Key Takeaways
- Japanese AP1 runs from 15 April 1999 to the October 2005 catalogue end, including the facelift that went on sale on 17 October 2003.
- Type V adds variable-ratio steering from 14 July 2000: 1.4 turns lock to lock, against 2.6 on the base car in Honda's late catalogue.
- The heated glass rear window reached Japan on 14 September 2001, not in 2002.
- GIOIRE went on sale on 4 October 2002 on both grades. Honda's 300 cars a year was a sales plan.
- Three Japanese recalls name AP1 frame ranges: front knuckles, seat-belt locks and spark plugs. Check the frame number.
- Type S is not an AP1 grade. Honda's TYPE S began in October 2007 on the later 2.2-litre car.
Background
Codes and the AP1 label
Honda's launch specification lists the car as GH-AP1 with the F20C engine. Honda's recall records for 1999 to 2002 builds also name LA-AP1, and its catalogue for October 2003 to October 2005 lists ABA-AP1 with the same engine and a six-speed manual. Honda's Japanese records therefore keep the October 2003 facelift in the AP1 family.
Some English-language press calls the facelifted 2.0-litre cars AP2, but Honda's Japanese records do not: its 2.2-litre car went on sale as ABA-AP2 on 25 November 2005. Honda's archived 2005 table is a final specification, so do not assume it describes every earlier car. Which frame numbers carry GH, LA or ABA is not mapped here.
Engine and gearbox
The F20C is a 1,997 cm³ naturally aspirated DOHC VTEC four-cylinder, 87.0 × 84.0 mm with 11.7:1 compression. Honda rates it at 250 PS (184 kW) at 8,300 rpm and 22.2 kgf·m (218 N·m) at 7,500 rpm, net. Its launch release gave a maximum rotational speed of 9,000 rpm and quoted 125 PS per litre. The cams are chain-driven.
Fuel is unleaded premium and the tank holds 50 litres. The six-speed manual uses 3.133, 2.045, 1.481, 1.161, 0.970 and 0.810, with reverse at 2.800 and first and second reduction ratios of 1.160 and 4.100. Carbon synchronizers arrived with the October 2003 revision. Honda's table lists electric power steering among its fuel-economy measures.
Body, chassis and equipment
Honda placed the engine behind the front axle for a claimed 50:50 weight distribution and built the open body around a high X-bone frame, with steel tubes inside the front pillars and high-strength roll bars. The soft top is electric. Driver and passenger airbags and pretensioner belts were fitted at launch.
The April 1999 car measured 4,135 × 1,750 × 1,285 mm on a 2,400 mm wheelbase and weighed 1,240 kg (1,250 kg with factory navigation) on 205/55R16 front and 225/50R16 rear tyres. The 2003 to 2005 catalogue lists 1,250 kg (Type V 1,270 kg), 215/45R17 front and 245/40R17 rear tyres, and 1,470 mm front and 1,510 mm rear track. Assembly began at Takanezawa, alongside the NSX.
Type V and variable-ratio steering
Type V was announced on 7 July 2000 and went on sale on 14 July 2000 through Honda Verno dealers. Its VGS steering varies the gear ratio continuously with vehicle speed and steering angle. Honda also fitted dedicated dampers, stabilizers and limited-slip differential tuning, a dedicated steering wheel and a rear VGS emblem. In Honda's 2003 to 2005 catalogue the base car needs 2.6 turns lock to lock and the Type V 1.4. Mass is 1,250 kg for the base car and 1,270 kg for Type V, and factory navigation adds 10 kg to each.
2001 revision and Custom Color Plan
The revision announced on 13 September 2001 went on sale on 14 September. Honda fitted a rear window of glass with a timer-controlled heating element, kept the soft top's operation and opening speed, and refined the base car's suspension. The same release introduced the Custom Color Plan: 13 exterior colours, five interior patterns and two soft-top colours, which Honda counts as 130 combinations. English-language shorthand often dates the glass window to 2002; in Japan it came with the September 2001 revision.
GIOIRE special edition
Honda announced the GIOIRE on 3 October 2002 and sold it from 4 October 2002 on both grades, as the S2000 GIOIRE and the S2000 type V GIOIRE. Identifying equipment is one of two paint colours (Dark Cardinal Red Pearl or Royal Navy Blue Pearl) with a gold pinstripe, chrome door mirrors, gold forged BBS wheels and a tan interior with leather except in certain areas. Honda's published quantity of 300 cars is an annual domestic sales plan for the editions combined. It is not a production cap or an achieved total.
