I waited 10 years to own this car. Fell in love with it as soon as I got my drivers license and began saving for one ever since I got my first job. It always fellt to second priority for me as the money I saved had to be spent on college, then a house down payment, then an engagement ring, etc. Finally, after 10 long years of dreaming and putting life first, I finally got my S2000 three weeks ago. It's everything I've dreamt of and more and I'm beyond thankful to own one. If you're an enthusiast and ever get the chance to drive one, please do it. You'll love every minute of it!
congratulation man! I never dreamed of an S2000 and actually just learned a couple of years ago what this car was all about when i was looking to find a pure drivers car but i would never sell it again. There are some great mods that really brings out the cars potential but doesn't need much to be really fun!
Ohh man I love stories like this, I’ve actually been inside one a year ago when I went to buy a car with my dad for him and the dealership had one, AP2 in red, and I’ve fallen in love ever since, I’m just 4 grand away from paying my college tuition and I’m gonna start saving up to get this
had my 2000 s2000 for 8 years. daily drove it through college, few track days, when my now daily driver is on jackstands it is my back up. i've put 80k miles on it and it's at 144k miles now. It is so rare that i have issues, it picks up attention here and there, fun to drive. last year i had an 18 wheeler hit my on the interstate and push me for roughly a mile and the sucker took it like a champ (i got lucky) and i have the car back fixed in my possession again. My girlfriend who has little interest in cars loves the car aswell. Refused to let me sell it to use it as a down payment for a house. would recommend anybody to buy one of them if you ever have the opportunity to pick one up
My dad bought a 2004 Honda S2000 brand new and still has it. It's one year older than me and that car is my childhood. It only has 22k miles on it. Love that car!
@@SoulTouchMusic93 Other things over the years have gotten in the way like other cars he would buy and that would be his little project. All the mods he’s done to it are complete and have been for years so a lot of times it will just sit while he finds another car that’s his project. It’s always been garage kept and under a cover so it’s in very good shape never gets driven in the snow either.
I was at a Honda dealership talking to a rep and we were talking about how nice the new civic was before it had officially came out but I mentioned if Honda came out with a new S2000 I would choose that instantly and the excitement in this guy's voice when he said he would trade in his current for a new S2000 was unreal. This car is truly loved and there will always be people who see this car for what it truly is, perfection.
When I bought my AP2 used, I asked about the original window sticker as well as manuals, etc. and was told by the owner that he had no idea where they were. I saw a different review on the car last year and they mentioned the hidden storage compartment which I had no idea even existed. I run out to my garage and open the lid and bingo!!! All of the original manuals, storage pouch and window sticker safe and sound. Bonus!! 😀
@@PeaceSTAR253yeah I know what you mean people tell me that they can't believe mine is a 2001 it's in such good condition but that's because I treat it like the king it is
same goes for the Honda del sol. Sadly the del sol has a bad rep performance wise. but when i had my 97 delsol people would still compliment it all the time. that was back in 2014.
for all you s2000 owners! when you drop the top... after unlatching, ALWAYS push straight up on the top, @8:24 youlll see the roof snap back, and thats the exact spot where these all rip! by pushing up on the roof while its going back, you eliminate the stress on the fabric of the top.
To those who are amused when Doug makes videos of the same car multiple times. Years before he had Cars and Bids, he already had 2 reviews of the S2000. And what's the problem with him doing a new one of the same car? He's making money....doesn't everyone want to make money?
Doug comparing an S2k to his Carrera was the ultimate ego stroke as an Ap2 owner. I absolutely love my car and cannot imagine getting rid of it! One thing he didnt bring up in the driving part of the vid, I love the feeling of how at any speed it feels like you are doing something illegal but you look down at the beautiful digital gauges and you're only doing 40 mph
I owned a s2000 for 15 years, regret selling it everyday. I actually owned two, a V8 swapped one and a highly modified stock engine one, I preferred the stockish one overall, best driving experience I have ever had to this day. I’m currently looking for another one.
@@Toyota4Life you don’t know, maybe this guy fell into a bind and had to pay bills at the time my man, not everyone is well off, sometimes financial emergencies happen 🤷🏻♂️
had one as a first car. type r is better in every way.... i miss the little car but i paid 8 grand for one. Nice little beaters but really overrated now morons spend like 25k on 100k mile examples
I think another cool mention would be the fact that this car was the cover car for none other than Gran Turismo 2, a medium that taught many (if not most of us) all about cars such as this, alongside the rest of the series, Initial D and FnF of course!
And that same year he reviewed a s2000 which interestingly was a year after he reviewed another s2000 which ofc was the successor to the s2000 he reviewed 3 years before that
@@anthonygiardina322 No, the Del Sol was a FWD. Honda Beat was a kei car, RWD, low horsepower, absolutely tiny engine, and significantly lighter than the Del Sol.
To argue Doug’s last point, I saw a bone stock clean Black one last week and it made my head turn. It’s definitely an if you know you know kind of car, but man that’s what makes it special. A special car.
Just bought my second S2000 and I’ve driven over 20 different S2000s varying from Turbo to stock to supercharged or even fully built track cars and I’ve loved every single one of them
@@ChR0nos_7734but this is the FOURTH time. If he loves it so much, why can he buy one? Is it because there's so many on his Cars And Bids that NO ONE buys em?
YAH, Like maybe he is really hyping this car up to get more money on his auction site? just a thought., I mean yah its a Honda but still, Its just a Honda. I dont care what similar cars its put up against there still over priced and if im gonna spend bmw money on a car im gonna buy a BMW
The only S200's I ever see here in Dallas are highly modified. The car is gorgeous plain. The wide body kits make it look insane. The last time I saw one it had exhaust notes similar to a Ferrari. Don't know how he did that, but it was glorious.
Drove my ap1 dally for 13 years my best advice is put Goodyear efficient grip on and see a 99% different in handling in the wet, from spinning at slow speed and just dangerous, to bean able to push wish confidence, I simply can't express how much better she is amazing A rated wet tyre 🎉❤
@agr_ And make sure your rear brakes are not binding 1 little bit this also creates massive let of overseer the more thag rub the worst it is I'm sher there is a mathematical aqua, cheers
After owing FD rx7 R32 gtr Nsx IsF I still keep my s2000 in the garage. It's one of the most fun driver cars I've ever owned ❤ 205k later and she runs amazing
I own the same exact car just a 2001. Other than the engagement ring I bought my wife, it's the best money I've ever spent and I would never sell it I'm absolutely obsessed with it. It's given me about 14 years of amazing experience behind the wheel and I feel for those who have not yet had the chance to experience this great roadster. The 9k redline on that f20c motor is legendary
I love my AP1 S2000, I will never sell it! I’m glad Doug is STILL making videos on these cars because he is bringing awareness to these amazing Honda gems!!!
