As an AP2 owner, the car is absolute bliss to drive, easy to maintain, and very reliable. Will go down in history as one of the best “affordable” sports cars ever made.
I love my 2003 AP1. It's the most fun, engaging car I have ever owned. It may not be fast, but it sure feels fast and is so much fun. In fact, I just got a speeding ticket just yesterday, because I can't resist hearing that 9K redline. Apparently a yellow S2K screaming at 9K RPM attracts attention....lol.
Yes, it isn't "Fast" by today's pure sports car standards, but when it was first released, Car and Driver was able to get 0-60 times around 5.4 seconds and top speed just over 150mph. That is pretty quick for such a well balanced pure roadster. And if you look at some of the best driver's on closed tracks with a lot of twisties, we can see how fast it is when it is hanging with cars costing 5x as much until the long straight aways of course.. lol
I have a model year 2000 AP1 with 42,000 miles on it in excellent condition. You have to take care of an S2000, and use OEM parts, no cheap crap. I would not sell mine. I have mine properly maintained at LHT Performance.
I've had my 2002 AP1 (all stock) for 12 years and have no desire to replace it. Ever since the S2K was introduced people have been making comparisons with the Porsche Boxster. I would like to know how many Boxster owners hang onto their cars for 12 years. Even a amateur mechanic like myself can change all the filters, fluids and even the plugs. Other than replacing the break pads and having the valves adjusted, it has not needed any shop time. Honda truly got it right with the S2K.
My S2000 is a 2nd car that I enjoy driving when I can be out with the top down. Back in 2017 I opted for an AP2v1 car specifically (ironically because I knew that I would be keeping it all-original). At the time I generally felt that S2K's were worth the cost and AP2's weren't too much more than AP1's back then. The value of my S2K has nearly doubled since, in part because I bought one in Grand Prix White which strikes me as a bit crazy. The worth or value of anything comes down to each individual's own life situation and preferences. I can understand why some might struggle with the prices for S2000's (and many other cars) these days. The flip-side is to look at what S2000's are selling for now and ask yourself what else you could buy for the same money or less. Given the way I use the car, it is hard for me to think of another car selling for the same price or less that I would trade the S2K for. That said, I do understand that the S2000 is not for everyone. There are plenty of drivers who aren't comfortable revving an engine all the way through its RPM range repeatedly. Many would rather have more torque down low, preferring short shifting over needing to work for the power. I get it, that's not meant to be facetious. We simply don't all like the same things. Then there are those in need of an only car to serve as their fun daily. I imagine that the appeal of something like the current GR86/BRZ or Miata (that comes with a warranty and can be financed) would be much greater for them than for me. Different strokes and all that.
2001 AP1 R-510 23K miles Purchased in 2008 with 6K miles Just put Cont DWS06+ also tires still on jack stands Hope I don't hate them Less tire selection if you have the OEM 16-6.5 / 16-7.5 like we do. Sure wish they still made Hankook Ventus V12 loved that tire Wore well not to hard on cold mornings Still make Dunlops Dizerra but I burned through a set in a year Expensive
Picked up my ap1 last November. Bone stock. Fixed a couple things over winter. Going under the knife next month for the retainer swap, jet bolts, and a clutch. cant wait till its done!
This is excellent question. I’m at the same crossroads with this thought process. I feel like good S2Ks will always be a gem. Miatas are slowly becoming that way too as the move towards EV hence people wanting more of the NAs, Nbs, hell the NC now. Miatas are easier to find and it depends what the car is being used for. Daily commuter maybe Miata more later models, pure bliss driving S2K, or turbo out NA-ND. Cheaper parts, car warranty Miata. Car collection purposes S2K then Miata. Ideal situation perfect world is having both.
Put the clutch in all the way to the floor. Adjust accordingly. For me, I like to clutch in all the way, get the seat as far as i possibly can while the clutch is to the floor. Then scoot forward 1 notch (so during hard driving, yyoure not stretching for the clutch) TLDR; something comfy
9000 RPM redline reduced to 8000 and increased displacement to 2.2 liters vs 2.0 for increased low-end torque, and adjusted suspension as the AP1 was prone to snap oversteer at times. In addition to that they sorted a few common problems with the car and updated the styling. I think that's about it
8200 redline for the AP2, stronger differential, stronger transmission, better components on the cylinder head, differential wheels and bumpers and headlights, taillights.. 2 cup honders and different cluster, exhaust tips are also different between ap1 and ap2.. The best years for the S2000 is the 2004 and 2005.. those offer the best of both ap1 and ap2. 2006 and up offer that electric throttle and vsa.
