How rare is a S2000?

The Honda S2000 is relatively rare for a mainstream sports car of its era. Production worldwide totaled roughly 110,000–120,000 units from 1999 to 2009, which makes it uncommon on today’s roads. This article explains the numbers, how rarity varies by market, and what buyers and collectors should know.

The S2000 arrived as Honda’s lightweight, high-revving roadster, built in two generations and celebrated for its balanced chassis and spirited engine. Rarity isn’t just about production totals; it also hinges on market, maintenance, mileage, and originality. Below is a breakdown of how rare the model is, where it’s most available, and what that means for current and prospective owners.

Production timeline and variants

The S2000 was produced across two generations: AP1 (1999–2003) and AP2 (2004–2009). The car featured Honda's high-revving F20C 2.0-liter engine, a six-speed manual gearbox, and a focus on lightweight, driver-focused performance. AP2 brought some refinements but kept the core formula that made the S2000 a cult favorite among enthusiasts.

Global production numbers

Production totals are widely cited with some variation by source, but a commonly accepted range helps illustrate rarity on the global stage.

• AP1 (1999–2003): roughly 60,000–70,000 units worldwide


• AP2 (2004–2009): roughly 40,000–50,000 units worldwide


• Total: roughly 100,000–120,000 units worldwide

These figures come from a mix of manufacturer data, dealer records, and enthusiast aggregations. The ranges reflect different accounting methods (global vs. regional tallies) and are meant to convey scale rather than a precise, audited count.

Rarity by market and current availability

Rarity today varies notably by market. The United States has historically hosted the largest number of S2000s, followed by Japan and then Europe and other regions. Condition, mileage, and originality heavily influence how easy it is to find a given example in each market.

• United States: The largest stock of S2000s remains here, with a broad spectrum of mileage and condition. A strong aftermarket culture supports maintenance and parts, but scarcity grows as cars age and higher-mileage examples become less common.


• Japan: A passionate domestic market with many well-preserved cars; right-hand-drive units are more common, and higher-mileage examples exist, but prime-condition cars can be sought-after in Japan as well as abroad.


• Europe, Australia, and other regions: Fewer total cars, with a premium placed on low mileage, documented history, and originality. Importing a right-hand-drive or left-hand-drive example can add complexity and cost.

In practical terms, buyers in all markets should expect a shrinking pool of pristine, low-mileage examples as the car passes the two-decade mark. Rarity today is more about the quality and provenance of remaining cars than about the chance of stumbling upon a random example.

What affects rarity and value

Several factors determine how rare a given S2000 is and how much value it commands in the market.

• Mileage and wear: lower-mileage cars are rarer and generally more desirable for collectors.


• Maintenance history: complete service records, known provenance, and documented ownership history add value; rust and frame issues are major red flags.


• Originality: factory-spec parts, factory hardtops (where applicable), and minimal aftermarket modifications tend to preserve value; well-executed, tasteful upgrades can be acceptable to some buyers but may affect resale.


• Documentation and provenance: a clean title, accident-free history, and documented servicing from reputable shops help justify premium pricing.


• Market trends: the S2000 benefits from a growing interest in early-2000s JDM and classic sports cars, which can push prices upward for well-preserved examples.

Proof of history and condition matters just as much as the raw production numbers. Prospective buyers should plan for a thorough inspection, including a check for rust, top condition, and engine health, along with verification of the car’s maintenance records.

Buying tips for rarity-aware buyers

If you’re in the market, here are practical tips to navigate rarity and value considerations.

• Target well-documented, low-mileage cars with clean titles and complete service histories.


• Prioritize stock condition or conservative, period-correct restorations to maximize resale appeal.


• Inspect the soft top, seals, and frame for wear or leaks; top quality is a key factor in long-term ownership comfort.


• Check for rust, particularly in cars from regions with winter road salt exposure; inspect subframes and underbody for rust or damage.


• Have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a technician familiar with Hondas and S2000 specifics, including the engine, transmission, and suspension components.

These practices help ensure you’re assessing rarity and value accurately, and they can prevent overpaying for an example that may require costly future work.

Summary

The Honda S2000 remains a desirable, comparatively rare roadster from the early 2000s. With global production broadly estimated at about 100,000–120,000 units, it sits well below mainstream, mass-market convertibles but above truly limited editions. Rarity varies by market, and the strongest value tends to go to well-maintained, low-mileage, fully documented examples with original parts. For enthusiasts, the S2000’s high-revving nature and purity of driving experience keep its appeal strong as it ages into classic-car territory.

How much is a S2000 worth now?

