The Honda S2000 uses a six-speed manual transmission, delivering six forward gears and one reverse gear. This setup is a defining feature of the car's performance-oriented character.
Produced from 1999 to 2009, the S2000 is celebrated for its high-revving engine and precise gearbox. This article breaks down the gear count and what it means for drivers across the AP1 and AP2 generations.
Gear count and transmission type
The model's gearbox arrangement is straightforward: six forward gears to optimize acceleration and top-end performance, plus a single reverse gear for parking and maneuvers.
- Forward gears: 6
- Reverse gear: 1
- Transmission type: manual
In practice, this six-speed manual requires deliberate shifting and contributes to the S2000's reputation as a driver-focused roadster.
AP1 vs AP2 generation notes
Both AP1 (1999–2003) and AP2 (2004–2009) variants used the same six-speed manual gearbox. There were engine refinements and cosmetic updates over the years, but the number of gears remained six forward gears throughout production.
Summary
The Honda S2000's transmission is a six-speed manual, with six forward gears and one reverse gear, a hallmark of its responsive, sport-oriented driving experience. Across its production run, this setup stayed consistent between the AP1 and AP2 generations, reinforcing the model's reputation as a driver-centric roadster.


