10 Cars Use Honda Engines… But They Aren’t From Honda!

An Ariel Atom with a Civic Type R engine? The list of cars with Honda powertrains will surprise you. See the engineering that powers other brands.

Honda has solidified its global reputation not just as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles, but fundamentally as an “engine company.” As the world’s largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines by volume, its identity is intrinsically linked to innovation, efficiency, and, above all, legendary reliability. This excellence in powertrain engineering gave rise to the brand’s slogan, “The Power of Dreams,” symbolizing its ability to transform technical challenges into reality.

This focus on engine engineering mastery has resulted in a philosophy of remarkable independence. Unlike many other automakers that participate in complex component-sharing networks, Honda rarely uses engines from other brands to power its own vehicles. This paradox makes the cases where the opposite happens even more fascinating: when other manufacturers, in pursuit of performance, reliability, or a strategic solution, knocked on Honda’s door.

The collaborations that follow were not mere commercial transactions, but rather complex strategic alliances. They were motivated by a variety of factors, from technological exchanges—such as the supply of V6 engines in exchange for diesel technology for the European market—to the co-development of platforms to reduce costs and access new markets. In some cases, it was the sheer need for a high-performance engine that a partner couldn’t produce in-house.

This list explores ten notable examples of vehicles from other brands that were equipped with a Honda heart. The selection spans the “modern era” of motoring, including iconic “modern classics” that demonstrate the historical depth of these partnerships, as well as contemporary applications. Each of these cars tells a unique story of industrial strategy, corporate pragmatism, and the universal recognition of the superiority of Honda’s engine engineering.

High-Performance Artisans: When Only a Honda Engine Will Do

1. Ariel Atom 4 (2018-Present)

The Ariel Atom is the archetype of the minimalist track car, a British machine stripped of everything not essential for pure speed. With its exposed tubular chassis and lack of conventional bodywork, every component is selected with a single purpose: to maximize the power-to-weight ratio and the driving experience. In this context of uncompromising engineering, the choice of engine is the most critical decision.

• The Honda Powertrain: The heart of the Ariel Atom 4 is the formidable Honda K20C engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder with the iconic i-VTEC technology. This is precisely the same powerplant that equips the acclaimed Honda Civic Type R. In its standard configuration for the Atom 4, this engine produces 320 hp (BHP) at 6500 rpm and an impressive 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm.
• The Reason for the Choice: Ariel’s relationship with Honda is a long-standing strategic partnership, initiated in 2003 with the Atom 2. The decision to continue this alliance with the K20C engine is based on three pillars: pure performance, bulletproof reliability, and immense tuning potential. Type R engines are known for withstanding extreme track abuse with a consistency few can match. This partnership validates Honda’s engineering at a supercar level, demonstrating that a mass-produced engine can be the heart of one of the most radical performance machines on the planet.

Unexpected Alliances: Transcontinental Partnerships

2. Saturn Vue V6 (2004-2007)

In the early 2000s, General Motors’ Saturn brand seemed an unlikely candidate to house technology from a Japanese competitor. However, for a brief but fascinating period, the heart of its most powerful SUV, the Vue V6, was unmistakably Honda.

• The Honda Powertrain: Between 2004 and 2007, Saturn replaced its GM-sourced V6 engine with a Honda J35A3 unit, a 3.5-liter SOHC VTEC V6 (internally designated by GM as the L66). This was the same engine that powered the Acura MDX of the era. In the Vue, the engine produced 250 hp and 328 Nm of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission also supplied by Honda.
• The Reason for the Partnership: This collaboration was a strategic swap deal. Honda needed a competitive diesel engine for the European market, and GM, through its control of Isuzu, could supply it. In return, GM received Honda’s excellent gasoline V6 for the North American market. It was a pragmatic decision that allowed GM to dramatically improve the Vue without the development costs of a new engine, making it more competitive.

3. Proton Perdana (2016-2020)

The Proton Perdana is the luxury sedan from Malaysia’s national automaker. For its second generation, the brand sought an efficient way to develop a modern successor, and the solution came through a strategic collaboration with Honda.

• The Honda Powertrain: The second generation of the Perdana was built on the platform of the eighth-generation Honda Accord and inherited its powertrains. It was available with two Honda i-VTEC engine options: a 2.0-liter R20A3 (approx. 154 hp) and a 2.4-liter K24Z2 (approx. 178 hp), both paired with a five-speed Honda automatic transmission.
• The Reason for the Partnership: The collaboration allowed Proton a significant shortcut in the development cycle, licensing a proven, world-class architecture. Proton focused its resources on exterior and interior design to create a distinct visual identity, while the use of Honda’s mechanics ensured a level of refinement, performance, and reliability that would have been extremely costly for Proton to achieve independently.

The Anglo-Japanese Dynasty: The Rover-Honda Saga

The alliance between British Leyland (and its successors) and Honda, from 1979 to 1994, was Honda’s most profound collaboration. This partnership was a pillar for the British automotive industry and allowed Honda to establish a crucial production base in Europe.

4. Triumph Acclaim (1981-1984)

The Triumph Acclaim was not just a car; it was a lifeline for British Leyland (BL). It was the first product of this alliance and marked a turning point in the company’s build quality.