October 2003 facelift
Announced on 9 October 2003 and on sale from 17 October 2003, the revision brought 17-inch tyres, retuned suspension, a stronger body, revised brake pads and carbon synchronizers. The exterior gained projector HID low beams, LED rear lamps, new bumpers and oval exhaust finishers, and the key carries an immobilizer. Japanese cars remained AP1. A wheel size, lamp type or key that does not match the stated build date is a prompt to ask what was changed.
Timeline
24 September 1998: Honda announced the prototype. Its design antecedent, the SSM (Sports Study Model), was shown at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show.
15 April 1999: launch; 14 July 2000: Type V; 14 September 2001: glass window and Custom Color Plan; 4 October 2002: GIOIRE; 17 October 2003: facelift; April 2004: assembly moved from Takanezawa to Suzuka.
Honda's catalogue for the facelifted car ends in October 2005, and the 2.2-litre revision followed on 25 November 2005. A first-production date is not established; the earliest build in a Honda recall is 18 March 1999.
Recalls by chassis range
Honda Japan filed three recalls that name AP1 frame numbers. Recall 610 (21 February 2000) covers 3,809 GH-AP1 cars built 18 March to 8 June 1999, where the front-knuckle lower-arm mounting could fatigue after repeated severe use; the remedy was revised knuckles. Recall 679 (4 October 2000) covers 10,033 GH-AP1 and LA-AP1 cars built to 22 September 2000, where a wrongly shaped G-sensor actuator could leave a belt locked; lock mechanisms were revised. Recall 853 (11 July 2002) covers 13,352 cars built to 31 May 2002, where gasket deformation could loosen spark plugs and damage threads or coils. The frame ranges are in the checklist.
Importing an AP1
The US 25-year rule uses each car's manufacture date (49 CFR 591.5(i)). EPA's 21-year provision requires the original engine model and configuration; its 2011 guidance allows equivalent or newer EPA-certified engines and emission-control systems. Confirm swaps with EPA. Canada counts 15 years by manufacture month and year. Import clearance does not guarantee registration; check state or provincial rules.
US and European cars
Honda's US 2003 table lists 240 hp at 8,300 rpm, 153 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm and 11.0:1 compression, against Japan's 250 PS and 11.7:1. The same table separates an 8,800 rpm rev limit from a 9,000 rpm fuel cutoff, while Honda's Japanese launch release describes a 9,000 rpm maximum speed. Hagerty UK says European cars kept the 2.0-litre engine throughout production and that the UK GT came with a hardtop as standard. Those are export details, not Japanese grades, and they do not change the Japanese figures above.
Technical Specifications
Figures are Honda's Japanese catalogue ratings in PS and kW, net. The US row is a labelled comparison.
Engine Options
-
GH-AP1 S2000 Honda launch specification, April 1999
F20C- Displacement
- 1,997 cm³
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Power
- 250 PS at 8,300 rpm (net)
- Torque
- 22.2 kgf·m at 7,500 rpm (net)
- Transmission
- 6MT
87.0 × 84.0 mm, 11.7:1. Honda's launch release gives a maximum rotational speed of 9,000 rpm.
-
ABA-AP1 S2000 / type V Honda catalogue, October 2003 to October 2005
F20C- Displacement
- 1,997 cm³
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Power
- 250 PS (184 kW) at 8,300 rpm (net)
- Torque
- 22.2 kgf·m (218 N·m) at 7,500 rpm (net)
- Transmission
- 6MT
11.7:1. Honda's archived final specification; it may not describe every earlier car.
-
US 2.0-litre (comparison) US 2003 specification
2.0-litre VTEC (US) Comparison- Displacement
- 1,997 cm³
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Power
- 240 hp at 8,300 rpm
- Torque
- 153 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm
- Transmission
- 6MT
11.0:1. Honda's US table lists an 8,800 rpm rev limit and a 9,000 rpm fuel cutoff.
Transmission Options
| Type | Ratios | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-speed manual | 3.133 / 2.045 / 1.481 / 1.161 / 0.970 / 0.810; reverse 2.800 | All Japanese AP1 grades | Honda's first and second reduction ratios are 1.160 and 4.100. Carbon synchronizers from the October 2003 revision. |
NHTSA's safety exemption starts 25 years from each car's manufacture date under 49 CFR 591.5(i). EPA's separate age provision requires the original engine configuration or an eligible EPA-certified replacement engine and emissions system. State registration rules vary. Canada counts its 15-year federal age exemption by manufacture month and year. Check the car's documents before shipping. Calculate import costs →
Sources: 49 CFR 591.5 (eCFR) ; EPA: learn about importing vehicles and engines ; EPA: importing vehicles and engines guidance (NEPIS) ; CBSA Memorandum D9-1-11
Variants & Trims
Grades are those in Honda's Japanese releases. Type S and an Ultimate Edition are not AP1 grades.