@@civicpride1986 what are the downsides? Not counting the traction control cause you could easily just turn that off if you want. Was thinking about getting an AP2 and preferably 06 and up but not sure about any downsides
As an AP2 owner, the car is absolute bliss to drive, easy to maintain, and very reliable. Will go down in history as one of the best “affordable” sports cars ever made.
The affordable is no longer there for this cars in good clean condition..
30k+ with 50k miles shit is nuts @@civicpride1986
@@civicpride1986there are some super high mileage ones that are still pretty clean.
I love my 2003 AP1. It's the most fun, engaging car I have ever owned. It may not be fast, but it sure feels fast and is so much fun. In fact, I just got a speeding ticket just yesterday, because I can't resist hearing that 9K redline. Apparently a yellow S2K screaming at 9K RPM attracts attention....lol.
Yes, it isn't "Fast" by today's pure sports car standards, but when it was first released, Car and Driver was able to get 0-60 times around 5.4 seconds and top speed just over 150mph. That is pretty quick for such a well balanced pure roadster. And if you look at some of the best driver's on closed tracks with a lot of twisties, we can see how fast it is when it is hanging with cars costing 5x as much until the long straight aways of course.. lol
Bought my 03 Ap1 in 2010. I love every minute of it.
Ap1 is my favorite s2000, ap2 is great don't get me wrong, I just prefer the 9k redline and high strung behavior
S2000 content will never go out of style!
The perfect s2k in my mind is an AP1 with an AP2 tranny and the necessary preventative maintenace mods (ie. Retainers, keepers, oil jet bolts etc)
I’m the third owner of my 2003 AP-1, bought it in 2011 with 16,000 miles. Now it only has 35,000 miles and it’s dead solid!
I have a model year 2000 AP1 with 42,000 miles on it in excellent condition. You have to take care of an S2000, and use OEM parts, no cheap crap. I would not sell mine. I have mine properly maintained at LHT Performance.
I've had my 2002 AP1 (all stock) for 12 years and have no desire to replace it. Ever since the S2K was introduced people have been making comparisons with the Porsche Boxster. I would like to know how many Boxster owners hang onto their cars for 12 years. Even a amateur mechanic like myself can change all the filters, fluids and even the plugs. Other than replacing the break pads and having the valves adjusted, it has not needed any shop time. Honda truly got it right with the S2K.
Excellent no-nonsense review. I have a 2007 UK example and I don't notice the steering issue when driving fast. Have a lot of fun, Mark
My S2000 is a 2nd car that I enjoy driving when I can be out with the top down. Back in 2017 I opted for an AP2v1 car specifically (ironically because I knew that I would be keeping it all-original). At the time I generally felt that S2K's were worth the cost and AP2's weren't too much more than AP1's back then. The value of my S2K has nearly doubled since, in part because I bought one in Grand Prix White which strikes me as a bit crazy. The worth or value of anything comes down to each individual's own life situation and preferences. I can understand why some might struggle with the prices for S2000's (and many other cars) these days.
The flip-side is to look at what S2000's are selling for now and ask yourself what else you could buy for the same money or less. Given the way I use the car, it is hard for me to think of another car selling for the same price or less that I would trade the S2K for. That said, I do understand that the S2000 is not for everyone. There are plenty of drivers who aren't comfortable revving an engine all the way through its RPM range repeatedly. Many would rather have more torque down low, preferring short shifting over needing to work for the power. I get it, that's not meant to be facetious. We simply don't all like the same things. Then there are those in need of an only car to serve as their fun daily. I imagine that the appeal of something like the current GR86/BRZ or Miata (that comes with a warranty and can be financed) would be much greater for them than for me. Different strokes and all that.
I have had an AP1 for 13 years and still love it, 163K miles and still drives great, what a car :). I do have an AP2 rear sub frame though.
Miss my 02 in Suzuka blue often, but I just couldn’t have it as an only car especially in southern Oregon.