• The Honda Powertrain: The Acclaim was, in essence, a Honda Ballade built under license. Its engine was the Honda EN4, a 1335 cc all-aluminum OHC unit shared with the Civic of the time. It produced around 70 hp.
• The Reason for the Partnership: BL was facing a reliability crisis and needed a modern model. Honda, in turn, sought to circumvent import restrictions in Europe. The introduction of Honda’s engineering and manufacturing processes resulted in a vehicle with unprecedented reliability for BL, cementing a relationship of trust that would last over a decade.

5. Rover 200 Coupé (1992-1998)

Born from the acclaimed “R8” platform, the Rover 200 Coupé was a testament to the peak of collaboration. The platform was a true co-development project with the Honda Concerto.

• The Honda Powertrain: While Rover used its own K-series engines, the range also included the Honda D16A8 engine, a 1.6-liter DOHC unit. This engine produced 111 hp and was known for its smoothness and willingness to rev, offering a distinct character.
• The Reason for the Partnership: The R8 platform was an equal partnership. The offering of engines from both brands gave consumers a choice of mechanical “flavors.” The Honda DOHC engine was the choice for those seeking the refinement and high-revving nature characteristic of Japanese engineering.

6. Rover 600 Series (1993-1999)

The Rover 600 was an elegant executive sedan designed to compete in the competitive European D-segment, based on the platform of the European Honda Accord of the time.

• The Honda Powertrain: The gasoline engine range was exclusively supplied by Honda, including the F18A3 (1.8L, 116 hp), the F20Z1 (2.0L, 131 hp), and the H23A3 (2.3L DOHC, 158 hp).
• The Reason for the Partnership: The Rover 600 was essentially a Honda Accord in a “British suit.” Rover was responsible for the luxurious exterior and interior design, while all underlying engineering was from Honda. The result combined the best of both worlds: Honda’s mechanical reliability with Rover’s aesthetics and luxury ambiance.

7. Sterling 827 (1988-1991)

In the late 1980s, Rover Group ventured into the North American luxury market with the Sterling brand. Its launch model, the 827, shared its platform with the acclaimed Honda Legend.

• The Honda Powertrain: The heart of the Sterling 827 was the Honda C27A engine, a 2.7-liter 24-valve SOHC V6 that produced around 173 hp.
• The Reason for the Partnership: The collaboration allowed for the sharing of enormous development costs for a global executive car. Rover hoped to capitalize on Honda’s quality reputation in the American market. However, despite the excellent engine, the car was plagued by British build quality issues, leading to the brand’s failure in the US.

The Isuzu Connection: Rebranding for Survival

In the early 1990s, Isuzu withdrew from the passenger car market. To keep its dealer network active, it resorted to “badge-engineering” agreements, with Honda being one of its most important partners.

8. Isuzu Oasis (1996-1999)

To compete in the growing minivan market in the US, Isuzu needed a product quickly. The solution was the Oasis, a clone of the innovative first-generation Honda Odyssey.

• The Honda Powertrain: The Oasis was mechanically identical to the Odyssey, using the 2.2-liter F22B engine (approx. 140 hp) and, later, the 2.3-liter VTEC F23A (approx. 150 hp).
• The Reason for the Partnership: It was a mutually beneficial swap deal. Isuzu gained a world-class minivan without development costs. In return, Honda received the Isuzu Rodeo SUV, which was rebadged and sold as the Honda Passport, allowing Honda to quickly enter the lucrative SUV market.

9. Isuzu Aska (1994-2002)

The Aska was Isuzu’s mid-size sedan. Its last two generations were actually rebadges of the Honda Accord for the Japanese domestic market.

• The Honda Powertrain: The powertrains included the F18B (1.8L) and the F20B (2.0L), with power outputs ranging between 140 and 150 hp, depending on the specification.
• The Reason for the Partnership: After exiting passenger car production, Isuzu needed a sedan for its dealer network in Japan. The partnership allowed Isuzu to offer the “Aska” badge on a reliable and well-regarded product, leveraging the Accord’s engineering.

10. Isuzu Gemini (1993-2000)

The Gemini was one of Isuzu’s most important names in the subcompact segment. Its last two generations were products of the alliance with Honda, based on the Honda Domani (a cousin of the Civic).

• The Honda Powertrain: It used the Honda 1.5-liter D15B engine (approx. 94-105 hp) and the famous 1.6-liter ZC (approx. 120 hp).
• The Reason for the Partnership: As the Honda Domani was a version of the popular Civic, the Isuzu Gemini was essentially a close relative of one of the world’s most reliable cars. This partnership allowed Isuzu to pragmatically offer its customers a product with a world-class engineering foundation.

A Legacy of Engineering Excellence

The examination of these ten vehicles reveals the remarkable influence of Honda’s engine engineering far beyond its own factories. Far from being simple transactions, these partnerships paint a complex picture of the global automotive industry.

The reasons for these collaborations can be grouped into several categories: strategic swaps (Saturn), co-development for cost sharing (Rover 800), licensing for access to technology (Proton), the need for survival (Isuzu), and the pursuit of pure performance (Ariel).

The fact that so many different brands, for such varied reasons, turned to Honda engines is the greatest testament to its engineering excellence. Honda’s “Power of Dreams” has not only powered its own vehicles but has played a crucial role in the history of many other brands worldwide, solidifying its legacy as a true master of the internal combustion engine.