I own an AP1 as well, and Doug is 100% correct: This is one of the best enthusiast drivers cars EVER at any price. It also has one of the best shifters ever put in any car at any price. Honda absolutely nailed it on the S2000.
I was lucky enough to buy a 2003 AP1 in 2006. $24k and it was one of the best car purchases I've ever made. I had the S2000 for a dozen years and miss it to this day. I saw this car in your tour of your office and had a glimmer of hope that it would be up for review soon and I was delivered this gift today. Very excited to watch.
I've dailied my 02 ap1 since 2008. 150k miles. The only thing that's broken(without me breaking it) is the right window regulator and a few gauge cluster bulbs. Zero transmission or engine issues.
Always liked the clean semi-aggressive look and stance of this car. I was never nerdy enough to get into the “you have to wring it out to enjoy it” mentality. I’m more of the “I want all the power now” kind of Neanderthal. But I can respect the car for what it is. Just prefer to have a pavement churning V8 AMG with 500+ ft lb of torque. But the S2000 is a beautiful car that still looks fantastic 2 decades later. 👍🏻
I think people exaggerate the power deficit in the low revs. I've always had V6 and V8 cars. But finally getting to own and drive one of these didn't dissapoint me or leave me wanting more. To me its quick enough.
Doug you are WRONG. To normal people that don’t know, this is tremendously special because it’s a beautiful car especially by today’s standards. To people who do know (like you), they do know how awesome it is to drive. You mentioned it in a list of awesome cars and basically called it an all time great. So you contradicted yourself. It IS one of the GOAT cars and it’s okay to admit it. And it really is a head turner.
There's a video on TH-cam that Larry Chen did from a performance shop that has built a beautiful "Type R" example. It's amazing. You should be able to find it easily
I own a S2000 currently and man it's such a good car! They have so much potential it feels like you can throw 600hp at this chassis and it would take it without complaining! Ive driven it everywhere from back roads to racetracks and man it feels so much at home on a track, it BEGS you to push harder and harder to the point I've gotten it sideways on the canyon roads just because it begs for it so much, I swear this car is a masochist 😂
Agreed. I have never owned a car like my AP2. It's so willing to be tossed around and I enjoy seeing passenger's faces when I take a corner at ridiculous speed and the car simply takes it and begs for more............Such an amazing driving experience and then you drop the top on a gorgeous day and what could be better?
I don't know of any other factory engine you can redline (and it makes power all the way there), bouncing it off the rev-limiter, on every gear pull, for 100k+ miles, burning no oil - "What insane people designed this car?" I ask myself every time I drive my s2k
The S2000 is the poster car for how flat hoods got BEFORE pedestrian impact standards ruined the front of almost every car by making them "thick" to provide space between the hood and the engine underneath. Look at the front fender from the side from tire level and you'll see what I mean. Beautifully thin....
I have to admit . Doug’s childhood reminds me of mine when I had a subscription to Road and Track and Car and Driver . It was a joy looking forward to each issue at 13 years old . I still love his videos and others on cars
The base trim of the S2000 in North America was already quite highly equipped compared to other markets. If you bought a base model Honda S2000 in Germany at any point before 2001, it literally didn't have a radio. It wasn't hidden like in this model, it literally didn't have one. It also had no starter button, they just replaced the panel to the left of the steering wheel by a hole with a lid on it. Air conditioning was of course also an option, but this is probably less of an issue than not having a radio, since this is a convertible and you can just put down the roof instead. Of course almost no one actually bought this barebones base model, the majority of buyers went with the second lowest trim level, which was the base model in North America.
The best version that Honda ever made of the S2000 was only ever sold in North America. That would be the S2000 CR (club racer). Usually Japan or Europe get the top models, so this was surprising at the time.
On my second S2000 and I feel like I am back home each time I get in mine, a truly special one off car that will never be made or seen like again. Iconic and classic status.
I don't know why Doug doesn't remember these things or at least make sure he's correct in terms of research. The S2000 came out in 1999 as you said and was already making the rounds in the press during late 1998. It didn't come out in 2000 like he seems to think he did. His format is excellent and quite special. But he absolutely messes it up with these inaccurate tidbits or gaffes. I really wish that his assistants would be helping him with this stuff.
@@carsaregood911 I don't really care about your lackadaisical opinion. A lot of you Americans lazily don't seem to even get how our own model years work, so it's a waste of time to even entertain your BS. I already made my point and I'm not the only one who sees it that way.
Thank you for the review of the original AP1 S2000. All JDM and the most beautiful S2000 ever. And I absolutely agree with you Doug , those original AP1 wheels are the best looking S2000 rims.
As someone who owns a year 2000 s200 in new formula red with the lip and trunk lid spoiler, this looks just like mine. I feel like doug just reviewed my own car 😁
I worked as a detailer at Hondacars of Bradenton in HS when this car came out. "120 hp/cylinder!" I shined up the single example we had in the showroom daily.
Maybe in sun-spoiled California the S2000 is deemed “less than special” on the roads but here in NJ I positively drool when I see one….& it is definitely rare. 😢
Thanks Doug for reviewing these classics. The S2000 was a real highlight back in time even so I recently choosed it’s oponent,, the BMW Z4 E85 3.0si - less max RPM, more cylinders ;)
Owned a 2002 S2k AP1 for about 5 years, and let me tell you this…I regret it everyday for letting it go for damn near nothing and a trade on a 2006 Acura RSX Type-S … was definitely not worth the little cash a trade for what use to be my one and only baby girl. 😢 Great review Doug! Glad to see you have appreciation for one of the best Hondas ever made.
Back when this came out, I was an Airman First Class with little money and the S2000 was my dream car. I thought I would never be able to afford a car like that. Now, all I drive is sports cars and Doug has guided me.
Thank you for publishing this Doug! This has always been a dream car of mine and I just purchased a 2000 new formula red ap1 last week. Very coincidental, but it’s wonderful timing.
