The J-series was Honda's second engine family, introduced in 1996. It is a 60° V6 – Honda's existing C-series is a 90° engine. The J-series was designed for transverse mounting. It has a shorter bore spacing (98 mm), shorter connecting rods, and a special smaller crankshaft than the C-series for compactness. All current J-series engines are SOHC 4-valve designs with VTEC variable valve timing.

The J-series engine was designed in the United States by Honda engineers. It is built at Honda's Anna, Ohio engine plant.

One unique feature of some J-family engine models is Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system. It uses the i-VTEC system to turn off one bank of cylinders under light loads, turning the V6 into a straight-3.

J25

The J25A was the first J-series engine produced. It was only used in the export-model Inspire/Saber models, however. The J25A displaced 2.5 L and was an SOHC VTEC design. Output was 192 hp.

• J25A
  • 1996 Honda Inspire
  • 1996 Honda Saber

J30

The J30 displaces 3.0 L and is an SOHC VTEC design. Output for the J30A1 was 200 hp (149 kW) and 195 lb-ft of torque. The J30A4 pushed output to 240 hp (179 kW) and 212 lb-ft. using a three-way VTEC system, higher (10:1) compression ratio, and a novel exhaust manifold integrated with the engine block. This version was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2003 and 2004. The IMA hybrid version was on the list for 2005.

• J30A1
  • 1997-1999 Acura 3.0CL
  • 1998-2002 Honda Accord V6
• J30A4
  • 2003-2005 Honda Accord V6
• Variable Cylinder Management
  • 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid

J32

The J32 displaced 3.2 L and was an SOHC VTEC design. Output was 225 hp for the J32A1, with the J32A2 raising output to 260 hp.

• J32A1
  • 1998 Acura 3.2CL
  • 1998 Acura 3.2TL
• J32A2
  • 2000 Acura 3.2CL Type-S
  • 2000 Acura 3.2TL Type-S
• J32A3
  • 2004 Acura 3.2TL

J35

The J35 displaced 3.5 L (3471 cc) and is an SOHC VTEC design. Bore is 89 mm and stroke is 93.2 mm. Output was 210 hp for the J35A1 and 265 hp (198 kW) and 253 ft.lbf (343 Nm) for the J35A3.

The new J35 used in the Acura RL produces 300 hp (224 kW) at 6200 RPM and 260 ft.lbf (353 Nm) at 5000 RPM. This engine was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2005.

The J35A91 used in the Honda Ridgeline produces 255 hp (190 kW) at 5750 RPM and 252 ft.lbf (342 Nm) at 4500 RPM.

The J35 is also used by General Motors in the Saturn VUE, though GM refers to it as the L66.

• J35A1
  • 1998 Honda Odyssey
• J35A3
  • Acura MDX
• 2005 Acura RL
• J35A91
  • Honda Ridgeline
• Variable Cylinder Management
  • 2005 Honda Odyssey
  • 2006 Honda Pilot

See also

• List of Honda engines

References

• Car and Driver magazine, November 1996, p111