IT'S OVER 9000

The S2000 is the only convertible that doesn't look weird with a giant wing.

12:38 the s2000 actually held the power to displacement record until the Ferrari 458 came out in 2010. Pretty impressive!

The best car Honda ever made alongside the 1st-gen NSX. Period.

This car is limited to the smallest percentage of drivers. Experiencing the "limited domain" that is the S2000 is, one could say. The privilege of a handful of drivers blessed with great skill. -Takahashi, Ryosuke.

I dont care how dangerous it is, I still want one lol

The AP1 S2000 has a very stiff rear anti roll bar compared to the front, and the rear spring rate is far higher than the front. They reduced this ratio over time, and the AP2 was known to be a little "softer", although it was still highly sprung. The short wheelbase combined with the sharp unloading of the rear suspension is one of the main reasons they're snappy off the throttle. Also, they suffer from rear bump steer quite a bit, due to the position of the rear toe arm pickup point on the hubs, which is fun. Not to mention tyre sizes, AP1s came with 205 front and 225 rears, whereas the AP2 had far wider tyres, 215 front and 245 rear, on 17 inch rims opposed to the 15 or 16 inch rims available on the AP1 I'm going to be buying one in 4 months from now, I've been looking forward to it for years now and I'm *this* close to finally getting my claws on one :) Nice video!

I love my AP1, all stock except cat-back exhaust. Less than 90K miles. Berlina black, all red interior. She sits in my garage, but when I get her out, I drive it as Honda intended. I love my S2K. Such a raw experience, pure dichotomy comparing it to a contemporary electronic equipped sport cars, numb all the feedback of the road and you simply occupy a predestined seat. In the cockpit of the AP1, the driver feels the soul of the machine and the nuances of the road. Gives me cold chills thinking about it. A communicative mechanical steed. That looks great too!

I will never let go of my S2000. It’s family

Last time I was this early the BlueJZ was on it's first engine

I have an AP1 with at one time had the most miles in the U.S. It had over 366,000 miles!!! I got it in November of 1999. I gave it to my son & it still is in my family!! It sits more now ... however it runs better than ever & still pretty much stock!!! Hard to believe but true!!

AP2: Shorter gearing 1-4, more torque (12lbs), heavier flywheel, heavier car, less revs, no dynamic toe in the rear suspension, and some comfort + safety items added. A clutch delay valve 04+ and traction+stability control 06+. AP1: Longer gears, more revs, lighter, less safety/usability, and tail happy when you lift throttle. This AP1 in the video has a AP2 cupholder as well which is a easy upgrade to have 2 cupholders instead of 1 and an aftermarket cupholder as well to the side.

I flipped a '00 S2000 in 2010, same scenario David described. I got overzealous in a mountain curve and lifted, rear end came around and refused to return to its rightful place. We rolled 3 times into a field at ~60 mph, with the top down, and both of us crawled out and walked away. Well built car, even upside down!

I’ve owned two AP1s and two AP2s and will be purchasing my 5th S2000 soon. You are correct about inexperienced drivers letting off the throttle in a corner. An engine torque damper, coilovers and a squared wheel setup pretty much eliminated snap over-steer on the AP1 though.

S2000: Miatas for men Source: own a miata

I came so fast, vtec hadn't even kicked in yet

Putting EK9 fenders on was an absolute stroke of genius and it looks perfect 👌and the fact they come from another Honda is a bonus lol

I've owned both the ap1 and ap2, you really can't go wrong with either honestly. The lack of torque is noticeable in the ap1, but the quicker steering and 9k redline make it a blast to drive. The only reason I kept the ap2 over the ap1 is that is consistently faster on track, and it is a bit more reliable(diff,trans,engine). Buy whichever you can find at a reasonable price, you won't be disappointed.

Used to own an AP1 myself, watching videos cause I was missing it...this is one of the best s2000 videos I’ve seen really hit the nail on the head with everything you said, I got my s2k at 17 and never had a problem with oversteer (save a few times I was asking for trouble) but what I’ve always said is the people that wrecked the AP1 are the same people that buy boats with no boating experience....the AP1 is the true drivers car, there is no way around it!

Never been a fan of modified Honda’s but I’ve always liked the S2000, they’re just fun

Oh man, this is one of the coolest cars you've done in a long time! Please do more canyon carvers/track setups like this!