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| AP1 (Japan) | S2000 (on sale 15 April 1999) | F20C, 250 PS | Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive, electric soft top. 205/55R16 front and 225/50R16 rear tyres; 1,240 kg (1,250 kg with navigation). |
| AP1 (Japan) | S2000 type V (on sale 14 July 2000) | F20C, 250 PS | VGS variable-ratio steering with dedicated dampers, stabilizers and limited-slip differential tuning, a dedicated steering wheel and a rear VGS emblem. Late catalogue: 1.4 turns lock to lock, 1,270 kg. |
| AP1 (Japan) | S2000 GIOIRE and type V GIOIRE (on sale 4 October 2002) | F20C, 250 PS | Dark Cardinal Red Pearl or Royal Navy Blue Pearl with gold pinstripe, chrome mirrors, gold forged BBS wheels and a tan interior. Honda's 300 cars a year was a sales plan. |
| AP1 (Japan) | S2000 and type V, October 2003 facelift (on sale 17 October 2003) | F20C, 250 PS | 215/45R17 front and 245/40R17 rear tyres, retuned suspension, stronger body, HID projector low beams, LED rear lamps, carbon synchronizers and an immobilizer key. Late catalogue: 1,250 kg (type V 1,270 kg). |
Should You Buy a Honda S2000 AP1?
Strengths come from Honda's launch and revision releases. Cautions come from Honda's recalls and UK buying guides.
Why You'll Love It
- A documented high-revving engine Honda rates the F20C at 250 PS at 8,300 rpm from 1,997 cm³ and quoted 125 PS per litre at launch.
- Weight placed behind the front axle Honda mounted the engine behind the front axle for a claimed 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution.
- A purpose-built open body Honda's high X-bone frame, front-pillar steel tubes and roll bars were designed so the open body matches a closed one for rigidity and crash safety, by Honda's account.
- A dated upgrade path The October 2003 facelift added 17-inch tyres, retuned suspension, a stronger body, revised brake pads and carbon synchronizers.
Why You Might Not
- Recalls to verify Three Honda Japan recalls name AP1 frame ranges. Confirm each one was carried out on the car you are buying.
- Oil use varies A UK buying guide reports some engines using up to a litre per 1,000 miles and others none, so ask about the individual car.
- Specification depends on the date Early cars predate the glass rear window and the 17-inch tyres, so a listing needs its build date, not just the AP1 badge.
- Peaks at high revs Honda lists peak torque of 22.2 kgf·m at 7,500 rpm and peak power at 8,300 rpm.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Anyone who expects a 2.2-litre engine: Japanese AP1 cars, including the 2003 facelift, are 2.0-litre F20C.
- Anyone looking for an AP1 Type S: Honda's Japanese TYPE S began in October 2007 on the later 2.2-litre car.
- Anyone who needs more than two seats or an automatic: Honda's Japanese tables list a two-seat roadster with a six-speed manual.
- Anyone importing to the US without checking the car's build date and engine against the 25-year and EPA rules.
Common Issues & Solutions
Recalls are from Honda Japan. Oil, tensioner, corrosion and suspension points are UK buying-guide and workshop experience, not Japanese failure rates.
