The J-series is Honda's fourth production V6 engine family introduced in 1996, after the C-series, which consisted of three dissimilar versions. The J-series engine was designed in the United States by Honda engineers. It is built at Honda's Anna, Ohio, and Lincoln, Alabama, engine plants.
The J-series is a 60° V6 unlike Honda's existing 90° C-series engines. Also unlike the C series, the J-series was specifically and only designed for transverse mounting. It has a shorter bore spacing (), shorter connecting rods and a special smaller crankshaft than the C-series to reduce its size. All J-series engines are gasoline-powered, use four valves per cylinder, and have a single timing belt that drives the overhead camshafts. VTEC variable valve timing is used on almost all applications, with exceptions being the J30AC and J35Y8 (which use Variable Timing Control [VTC] instead).
One unique feature of some J-family engine models is Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system. Initially, the system turns off one bank of cylinders under light loads, turning the V6 into a straight-3. Some versions were able to turn off one bank of cylinders or one cylinder on opposing banks, allowing for three-cylinder use under light loads and four-cylinder use under medium loads.
J25A
The J25A was used only in the Japanese domestic Inspire/Saber models. The J25A displaced . Its bore and stroke was . The J25A used a 10.5:1 compression ratio and was a SOHC VTEC design. Output was at 6200 rpm and of torque at 4600 rpm. It had a variable intake manifold to optimize torque output across varying engine speeds and engine response.
J25A
1998–2003 Honda Inspire
1999 Honda Saber
J30
The J30A displaces and is a SOHC VTEC design. Its bore and stroke is . Output for the lightweight (Actual complete running engine including flywheel, less starter is 152 kg) J30A1 was at 5500 rpm and of torque at 4800 rpm. The J30A4 pushed output to and using a three-way VTEC system, a higher (10.0:1) compression ratio and a novel exhaust manifold cast as one piece with the cylinder head. It weighs nearly less and is an inch shorter than J30A1. 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. In 2006 Honda created the J30A5 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Accord. It boosted output to (SAE Net 08/04) and (SAE Net 08/04) of torque. According to Honda, horsepower gains were achieved with improvements to the airflow of the intake and exhaust system.
J30A
2004–2008 Honda Inspire
Displacement: Bore and stroke: Power: Torque: Redline: 6,800 rpm Compression: 10.5:1
J30A1
1996–1999 Acura 3.0CL
1997–2002 Honda Accord V6
1999–2003 Honda Avancier
J30A3
1997–2002 Honda Accord V6
1997–2003 Honda Odyssey (Prestige & Absolute models)
J30A4
2003–2005 Honda Accord V6
J30A5
2005–2007 Honda Accord V6
2013–2016 Honda Accord (China only, with VCM ,261ps) Displacement: Bore and stroke: Power: at 6244 rpm Torque: at 5000 rpm Redline: 6,800 rpm Compression: 10.0:1 Valve Train: 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC
J30AC
(Turbo) 2021+ Acura TLX Type-S 2022+ Acura MDX Type-S Displacement: Bore and stroke: Power: at 5500 rpm Torque: at 1400 rpm Compression: 9.8:1 Valve Train: 24-Valve DOHC with VTC
J30Y1
2013–2018 Acura RDX (China) 2017–2020 Acura MDX (Sport Hybrid) Displacement: Bore and stroke: Power (engine only): 257 hp at 6300 rpm Power (combined): 321 hp at 6300 rpm Torque (combined): 289 lb⋅ft (392 N⋅m) at 5000 rpm Valve train: 24-Valve SOHC Induction/Fuel Delivery: Naturally Aspirated – Direct Injection
JNA1
2005–2007 Honda Accord Hybrid
Displacement: Bore and stroke: Power: at 5400 rpm Torque: at 4500 rpm Compression: 10.5:1 Valve Train: 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC
J32
The J32A displaces and is a SOHC VTEC design. Its bore and stroke is . Output was at 5600 rpm and at 4700 rpm for the J32A1, with the J32A2 raising output to at 6200 rpm and at 3500–5500 rpm. A more aggressive camshaft, more free flowing intake/exhaust, and a 2-stage intake manifold produced a increase over the J32A1. The J32A3's output in the 2004/2005 TL is . Due to changes in SAE testing methods, 2006–2008 model years have a reduced output rating of , despite being mechanically identical. The J32A3 includes a one-piece exhaust manifold cast with the cylinder head, first introduced on the J30A4.