If there is one car that earns the respect of every petrolhead out there, it is the Honda S2000.
The rear-wheel drive roadster first showed up in 1995 as the Sports Study Model Concept, and in 1999, it was put into production as a 2000 model, named S2000 as both an homage to Honda's S500, S600 and S800 sports cars from the 1960s.
Blessed with one of the greatest naturally aspirated motors ever made, the screaming S2000 wasn't built for quiet Sunday drives, it was built to hoon. The car's extreme rev limit and handling won over its critics, though they noted it wasn't for the faint of heart.
However, 5 years after the launch of the original S2000, Honda sought to remedy some of the unpredictable handling that befell the AP1 by making alterations to the chassis. This included the addition of a performance strut at the front that stiffened the nose, backed by reinforcement of the body at three other strategic points – with addition bracing added to the front suspension upper arm brackets, the rear wheel arch/bulkhead area, and the front cross member.
The front springs and damper rates were also tuned for firmness, while the rear set were softened for better compliancy. The result was a car that went where it was pointed, while feeling more comfortable and balanced. Grip levels were further enhanced by the fitment of bigger 17-inch wheels shod with the latest Bridgestone RE050 tyres, measuring 10mm wider at the front and 20mm wider at the rear.
To make the car feel less nervous than it originally did, Honda slowed the electrically assisted power steering by 7%, while more rigid mountings, a stronger clutch housing and differential casing were fitted to decrease drivetrain and cabin vibration, and improve accuracy and feel.
Whereas the US-spec S2000 gained the torquier 2.2-litre F22C1 engine in the facelift upgrade, South African S2000’s utilized the 2.0-litre F20C as before with outputs of 177kw and 208nm. The S2000 revved hard all the way to its 8,800rpm redline, with a limiter kicking in at a stratospheric 9,000rpm. The traverse mounted DOHC VTEC motor was paired with a short-throw, close ratio 6-speed transmission equipped with a standard fitment LSD, that allowed the roadster to run from 0-100kph in 6.2 seconds, and onto a top speed of 240kph.
Famously, the S2000 (JDM) held the record for the highest specific output of any normally aspirated production engine in the world, with 123.5hp/litre until it was eclipsed by the Ferrari 458 Italia in 2010 with 123.78hp/litre. While no accurate Nurburgring lap time exists for the F20C-engined “AP1 facelift”, the AP1 was timed at 8:39, so it’s likely that its better handling successor would have been significantly quicker.
Other changes that came with the facelift included new front and rear bumpers, HID low beam headlamps, new taillights, and twin chromed oval tailpipes. The interior was also tweaked, and thanks to designed door panels, there was more elbow room.
The S2000 – to this day - remains a sports car for the true enthusiast, and was priced at R359 000 when the facelift debuted in 2004. While many would remember it from racing around the Touge, arguably the most famous S2000 from pop culture would easily be Jonny Tran’s Jetta-beating ‘Honda 2000’ from the Fast and Furious.
The legendary roadster was not replaced, by Honda or any other manufacturer. And we are worse off for that. There really was nothing else that has come close to the Honda S2000.
Also worth a look: the Honda Amaze and the Honda Elevate: WR-V Successor Debuts in SA.
FAQ
Q: What does the Honda S2000 cost in South Africa?
You're looking at around R450,000 to R650,000 for a decent Honda S2000 in South Africa, with pristine low-mileage examples pushing R800,000 or more depending on condition and history.
Q: Is the Honda S2000 worth buying?
Absolutely, the Honda S2000 is one of the best driver's cars ever made and represents excellent value compared to modern sports cars, plus it's practically guaranteed to appreciate in value over time.
Q: What are the common problems with the Honda S2000?
The main issues to watch for are soft top wear, clutch wear from aggressive driving, and potential engine damage from money shifts due to the close gear spacing, but overall reliability is typically excellent.
Q: How fast is the Honda S2000?
The South African S2000 with its 177kW F20C engine hits 100kph in around 5.8 seconds and tops out at 241kph, though the real magic happens when you rev it past 6,000rpm.
Q: Should I buy an AP1 or AP2 Honda S2000?
The AP2 is generally the better choice for most drivers thanks to its improved handling balance and refined chassis, though purists often prefer the rawer AP1 for its more aggressive character.
Should You Buy It?
The best naturally aspirated sports car under R700,000 in South Africa is undoubtedly the Honda S2000, and yes, you absolutely should buy one if you can afford it. With prices ranging from R450,000 to R650,000 for good examples, the S2000 offers an experience that modern turbocharged cars simply can't match. That screaming F20C engine, razor-sharp handling, and bulletproof Honda reliability make it a future classic that's already appreciating in value. Just make sure you get a proper pre-purchase inspection and budget for maintenance, because these cars deserve to be driven hard and maintained properly.
