Is the AP1 Honda S2000 Still Worth It in 2023?

Today we are back for a solo review of the 2000 Honda S2000 AP1, pretty much in stock form. An iconic car for very good reason and what I consider to be peak Honda. This car will forever have a soft spot in my heart, such a fun car to drive, and overall a very special vehicle. But is it still worth owning and driving in 2023?

🚗 Vehicle in This Video:
2000 Honda S2000 (AP1)
Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Horsepower: 240 hp @ 8300 rpm
Torque: 153 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm
Curb weight: 2,809 lbs

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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Introduction
01:20 - POV Review
08:56 - Final Thoughts

[FourTheWheels]

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.

[josephcassiba]

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.

[ElJefeDeMundo]

S2000 content will never go out of style!

[CruiseControl]

Ap1 is my favorite s2000, ap2 is great don't get me wrong, I just prefer the 9k redline and high strung behavior

[creightonsmith]

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.

[Country_Car]

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

[ImPlankinq]

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)

[SuperBullyone]

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.

[VirtualGuth]

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.

[coining]

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.

[billbrock]

LOVE my stock Silverstone 2004 S2K with the OEM hardtop. NEVER parting with it. Second owner since July of 2012.

[billmckinney]

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!

[jordangordon]

The more I see them in black, the more I think it's the perfect color

[frankiebob]

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

[deej]

Miss my 02 in Suzuka blue often, but I just couldn’t have it as an only car especially in southern Oregon.

[thebeldam]

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!

[carsandcrows]

I wonder if the s2000 has a willingness to rotate on throttle

[x-RPM]

You can't get the feeling of driving these on camera. It always looks slower than actually is

[pault]

I guess the answer is "Yes"? Would you pay original MSRP on the 2000 S2000 today for a used one?

[TT]

Would you say it’s worth it over an ND2? Could get an ND2 new with warranty for same price