The Honda Lagreat 3.5 i V6 24V, produced from 2003 to 2004, represents a significant offering in the minivan segment, primarily targeted towards the Japanese domestic market (JDM). While not widely sold in the United States, the Lagreat aimed to provide a spacious and comfortable family vehicle with a focus on refinement and technology. It sat within Honda’s lineup as a larger, more premium alternative to the Stepwgn, offering a more substantial size and a more powerful engine. This particular variant, equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission, was positioned as the top-of-the-line model, offering the highest level of performance and features.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Honda |
| Model | Lagreat |
| Generation | Lagreat |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 i V6 24V (240 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2003 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13 l/100 km (18.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 240 Hp |
| Power per litre | 69.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 324 Nm @ 5000 rpm (238.97 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | J35A4 |
| Engine displacement | 3471 cm3 (211.81 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.4 l (4.65 US qt | 3.87 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1990 kg (4387.2 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2375 kg (5235.98 lbs.) |
| Max load | 385 kg (848.78 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 914 l (32.28 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 4137 l (146.1 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Length | 5105 mm (200.98 in.) |
| Width | 1935 mm (76.18 in.) |
| Height | 1740 mm (68.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3000 mm (118.11 in.) |
| Front track | 1680 mm (66.14 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1680 mm (66.14 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Lagreat 3.5 i is the J35A4 engine, a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6. This engine is part of Honda’s J-series family, known for its reliability and smooth power delivery. The J35A4 features a 60-degree V-angle, four valves per cylinder (DOHC), and multi-point fuel injection. The engine produces 240 horsepower and 324 Nm (238.97 lb-ft) of torque at 5000 rpm. The five-speed automatic transmission was specifically chosen to complement the engine’s characteristics, providing smooth shifts and adequate acceleration. While not a performance-oriented transmission, it prioritized comfort and drivability, fitting the minivan’s intended purpose. The transmission featured typical automatic modes, including a hold function for climbing hills.
Driving Characteristics
The Lagreat 3.5 i offered a comfortable and refined driving experience. The 240 hp engine provided ample power for highway cruising and overtaking, although it wasn’t particularly sporty. The automatic transmission, while smooth, could feel somewhat hesitant during quick acceleration. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and relaxed driving, rather than aggressive performance. Compared to lower-spec Lagreat models with smaller engines, the 3.5 i offered a noticeable improvement in acceleration and overall responsiveness. The front-wheel-drive configuration contributed to predictable handling, but it wasn’t designed for spirited cornering.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.5 i trim level was the most well-equipped in the Lagreat lineup. Standard features typically included power windows, power locks, air conditioning, a high-quality audio system, and comfortable seating for seven passengers. Interior upholstery was typically a combination of cloth and leather, with woodgrain accents on the dashboard and door panels. Optional extras could include a navigation system, sunroof, and upgraded audio components. The spacious interior was a key selling point, offering ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. The rear seats could be folded flat or removed entirely to maximize cargo space.
Chassis & Braking
The Lagreat utilized a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The suspension consisted of MacPherson struts at the front and a trailing arm setup at the rear. This configuration provided a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively. The braking system featured ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, along with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment. The braking performance was adequate for a vehicle of its size and weight, but it wasn’t particularly strong. The steering was a rack-and-pinion system, providing light and easy steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Honda Lagreat 3.5 i was generally well-received in the Japanese market for its spaciousness, comfort, and refined driving experience. Critics praised the engine’s smooth power delivery and the comfortable interior. However, some noted that the automatic transmission could be slow to respond at times. Compared to other minivans in its class, such as the Toyota Alphard and Nissan Elgrand, the Lagreat offered a slightly more understated and refined driving experience. Fuel economy was reasonable for a vehicle of its size and engine displacement, but it wasn’t a class leader. Reliability was generally considered to be excellent, typical of Honda products.
Legacy
The Honda Lagreat, while not a mainstream model in many markets, has developed a following among enthusiasts who appreciate its spaciousness, comfort, and reliability. The J35A4 engine is known for its durability and longevity, and well-maintained examples of the Lagreat 3.5 i continue to be sought after in the used car market. The Lagreat represents a period of innovation for Honda, showcasing their ability to create comfortable and practical family vehicles with a focus on refinement and technology. Its legacy lies in its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and the robust nature of its powertrain.