This car is solely responsible for the start-button craze that continues to today. Regarding the hazy plastic rear window, that is easily fixed with a plastic window polish kit. It makes it look like new and doesn’t take much work.
@@evansmith2279 yeah but nobody cared back then. After the S2000 came out every kid with a civic was buying one for their car. Now it’s commonplace in most vehicles.
Sold mine 6mos after my grandson was born & my wife & I unexpectedly had to take in him & his older sister. It was the right decision at the time. He's sitting here with me now, at 6yrs old, asking if I'll buy another one. Hopefully some day soon! I tell him. I miss my S2K so much. Silverstone metallic AP2. OEM+ No rice. Perfection!
As much as I love driving my new manual softtop Jeep Wrangler. I miss driving Hondas. I've had 91 CRX Si, 93 Accord 2 door, 95 Civic, all MANUAL!!!!!! So fun to drive, many great memories!!!!!!!
Had one of these, same year (2000) GP White on red interior from 2012-2016. Still mad at myself for selling it. Would love to have another one day. Not the fastest thing on the road these days, but the driving experience was unbelievable. The shifter is a masterpiece, nothing I've driven since comes even close to that feel
I bought my 2007 brand new and it still feels like new 16+ years later. I love the fact that when I go down to South FL, I see more Lamborghinis and Ferrari's that I see S2000's, which to me makes it feel a little more special.
Great to see you reviewing another s2000. I have been owning my car since 2011 and still drives it at least twice a week. 🙌🙌🙌. Yes many people said there is no clock in ap1. I personally think Honda wants you to use the clock on the stereo HU. 🤷♂ It serves the time telling function why add another one. Makes sense to me. I think the cruise control is mainly for US market. Here in AUS, as far as I know and i can be wrong, there is no cruise control for ap1.
@@elmayimbe_the_amateur_mechanic I would be embarrassed to say this. But something tells me you were born after the year 2000. I'm calling you a dumbass.
I had one a long time ago. Only kept it for 7 months. Most fun car to drive I've ever owned but I'm 6 foot 1 and I couldn't deal with the size for too long. Now I just drive a civic si coupe it's still fairly small but I don't feel squished. And I can recline the seat back for a nap on road trips or flatten the back seat and lay half in the trunk and half in the back seat for a longer sleep. No sleeping in the s2000. Although if I had more money I would have an s2000 again just as a toy but not a commuter. Got a ticket the first 2 hours of ownership for going 90 mph on the interstate.
I have an 01 S2000 that I bought in 2009. Couple points here 1) that picture of an S2000 on the HVAC is the convertible top down mode you mentioned on the latest Miata and said you had never seem before 2) the CD changer did not come that way from the factory, it was a dealer installed option 3) I’m a little surprised you praised the steering feel. While I love the precision, predictability, and the steering ratio, but my biggest complaint about the car other than the lack of torque, is the fact that there is almost no feel through the steering wheel. Which is something a lot of others complain about as well.
@@phooboy1 I used to have one in college. Best vehicle I ever had. It was insanely well-built for 2003. Stock premium audio with front subwoofer on EX. Water resistant seats. It drove like a sports car in a box. Nothing ever like it since that time. I could fit my entire dorm room into it. My only regret was getting an automatic instead of stick shift. It was also cheap at 21k brand new. It lost zero value over the years since people that have them love them indefinitely. K24 engine. It was so ahead of its time. Now Honda makes dull adult cars with no soul.
My brother likes that you can literally take a hose to the inside floor and wash it out, as the water drains out with conveniently located floor drains.
@@phooboy1 oh no, that's a big misconception. It should not be hosed off. I encountered a few moldy used Elements that probably had previous owners doing that.
I actually decided to re-watch this episode and there's an area that I disagree with Doug. My car gets a ton of attention everywhere I Go. People stop me and want to talk about the car and the amount of attention the car gets is crazy. I mean it's probably happened hundreds of times at this point. So I don't know what you're talking about when you say that the car doesn't get any attention while driving it around.
I've owned 3 S2000s and keep coming back to them. I've also owned en Evo 9, JZX100, NSX, RX-7, and I still keep going back to the S2K. I believe it's one of the best 'out of the box' affordable cars ever made. It's nearly impossible to find a great looking car that has a reliable engine, amazing handling, visceral driving feel, and plenty of aftermarket support while staying under the $30k range. Most people who appreciate the S2K for what it is only upgrade to something like a Porsche, a much bigger leap.
Or it got painted or wrapped or it had an accident that it got replaced from Body Mechanics... I think there's so many on his Cars and Bids that NO ONE buys em. I wonder why?
I’ve totally enjoyed my 2004 Silverstone S-2000 since becoming its second owner in July 2012. The car is completely stock and came with the factory-optioned hardtop, which has remained attached for the last four years. The reason? BECAUSE IT LOOKS SO FREAKING COOL!!!
These are excellent cars. Fun, reliable, easy to maintain. Back about 14-15 years ago I owned a '95 Miata R-package and went looking at Stooks as an upgrade. Clean ones were in the $15K range back then. I drove both AP1 and AP2 and was leaning towards the latter with more usable around-town torque. But then as I test drove one I got back into my Miata and realized еxactly what Doug mentions in the review - S2K is a grown adult car. Yes, it's fun but it's sophisticated and mature. The Miata was a barrel-of-monkeys fun, very tossable, lightweight, tiny and just super amusing. And it was about 1/3 of the price of the Honda at the time. So I kept the Miata and never looked back. Sold it a few years later as I was moving but one day I might get another one. Or an S2K if I feel mature enough. :)
I bought this car new in December of '99. It was white with red interior. I drove it for 92,000 miles. I never tracked it and never modified it. I had it serviced by a guy in Long Island who only worked on these cars. He knew much more about them than the dealerships did because they only saw two or three a year. I changed the oil between every two and 3,000 miles. In 2004 or 2005, I was traveling on the highway at about 90 mph in sixth gear. And the motor blew. Honda told me that it didn't have any oil in it, but being someone that is not mechanically inclined the only thing I could check was the dipstick and it had plenty of clean oil because I just had the oil changed a week or two prior. I basically sold the car for I don't remember between $4,000 and $6,000 because I was unwilling to put a used motor in it thinking that would blow also, and a new motor was about $9,000 at the time. For years I was very very very angry at Honda for not backing their product. It's possible I had an oil jet failure, but since this was very rare I was never compensated or acknowledged
Sorry to read this mate! I currently own a 99 s2k and the early oil jets, when driving at high speed for a prolonged period of time,it said could cause premature engine failure. Would you mind me asking, do you remember how long did you drive it for at 90mph before it went bang?
