The Honda S2000 was launched in April 1999 and was created to celebrate the Japanese company's 50th anniversary.

In the United States, the largest market for the S2000 worldwide, the 2009 Honda S2000 starts at US$34,695 with a $1000 USD option to add air-conditioning and stereo.

The S2000 saw its best year in 2002, selling 9,684 units, however, after several years of steady production, sales of the roadster began falling dramatically starting in 2006, and the trend accelerated during the 2008 U.S. recession. In 2007, only 4,302 units were sold, a 56% decrease from 2002.

With an impressive 237 horsepower, it should come as no surprise that this two-door roadster has poor a poor fuel economy, achieving only 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Desperate to improve the S2000's sales, the second generation S2000 now accelerates quicker, racing to 100 mph in 15.10 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than before, and clocking a 6.4 second time in the 0-60 mph dash.

On June 1, 2004, 7,067 units of the S2000 were recalled for possible problems with the tail lamps, which may not comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. All units affected were replaced.

The 2007 Honda S2000 is equipped with an array of technological systems, including an electronic Drive-by-Wire (DBW), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA(R)), standard headrest speakers, an outside temperature gauge and an engine start button.

There are several safety measures the S2000 has taken to ensure the confidence of its drivers, including The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which monitors the pressure in all four tires, and alerts the driver if pressure in any tire becomes significantly low.

Although the reports have not been confirmed, rumors that Honda has already cancelled the S2000 have started to surface, despite consistent showings at the top of the affordable sports car ranking list.

The Honda S2000 was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2004, ranked No.1 in the BBC Top Gear Survey in 2004 2005 and 2006; and was awarded the Best Affordable Sports Car for 2008 by US News and World Report.