Also a big part of the snap oversteer in the Ap1 is the rear toe arms. The wheels toe out a lot off load and helps flick it around. They fixed that issue in the ap2 with stiffer toe arms. I miss my s2k and need another one for sure.

It was the year 2000. I was hanging out with friends and someone rolled up with one of these in yellow. It was at night and I had this thought. Its a 4 banger what can it do. I the owner took me on a twister road at over 100 mph. The car stuck to the road and sounded great. I was shocked and humbled at the same time. Every car I owned up to that point was a V-8, and if it was not an eight it was nothing. I was only 20 and was learning. I wish I could have owned one of these cars. But I probably would have been the one to have the rear end come around. Now I know. Now I am ready. :) great video with a great car.

S2k is the ultimate drivers car, no Traction control to save you on ap1s , this cars capability far exceeds most people’s driving talent. Learning to safely push this car to its limits is a challenge to say the least. I’ve had mine for 5 years now and my skills are still catching up to the cars true capability. As hard as it is to get one in the first place, keeping it long term is even harder. Most drivers won’t even experience 9/10ths of the true capability of this car, hitch a ride with a seasoned vet - it will blow your mind

It’s the perfect drivers car. Only dangerous if you can’t drive...

Just bought a black 00 s2k w/32k miles. It's all original. I've driven both the extra torque in ap2 is definitely noticeable. Love the car it WASNT cheap! But it's almost showroom condition minus a few small dings, dents and a little drivers seat bolster wear. Also this car has an amazing community! The local and s2ki forums are very friendly and helpful.

Seen that car 2 or 3 times here in Richmond..Very good quality car...Nice Driving too David and explaining a short wheel base caution point..🏁👍

Yessss who doesn’t love S2K

I drive my 03 AP1 weekends. With a good set of tires - I recommend carefully reading TireRack's reviews - the AP1 S2000 is a blast in the curvy stuff and has predictable over-steer. That means the rear end can get away from you, but if you practice where it's safe, and stay away from tires that break loose without any warning (read the reviews and get ones won't surprise you as much) you can learn your S2000's road manners and quickly come to enjoy it. I love letting the back end get a little loose once in a while because I can control it. It's sort of like drifting, just not as extreme. Of course, I learned to drive sports cars a long time ago when I bought an Alfa GTV, which has a light rear end that can get away from you if you're not used to it, and I've been on race tracks a bunch of times, where you can make mistakes and learn from them without as much chance of really getting into trouble.

AP2 guys: My AP2 has more tq. AP1 guys: so does a tractor trailer.

Videos and commentary like this make me REALLY miss my 03 S2k. It was white with tan leather. Not sure there's another car I'll ever own that will provide as much fun while also being somewhat practical (never had a problem practicality wise until the first kid came along. . .in fact while I was still autocrossing I'd carry my race wheels in the car, 1 in the trunk and 3 on the passenger side). Shifter is second to none and if you know how to drive it's not as unruly as many believe. Just an absolute pleasure of a car to drive and experience.

I've my AP1. It's turbo'ed, but I bought it for that reason. My logic was if the engine can rev that high then it should have no problem taking boost. It got over 100K on the odometer and still runs as great. I call mine the widow maker for the reasons talked about earlier; snap over steer, but once you get to know the car it is an absolute blast to drive. It only makes around 350 to the wheels but for a stock drive train I think that's perfect.

This man just said they yeet themselves off of mountains 🤣 I’m done

Hey I’m in the central Virginia area and have a sequential supercharged s2k if you wanna review it.

We never got the AP2 in the UK, for which we'll be forever grateful. My 2005 AP1 can't ever be sold because you can't buy cars like this any more. It's a gem from a bygone age :-(

This video did the s2000 so much justice. Love this man!

AP1s are "dangerous" because the rear geometry has a lot of toe change from positive to negative toe through the range of suspension travel. The results are similar to the SW20, which has a rear suspension that behaves the same way. Coincidentally, or not, both of these cars have the same wheel base. Go figurine! The wheelbase length is less of an issue. For reference, the MX-5 has a much shorter wheelbase and has a far more docile handling characteristics at the limit, even with a big stupid LS7 V8.

