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Performance cars · Honda

Honda S2000: performance, engines and what owners say

Honda S2000 AP2 in New Formula Red, AI illustration

Pictured: the AP2 S2000 (2004).

S2000 AP1 · 2000–2001

240horsepower
5.80–60 mph, sec

2.0-liter F20C, 240 hp at 8,300 rpm, 9,000 rpm limit.

S2000 CR AP2 · 2008–2009

237horsepower
5.70–60 mph, sec

2.2-liter F22C1, more torque, 8,000 rpm redline. CR from 2008.

AP1 S2000 · 2000–2003

How fast is the AP1 S2000?

Convertible, 2000–2003. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.

S2000

2000–2001

240 hpat 8,300 rpm

Torque
153 lb-ftat 7,500 rpm
0–60 mph
5.8 sCar and Driver test
Gearbox
6-speed manual, rear-driveTorsen limited-slip
Weight
2,756 lb
Price new
$32,0002000, destination not stated
Sources
  1. Honda: Honda S2000 -- Powertrain (press kit)
  2. American Honda: S2000 roadster priced at $32,000 (Sep 17, 1999, via The Auto Channel)
  3. 0-60specs.com: Honda S2000 0-60 runs by magazine (Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Road & Track)
  4. Honda: 2002 Honda S2000 specifications (Sep 2001)
  5. Honda: Honda S2000 -- Body (press kit)

S2000

2002–2003

240 hpat 8,300 rpm

Glass rear window with defroster, smoother gearbox, higher-capacity clutch.

Torque
153 lb-ftat 7,500 rpm
0–60 mph
5.4 sCar and Driver test
Gearbox
6-speed manual, rear-driveTorsen limited-slip
Weight
2,809 lb
Price new
$32,4002002, plus $460 destination
Sources
  1. 0-60specs.com: Honda S2000 0-60 runs by magazine (Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Road & Track)
  2. Honda: 2002 Honda S2000 specifications (Sep 2001)
  3. Honda: 2002 Honda S2000 prices and EPA data (Nov 2001)
  4. Honda: S2000 roadster continues to set the pace with new features for 2002 (Sep 2001)

The engine: Honda F20C

Honda F20C engine, AI illustration

2.0-liter inline-4, VTEC, naturally aspirated

Redline9,000 rpm
Output240 hp at 8,300 rpm, 153 lb-ft
Specific output120 hp per liter, no turbo
CylindersFRM liners cast into an aluminum block

Engine's YouTube owner tone 48/100 · #1 of 2 S2000 engines (videos about the Honda F20C in every car that uses it, so it differs from this car's own tone below)

Honda F20C engine page →

Why the engine page shows fewer: it counts only the 71 owner complaints and 3 recalls for 2000–2003 that name this engine or a version that only had it. This page counts all 71 complaints and 0 recall campaigns NHTSA files under "S2000" for those years, other engines included.

Known issues

  • Timing chain tensioner rattleOwner-reported

    A rattle at startup usually means the timing chain tensioner needs replacing, per SlashGear and PistonHeads buyer's guides.

    Fix: Replace the timing chain tensioner.

  • Oil useOwner-reported

    Some engines use up to a liter of oil every 1,000 miles while others use almost none. If the level runs low, the computer blocks VTEC.

    2 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2000–2003)
Engine sources
  1. Honda: Honda S2000 -- Powertrain (press kit)
  2. Honda: 2002 Honda S2000 specifications (Sep 2001)
  3. SlashGear: 12 things you should know before buying a Honda S2000 (Mar 2023)
  4. PistonHeads: Honda S2000 buying guide, powertrain (Jul 2014)

What owners say on YouTube

52This car's YouTube owner tone, out of 100 · #2 of 2 generations · videos about this generation only (the engine's tone above covers every car with that engine)

Owners praise

Handling and steering21%
Looks19%
Power and acceleration16%
Everyday comfort10%

Owners complain about

Timing chain tensioner5%

Share of the 193 most-watched AP1 S2000 videos that praise or criticize each topic (a praise or trouble word near it in the title or transcript).

Most-watched videos

Here's Why Everyone Loves the Honda S2000Doug DeMuro · 3.3M viewsHonda S2000 - Everything You Need to Know | Up to SpeedDonut · 3.3M views

Should you buy a AP1 S2000?

  • New, the S2000 cost $32,000 (2000, destination not stated).
  • Most owner complaints: the 2000 (40). Fewest: the 2003 (8). Raw counts, not per car sold, for every version NHTSA files under this name.
  • Budget for oil use: 2 owner complaints mention it.
  • Repair costs: we don't have owner-reported repair costs for the S2000 yet.
Sources
  1. American Honda: S2000 roadster priced at $32,000 (Sep 17, 1999, via The Auto Channel)

AP2 S2000 · 2004–2009

How fast is the AP2 S2000?

