Was the S2000 made in both automatic and manual?
The S2000 was produced exclusively with a manual transmission; there was no factory automatic version offered by Honda.
Launched in 1999 and produced through 2009, the Honda S2000 is renowned as a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster powered by a high-revving 2.0-liter engine, paired only with a six-speed manual gearbox. Honda did not release an automatic option for the S2000 in any market, though aftermarket conversions exist and are discussed among enthusiasts. The sections below summarize how that manual-only stance applied across generations and markets, and what it means for collectors today.
Official transmission options by generation and market
The S2000 was produced in two generations, AP1 and AP2, with the transmission choice remaining manual throughout.
- AP1 (1999–2003 in most markets): 6-speed manual only; no factory automatic.
- AP2 (2004–2009): 6-speed manual only; no factory automatic carried over from AP1.
- Special editions (e.g., the S2000 CR, 2009 Final Edition): Also manual only.
Across markets—including the United States, Japan, Europe, and other regions—Honda did not introduce an automatic option for the S2000 during its production run. This aligns with the model’s performance-oriented, driver-focused design.
AP1 vs AP2: key differences in transmission validation
While the core transmission remained a 6-speed manual, AP2 introduced styling and chassis refinements, improved gearing, and updated handling characteristics while preserving the manual gearbox as standard. There was no automatic variant in either generation.
Aftermarket and misconceptions
Some owners have explored aftermarket automatic-transmission swaps or semi-automatic systems, but these are not factory options and require extensive modification to the vehicle’s drivetrain, electrical, and control systems.
- Aftermarket automatic swaps: Rare and technically challenging.
- Potential impact: Reliability, resale value, and warranty implications heightened.
- Enthusiast sentiment: The manual-only design remains a defining trait of the S2000.
In practice, factory automatic versions do not exist; any automatic examples in the wild would be the result of aftermarket work rather than official Honda production.
Summary
The Honda S2000 was manufactured from 1999 to 2009 with a six-speed manual transmission in every market and generation. There was no factory automatic variant; any automatic examples are aftermarket conversions rather than factory offerings. The manual focus remains a defining aspect that influences the car’s appeal and value today.
