Used Honda Life for sale

When talking about Honda, we have to mention its durable, reliable motorcycles, vehicles, and power equipment for years. One of the good products made by this company is the Honda Life - a car available in many forms: microvans, passenger cars, and kei trucks.

In this review, we will discuss the Honda Life in detail, so if you are looking for a used Honda Life for sale, keep reading the parts below.

Honda Life Through Generations

The Honda Life is an automobile nameplate that was used on various kei car/city cars produced by Honda. First introduced in 1971 as the successor to the Honda N360, the Life is a 4-seater mini car that was in intermittent production from 1971 to 2014. 

The first Honda Life was released in 1972. At the beginning, it was sold only in Japan. Thereafter, the car went through different changes over five generations to cater to multiple markets outside Japan. Now, let’s look at each generation of the Life to see how it developed:

First generation (1971-1974)

The first generation Life was available in a four-door or two-door hatchback and a three-door wagon model (also sold as a commercial van), replacing the Honda NIII 360. When compared to the prior Honda minicar series, the passenger comfort of the car was improved to make this a better car for family use. 

Second generation 1998

The second generation was launched in 1997 with a new line of small, front-wheel drive 5-door MPV style cars, which required a redesign for 1998 due to new Japanese taxing regulations. A three-cylinder Honda E07A engine was used for the Life. 

The second-generation Life replaced the Honda Today and was sold only in Japan. This bodystyle appearance was launched in response to the popularity of the Suzuki Wagon R, which found many buyers, and competes with Subaru Pleo, Daihatsu Cuor,e and the Mitsubishi Toppo in the “tall wagon” segment of kei cars.

Third generation (1998-2003)

To fit the new legislation, the 1998 model was larger than its short-lived second generation counterpart, with 1,475 mm (58.1 in) width and 3,395 mm (133.7 in) length. In December 2000, a turbocharged variant called Honda Life Dunk was launched as a 2001 model.

“Kei-Mover” was added as a new version in the lineup. Environmental performance, safety, and practicality were prioritized, enhancing economic efficiency.

Fourth generation (2003-2008)

In 2003, Honda gave a 660 cc 3-CL engine to the Life as an update. An optional turbocharger, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission and optional 4-wheel drive, is also offered. The engine emissions were decreased, and the safety features were significantly enhanced. 

A triangle window was located at the mounting point of the wing mirrors in the third-generation vehicle. 2005 saw the introduction of the DIVA model, which consisted of aluminium wheels and aerodynamic styling.

Fifth generation (2008-2014)

The fifth-generation Life debuted in November 2008. This generation is available in C, G, DIVA, DIVA turbo, PASTEL, and PASTEL turbo. A higher specification model marketed towards a younger crowd is named the Honda Zest, which shares all mechanicals with the Life.

Production of the Honda Life ended in 2014, marking the end of an era for this iconic kei car.

Honda Life For Sale: The Most Popular Model Review 

While each generation of the Honda Life brought its unique charm and innovations, the fifth generation (2008-2014) stands out as a true fan favorite. Boasting the longest production run of any Life generation, this generation resonated with Japanese drivers.

1. Honda Life specification

2. Design 

The fifth-generation Honda Life applies a "daily smile technology" design philosophy, prioritizing ease of use and a pleasant driving experience.

This is evident in numerous thoughtful design choices. Narrow front pillars and a lower door sash, combined with a large triangular window in the front doors, enhance visibility. The windshield wiper's placement and the optimized waistline further improve the driver's outward view. Rear quarter windows, a generously sized tailgate window, and a carefully shaped rear seat backrest all contribute to enhanced visibility for passengers. Even the headlights are integrated seamlessly into the design, creating a more cohesive and appealing look compared to its predecessor.

3. Honda Life engine & performance 

The fifth generation still used the same engine as the previous generations - the Honda P07A engine. This type of engine is rated 52 PS at 7100 rpm and 64 PS at 6000 rpm for the turbo model, which is available in PASTEL and DIVA models. 

Don't expect neck-snapping acceleration or high top speeds. Life's focus is on nimble handling and ease of maneuverability in tight urban environments.

While specific horsepower and torque figures vary depending on the generation and engine option, the Life generally delivers adequate power for city driving and highway cruising at moderate speeds.

4. Honda Life price

The Honda Life, being a popular and reliable kei car, holds its value well on the used car market.

Prices can range significantly, from a budget-friendly $1,000 for older models with higher mileage to around $13,000 for newer, well-maintained examples.

Visit our website to get the best deals if you’re planning to buy a Honda Life for sale.