What makes a person a Honda driver for life? Stop by an auto repair shop and ask five different people, and you might get five different answers, but we’re willing to bet they all have something to do with the automaker’s engine. Be it performance, power, reliability, or affordability. Honda is a brand that has made a name for itself when it comes to producing long-lasting cars with great engines that deliver mile after mile.
Honda’s attention to detail and commitment to high quality continues to produce first-class engines that stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re looking for speed or efficiency, if you’re in a Honda, one thing you can be sure of is that the engine will deliver when and where you need it.
Honda is a Japanese car company that began way back in 1937. It has produced motorcycles, sports cars, and racing cars. It has given us some of the most iconic vehicles you see on the road every day, including the Honda Civic, CR-V, and Accord.
What’s one thing all these vehicles have in common? Great, world-class engines. Starting back in 1991, Honda began using the VTEC system (Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control), which has since become synonymous with the Japanese automaker. What’s so great about this type of engine? Thanks to the improved efficiency, the engine turns out a higher performance with lower fuel consumption.
But let’s face it—as impressive as Honda’s VTEC engines are, electric is on its way to the top. And who knows? Gas-powered VTEC technology might become a thing of the past—but that day isn’t today. So, in the meantime, let’s take a look at a few of Honda’s top engine families and marvel at how the Japanese automaker’s revolutionary technology helped set the standards for modern engines today.
The L-Series
The Honda L-Series has been used in one form or another since 2001 in various models like the Civic or CR-V. The L-Series has a reputation for being a long-lasting and finely turned lighter-weight engine that delivers superb fuel economy to drivers. So it’s easy to see why the engine is so popular.
The L-Series engines have two different valvetrains, with the L12A, L13A, and L15A being made with i-DSI (intelligent dual and sequential ignition). The i-DSI uses just two sparkplugs per cylinder, which means more power and less fuel consumption. The i-DSI also means better performance and pick-up thanks to the engine’s ability to reach max torque at a lower range.
If increased performance is what you’re after, check out the L15A available with a VTEC valvetrain. While it may not be as efficient as other engines in the L-series, you get increased power and performance for a more thrilling ride.
Honda is no stranger to hybrids and doesn’t miss a step when equipping them with the latest technology. If you’ve ridden in an Accord Hybrid, you’ve probably experienced the smooth performance of the LFA1, which made Ward’s list as one of the “10 Best Engines” in 2019 and 2020.
The K-Series
The K-series engines from Honda might not be something you’ve experienced if you haven’t had a chance to take a ride in one of their sportier vehicles. The K-Series engines deliver V8 power to models like the Civic Type R, which—in case you weren’t aware—is probably the fastest, highest-performing street-legal Honda to reach American shores.
Ever since the K-Series was made available in 2001, Honda drivers have been upgrading their old engines for increased speed and performance. Not that we can blame them; sure, there’s nothing wrong with the D, F, and B series from the ’90s, but there’s just that little extra something that drivers gravitate towards. And by extra, we mean a larger engine line that ranges from 2.0L to 2.4L.
Wondering if you have a K-Series engine? It’s easy to tell. Honda revised their engine placement with the K-series so all engines were mounted on the left as opposed to older engine types mounted on the right. Honda also reversed their intake and exhaust positions and made an overall more compact engine to fit into a tighter space.
The R-Series
If you drive one of Honda’s more compact vehicles, like a Civic or HR-V, you might have an R-Series engine. The R-series was normally only offered in smaller vehicles. It delivers great fuel economy and is known for its stellar reliability and lower fuel emissions, making it ideal for urban or suburban driving conditions.
The lightweight R-Series arrived to replace the Honda D-Series engine. It uses Honda’s i-VTEC technology, which combines Honda’s VTEC technology with its VTC (variable timing control). This means better fuel consumption without compromising the vehicle’s performance. A timing chain was used instead of the timing belt that was previously used on the older D-Series engines. The chain replacement was meant to last as long as the engine does, meaning no belt replacements and fewer maintenance costs overall.
Most R-Series engines can last upwards of 300,000 miles and are perfect for everyday driving, making them ideal for Civics or HR-Vs, which are often used for commutes or daily errands.
The J-Series
The J-Series is older than the other series previously mentioned, but considering it was Honda’s only V6 offering stateside, we thought it was worth the mention. The J-Series of engines was introduced back in 1996 and used SOHC designs and Honda’s VTEC system to produce an impressive 310 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque for a fun and sporty ride.
This family of engines includes the four J30A, J35A, J35Z, and J37A and can be found on a variety of Honda models, from the Accord to the Odessey minivan. Because of their reputation for being a beefy and durable engine, they remain popular.
When the J-series was announced, it aimed to deliver a smaller engine without comprising performance. Throughout the years, the J-Series shed about 20 lbs of dead weight and saw improvements in the exhaust system along with increased horsepower.
Why Are Honda’s Engines the Best?
So why Honda engines? We think the answer is pretty clear. Honda has several engines that could all represent the best of the brand depending on if you want performance or fuel efficiency. The Japanese automaker uses the same high standards and quality control to create each engine series, always with a goal in mind to make them lighter, more compact, and more fuel efficient than the last one.
The refined engines of Honda were made possible by innovative engineering over the course of decades. They are reliable but also easy and inexpensive to maintain, making them a popular choice for drivers from all walks of life. Those looking to swap out their engine for another have plenty of options to create the perfect vehicle for their needs.
Honda’s rich culture and commitment to excellence have created world-class engineering that has put them on the map and made drivers Honda drivers for life. While other automakers are concerned with looks or the latest luxury comforts, Honda puts their resources where it counts, continuing to turn out quality vehicles decade after decade to create a product that is the perfect balance of form and function.