When the topic of the world’s greatest engine manufacturers comes up, the conversation tends to feel repetitive—and ironically, a bit dull. Sure, it’s a subjective question.
After all, what makes an engine “great” varies from person to person. But in this article, we’re spotlighting one of the most underappreciated names in the industry: Honda.
Honda’s engines have earned a reputation for bulletproof reliability. But that’s not all—they also have a passion for high revs and make a glorious noise while doing it, leaving drivers grinning from ear to ear.
What really sets Honda apart, though, is the sheer range of vehicles its engines have powered. From Formula 1 cars to lawnmowers and even construction machinery, Honda has tried it all.
However, we’ll be keeping our focus on the road-going engines—specifically, ten of the most legendary ones ever to come out of Honda’s factories.
When it comes to pushing limits without breaking a sweat, Honda’s VTEC engines have earned a legendary reputation. Whether it’s high-revving track sessions or the daily grind, these powerplants are built to take the heat and keep on ticking.
In this list, we’re spotlighting 10 VTEC engines that have proven time and again they can handle serious pressure — from street warriors to tuned-out beasts. If you’re after reliability with performance baked in, these engines deserve your attention.
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10. Honda B16A (1989–2000)
Engine Specs:
- Configuration: Inline-4
- Displacement: 1.6-liters
- Power: 160–170 hp
- Torque: 111–118 lb-ft
- Noteworthy Applications: Honda Civic CRX Si
Kicking things off is one of the most iconic engines from Honda’s celebrated B-series family: the B16A. This engine is a rev-happy masterpiece, known for its eagerness to hit high RPMs. It featured in the Honda Civic Si of the era, and perhaps most famously in the Honda Integra Type R.
The magic came from Honda’s VTEC system, which adjusted valve timing and lift for a stronger performance kick. Add in a redline near 8,000 rpm, and it becomes clear why the B16A is considered such a riot to drive.
9. Honda B18C1 (1988–2001)
Engine Specs:
- Configuration: Inline-4
- Displacement: 1.8-liters
- Power: 170–180 hp
- Torque: 128–133 lb-ft
- Noteworthy Applications: Honda Integra Type R
Next up is the B18C, another standout from Honda’s B-series lineup. This engine carries forward the same DNA—high-revving, dependable, and ready for abuse. What sets the B18C apart is how mod-friendly it is.
Enthusiasts have long appreciated the engine’s ability to handle a wide range of aftermarket upgrades without sacrificing reliability. It became a cornerstone of the Honda Civic Type R legacy and continues to be revered for both its performance and durability.
8. Honda F20B DOHC (1993–2002)
Engine Specs:
- Configuration: Inline-4
- Displacement: 2.0-liters
- Power: 197–220 hp
- Torque: 145–150 lb-ft
- Noteworthy Applications: Honda Prelude
The F20B is a naturally aspirated, water-cooled engine with a screaming 9,200 rpm redline, developed during what many consider to be Honda’s golden age of engine design.
Produced for nearly a decade, it became closely associated with one of Honda’s more overlooked gems: the Honda Prelude. This car, though undeniably stylish and packed with character, never quite took the market by storm the way Honda intended.
Still, well-maintained examples are out there today, and for those lucky enough to get behind the wheel, the F20B delivers an engaging experience. In this configuration, the engine pushes out close to 200 horsepower, giving drivers a taste of classic Honda performance in a sleek, underrated package.
7. Honda F22C1 (2000–2009)
Engine Specs:
- Configuration: Inline-4
- Displacement: 2.2-liters
- Power: 237 hp
- Torque: 162 lb-ft
- Noteworthy Applications: Honda S2000
Now we come to the engine that sits at the heart of what many consider one of the finest two-seat sports cars ever built: the Honda S2000. The F22C1 isn’t just revered for its performance—it also stands out as one of the most dependable engines in the performance car world.
When you combine that legendary reliability with the fact that the S2000 is often described as one of the most engaging cars for true driving enthusiasts—not those who just pose as car aficionados—you start to understand why the F22C1 gets so much praise.
With the S2000’s value continuing to climb, owning one of these cars isn’t just thrilling—it’s a smart move. The F22C1 is exclusive to the S2000, which only adds to its allure. Honestly, what are you waiting for?
6. Honda F20C (1999–2009)
Engine Specs:
- Configuration: Inline-4
- Displacement: 2.0-liters
- Power: 240 hp
- Torque: 153 lb-ft
- Noteworthy Applications: Honda S2000
Although the F20C is best known for powering the Honda S2000, it wasn’t limited solely to that platform. While it was developed specifically for the S2000 lineup, this engine eventually found its way into some unusual vehicles outside of Honda’s own garage.
