Honda S2000 Buying Guide: AP1 vs AP2 Compared

Rankings

1. 1
   AP2 S2000Avg $36,829 12-mo +6.0%

   n=288 sold

   The refined S2000 with more torque, improved suspension, and the best balance of daily usability and driving joy

   Sep 10, '262004 Honda S2000$52k

   Sep 9, '262007 Honda S2000$71k

   Sep 8, '262004 Honda S2000 AP2$18k
2. 2
   AP1 S2000Avg $28,477 12-mo +4.6%

   n=267 sold

   The raw, high-revving original with the legendary 9,000 RPM F20C and sharper handling

   Sep 8, '262002 Honda S2000 AP1$55k

   Sep 8, '262001 Honda S2000$21k

   Sep 3, '262000 Honda S2000$45k

Comparison

How to Choose

• AP1 vs AP2 is a genuine preference split. The AP1 is rawer with the 9,000 RPM F20C; the AP2 has more usable torque from the F22C1.
• The snap oversteer reputation comes from the AP1's sharp limit-handling. The AP2's revised rear suspension is more forgiving. Both reward smooth inputs.
• Modifications destroy value. A stock S2000 is worth 30-50% more than a modified equivalent. Walk away from hacked-up cars.
• Check the soft top condition ($1,500-$2,500 to replace) and the rear subframe for cracks on hard-driven examples.
• The CR deleted the soft top, added a hardtop, stiffer suspension, and an aero kit. Only ~700 were made — it's the collector car.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Honda S2000 worth?

Clean AP2 S2000s range $30K-$50K. AP1s run $25K-$40K. The CR commands a big premium on the rare occasions one surfaces. Low-mile (<30K) unmodified examples in any generation can exceed these ranges significantly.

AP1 vs AP2 — which is better?

The AP1 has the higher-revving F20C (240hp, 9,000 RPM redline) and quicker steering. The AP2 has the F22C1 with more torque, drive-by-wire throttle, revised suspension, and a slightly softer character. For track driving, many prefer the AP1. For daily use, the AP2.

Is the S2000 a good daily driver?

It's livable but compromised. The cabin is tight, there's minimal storage, road noise is high with the top up, and the VTEC power band makes city driving uninspiring. It's an outstanding weekend and canyon car that can commute in a pinch.

Why are S2000 prices so high?

Honda never made a successor. The S2000 represents the last of the naturally aspirated, high-revving, manual-only Japanese roadsters. Limited production (110K total over 10 years), strong enthusiast community, and zero new competition have driven prices steadily upward.