The AP1 Honda S2000 ROCKS
LOVE my stock Silverstone 2004 S2K with the OEM hardtop. NEVER parting with it. Second owner since July of 2012.
I guess the answer is "Yes"? Would you pay original MSRP on the 2000 S2000 today for a used one?
The more I see them in black, the more I think it's the perfect color
2001 AP1 R-510 23K miles Purchased in 2008 with 6K miles Just put Cont DWS06+ also tires still on jack stands Hope I don't hate them Less tire selection if you have the OEM 16-6.5 / 16-7.5 like we do. Sure wish they still made Hankook Ventus V12 loved that tire Wore well not to hard on cold mornings Still make Dunlops Dizerra but I burned through a set in a year Expensive
You can't get the feeling of driving these on camera. It always looks slower than actually is
I wonder if the s2000 has a willingness to rotate on throttle
Picked up my ap1 last November. Bone stock. Fixed a couple things over winter. Going under the knife next month for the retainer swap, jet bolts, and a clutch. cant wait till its done!
Also is there room in S2000 for “huskier” folk? I recall them being a bit uncomfortable. But they sound like pure bliss.
Negative. I was 5’7” 165 lbs and it was a tight fit.
I am 6'2" and 165 lbs. I wish there was more room but overall I fit in it well.
@@bradleyharris6630 I’m like 5’11 but 230. Not sure if someone my carriage would fit. (?)
I’d agree with the other commenters. Not husky friendly. Also not tall friendly. I struggle with steering wheel being too far away at 6’1”
i am 215
Would you say it’s worth it over an ND2? Could get an ND2 new with warranty for same price
This is excellent question. I’m at the same crossroads with this thought process. I feel like good S2Ks will always be a gem. Miatas are slowly becoming that way too as the move towards EV hence people wanting more of the NAs, Nbs, hell the NC now. Miatas are easier to find and it depends what the car is being used for. Daily commuter maybe Miata more later models, pure bliss driving S2K, or turbo out NA-ND. Cheaper parts, car warranty Miata. Car collection purposes S2K then Miata. Ideal situation perfect world is having both.
@@ElJefeDeMundo ive got nd2 and ap1, wish I can have the f20c and that sweet shifter in the RF!!
I can't understand how this monster was compared to a miata
Im a rather new driver and would like to know how far should i be from the pedals?
Put the clutch in all the way to the floor. Adjust accordingly.
For me, I like to clutch in all the way, get the seat as far as i possibly can while the clutch is to the floor. Then scoot forward 1 notch (so during hard driving, yyoure not stretching for the clutch)
TLDR; something comfy
yep, can you push the clutch to the floor, and then lean the seat back so you have arm room (like an Alfa. Romeo)
yes it is
What were the changes to the AP2? I thought they were largely the same as the AP1?
9000 RPM redline reduced to 8000 and increased displacement to 2.2 liters vs 2.0 for increased low-end torque, and adjusted suspension as the AP1 was prone to snap oversteer at times. In addition to that they sorted a few common problems with the car and updated the styling. I think that's about it
8200 redline for the AP2, stronger differential, stronger transmission, better components on the cylinder head, differential wheels and bumpers and headlights, taillights.. 2 cup honders and different cluster, exhaust tips are also different between ap1 and ap2.. The best years for the S2000 is the 2004 and 2005.. those offer the best of both ap1 and ap2. 2006 and up offer that electric throttle and vsa.
@@civicpride1986 I thought people preferred the drive by wire they added to the 06 and up?
@@koolersdomain3905 tuning options for those are easier.. that is the only pro for the 06+.
@@civicpride1986 what are the downsides? Not counting the traction control cause you could easily just turn that off if you want. Was thinking about getting an AP2 and preferably 06 and up but not sure about any downsides
It’s great; however, it’s worth, regardless of low or high mileage, NMT $5,000.00, not >$35,000.00
No too much money
You list me with the direct BLURRING of the MPH
Bye ✌️
😘✌🏼
Overpriced. Making the 987 and 981 a bargain.
S2k is getting up there to the point for many it’s no longer worth it
In the year 2000 the Boxster and Z3 was more expensive than a S2000.
Not anymore. One day the S2000 will be worth more than a 987 or 981……Period.