Convertible, 2004–2009. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.

S2000

2004–2005

240 hpat 7,800 rpm

Longer stroke for 2.2 liters: more torque lower down, rev limit cut from 9,000 to 8,200 rpm; 17-inch wheels.

Torque
162 lb-ftat 6,500 rpm
0–60 mph
5.4 sCar and Driver test
Gearbox
6-speed manual, rear-driveTorsen limited-slip
Weight
2,835 lb
Price new
$32,8002004, plus $515 destination
Sources
  1. 0-60specs.com: Honda S2000 0-60 runs by magazine (Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Road & Track)
  2. Honda: 2004 Honda S2000 powertrain (Oct 2003)
  3. Honda: 2004 Honda S2000 introduction (Oct 2003)
  4. Honda: 2004 Honda S2000 prices and EPA data (Oct 2003)

S2000

2006–2009

237 hpat 7,800 rpm; SAE re-rating, not a power cut

Drive-by-wire throttle and stability control (VSA) added for 2006.

Torque
162 lb-ftat 6,800 rpm
Gearbox
6-speed manual, rear-driveTorsen limited-slip
Weight
2,855 lb2006; 2,864 lb in 2008
Price new
$34,0502006, plus $595 destination; 2008: $34,300 plus $635
Sources
  1. Honda: 2006 Honda S2000 specifications
  2. Honda: 2008 Honda S2000 and S2000 CR specifications and features (Aug 2007)
  3. Honda: 2006 Honda S2000 prices and EPA data (Nov 2005)
  4. Honda: 2006 Honda S2000 summary (Sep 2005)

S2000 CR

2008–2009

237 hpat 7,800 rpm

Aluminum hardtop, stiffer springs, dampers and bars, quicker steering, aero kit; 51 lb lighter.

Torque
162 lb-ftat 6,800 rpm
0–60 mph
5.7 sCar and Driver test
Gearbox
6-speed manual, rear-driveshorter-throw shift knob
Weight
2,813 lbwith hardtop; 2,765 lb without; +42 lb with audio and A/C
Price new
$36,3002008, plus $635 destination; $37,300 with A/C and audio
Sources
  1. 0-60specs.com: Honda S2000 0-60 runs by magazine (Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Road & Track)
  2. Honda: 2008 Honda S2000 and S2000 CR specifications and features (Aug 2007)
  3. Honda: 2008 Honda S2000 powertrain (Aug 2007)
  4. Honda: 2008 Honda S2000 pricing starts at $34,300 (Oct 2007)

The engine: Honda F22C1

Honda F22C1 engine, AI illustration

2.2-liter inline-4, VTEC, naturally aspirated

Redline8,000 rpm
Output237–240 hp, 162 lb-ft
Stroke90.7 mm, up from 84.0 mm in the 2.0
VTECIntake and exhaust, switches near 6,000 rpm

Engine's YouTube owner tone 48/100 · #2 of 2 S2000 engines (videos about the Honda F22C1 in every car that uses it, so it differs from this car's own tone below)

Honda F22C1 engine page →

Known issues

  • Timing chain tensioner rattleOwner-reported

    A rattle at startup usually means the timing chain tensioner needs replacing, per SlashGear's S2000 buyer's guide.

    Fix: Replace the timing chain tensioner.

  • Oil useOwner-reported

    SlashGear says the S2000 is known for using oil and needing frequent top-ups. Check the level between services.

Engine sources
  1. SlashGear: 12 things you should know before buying a Honda S2000 (Mar 2023)
  2. Honda: 2004 Honda S2000 powertrain (Oct 2003)
  3. Honda: 2008 Honda S2000 and S2000 CR specifications and features (Aug 2007)
  4. Honda: 2008 Honda S2000 powertrain (Aug 2007)

What owners say on YouTube

56This car's YouTube owner tone, out of 100 · #1 of 2 generations · videos about this generation only (the engine's tone above covers every car with that engine)

Owners praise

Handling and steering21%
Looks19%
Power and acceleration16%
Everyday comfort10%

Owners complain about

Timing chain tensioner5%

Share of the 193 most-watched AP2 S2000 videos that praise or criticize each topic (a praise or trouble word near it in the title or transcript).

Most-watched videos

Honda S2000 vs BMW M4 Nurburgring Nordschleife 24.05.2015 BTG 8min30Xav_ S2000 · 5.5M viewsHere's Why Everyone Loves the Honda S2000Doug DeMuro · 3.3M viewsHonda S2000 - Everything You Need to Know | Up to SpeedDonut · 3.3M views

Should you buy a AP2 S2000?