@@fanzo_san not very long, maybe a minute or so at most, so it's constantly worried about getting a ticket so I would slow down at spots where a cop might be
@@baronvonjo1929 I'm sorry to hear that, but just like me, you have the rare Honda, not the norm. I had two accords after this got many trouble free miles out of them, we currently own an Acura RSX which we bought new, and although it had some minor suspension issues when it was new, it has never burned a drop of oil, and it's still on its original clutch at almost 170,000 mi
Check out THIS AP1 S2000 on Cars & Bids - crsnbds.com/ap1-s2000
Hi m8 from australia, when was the last USA built car that was the most popular car of the year? And what was it? MUST BE BUILT IN THE US!
Doug is the type of guy to get a Y2K S2K license plate on his year 2000 S2000.
REVIEW THE MAZDASPEED MIATA ALREADY! Alanis has one!!
@@Oxy_Cottontesla model y
@DougDeMuro of for PETES SAKE!!! JUST BUY AN S2000!!! Hahaha!
Doug is the type of guy to review an S2000 4 times
And I’m the type of guy to watch it 4 times
I cant complain
Funny how it's more than Carrera GT. Doug probably will buy one anytime now
classic Doug! :D
@@Only_Ameen04 but he doesn't CARE about reliability. Just fun. But ' fun ' will cost him
I waited 10 years to own this car. Fell in love with it as soon as I got my drivers license and began saving for one ever since I got my first job. It always fellt to second priority for me as the money I saved had to be spent on college, then a house down payment, then an engagement ring, etc. Finally, after 10 long years of dreaming and putting life first, I finally got my S2000 three weeks ago. It's everything I've dreamt of and more and I'm beyond thankful to own one. If you're an enthusiast and ever get the chance to drive one, please do it. You'll love every minute of it!
congratulation man! I never dreamed of an S2000 and actually just learned a couple of years ago what this car was all about when i was looking to find a pure drivers car but i would never sell it again. There are some great mods that really brings out the cars potential but doesn't need much to be really fun!
Very glad that you were finally able to achieve your lifelong dream. Have many happy and enjoyable miles in your S2K!
Congrats (from an AP2 owner)! Enjoy!!
Congrats on your purchase! Glad it all worked out!
Ohh man I love stories like this, I’ve actually been inside one a year ago when I went to buy a car with my dad for him and the dealership had one, AP2 in red, and I’ve fallen in love ever since, I’m just 4 grand away from paying my college tuition and I’m gonna start saving up to get this
had my 2000 s2000 for 8 years. daily drove it through college, few track days, when my now daily driver is on jackstands it is my back up. i've put 80k miles on it and it's at 144k miles now. It is so rare that i have issues, it picks up attention here and there, fun to drive. last year i had an 18 wheeler hit my on the interstate and push me for roughly a mile and the sucker took it like a champ (i got lucky) and i have the car back fixed in my possession again. My girlfriend who has little interest in cars loves the car aswell. Refused to let me sell it to use it as a down payment for a house. would recommend anybody to buy one of them if you ever have the opportunity to pick one up
My dad bought a 2004 Honda S2000 brand new and still has it. It's one year older than me and that car is my childhood. It only has 22k miles on it. Love that car!
"only 22k miles" is a tragedy in my eyes. He should enjoy his car!
@@SoulTouchMusic93 Other things over the years have gotten in the way like other cars he would buy and that would be his little project. All the mods he’s done to it are complete and have been for years so a lot of times it will just sit while he finds another car that’s his project. It’s always been garage kept and under a cover so it’s in very good shape never gets driven in the snow either.
Fun fact - the s2000 ap1 gauge cluster is a replica and homage to Ayrton Senna's F1 McClaren MP4 race car.
This!
the gear knob as well.
Doesn’t matter, the cars still slow af
@@WinkerPack Probably faster than the SUV you daily drive
@@WinkerPack 🐕🦺🧠
Babe wake up Doug dropped part 4 of his S2000 series
I was at a Honda dealership talking to a rep and we were talking about how nice the new civic was before it had officially came out but I mentioned if Honda came out with a new S2000 I would choose that instantly and the excitement in this guy's voice when he said he would trade in his current for a new S2000 was unreal. This car is truly loved and there will always be people who see this car for what it truly is, perfection.
When I bought my AP2 used, I asked about the original window sticker as well as manuals, etc. and was told by the owner that he had no idea where they were. I saw a different review on the car last year and they mentioned the hidden storage compartment which I had no idea even existed. I run out to my garage and open the lid and bingo!!! All of the original manuals, storage pouch and window sticker safe and sound. Bonus!! 😀
The cop that pulled me over 2 hours after I bought mine showed me that compartment he said he also had one.
The exterior design is timeless
And also the sound and handling of the S2000.
When I bought mine my aunt couldn't believe it was over 20 years old.
@@PeaceSTAR253yeah I know what you mean people tell me that they can't believe mine is a 2001 it's in such good condition but that's because I treat it like the king it is
same goes for the Honda del sol. Sadly the del sol has a bad rep performance wise. but when i had my 97 delsol people would still compliment it all the time. that was back in 2014.
Still looks 'modern', or at least very good. Respect and RIP Honda.
for all you s2000 owners! when you drop the top... after unlatching, ALWAYS push straight up on the top, @8:24 youlll see the roof snap back, and thats the exact spot where these all rip! by pushing up on the roof while its going back, you eliminate the stress on the fabric of the top.
You know a car is THAT good when it's been reviewed by the same person for FOUR times. What. A. Car. Bravo, Honda, bravo.
Nah bro, I’d get if it was one standard one and one limited edition, top spec but he’s just rinsing for views at this point
You wish :)) it's more so the auction site gets more reach
@@caidee someone knows what they’re talking about 🦾
@@nickt8050 I have a vague idea that the big investors in C&B concluded that Doug must do much more reviews in tie with the auctions
To those who are amused when Doug makes videos of the same car multiple times. Years before he had Cars and Bids, he already had 2 reviews of the S2000. And what's the problem with him doing a new one of the same car? He's making money....doesn't everyone want to make money?
