What does the S stand for in a Honda S2000?
The S in Honda S2000 is widely interpreted as standing for Sport (or Sports), signaling the model’s performance-oriented character. Honda has not publicly published an official expansion for the letter, but the consensus among enthusiasts and automotive historians is that S denotes sportiness. The “2000” references the car’s 2.0-liter powerplant and overall performance focus.
Meaning of the S
The S2000 carries a name that has been discussed by fans, journalists, and collectors for years. While Honda has never issued a formal, publicly stated expansion of the letter S, the prevailing interpretation is that it stands for Sport or Sports, aligning with the car’s emphasis on a high-revving, driver-centric experience. The naming convention mirrors Honda’s tradition of using letters to convey the intent of a model, even when the company doesn’t provide a published acronym.
- Sport or Sports — the most commonly cited interpretation, reflecting the car’s performance focus and sporty character.
- Street or street-legal sportiness — a secondary interpretation used in some discussions, but not an official definition.
- Other rumors (e.g., “Special,” “Super”) — popular online speculation without formal confirmation from Honda.
In summary, Sport/Sports is the widely accepted meaning, and Honda has not released an official expansion for the S.
Displacement and the "2000" in S2000
Understanding the numeric part of the name helps clarify the branding. The S2000 is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four with Honda’s VTEC technology, renowned for its broad and lively rev range. The actual engine displacement is 1,997 cubic centimeters, but the model name uses “2000” as a marketing cue to signal the 2.0-liter class rather than an exact figure.
- Engine: 2.0-liter class (F20C), celebrated for its high-revving nature and responsive performance.
- Name vs. displacement: 1,997 cc actual displacement vs. the marketing-friendly “2000” in the model name.
Ultimately, the S stands for sportiness, while the “2000” nods to the 2.0-liter engine—together defining the S2000’s identity as a high-performance, front-to-backly balanced roadster.
Summary
The S in S2000 most commonly stands for Sport, underscoring the car’s mission as a high-revving, driver-focused roadster. Honda has not issued a formal expansion for the letter, and the number 2000 signals the 2.0-liter engine. Taken together, these elements helped cement the S2000 as a modern classic in Honda’s lineup, celebrated for its lightweight chassis, VTEC-powered powerplant, and engaging, mentor-level driving experience.