The value of a Honda S2000 varies significantly based on its condition, mileage, and model year, ranging from approximately $15,000-$25,000 for a good condition model to well over $100,000 for rare, pristine examples like a Club Racer. Key factors like low mileage and a history of excellent maintenance are critical for higher valuations, while those with high mileage or accident history will be at the lower end of the price spectrum. 
Factors influencing value

• Condition and mileage: Well-maintained S2000s with low mileage command higher prices. A car in excellent condition with under 50,000 miles can be expected to cost over $20,000, while cars with fair condition and higher mileage will be significantly less. 
• Model year and trim: Early models (2000-2003) are valued differently than later ones (2004-2009). The rare Club Racer (CR) trim is exceptionally valuable, with one in concours condition fetching over $134,000. 
• Market trends: The S2000 has held its value well, with some model years even appreciating in recent years. 
• Auction vs. private sales: Auction prices can show a wide range, from low-end sales for cars needing work to record-breaking prices for exceptional examples. 

Estimated values by condition

• Concours condition (rare/perfect):
  • 2000-2003: ~$46,600
  • 2004-2009: ~$52,800
  • 2008-2009 CR: ~$134,000 - $143,000
• Excellent condition:
  • 2004-2009: ~$42,200
  • 2000-2003: ~$38,100
• Good condition:
  • 2004-2009: ~$28,600
  • 2000-2003: ~$24,200
• Fair condition:
  • 2004-2009: ~$17,000
  • 2000-2003: ~$16,500 

Is the Honda S2000 a collectible?

It's from this well that an absolute jewel of a car—the Honda S2000—sprung in the early 2000s. There are reasons for the S2000's greatness and its appreciating price in the collector car market, including its characteristically Honda build quality and bulletproof reliability.

Why is the S2000 so special?

The Honda S2000 is special because of its high-revving, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 120 horsepower per liter, its driver-focused, balanced chassis with a front-mid engine layout, and its commitment to a pure, analog driving experience. It features a 9,000 rpm redline, a world-class manual transmission, and a rigid convertible body, all of which create an engaging and focused sports car that values driver experience over modern electronic aids.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the Honda S2000's engine and driving experience: 57sDoug DeMuroYouTube · Apr 4, 2024
High-performance, naturally aspirated engine 

• Extreme redline: The F20C engine is famous for its 9,000 rpm redline, a feature typically reserved for much more expensive supercars. 
• High specific output: It achieves an impressive 120 horsepower per liter without forced induction, a testament to Honda's engineering prowess. 
• VTEC technology: The engine utilizes Honda's VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system, which enhances both low-end and high-end performance. 

Driver-focused chassis and handling 

• Near 50/50 weight distribution: The front-mid engine layout places the engine further back in the chassis, resulting in a near-perfect weight balance and a mid-engine feel, as noted in this YouTube video and on Reddit. 
• Exceptional handling: It features a double-wishbone suspension on all four corners and a rigid chassis, providing sharp, precise, and predictable handling. 
• Roadster-specific design: The S2000 was designed from the ground up as a convertible, with a highly rigid body structure that eliminates the need for a fixed roof. 

This video explains how the Honda S2000's chassis and design contribute to its handling: 50sShooting BrakeYouTube · Nov 4, 2025
Pure and engaging driving experience 

• Manual-only transmission: The S2000 was only available with a manual transmission, making every drive an engaging and involving experience. The manual gearbox is often described as one of the best ever made. 
• Analog focus: It lacks modern driver aids like automatic rev-matching or excessive electronic intervention, preferring to provide direct feedback and rewarding skilled inputs from the driver. 
• Driver-oriented interior: The cabin features a race-inspired digital instrument cluster, with the tachometer front and center, and a design that focuses on the driver's experience. 

Are S2000 rare?

Yes, the Honda S2000 is considered a rare car due to its limited production run of about 113,889 units over 10 years, and even fewer examples survive in pristine condition today. The S2000's specific Club Racer (CR) model is especially rare, with fewer than 700 produced for the 2008-2009 model years in North America.
 
This video discusses the rarity and increasing value of the Honda S2000: 54sJayEmm on CarsYouTube · Aug 9, 2025
Factors contributing to its rarity

• Limited production: With only 113,889 units produced globally, the S2000 is significantly rarer than other Japanese sports cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata. 
• Low US allocation: In the US, Honda shipped an average of only 4,000–5,000 units per year, with even fewer cars being sent to other markets like Europe and Japan. 
• Decline in pristine examples: A significant number of S2000s have been modified, raced, driven hard, or have been in accidents, decreasing the supply of well-preserved, stock examples. 
• Rare Club Racer (CR) model: The most exclusive version, the S2000 CR, was only built for two model years (2008 and 2009) and had a production of fewer than 700 units for the North American market. 

You can watch this video for a Honda S2000 review: 52sShooting BrakeYouTube · Nov 4, 2025
How rarity affects value

• Increasing value: The combination of low initial production and a decreasing number of good examples has made original S2000s a rising modern classic, with their values steadily increasing over time. 
• High demand: Because they are difficult to find, well-maintained S2000s are highly sought after by enthusiasts, leading to premium prices for quality examples. 
• Collector status: The rare CR model has achieved blue-chip collector status, with some low-mileage examples selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.