Doug comparing an S2k to his Carrera was the ultimate ego stroke as an Ap2 owner. I absolutely love my car and cannot imagine getting rid of it! One thing he didnt bring up in the driving part of the vid, I love the feeling of how at any speed it feels like you are doing something illegal but you look down at the beautiful digital gauges and you're only doing 40 mph
I owned a s2000 for 15 years, regret selling it everyday. I actually owned two, a V8 swapped one and a highly modified stock engine one, I preferred the stockish one overall, best driving experience I have ever had to this day. I’m currently looking for another one.
I hate people that complain about regretting selling a vehicle when they didn’t have to sell it….
@@Toyota4Life you don’t know, maybe this guy fell into a bind and had to pay bills at the time my man, not everyone is well off, sometimes financial emergencies happen 🤷🏻♂️
@@Toyota4Lifei hate when people judge other people's decisions not knowing what goes on in their daily life
had one as a first car. type r is better in every way.... i miss the little car but i paid 8 grand for one. Nice little beaters but really overrated now morons spend like 25k on 100k mile examples
I've just seen one for 14k in my fb marketplace feed 😅
I think another cool mention would be the fact that this car was the cover car for none other than Gran Turismo 2, a medium that taught many (if not most of us) all about cars such as this, alongside the rest of the series, Initial D and FnF of course!
around 2 years ago from now Doug reviewed the Honda Beat calling it a baby S2000 and now here it is all grown up 😭.
What sort of hobo feces did you smoke to come up with this?
And that same year he reviewed a s2000 which interestingly was a year after he reviewed another s2000 which ofc was the successor to the s2000 he reviewed 3 years before that
Hi was that similar to Honda DelSol?
😂😂😂
@@anthonygiardina322 No, the Del Sol was a FWD. Honda Beat was a kei car, RWD, low horsepower, absolutely tiny engine, and significantly lighter than the Del Sol.
To argue Doug’s last point, I saw a bone stock clean Black one last week and it made my head turn. It’s definitely an if you know you know kind of car, but man that’s what makes it special. A special car.
Seriously...I don't think I've ever given a Z06 a second look. S2k is definitely more special.
And the prices were starting to become relatively reasonable too
Literally bro come on Doug De-Meme-o why you gotta do me like this lol
They were never reasonable 💀
@@excessivefarce2808 they are now.
Yup- and now Doug F’d that up, same goes for the GTR & NSX which literally could be bought for 1/2 or 1/3 what they go for now only 5-10 years ago
That tubular cage around CD changer in trunk is spectacular. lol (seriously tho)
I owned an AP1 for over 5yrs, and I can't believe I never knew about that upper storage. 🤦🏻♂️
It is a sneaky little compartment!😂
I found extra key fobs in mine 4 years after buying it.
appropriate for all kinds of things 😛
@@Matyaz84 Like a wallet and condoms, or a gun if you're American.
Very surreal to see Doug reviewing my childhood dream car in the same parking lot where I learned to ride a motorcycle. lol
Just bought my second S2000 and I’ve driven over 20 different S2000s varying from Turbo to stock to supercharged or even fully built track cars and I’ve loved every single one of them
Doug sure loves to review S2000s!
And new Ford GT's (he even reviewed same car 2 times)
@@ChR0nos_7734but this is the FOURTH time. If he loves it so much, why can he buy one?
Is it because there's so many on his Cars And Bids that NO ONE buys em?
💆♂️
I think he knows this one will go for a pretty penny
YAH, Like maybe he is really hyping this car up to get more money on his auction site? just a thought., I mean yah its a Honda but still, Its just a Honda. I dont care what similar cars its put up against there still over priced and if im gonna spend bmw money on a car im gonna buy a BMW
The s2000 actually came out in 1999. My mate had one.
I had a 2001 model AP1 this in this exact spec (red with black interior).
@@danieldebono7116 yep, 2000 was a reference to the engine size as a tribute to the S360, not the later s500. S360 even had a chain drive!
One of those ripped past me on the road on monday and I still feel happy about that
The only S200's I ever see here in Dallas are highly modified.
The car is gorgeous plain.
The wide body kits make it look insane.
The last time I saw one it had exhaust notes similar to a Ferrari. Don't know how he did that, but it was glorious.
Been an S2000 owner for 2 years, I don’t think I’ll ever sell it. Best daily ever 👍👍
Drove my ap1 dally for 13 years my best advice is put Goodyear efficient grip on and see a 99% different in handling in the wet, from spinning at slow speed and just dangerous, to bean able to push wish confidence, I simply can't express how much better she is amazing A rated wet tyre 🎉❤
@@liamclarke8269 great advice, I currently have sticky summer tires on… awesome when it’s dry, but during any rainfall it’s pretty sketchy 😅
@agr_
And make sure your rear brakes are not binding 1 little bit this also creates massive let of overseer the more thag rub the worst it is I'm sher there is a mathematical aqua, cheers
Lol buy a type r its better than the s2k in every way.
I don't daily my AP2, but literally love every second behind the wheel. Especially this time of year. For the price, it simply cannot be beat.
After owing
FD rx7
R32 gtr
Nsx
IsF
I still keep my s2000 in the garage. It's one of the most fun driver cars I've ever owned ❤ 205k later and she runs amazing
I own the same exact car just a 2001. Other than the engagement ring I bought my wife, it's the best money I've ever spent and I would never sell it I'm absolutely obsessed with it. It's given me about 14 years of amazing experience behind the wheel and I feel for those who have not yet had the chance to experience this great roadster. The 9k redline on that f20c motor is legendary
I love my AP1 S2000, I will never sell it! I’m glad Doug is STILL making videos on these cars because he is bringing awareness to these amazing Honda gems!!!
Fellow s2000 owner! 🫡🫡
He's bringing awareness to cars and bids
Exactly @@strangeclouds7
With plenty of false facts to boot. So many naive Gen Z types who don't know any better...
I own an AP1 as well, and Doug is 100% correct: This is one of the best enthusiast drivers cars EVER at any price. It also has one of the best shifters ever put in any car at any price. Honda absolutely nailed it on the S2000.
I was lucky enough to buy a 2003 AP1 in 2006. $24k and it was one of the best car purchases I've ever made. I had the S2000 for a dozen years and miss it to this day. I saw this car in your tour of your office and had a glimmer of hope that it would be up for review soon and I was delivered this gift today. Very excited to watch.
I loved my AP1 (and both AP2s) and didn’t miss NOT having a clock.
Honda knew they were making a timeless ride
Nice!