I want to see a Lotus elise review next. s2000 are legends

Dude I've always loved S2000s awesome cars. N I've said it once and I'll say it again, you've got the best taste in edm music when you intro the cars. You've gotta make a spotify playlist or something dude lol

It's an amazing machine! Please more Honda videos, never get sick of em

Perfect timing! I just picked up one of these 😍

MR2's were still more tricky to drive with snap oversteer.. I've owned all three gen mr2's.. now i want an s2000 honestly don't care which ap1 or 2.

In europe we didnt get F22C so it was still AP1 but with all other improvements and early facelift S2ks had still cable throttle. So 9k RPM with new looks, new transmission and suspension setup.

Awesome review! I really want an S2000 and definitely going to be my next build! Just debating between the ap1 and ap2

pfft its not that dangerous, just be a good driver... I've only came close to having a head on collision with someone else once :/

“If you let off throttle, the whole rear end unload” So basically, drive it like a Porsche 911… slow in fast out.

Had an 01 ap1 f20c. Daily driver, Just exhaust and lowered. Loved it! Replaced one motor and one rear end. Only looped it once in Chicago winter on summer rubber. Lived by pikes peak with it for a while. Great canyon car. Gonna get another one someday! 150mph all day solid as a rock. Sold it for a Hawkeye cuz kids.

I love mine I have a 2001 soft top, still drives like a dreammm, totally agree she likes it when you let her loose, it just feels more natural for the whole car when you are just going faster

The snap oversteer is definitely a thing in the AP1 I had mine doing a 360 degree drift at 80mph on a back road😂😂. Side note the F20c held the highest hp per liter record for 10 years at 120 hp per liter until it was broken by the Ferrari 458.

I got a prelude sh, Wish they were rwd 😩🙌🏽

No, you're right about the small wheelbase and rotation. When I first got mine like 5 years ago I spun out because of the situation you just described. No injury, or damages lucky me!

Got a 02 formula red 75k was driven in VT winter first two years. Told the 1st owner don't need the snow tires! Love it

Lets all appreciate this whole build😁

I used to not like Hondas until I got my current daily, just a civic sedan with the 5mt. I’m kinda hooked now

I have an AP1 2003 Silverstone Grey which I bought at 33.... I'm now 47 and I still love it. I've always had it as a daily driver.

Honda has made such a good work with the looks of the car that any modification related to asthetics make it look worse than the stock one ..

Always loved the S2K. Definitely my Favorite Honda car! It's aged sooo well... 😁👍

Recently purchased mine about a month ago after lusting after one for years and years. It's a silver with the read/black interior and 140,000kms. I absolutely love the car and drive it every day. The whole "snap oversteer" is a myth. Just be smooth , stay on the throttle gently through the corner and when it does start to oversteer, just correct and keep your foot down and you'll be fine! :)

Love my S2000! Had an AP1 currently AP2 owner going on 11 yrs of ownership!

it sounds so beautiful, giving me goosebumps

Man I think this S2000 looks incredible. I would love to get my hands on one

I've been a mechanic for a while. Once upon a time about 15 years ago, we had a regular customer who drove a 2001 AP1 and they would regularly bring in aftermarket parts for us to install. After about a year of working on the car, he brought it in complaining about a "shudder" in the drive-train when downshifting at high speeds (like into a corner or taking an off-ramp.) Poor me, I had to take this car on a well known 8 mile country road loop to diagnose and confirm the issue.. Couldn't replicate the customers complaint after the 1st loop, was told "Your not driving it hard enough" and had to do the loop again. Eventually we traced the problem down to the Clutch Disk thru TSB's (Tech Service Bulletin) and it was a good reason to upgrade the Clutch n Flywheel in the car. After 20 years of working in shops and the hundreds, no thousands of test drives Ive done. The S2000 is the greatest car I've ever driven. I've driven everything from old big block 60's Corvette Stingrays to 12cyl SL500 MCB, I've driven everything from Miata's to g37's and FRS's. The 99-03 AP1 is my dream car and will be my "mid life crisis" car when I get there. (or i'll build a Shelby Daytona Coupe replica kit car.. and put a turbo K-motor in it.)

I’m on my third ap1 (here in Aus we never got the ap2 with 2.2l motor). There’s just something about driving a s2000 that no other car I’ve had has come close to replicating.

