Honda S2000: The Last Great Naturally Aspirated Roadster

An Engine Like No Other

When Honda launched the S2000 in 1999 to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary, the engineering team set an extraordinary target: build a four-cylinder engine that could rev to 9,000 rpm in full production trim while remaining reliable. The result was the F20C — a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine producing 250 horsepower, an output of 125 horsepower per litre that remains among the highest specific outputs ever achieved by a mass-production naturally aspirated engine.

Achieving this required an unusually short stroke, lightweight forged internals, and an aggressive VTEC profile that transforms the engine's character once the high-cam profile engages around 6,000 rpm. Below that point the S2000 is docile. Above it, it becomes an entirely different machine.

AP1 vs AP2: What Changed

The original AP1 (1999–2003) used the high-revving F20C paired with notoriously quick steering — some drivers found the ratio too sharp for comfortable high-speed driving in wet conditions.

The AP2 (2004–2009) addressed this with a revised 2.2-litre F22C engine. Honda traded some ultimate rev range for improved low and mid-range torque, making the car easier to drive quickly in everyday conditions, alongside softer suspension and a slower steering ratio. Most specialists consider the AP2 more usable, while purists often prefer the AP1's sharper character.

Why Honda Never Added Forced Induction

In an era when rivals turned to turbocharging, Honda deliberately kept the S2000 naturally aspirated. Naturally aspirated engines offer more linear, predictable throttle response, with power building progressively rather than arriving in a turbocharged rush — a quality prioritised for a lightweight roadster built around precise handling.

The Driving Experience

The S2000's defining trait is connection. Steering, pedal weights, gear shift, and chassis all communicate constantly with the driver. Combined with near-perfect weight distribution and a six-speed manual widely regarded as one of the best ever fitted to a production car, it rewards a fully engaged driver.

This character demands respect at the limit. Early AP1 examples can show sudden oversteer if the throttle is lifted abruptly mid-corner, a trait that caught out unfamiliar drivers.

What to Check When Buying

The F20C and F22C are durable when serviced correctly, but the high-revving nature means oil quality and change intervals matter more than usual. Always ask for full service history confirming the correct oil specification was used.

Check the convertible roof mechanism for smooth operation, the soft top for cracking, and the rear subframe mounting points for rust on cars from wetter climates.

What Does an S2000 Cost in 2026?

S2000s have appreciated significantly as their significance as one of the last great naturally aspirated sports cars has been recognised. AP1 examples in good condition now trade between €20,000 and €35,000. AP2 examples trade similarly, with the rare Club Racer variant commanding a substantial premium.