Doug’s the reason I went out and bought an S2000 last year, haven’t regretted that purchase for even a second!
13:00 "who really wants to drive it around at redline all the time in town"
Me. I want to. I want this car
I've dailied my 02 ap1 since 2008. 150k miles. The only thing that's broken(without me breaking it) is the right window regulator and a few gauge cluster bulbs. Zero transmission or engine issues.
Always liked the clean semi-aggressive look and stance of this car. I was never nerdy enough to get into the “you have to wring it out to enjoy it” mentality. I’m more of the “I want all the power now” kind of Neanderthal. But I can respect the car for what it is. Just prefer to have a pavement churning V8 AMG with 500+ ft lb of torque. But the S2000 is a beautiful car that still looks fantastic 2 decades later. 👍🏻
I think people exaggerate the power deficit in the low revs. I've always had V6 and V8 cars. But finally getting to own and drive one of these didn't dissapoint me or leave me wanting more. To me its quick enough.
Doug you are WRONG. To normal people that don’t know, this is tremendously special because it’s a beautiful car especially by today’s standards. To people who do know (like you), they do know how awesome it is to drive. You mentioned it in a list of awesome cars and basically called it an all time great. So you contradicted yourself. It IS one of the GOAT cars and it’s okay to admit it. And it really is a head turner.
Honda s2000 not getting a Type R version was missed opportunity
There's a video on TH-cam that Larry Chen did from a performance shop that has built a beautiful "Type R" example. It's amazing. You should be able to find it easily
All we needed was a small turbo or blower on that F20/F20C to get it over 300hp.
CR was basically it with a different name
Its essentially already a Type R. Forged internals, FRM reinforced cylinder walls, 9k redline. The list goes on...
Some consider it an unofficial type r with its red top valve cover
I own a S2000 currently and man it's such a good car! They have so much potential it feels like you can throw 600hp at this chassis and it would take it without complaining! Ive driven it everywhere from back roads to racetracks and man it feels so much at home on a track, it BEGS you to push harder and harder to the point I've gotten it sideways on the canyon roads just because it begs for it so much, I swear this car is a masochist 😂
Agreed. I have never owned a car like my AP2. It's so willing to be tossed around and I enjoy seeing passenger's faces when I take a corner at ridiculous speed and the car simply takes it and begs for more............Such an amazing driving experience and then you drop the top on a gorgeous day and what could be better?
I don't know of any other factory engine you can redline (and it makes power all the way there), bouncing it off the rev-limiter, on every gear pull, for 100k+ miles, burning no oil - "What insane people designed this car?" I ask myself every time I drive my s2k
A timeless design inside and out.
The S2000 is the poster car for how flat hoods got BEFORE pedestrian impact standards ruined the front of almost every car by making them "thick" to provide space between the hood and the engine underneath. Look at the front fender from the side from tire level and you'll see what I mean. Beautifully thin....
I have to admit . Doug’s childhood reminds me of mine when I had a subscription to Road and Track and Car and Driver . It was a joy looking forward to each issue at 13 years old . I still love his videos and others on cars
The base trim of the S2000 in North America was already quite highly equipped compared to other markets. If you bought a base model Honda S2000 in Germany at any point before 2001, it literally didn't have a radio. It wasn't hidden like in this model, it literally didn't have one. It also had no starter button, they just replaced the panel to the left of the steering wheel by a hole with a lid on it. Air conditioning was of course also an option, but this is probably less of an issue than not having a radio, since this is a convertible and you can just put down the roof instead. Of course almost no one actually bought this barebones base model, the majority of buyers went with the second lowest trim level, which was the base model in North America.
Nobody wants poverty buttons on their S2000
In Germany they were sold without Cruise Control.
The best version that Honda ever made of the S2000 was only ever sold in North America. That would be the S2000 CR (club racer). Usually Japan or Europe get the top models, so this was surprising at the time.
@@johnmitchell2269 CR didn't have the higher revving engine unlike the Japanese Type S spec or the ultimate spec that arrived in the UK in 100 units.
Literally having no radio is kinda crazy
On my second S2000 and I feel like I am back home each time I get in mine, a truly special one off car that will never be made or seen like again. Iconic and classic status.
Doug, the prices were just starting to come down… 😭
Doug says the prices must riiiisssseeee
Still 20+ thousand euro for a 20 year old car where i live
cough cough -He wants money- cough cough cough
Thought the same thing, homie should shut up and stick to his quirky cars
Yea...RIP, prices...
The S2000 came out in 1999, April in Japan, May in UK, September in USA. Europe never got the 2.2 litre version which is no bad thing.
I don't know why Doug doesn't remember these things or at least make sure he's correct in terms of research.
The S2000 came out in 1999 as you said and was already making the rounds in the press during late 1998.
It didn't come out in 2000 like he seems to think he did.
His format is excellent and quite special. But he absolutely messes it up with these inaccurate tidbits or gaffes. I really wish that his assistants would be helping him with this stuff.
@@nwezetx1Exactly!
I wrote a similar comment recently pointing that out.
@@nwezetx1 For the 2000 model year, it's not that serious
@@nwezetx1 2000 model year.
@@carsaregood911 I don't really care about your lackadaisical opinion. A lot of you Americans lazily don't seem to even get how our own model years work, so it's a waste of time to even entertain your BS.
I already made my point and I'm not the only one who sees it that way.
won't get enough of s2k reviews of Doug, Loved it
I've driven my AP1 for 13 years and have never given a thought to selling it. I am fortunate to live in the foothills where it really shines. Cheers
This engine was in Guiness world records as most hp per litre on a na engine
Thank you for the review of the original AP1 S2000. All JDM and the most beautiful S2000 ever. And I absolutely agree with you Doug , those original AP1 wheels are the best looking S2000 rims.
As someone who owns a year 2000 s200 in new formula red with the lip and trunk lid spoiler, this looks just like mine. I feel like doug just reviewed my own car 😁
I worked as a detailer at Hondacars of Bradenton in HS when this car came out. "120 hp/cylinder!" I shined up the single example we had in the showroom daily.
Maybe in sun-spoiled California the S2000 is deemed “less than special” on the roads but here in NJ I positively drool when I see one….& it is definitely rare. 😢
Thanks Doug for reviewing these classics. The S2000 was a real highlight back in time even so I recently choosed it’s oponent,, the BMW Z4 E85 3.0si - less max RPM, more cylinders ;)
Saw doug and s2000 and never clicked so fast!