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Oil consumption | PistonHeads reports some engines using up to a litre per 1,000 miles and others none. A UK specialist quoted by evo says they all burn a lot of oil. The accounts conflict and neither measures Japanese cars. | Ask the seller about oil use and the checking routine, check the level yourself and establish that car's rate. |
| Timing-chain tensioner | PistonHeads says a rattle when starting the engine points to the timing-chain tensioner, and calls the replacement a simple job. | Listen from a cold start and ask whether the tensioner has been replaced. Do not blame every engine noise on oil starvation. |
| Valve clearances | The same guide says valve clearances need regular checks. No Japanese service interval is sourced here. | Ask for service records that show when clearances were last checked. |
| Front knuckle recall 610 | Honda's recall of 21 February 2000 says insufficient stiffness at the lower-arm mounting could cause fatigue failure after repeated severe use. It covers GH-AP1 cars built 18 March to 8 June 1999. | Check the frame number against AP1-1000034 to AP1-1003842 and confirm the revised knuckles were fitted. |
| Seat-belt recall 679 | Honda's recall of 4 October 2000 says an incorrect G-sensor actuator shape could leave the belt locked and impossible to pull out. | Check the frame number against the ranges in the checklist and confirm the revised lock mechanisms were fitted. |
| Spark-plug recall 853 | Honda's recall of 11 July 2002 says gasket deformation under high-rpm heat could loosen plugs, damage threads and cause misfire or coil damage. | Revised-gasket plugs were fitted and threads and coils inspected. Confirm the work for the car's frame number. |
| Wet passenger footwell | Hagerty says a loose air-conditioning condensation drain is more likely than a leaking hood. evo reports hood leaks near the screen pillars. | Trace the water to its source before buying hood seals. |
| Suspension wear and seized fasteners | evo's UK specialist names the front lower arm as an early wear point and reports seized bolts or bushes that can need drilling or cutting. This is workshop experience, not a Japanese failure rate. | Listen for clonks, check alignment and ask for records of arm and bush work. |
Differences between JDM & USDM
This page uses Honda's Japanese specifications. Honda's US 2003 table lists 240 hp at 8,300 rpm, 153 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm and 11.0:1 compression, against Japan's 250 PS at 8,300 rpm and 11.7:1; the US figure is in horsepower and the Japanese in PS. The US table separates an 8,800 rpm rev limit from a 9,000 rpm fuel cutoff, and Honda's Japanese launch release describes a 9,000 rpm maximum speed. Hagerty UK says European cars kept the 2.0-litre engine throughout production and that the UK GT came with a hardtop as standard. Neither is a Japanese grade.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Verify the frame number, recalls, grade and import paperwork in that order.
Critical Priority
High Priority
Medium Priority
Generation History
Generation span (Japan) (1999–2005)
- On sale 15 April 1999; the facelifted F20C car stays AP1 until the 2.2-litre revision went on sale on 25 November 2005
- First-production date not established; the earliest build in a Honda recall is 18 March 1999
Launch (15 April 1999)
- F20C, 250 PS, six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive, with the engine behind the front axle
- Built at Takanezawa alongside the NSX; Honda announced the prototype on 24 September 1998
Type V (14 July 2000)
- VGS variable-ratio steering with dedicated dampers, stabilizers and limited-slip differential tuning
Revision and Custom Color Plan (14 September 2001)
- Glass rear window with timed heating, refined base-car suspension and the Custom Color Plan (130 combinations)
GIOIRE special edition (4 October 2002)
- On both grades; Honda's 300 cars a year was a domestic sales plan, not a production total
Minor model change (facelift) (17 October 2003)
- 17-inch tyres, retuned suspension, stronger body, revised brake pads, carbon synchronizers, new lamps and bumpers
- Japanese cars remained AP1
Assembly moves to Suzuka (April 2004)
- Production transferred from the Takanezawa plant to Suzuka
Market Data
Grades are those in Honda's Japanese releases. Type S and an Ultimate Edition are not AP1 grades.
Reported Counts & Rarity
| Generation | Years | Reported Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AP1 and AP2, all grades (Japan and worldwide) | 1999 to 2008-12 | More than 110,000 sold worldwide, including more than 20,000 in Japan | Honda's January 2009 release reports sales through December 2008 across both chassis codes. Hagerty UK gives 110,673 cars over ten years. The reporting periods differ, so these statements do not establish a numerical conflict. No AP1/AP2 production split is supplied. |
| AP1 GIOIRE special editions | 2002 | 300 a year (Honda's domestic sales plan) | A launch sales plan for both GIOIRE grades combined. Achieved production is not established. |
In Pictures
The Buyer's Read
Begin with the frame number and engine. Honda's Japanese AP1 catalogue runs from the April 1999 launch to October 2005. The October 2003 facelift retained the F20C and AP1 code; Japanese AP2 cars followed on 25 November 2005 with the F22C. Seventeen-inch tyres alone do not distinguish them. The facelift brought retuned suspension, stronger body rigidity and carbon synchronizers; the glass rear window arrived in September 2001.
Then identify the grade. Type V has variable-ratio steering. GIOIRE has dedicated paint, wheels and a tan interior. Honda's Japanese TYPE S arrived in October 2007 on AP2.
Check the three documented AP1 recalls against the frame number: front knuckles, seat-belt locks and spark plugs. Ask about oil use and listen for a start-up rattle. UK guides disagree about consumption and do not establish Japanese failure rates.