  • New, the S2000 CR cost $36,300 (2008, plus $635 destination; $37,300 with A/C and audio).
  • Most owner complaints: the 2005 (15). Fewest: the 2007 (3). Raw counts, not per car sold, for every version NHTSA files under this name.
  • 2 recall campaigns across 2004–2009 (all S2000 versions). Check a VIN before you buy.
  • Repair costs: we don't have owner-reported repair costs for the S2000 yet.
Sources
  1. Honda: 2008 Honda S2000 pricing starts at $34,300 (Oct 2007)

In the films

  • The Fast and the Furious (2001)Johnny Tran

    Tran, a gang leader and Dom's rival, drives an S2000. At Race Wars he beats Jesse in a drag race and wins the Jetta Jesse bet.

  • 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)Suki

    Suki drives a hot pink custom 2001 S2000 (AP1) and is one of the racers in the bridge-jump race early in the film.

Sources
  1. Wikipedia: The Fast and the Furious (2001 film)
  2. Wikipedia: 2 Fast 2 Furious

Compare the S2000

S2000 vs Mazda MX-5 MiataSee it →
S2000 vs Lotus Elise / ExigeComing soon
S2000 vs Nissan 370Z NISMOComing soon
S2000 vs Toyota GR86See it →
All sources (20)
  1. Honda: Honda S2000 -- Powertrain (press kit) Honda
  2. American Honda: S2000 roadster priced at $32,000 (Sep 17, 1999, via The Auto Channel) Honda
  3. 0-60specs.com: Honda S2000 0-60 runs by magazine (Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Road & Track) magazine tests, aggregated
  4. Honda: 2002 Honda S2000 specifications (Sep 2001) Honda
  5. Honda: Honda S2000 -- Body (press kit) Honda
  6. Honda: 2002 Honda S2000 prices and EPA data (Nov 2001) Honda
  7. Honda: S2000 roadster continues to set the pace with new features for 2002 (Sep 2001) Honda
  8. SlashGear: 12 things you should know before buying a Honda S2000 (Mar 2023) outlet
  9. PistonHeads: Honda S2000 buying guide, powertrain (Jul 2014) outlet
  10. Honda: 2004 Honda S2000 powertrain (Oct 2003) Honda
  11. Honda: 2004 Honda S2000 introduction (Oct 2003) Honda
  12. Honda: 2004 Honda S2000 prices and EPA data (Oct 2003) Honda
  13. Honda: 2006 Honda S2000 specifications Honda
  14. Honda: 2008 Honda S2000 and S2000 CR specifications and features (Aug 2007) Honda
  15. Honda: 2006 Honda S2000 prices and EPA data (Nov 2005) Honda
  16. Honda: 2006 Honda S2000 summary (Sep 2005) Honda
  17. Honda: 2008 Honda S2000 powertrain (Aug 2007) Honda
  18. Honda: 2008 Honda S2000 pricing starts at $34,300 (Oct 2007) Honda
  19. Wikipedia: The Fast and the Furious (2001 film) Wikipedia
  20. Wikipedia: 2 Fast 2 Furious Wikipedia

Showing the years only ().Showing every year.

Owner complaints to NHTSA

NHTSA files the S2000 CR under S2000, so these counts are every S2000 of these years.

No Lemon Index for the S2000: the index is complaints per car sold, and sales by trim aren't published. These are raw counts.

AP1: 71 complaints for 2000–2003.

AP2: 36 complaints for 2004–2009.

200040
200113
200210
20038
20045
200515
200610
20073
20083

What they're about

AP1 · 2000–2003

Engine and engine cooling16
Visibility9
Structure9
Exterior lighting8
Tires5

AP2 · 2004–2009

Power train9
Structure6
Air bags4
Vehicle speed control3
Fuel system, gasoline3

Recalls

  • 06V270000 Equipment2006

    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.

  • 13V246000 Service Brakes, Hydraulic2006–2007

    American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Source: NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov). Check a VIN for open recalls on one car.

Quick answers

How fast is the Honda S2000 CR?

The AP2 S2000 CR makes 237 hp and 162 lb-ft. Car and Driver measured 0–60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

What engine does the Honda S2000 have?

The AP2 S2000 (2004–2009) uses the Honda F22C1, a 2.2-liter inline-4, VTEC, naturally aspirated. Older generations: AP1: Honda F20C.

Which Honda S2000 engine do YouTube owners like most?

Honda F20C 48/100, Honda F22C1 48/100. That's the tone of the most-watched videos about each engine, praise words against trouble words.

Which Fast and Furious movie is the S2000 in?

The Fast and the Furious (2001): Tran, a gang leader and Dom's rival, drives an S2000. At Race Wars he beats Jesse in a drag race and wins the Jetta Jesse bet. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003): Suki drives a hot pink custom 2001 S2000 (AP1) and is one of the racers in the bridge-jump race early in the film.

Updated · Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data

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