Is the Honda s2000 automatic?
The Honda S2000 was produced with a six-speed manual transmission only; there was no factory automatic option offered in any market or trim.
To understand why and what that means for buyers and enthusiasts, it’s useful to look at how the car’s transmission was designed, how the two generations differed, and what options exist if an automatic feel is non-negotiable for a buyer.
Transmission overview
Key facts about how the S2000 was equipped across its lifecycle:
- All S2000 models (AP1 and AP2) used a six-speed manual transmission.
- There was no factory automatic transmission offered in any market or trim.
- The manual gearbox was a central element of the car’s driver-focused character and high-revving nature.
- Some third-party shops offer automatic conversions, but such changes are rare, not factory-supported, and can complicate maintenance and resale value.
In practice, this means that every S2000 you encounter, regardless of year or region, is a manual-only sports car by design.
Generational overview
Two generations defined the S2000’s lifecycle, both with a manual-only setup and with cosmetic and minor mechanical updates between them:
- AP1 (early production, roughly 1999/2000–2003): Introduced the high-revving engine and short-throw manual gearbox that became the car’s hallmark.
- AP2 (facelifted production, roughly 2004–2009): Brought minor styling and interior refinements while preserving the six-speed manual transmission.
- Across both generations, there was no factory automatic option.
- As a result, the S2000’s core driving experience remained manual-only from introduction through the end of production.
In short, both generations share the same manual-focused setup, with the AP2 bringing updates that refined rather than changed the transmission philosophy.
Aftermarket options and considerations
For enthusiasts who insist on an automatic feel, there are caveats to consider alongside any non-factory modifications:
- There is no official automatic option from Honda for the S2000.
- Third-party automatic transmission swaps exist but are uncommon and can be technically challenging.
- Such conversions may affect reliability, warranty coverage (if any remains), and resale value.
- Most buyers find the original six-speed manual to be an integral part of the S2000’s appeal and performance profile.
For buyers who require an automatic drivetrain, alternatives outside the S2000—or newer Honda models with factory automatics—are typically more practical choices than attempting a costly conversion.
Buyer notes
When shopping for an S2000, verify that the car has not been converted to an automatic or altered transmission. A genuine S2000 will have a proper six-speed manual shifter, a cable or hydraulic linkage appropriate to the model year, and service records reflecting routine manual transmission maintenance.
Summary
Bottom line: the Honda S2000 is, and always has been, a manual-only sports car. Its six-speed manual transmission is a defining feature that contributes to its reputation for driver engagement and high-revving VTEC performance. While aftermarket automatic conversions exist, they are not factory-supported and are uncommon among well-preserved examples. For people prioritizing an automatic, other Honda models or different sport-scene options may be more suitable.
