How rare is the Honda S2000?
In broad terms, the Honda S2000 is relatively rare but not ultra-exclusive: about 110,000–120,000 units were built worldwide from 1999 to 2009, with a substantial portion sold in the United States.
Production history and totals
The S2000 was produced in two main generations across a ten-year run, with two primary markets and a range of variants. Understanding the generation split helps explain why certain cars are more common than others in today’s market.
- Worldwide production: approximately 110,000–120,000 units.
- United States production: roughly 66,000–70,000 units.
- Generational split: AP2 (2004–2009) accounts for the majority of production, while AP1/early runs were a minority.
- Limited editions and variants: Club Racer (CR) and the 20th Anniversary Edition were produced in small quantities, making them rarer.
These production patterns help explain why the S2000 remains highly desirable among enthusiasts, while still being a car you can encounter in the used market with some patience.
AP1 vs AP2 overview
The AP1 cars (early runs) are prized for their light weight and raw, high-revving character, while AP2 cars benefited from revised suspension, refinements, and improved daily usability. The AP2 generation also accounted for the bulk of total production, shaping what most buyers are likely to encounter today.
How rare is it today?
Today, rarity depends on how many were built, how many survive, and how coveted a given variant remains among collectors and drivers alike.
- Overall survival: tens of thousands of S2000s remain worldwide, though many show age-related wear, higher mileage, or require maintenance.
- Regional distribution: the United States hosts the largest share of surviving units, with other markets contributing fewer examples.
- Edition models: Club Racer (CR) and the 20th Anniversary Edition are far scarcer than standard AP2 cars.
- Condition and mileage: low-mile examples in good condition are notably rarer and tend to command higher prices.
In practice, rarity varies by market and condition. A clean AP2 with modest mileage stands out in listings, while rare editions can command premium in auctions and private sales.
Market presence and price signals
Market indicators reflect scarcity and enthusiast demand. As of the mid-2020s, values are driven by condition, mileage, and edition status as much as year of manufacture.
- Typical AP2 pricing bands: cars with mid-range mileage often trade in the mid-$20,000s to low-$40,000s range, depending on condition and service history.
- Low-mile or well-preserved examples: can fetch higher asks, sometimes exceeding $50,000 for strong-condition AP2s.
- Limited editions: CR and 20th Anniversary Edition can carry premiums, sometimes into the high-$40,000s to six figures for exceptionally pristine examples, depending on provenance.
prospective buyers should consult current listings and auction results to gauge current market volatility, as values shift with supply, condition, and the broader collector interest in classic Japanese roadsters.
Summary and takeaways
The Honda S2000 occupies a distinctive niche: rarer than typical modern convertibles, yet not as scarce as high-end exotica. Its ten-year production span and the split between AP1 and AP2 generations create a broad, collectible pool, with limited editions adding noticeable rarity. For buyers and collectors, the key to assessing rarity is condition, mileage, and edition provenance, all of which influence both desirability and price.
Summary: The S2000 remains a beloved, moderately rare roadster that appeals to enthusiasts who value high-revving performance and driver engagement. While not an ultra-rare collectible, well-kept examples—especially certain editions—hold lasting appeal and command premiums in today’s market.
