

Whether you’re reminiscing about your old S2000 or dreaming of adding one to your garage, there’s no denying it: the Honda S2000 is a rare breed of car that embodies the thrill of driving. And in the world of enthusiast vehicles, that makes it a true legend.

Are you an S2000 fan or owner? What’s your favorite memory with this roadster?

Pin My Ride is a father son duo sharing their passion for cars. You can find us on Pinterest, Instagram, and our blog. (Project Versus). Our Pinterest account sees over 3.5 million views per month!