Wow that is s not even a litlte interesting nor remotely original in any way.
@@slowery43Go back to your guitar and cooking lessons lmao.
Owned a 2002 S2k AP1 for about 5 years, and let me tell you this…I regret it everyday for letting it go for damn near nothing and a trade on a 2006 Acura RSX Type-S … was definitely not worth the little cash a trade for what use to be my one and only baby girl. 😢
Great review Doug! Glad to see you have appreciation for one of the best Hondas ever made.
Back when this came out, I was an Airman First Class with little money and the S2000 was my dream car. I thought I would never be able to afford a car like that. Now, all I drive is sports cars and Doug has guided me.
Awesome! What do u drive now?
Yeah he’s been inflating car prices for a decade now. What a guy
@@JUNAID187 ‘24 C8 Corvette Stingray. Worth the money
@@johnnyparker2128Corvette C8 2024 model priced as cheap as R35GTR 2007. $67.490.
Thank you for publishing this Doug! This has always been a dream car of mine and I just purchased a 2000 new formula red ap1 last week. Very coincidental, but it’s wonderful timing.
So the price of S2000 went up..AGAIN!!! thanks alot Doug! 😅 I was so close to getting one!
Ive had my 2001 S2000 for 18 years now. Also a Formula Red color. Super easy to work on and drive great. Love it still
I owned a 2006 for three years and never knew about that "hidden" compartment:) I could have used the space for sure.
Same here!
I was really hoping he wouldn’t mention it
Im bummed we never got an S3000 with a 3.0L DOHC V6 and this perfect transmission. It would have had around 300hp and 200lbft.
This car is solely responsible for the start-button craze that continues to today.
Regarding the hazy plastic rear window, that is easily fixed with a plastic window polish kit. It makes it look like new and doesn’t take much work.
F40 had a start button in ‘87.
@@evansmith2279 yeah but nobody cared back then. After the S2000 came out every kid with a civic was buying one for their car. Now it’s commonplace in most vehicles.
I had a JDM AP1 2000 S2000, but in Silver. No cruise control, no CD changer, but with a Mugen exhaust. Fantastic car.
Great, just when the prices of these started to come back down to earth, Doug decides to drop a review 🤦🏽♂️
Sold mine 6mos after my grandson was born & my wife & I unexpectedly had to take in him & his older sister. It was the right decision at the time. He's sitting here with me now, at 6yrs old, asking if I'll buy another one. Hopefully some day soon! I tell him. I miss my S2K so much. Silverstone metallic AP2. OEM+ No rice. Perfection!
Such a beautiful, timeless car
As much as I love driving my new manual softtop Jeep Wrangler. I miss driving Hondas. I've had 91 CRX Si, 93 Accord 2 door, 95 Civic, all MANUAL!!!!!! So fun to drive, many great memories!!!!!!!
Doug HAD to post this after the NSXtra news
Yeah can't believe he posted this right after that happened
Had one of these, same year (2000) GP White on red interior from 2012-2016. Still mad at myself for selling it. Would love to have another one day. Not the fastest thing on the road these days, but the driving experience was unbelievable. The shifter is a masterpiece, nothing I've driven since comes even close to that feel
Thanks Doug! I just bought an AP1 🙂
I bought my 2007 brand new and it still feels like new 16+ years later. I love the fact that when I go down to South FL, I see more Lamborghinis and Ferrari's that I see S2000's, which to me makes it feel a little more special.
Inbound spike in S2k price incoming!!! (Thanks Doug)
theyve been selling over msrp for years
Better go to Cars and Bids then
@@carltonlebossgo ahead. I bet there's tons since they been SITTING on the lot for a long time. Why?
@@Gankzillorated yeah they haven't been cheap for many years.
@@imrytebeehyneuYou keep writing the same weird type of comment, I wonder why?
Yes Doug please keep driving the price up for these more before I sell mine😂
Doug Demuro can now time travel... apparently 😂 *0:10*
Lol I caught that as well 😂😂😂
Great to see you reviewing another s2000. I have been owning my car since 2011 and still drives it at least twice a week. 🙌🙌🙌. Yes many people said there is no clock in ap1. I personally think Honda wants you to use the clock on the stereo HU. 🤷♂ It serves the time telling function why add another one. Makes sense to me. I think the cruise control is mainly for US market. Here in AUS, as far as I know and i can be wrong, there is no cruise control for ap1.
Father Douglas is flat out refusing to review my CLEAN, original 1999 Type SH Prelude at this point
I had a 99 SH and it lasted like 4 months. Flipped it over doing like 60mph 😂😂😂
@@elmayimbe_the_amateur_mechanic I would be embarrassed to say this. But something tells me you were born after the year 2000.
I'm calling you a dumbass.
That's because it's a PRELUDE bwaaaaahaahaaahahaaahaaaaahhahaha
I still regret selling my '01 SH 12 years ago...
Unless its a hypercar, if you arent selling it on cars and bids, he isnt going to touch your car ever. Thats the reality thesedays.
I had one a long time ago. Only kept it for 7 months. Most fun car to drive I've ever owned but I'm 6 foot 1 and I couldn't deal with the size for too long.
Now I just drive a civic si coupe it's still fairly small but I don't feel squished. And I can recline the seat back for a nap on road trips or flatten the back seat and lay half in the trunk and half in the back seat for a longer sleep. No sleeping in the s2000.
Although if I had more money I would have an s2000 again just as a toy but not a commuter.
Got a ticket the first 2 hours of ownership for going 90 mph on the interstate.
Watch out for buying it, I know who owns it and he’s a sketch guy, him and his friends purposefully bid on it to make the price go higher
Gotta Love listening to Doug talk about the S2000 while you're in an S2000.
Anyone who complains about the performance of an S2000 has never driven one.
I have an 01 S2000 that I bought in 2009. Couple points here
1) that picture of an S2000 on the HVAC is the convertible top down mode you mentioned on the latest Miata and said you had never seem before
2) the CD changer did not come that way from the factory, it was a dealer installed option
3) I’m a little surprised you praised the steering feel. While I love the precision, predictability, and the steering ratio, but my biggest complaint about the car other than the lack of torque, is the fact that there is almost no feel through the steering wheel. Which is something a lot of others complain about as well.
Fantastic old school Honda is Honda Element, literally built on quirks and features and it had a manual transmission. Please review Honda Element!