Hey I own a 5th gen Prelude and I feel like they dont get enough of attention. If you ever find a clean one you should do a review on it

Ill take my 93 Honda Accord EX over and 2020 Accord any day. I think 90's Hondas were the best.

S2000 is the kind of car I would love to have for the weekend and give it back. It sounds so fun on paper but I used to have a 2ZZ-GE 1.8 and revving to the moon in every day traffic gets old. Especially when you get jumped by minivans.

The oversteer is due to the geometry of the rear suspension. When the rear of the car goes up when you release the throttle in a curve the toe goes from being toe in to toe out and that leads to oversteer.

I love the Honda S2000! Definitely my dream import car

S2000 gang. Join us already David.

I think what they changed in the AP2 (aside for the engine) is the rear suspension geometry and alignment. I think there is an old Best-Motoring video with a comparison, taking both cars to their limits and viewing the suspension changes at the rear of the chassis. I'm old... i need to dig that video up...

Your right. You have to stay in it. Put the powertrain to the street. Stay confident in what you say brother. You’ve driven enough badass powerful cars. Opinions are ok but some young bucks are looking at you for advice. Be confident. Your probably right. Love the channel.

I've always wanted an s2k

What’s his exhaust set up? Sounds amazing

Still one of my favorite car I’ve owned. I will one day own another ap1! Driving experience is like no other. 9k ftw

I was debating for my first car between a c5 vette, and an ap1. Took forever to decide. Picked the c5 first, but the ap1 will definitely be the next project.

i've always loved them especially the styling but they always seemed so slow if i were to ever get one it would probably be the ap2 since i'm no lewis hamilton and i'm not trying to be one with the trees

S2k is legendary 3rd on my list of jdm royalty Toyota supra 1 Nissan skyline gtr 2 Honda s2000 3 Sorry......just my personal opinion

Snap oversteer is nasty. On my Ap1 I went from Ap1V1 to Ap1V2 with better tires and it was a huge improvement. Ap1’s also very sensitive to air pressure. After some experimentation with different air pressures I think I can almost get rid of snap oversteer. But I do not think I can get rid of it completely without suspension modifications.

Definitely my achievable dream car. My 2zz MRS will do for now though

Man I wish these weren't consistently over 20k...

ive actually got an ap2 s2000 with the cable throttle 9000rpm engine, in my oppinion the absolut best version that was sold. it combines the best from ap1 and ap2

My boy's s2k made it. I'm happy for you

The ap1 having that kick when off throttle makes sense. My cousin crashed his ap1 when taking a turn to hard and I would guess he let off throttle and it kicked out and he spun and jumped the curb

People that say this is the most dangerous Honda ever made have just never looked into the motorcycle side of Honda *coughs in CBX*

"the most dangerous honda" Mugen nsx: am I a joke to you

Awesome vid... But definately hit a sour spot when you mentioned S2000 was supposed to compete against Miatas... The rivals of the AP1 were the Porshe Boxter and BMW Z3, not the Miata.

The engine was a main difference but the AP1 had much thicker rear sway bars and thinner front bars, eventually the ratio from the front and back flipped by the last production year 08’. This is a large reason why the earlier ones were more oversteer prone

I offered my turbo ap1 but you didn’t respond to my email smh

Fun fact : no one has seen the end of the video yet.

Never liked modified honda’s, not a honda guy at all. But did buy a s2k 2 month’s ago, absolutely love it

Saw this same S2K near my work the other day. So frickin clean 👍

Damn gorgeous car. Maybe I’ll get one to sit alongside my Z32 TT someday. Love the high-revving AP1.

It is sad I love Hondas but recently honda has let me down...

Nice vid! I have an Ap2; never selling it.

This video gave me vibes from your old videos!

Had a friend with a silver boosted AP1. He crashed it going 130mph in a 55 😭

Johnny tran owned an ap1 SO AP1 FTW!!!😏

Dead on with the gas lift and spinning out. I bought a S2000 to track and the thing scares the living daylights out of me. I think at every track event I've been to I've spun the car out two three times because of this lifting habit. Got to be smooth.

I love my AP1 180k on it and track it a lot. I did learn the hard way not to shift in the middle of a turn though lol luckily I was on track and nothing happened.

Too soon junior