The Honda Life is a kei car sedan manufactured, marketed, and a car nameplate used by Honda from 1971 to 1974 and then from 1997 to 2014. Honda produced the Life model in 5 generations, and after a brief hiatus, the nameplate reappeared in 1997 and lasted until 2014, when Honda discontinued the model. Outside of Japan, the Japanese-market Life has seldom ever been advertised. When Dongfeng Honda reintroduced the "Life" nameplate in China for the 2020s, it was a rebadged Fit manufactured by Guangqi Honda.
History of the Honda Life
Honda Life First Generation (1971–1974)
On June 1, 2971, a two-door or four-door hatchback and a three-door wagon – also available as a commercial van – were among the initial Life models from Honda, which replaced the Honda NIII360.
Life Step Van
A 360 cc 2-cylinder water-cooled engine powered this van model. Compared to the sedan variant, the large back body raised the center of mass, making it easier to turn over in a crosswind. The carmaker initially released the van on September 20, 1972, for 376,000, 388,000, and 403,000 yen, respectively, for regular, standard, and Super DX. Honda produced a total of 17,165 for this variant.
Life Pick-Up
The vehicle was first introduced on August 21, 1973, in the guise of a pick-up truck. Production stopped in 1974 with 1132 automobiles manufactured.
Honda Life Second Generation (1977–1998)
Honda launched a new series of compact, front-wheel-drive 5-door MPV type automobiles in 1997 under the Life nameplate, which had to be redesigned for 1998 due to new Japanese taxing requirements.
Honda Life Third Generation (1998–2003)
The 1998 model was larger than its 2nd generation predecessor, with a 3395mm (133.7in) length and a 1475mm (58.1in) width. Collision security performance has improved as a result of the increased measures. SRS airbags are also standard passenger seat equipment, boosting safety even further.
Honda Life Fourth Generation (2003–2008)
In September 2003, the Life model received a new three-cylinder 660 cc engine. A turbocharger, a 4-speed automatic gearbox, and optional all-wheel drive are all available as add-ons. There were major improvements in the safety features, as well as in the engine emissions. In the third generation, Honda installed wing mirrors in a triangle-shaped window in the car. In 2005, Honda released the DIVA model, which featured an aerodynamic appearance and aluminum wheels.
Honda Life Fifth Generation (2008–2014)
Honda unveiled the fifth generation of the Life in November 2008. All of these variations are also available in DIVA and DIVA turbo. The Honda Zest, which shares all of Life's mechanicals but is targeted at a younger demographic, is a higher-specified vehicle. Life G, Life Diva, and Life Pastel are the three varieties offered for this generation.
Honda Life Chinese Market
A Chinese version of the Fit, called "Life" by Dongfeng Honda, is also known as "Guangqi Honda's" Fit. The Fit and Life's front bumpers and rear taillight tint colors were the only noticeable variations when the models went on sale in 2020.
Price
Honda retailed the first-generation Honda Life with an original MSRP of 376,000 yen (regular), 388,000 yen (standard), and 403,000 yen (Super DX).
Here's a simple list of the currency conversions from JPY to USD for the 2022 conversion rate:
- Regular - 376,000 yen (1,102,130 yen = $8,600)
- Standard - 388,000 yen (1,137,304 yen = $8,900)
- Super DX - 403,000 yen (1,181,272 yen $9,200)
Features
Interior Features of the Honda Life
The interior design creates a bright, inviting place jam-packed with the newest technologies and features to express the joy and comfort of cutting-edge technology. A two-tone beige and gray color combination tie together interior items like the instrument cluster and seats to communicate a sense of brightness and luxury. In a multi-information screen, information is transmitted using both text and visuals. Designed to keep the driver informed, it displays a wide range of information about the vehicle, such as numerous warnings and fuel usage levels, and when the car is ready for an inspection. In addition, it shows information about upcoming birthdays and other events on the calendar. The inside door handles are a perfect fit for the multi-angle external handles for those who like a rounded shape and a solid finger hold.
Exterior Features of the Honda Life
The exclusive style highlights the fun in efficiency by appealingly integrating the newest technology and functionality. The lower element of the crash adaptability bodywork, which runs vertically between the bottom border of the bumper and the front pillar, is displayed in the vehicle's front view to portray a feeling of security. With a dynamically curved roofline and the longest passenger vehicle wheelbase in the industry, the side profile presents a 'roomy package,' with projecting tire shape and flared front and rear fenders. Improved visibility is provided by headlights that project from the vehicle in a three-dimensional configuration. The enormous rear combination lights have been built. Because they are rounded, the multi-angle outside door handles are easy to pull to improve accessibility and aerodynamics.
Specs and Performance of the Honda Life
Honda manufactured the Honda Life with a 658 cc turbo engine that delivers 63 hp (47 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 69 lb-ft (93 Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Another engine was available for the Honda Life, and it's the 658 CC non-turbo engine that delivers 51 hp (38 kW) at 7,100 rpm and 44 lb-ft (60 Nm) at 3,600 rpm. This Honda Life accelerates from 0-60 mph (97 kph) in 15.9 seconds with a top speed of 86 mph (139 kph). Honda manufactured the Life model with a 4-Speed Automatic Overdrive transmission. It had two drivetrains: an all-wheel-drive (AWD) and a front-wheel-drive (FWD).
Release Date
Honda Life released the Honda Life from 1971 to 1974, and they revived the Life nameplate from 1997 to 2014.