US import age runs from each car's manufacture date. EPA requires the original engine model and configuration; its 2011 guidance describes equivalent or newer EPA-certified replacement engines and emission-control systems. Confirm swaps with EPA. Canada counts 15 years by manufacture month and year; registration rules remain separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a Japanese 2004 or 2005 S2000 still an AP1?
- A Japanese 2004 S2000 is AP1, but 2005 includes both codes. Honda's facelifted 2.0-litre catalogue ends in October 2005; the 2.2-litre AP2 went on sale on 25 November 2005. Check the frame code and engine. English-language facelift labels do not override Honda's Japanese designation.
- When did the Japanese S2000 get a glass rear window?
- On 14 September 2001. The revision replaced the rear window with glass that has a timer-controlled heating element and refined the base car's suspension. The same release introduced the Custom Color Plan.
- What does Type V change?
- Type V went on sale on 14 July 2000 with VGS steering, which varies the ratio with speed and steering angle, plus dedicated dampers, stabilizers, limited-slip differential tuning, a steering wheel and a rear emblem. Honda's late catalogue lists 1.4 turns lock to lock against 2.6 for the base car.
- What is the GIOIRE?
- A special edition sold from 4 October 2002 on both grades. It has gold-pinstriped paint in one of two colours, chrome mirrors, gold forged BBS wheels and a tan interior. Honda's 300 cars a year was a sales plan, not a production total.
- Does every F20C burn oil?
- UK reports disagree. PistonHeads reports some engines using up to a litre per 1,000 miles and others none; evo quotes a specialist saying they all burn oil. Neither establishes a Japanese F20C failure rate. Check the individual car's consumption.
- Which Japanese recalls apply to an AP1?
- Recall 610 covers front knuckles on early GH-AP1 cars, recall 679 covers seat-belt locks on GH-AP1 and LA-AP1 cars, and recall 853 covers spark plugs on cars built to 31 May 2002. Check the frame number against the ranges in the checklist.
- Was there an AP1 Type S?
- Not in Honda's Japanese records. Honda added TYPE S in October 2007, on the later 2.2-litre car. AP1 grades were the S2000, the type V and the GIOIRE special editions.
- When can a Japanese AP1 be imported into the US?
- The US 25-year rule uses each car's manufacture date (49 CFR 591.5(i)). EPA's 21-year provision requires the original engine model and configuration; its 2011 guidance allows equivalent or newer EPA-certified engines and emission-control systems. Confirm swaps with EPA. Canada counts 15 years by manufacture month and year. Import clearance does not guarantee registration; check state or provincial rules.
Sources & References
Sources (35)
- Honda S2000 launch release (15 April 1999) — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 1999.04 specifications — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 1999.04 engine technology — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 1999.04 body safety technology — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- Honda Announces the S2000 Prototype (24 September 1998) — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 type V release (7 July 2000) — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 minor model change (13 September 2001) — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 GIOIRE special edition (3 October 2002) — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 minor model change (9 October 2003) — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 specifications, model ended October 2005 — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 minor model change (24 November 2005) — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 specifications, model ended September 2007 — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 improvement and TYPE S release (22 October 2007) — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 specifications, model ended June 2009 — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 TYPE S technology — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 engine and powertrain (final model) — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- Honda to Discontinue Production of the S2000 Sports Car (27 January 2009) — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 production end release (27 January 2009, Japanese) — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 recall 610 (front knuckles) — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 recall 679 (seat belts) — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 recall 853 (spark plugs) — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- S2000 20th Anniversary Items — Honda Access Verified
- 2004 Honda S2000 Powertrain (US) — American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Verified
- 2007 S2000 Specifications (US) — American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Verified
- 2008 Honda S2000 CR Club Racer Edition (US) — American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Verified
- 2008 Honda S2000 Body (US) — American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Verified
- 2008 Honda S2000 Specifications and Features (US) — American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Verified
- Buying Guide: 1999-2010 Honda S2000 — Hagerty UK Verified
- Honda S2000 Buying Guide: Powertrain — PistonHeads Verified
- Honda S2000 review and buying advice — evo Verified
- 49 CFR 591.5 Declarations required for importation — US eCFR Verified
- Learn About Importing Vehicles and Engines — US EPA Verified
- Overview of EPA Import Requirements for Vehicles and Engines (EPA-420-B-11-015) — US EPA Verified
- Importing Older Vehicles into Canada — Transport Canada Verified
- Recall 3172 (13 June 2013): brake booster, includes ABA-AP2 — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
Sources last verified: