The Honda J Engine family has been Honda’s main V6 engine ever since it was introduced in 1996. You’ll find these engines loaded into everything from the Accord to the Inspire when you want a little extra get-up-and-go in your compact car.
What are the specs on a Honda J engine?
The Honda J Engine J35Y6 VCM is a 211.8 cubic inch 3.5L V6 with a 3.5 x 3.66-inch bore and stroke. Standard horsepower starts at 290hp with 267 lb.-ft. of torque.
If you’re shopping for a Honda with a V6, you’re probably going to wind up with a Honda J engine. Below, we’ll go over everything you need to know about these engines, including a little history on the J family, and some commonly asked questions. Let’s get started.
History of the Honda J Engine
Honda’s fourth V6 family, the J engine was introduced as a replacement for the C-series in 1996.
Built in Anna, Ohio and Lincoln, Alabama, the J engine pioneered Honda’s VCM, or Variable Cylinder Management system, which has the engine shutting cylinders off under light loads, converting the V6 into a V4 or inline-3 depending on how much power is needed.
A number of variations would follow, including the Sport Hybrid J30Y1 found in the Acura MDX, and the J32A3 with computer-controlled fuel injection.
You may have heard rumors that Honda is discontinuing their V6 engines. This isn’t quite true.
V6 engines are becoming less common due to emissions regulation and advancements in electric engine technology, but the new Acura TLX, Honda Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline and MDX, to name a few, still carry Honda J V6s.
You can expect automakers to pivot to offering V6 engines only in high-performance models, but the industry isn’t quite ready to send the V6 out to pasture.
Which Models Have a Honda J Engine?
Pretty much any Honda with a V6 made from 1996 on is going to have a Honda J engine under the hood. That list includes the Honda Odyssey, Pilot, MDX, Legend, Acura RL and TL, Saturn Vue, and ZDX.
Current models that carry a Honda J engine include the Passport, Odyssey, Ridgeline, Pilot and TLX, which all house a J35Y6 VCM, the MDX, with a J35Y5 VCM, and the Honda Legend, with a J35Y4 VCM.
If you want a Honda with a J engine under the hood, you still have plenty of options. But the list is getting shorter year after year. Soon, you might not see the J engine in anything that isn’t marketed toward sports car enthusiasts.
People Also Ask…
What is the Most Powerful Honda Engine?
The 2.0L VTEC Turbo 4 cylinder is Honda’s most powerful engine. This is the engine found in the Honda Civic Type R. Honda has produced more powerful engines than this for concept cars and competition models, but this is their most powerful street-legal engine.
Why are V6 Engines Bad?
V6 engines are awesome for power. Not so great for fuel-efficiency or the environment. This is why Honda developed its Variable Cylinder Management system in order to get a little more mileage to the gallon. But ultimately, an inline-4 is just a more efficient, if less powerful, design.
Do V6 Engines Last Longer Than V8?
Yes. But it’s not so much the engine as the vehicle. If you have a V8 loaded into your car just for the fun of having a V8, then the extra weight and power of that engine is going to put more stress on the vehicle than would a V6.
What is the Most Reliable Engine?
The Honda Accord’s 1.5L L15B7 VTEC Turbo four-cylinder would probably be the most reliable engine. Honda is regarded as the most reliable engine maker, with only one failure in 344 units (Toyota is at a distant second with 1 in 171), and the Accord is their most reliable model.
Can a 4 Cylinder Beat V6?
On fuel efficiency, yes. On speed and power, no. Not fresh out of the box, anyway. A 4 cylinder can be supercharged or you can add a powerplant to give you a boost, but regarding stock engines with stock parts, a V6 will always outrun a 4 cylinder.
