As the old adage says, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. Honda seems to have found that sweet spot in their V6 offering. Honda’s J series V6 engine has been in production for nearly 2 decades now, albeit with different displacement variations, the concept has remained the same. A single overhead camshaft Valve Timing Electronic Control (VTEC) V6 with all of the grunt needed to tote the kids around in your Odyssey, or to burn the tires off of your Accord Coupe. The Longest standing J series engine is most certainly the J35. found in every Pilot and Odyssey on the road today.
The first J series produced was the J30A1 which was found in the 1997-1999 Acura 3.0 CL. Contrary to the older C series V6 that Honda had produced, this was a 60 degree v6 and much more compact to fit in a transverse mounted engine bay. When you think Honda you think reliability. So it’s easy to see the excellent engineering that went into this motor.
Fast Forward to 2001, where the J35 makes its first appearance. The 2001 Honda Odyssey gets its new heart. A huge step up from its lackluster F series 4 cylinder used in the prior generation. From then on, the J35 and its many iterations will have a star role in Honda and Acura’s lineup even to today. The J35S1 even made an appearance in the 2004-2007 Saturn Vue. One could even argue that it is one of the most commercially successful v6 engines produced. Does it have the passion and flare of an Alfa Romeo V6? No. But does it have the guts and reliability to make it through the test of time? Absolutely yes.
The Nuts and Bolts:
Displacement: 2.5 – 3.7 liters
Horsepower: 200 – 300 HP
Torque: 177 – 270 Lb Ft
Composition: Aluminum Cylinder block and heads
Of course, when Honda makes anything, it is inherently going to be modified to some degree. Most famously Bisimoto’s turbo J35 Odyssey minivan that makes over 1000hp.
There’s also this incredibly well built J35 integra all motor drag car with custom made intake runners to fit ITBs. Credit to Evans Tuning for recognizing the brilliance of the J35.
Although Honda has made countless iterations of the J35, including but not limited to improvements for fuel economy, oiling, Cylinder shut down, and compression ratio. The main concept of the engine has remained unchanged. And why change it? It’s as good as it’s ever been. With the focus today on emissions reduction, green fuels, electrification etc, Honda remains committed to the J35 for its larger offerings such as the Pilot, Odyssey, and Passport and is showing no signs of stopping.
Does this mean that we’ll still see the J35 chugging along in another 15 years? I couldn’t tell you, but I sure hope so.
Leave a comment