I see lots of them in Madison, Wisconsin. My brother in Swisher, Iowa has one too.
@@phooboy1 I used to have one in college. Best vehicle I ever had. It was insanely well-built for 2003. Stock premium audio with front subwoofer on EX. Water resistant seats. It drove like a sports car in a box. Nothing ever like it since that time. I could fit my entire dorm room into it. My only regret was getting an automatic instead of stick shift. It was also cheap at 21k brand new. It lost zero value over the years since people that have them love them indefinitely. K24 engine. It was so ahead of its time. Now Honda makes dull adult cars with no soul.
My brother likes that you can literally take a hose to the inside floor and wash it out, as the water drains out with conveniently located floor drains.
@@phooboy1 oh no, that's a big misconception. It should not be hosed off. I encountered a few moldy used Elements that probably had previous owners doing that.
He hasn't had that issue yet, and he's had it for 8 years. Maybe he's not telling me. I'll ask him.
I drove a Blue on Blue S2000 during the best years of my life listening to Young Jeezy Thug Motivation 101 on blow 24/7! Loved it!!!
"How many times do you want to review an S2000?"
Doug - Yes!
Thanks for reviewing my car!
I actually decided to re-watch this episode and there's an area that I disagree with Doug. My car gets a ton of attention everywhere I Go. People stop me and want to talk about the car and the amount of attention the car gets is crazy. I mean it's probably happened hundreds of times at this point. So I don't know what you're talking about when you say that the car doesn't get any attention while driving it around.
I've owned 3 S2000s and keep coming back to them. I've also owned en Evo 9, JZX100, NSX, RX-7, and I still keep going back to the S2K. I believe it's one of the best 'out of the box' affordable cars ever made. It's nearly impossible to find a great looking car that has a reliable engine, amazing handling, visceral driving feel, and plenty of aftermarket support while staying under the $30k range. Most people who appreciate the S2K for what it is only upgrade to something like a Porsche, a much bigger leap.
Why not both? 911 and S2000 stable partners!
THIS is a video ive been waiting for!
What about the other 3 times?
What about the other.....oh stop, you liar...😂
He also did the 2fast 2 furious version as well.
@@TonyStark-wr7ob other 4 times then lol.
it never gets old@@Vin80_
As a car enthusiast myself, I do get pretty excited when I see one!
My favorite car ❤
Doug has reviewed every car in existence and is just circling back at this point
s2000 is so clean
Or it got painted or wrapped or it had an accident that it got replaced from Body Mechanics...
I think there's so many on his Cars and Bids that NO ONE buys em. I wonder why?
Woosh, pretty sure thats not what he meant by "clean" ...@@imrytebeehyneu
@@henrike22 is old skool. I bet it has rust in the bottom that he dare wouldn't show...😂
These are so easy to stall with the AC on, but holy crap was it one of the most fun cars I've ever driven. Pure joy.
Seeing a stock s2000 THIS clean AND only 23k miles, PHEW 😮💨
Happy to hear you like my car
I’ve totally enjoyed my 2004 Silverstone S-2000 since becoming its second owner in July 2012. The car is completely stock and came with the factory-optioned hardtop, which has remained attached for the last four years. The reason? BECAUSE IT LOOKS SO FREAKING COOL!!!
I believe the s2000 was the first modern day car with push start
Except Cadillac had push button ignitions in 1912 lol
@@joshuad1716 hence modern day
@@WhoCapn so you just vaguely attach the term “modern day” to whatever you deem fit? Got it
@@WhoCapn by your own logic however, mercedes still had push to start in the 90s
@@joshuad1716 which Mercedes Benz had push button in the 90’s?
These are excellent cars. Fun, reliable, easy to maintain. Back about 14-15 years ago I owned a '95 Miata R-package and went looking at Stooks as an upgrade. Clean ones were in the $15K range back then. I drove both AP1 and AP2 and was leaning towards the latter with more usable around-town torque. But then as I test drove one I got back into my Miata and realized еxactly what Doug mentions in the review - S2K is a grown adult car. Yes, it's fun but it's sophisticated and mature. The Miata was a barrel-of-monkeys fun, very tossable, lightweight, tiny and just super amusing. And it was about 1/3 of the price of the Honda at the time. So I kept the Miata and never looked back. Sold it a few years later as I was moving but one day I might get another one. Or an S2K if I feel mature enough. :)
I bought this car new in December of '99. It was white with red interior. I drove it for 92,000 miles. I never tracked it and never modified it. I had it serviced by a guy in Long Island who only worked on these cars. He knew much more about them than the dealerships did because they only saw two or three a year. I changed the oil between every two and 3,000 miles.
In 2004 or 2005, I was traveling on the highway at about 90 mph in sixth gear. And the motor blew. Honda told me that it didn't have any oil in it, but being someone that is not mechanically inclined the only thing I could check was the dipstick and it had plenty of clean oil because I just had the oil changed a week or two prior. I basically sold the car for I don't remember between $4,000 and $6,000 because I was unwilling to put a used motor in it thinking that would blow also, and a new motor was about $9,000 at the time.
For years I was very very very angry at Honda for not backing their product. It's possible I had an oil jet failure, but since this was very rare I was never compensated or acknowledged
Sorry to read this mate! I currently own a 99 s2k and the early oil jets, when driving at high speed for a prolonged period of time,it said could cause premature engine failure. Would you mind me asking, do you remember how long did you drive it for at 90mph before it went bang?
@@fanzo_san not very long, maybe a minute or so at most, so it's constantly worried about getting a ticket so I would slow down at spots where a cop might be
Eh my 2018 Honda Fit is a miserable unreliable car as well. Hasn't left me stranded yet thankfully
It is suspicious that Honda changed the motor only 2 years later, so there was obviously an issue with this design that they were worried about
@@baronvonjo1929 I'm sorry to hear that, but just like me, you have the rare Honda, not the norm. I had two accords after this got many trouble free miles out of them, we currently own an Acura RSX which we bought new, and although it had some minor suspension issues when it was new, it has never burned a drop of oil, and it's still on its original clutch at almost 170,000 mi
5:38
A couple of buttons, a couple of dials, and one switch!
Nice!👍
they don’t make cars like they used to
One of the all time greats! I recently inherited my grandfathers, which he taught me to drive manual on. Same year and colour too!
makes me sad this is considered "old school" man the years go by so fast lol
Mustang is old skool but they're still around