One such example is the IFR Aspid, a Spanish-built open-wheel prototype, and another is the Skelta G-Force, both of which debuted in 2009.
Neither of these vehicles gained much recognition or commercial success, so ultimately, the F20C is most fondly and rightfully remembered for its contribution to the legacy of the Honda S2000—an iconic roadster that helped define what a high-revving, naturally aspirated sports car should feel like.
5. Honda H22A (1992–2001)
Engine Specs:
- Configuration: Inline-4
- Displacement: 2.2-liters
- Power: 187–217 hp
- Torque: 153–163 lb-ft
- Noteworthy Applications: Honda Accord SiR Wagon
The H22A stands as one of Honda’s most versatile engines, remaining in production for nearly a decade. It was most commonly seen in the Honda Prelude and various Accord models throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
While it became a centerpiece of the sporty Prelude lineup, the H22A also played a major role in Honda’s push to compete with Subaru’s Impreza WRX Wagon by equipping the Honda Accord Wagon with this capable powerplant.
One of the engine’s standout features was its use of electronic fuel injection, which offered greater precision and improved efficiency—both of which are critical traits for any engine designed to endure the test of time.
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4. Honda J35A (1996–present)
Engine Specs:
- Configuration: V6
- Displacement: 3.5-liters
- Power: 210–255 hp
- Torque: 229–250 lb-ft
- Noteworthy Applications: Honda Odyssey
The J35A, which also powers the rugged and dependable Honda Ridgeline, is an engine built with hard work in mind. Unlike many large 3.5-liter engines that tend to falter when faced with steep inclines or rough terrain, the J35A thrives under pressure.
Whether it’s tackling a challenging off-road trail or hauling a heavy load, it delivers consistent performance without hesitation. Honda also chose to equip several of its biggest models—like the Odyssey—with this V6, trusting its durability and capability.
Although the torque output may not seem especially high for an engine of its size, it more than proves its worth in real-world scenarios. The J35A is a powertrain focused on utility and resilience, which more than justifies its place on this list of Honda’s finest engines.
3. Honda K20 (2001–2011)
Engine Specs:
- Configuration: Inline-4
- Displacement: 2.0-liters
- Power: 197–217 hp
- Torque: 139–152 lb-ft
- Noteworthy Applications: Honda Civic Si
There’s a good chance you’ve heard of the Honda K20 engine—and for good reason. This compact inline-four has carved out a legendary status thanks to its versatility and performance. Among its many accomplishments, the K20 powered the 2002–2006 Acura RSX, a vehicle we believe deserves more recognition for its capabilities.
Beyond the RSX, the engine also made its way into multiple versions of the Civic and Accord, solidifying its role as a key component in Honda’s lineup during the 2000s.
What truly makes the K20 stand out is how adaptable it is, managing to find a home in everything from sporty compacts to everyday sedans. Even today, long after its initial production run, the K20 remains a benchmark for naturally aspirated performance in Honda’s engineering legacy.
2. Honda K20C1 (2015–present)
Engine Specs:
- Configuration: Inline-4
- Displacement: 2.0-liters
- Power: 306 hp
- Torque: 295 lb-ft
- Noteworthy Applications: Honda Civic Type R
The K20C1 is the powerhouse behind both the current and previous generations of the Honda Civic Type R, and it’s also set to drive the upcoming 2024 Acura Integra Type S. It stands as one of Honda’s most significant modern engines.
Not only has it helped the Civic Type R break multiple lap records, but the K20C1 also signals a bold new chapter in the evolution of Honda’s high-performance, front-wheel-drive vehicles.
With the automotive world slowly shifting toward electrification, the K20C1 reminds us exactly what we’ll be missing as internal combustion takes a back seat. This engine encapsulates everything enthusiasts love about driving—raw power, precision engineering, and pure excitement.
1. Honda K23A1 (2007–2012)
Engine Specs:
- Configuration: 4-cylinder
- Displacement: 2.3-liter
- Power: 240 hp
- Torque: 260 lb-ft
- Noteworthy Applications: Acura RDX
Although the 2023 Acura RDX no longer features the K23A1, this engine played a notable role in earlier versions of the model, earning respect for adding an element of excitement to what was otherwise a fairly conventional SUV.
While it isn’t entirely without its issues, the K23A1 stands tall as a capable and well-rounded engine.
It wraps up our list of Honda’s top ten engines on a strong note, bringing with it all the key traits we admire—reliability, strength, and the stamina to keep going mile after mile. For an engine that never aimed to be flashy, it certainly proved itself worthy of the spotlight.