The Honda Stepwgn (stylised as ''STEPWGN'', pronounced "step wagon") is a minivan produced by

Honda is a Japanese public multinational conglomerate manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, reaching a producti ...

since 1996. It is designed with a higher cabin, in contrast to the

Odyssey The ''Odyssey'' (; grc, Ὀδύσσεια, Odýsseia, ) is one of two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer. It is one of the oldest extant works of literature still widely read by modern audiences. As with the ''Iliad'', th ...

and also the Stream respectively. Additionally, it can accommodate eight people, instead of seven in the Odyssey and Stream. For its first two generations the car had one door on the driver's side and two doors on the passenger's side. The Honda Stepwgn competes against the

Nissan Serena The is a minivan manufactured by Nissan, joining the slightly larger Vanette. It was also marketed by Suzuki as the between 2007 and 2022. The car was engineered by Nissan's Aichi Manufacturing Division and launched in 1991 as a compact pass ...

Toyota Noah The is a minivan with two rear sliding doors built by Toyota and sold mainly in Asian countries. It is positioned below the Estima and Alphard, and above the Sienta. Being a front-wheel drive-based vehicle, it replaces the rear-wheel drive-b ...

Mitsubishi Delica The is a range of vans and pickup trucks designed and built by the Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors since 1968. It was originally based on a cabover van and pickup truck introduced the previous year, also called the Delica, its name a cont ...

, and formerly, the

Mazda Biante The is an 8-seater minivan introduced for the Japanese market in 2008 by Mazda , commonly referred to as simply Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Fuchū, Hiroshima, Japan. In 2015, Mazda prod ...

First generation (RF1/2; 1996)

F-MX (1995)

The first generation Stepwgn originally appeared at the

Tokyo Motor Show The is a biennial auto show held in October–November at the Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan for cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Hosted by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), it is a recognized international show ...

as the "F-MX" in 1995. 1997 Honda Step WGN 4WD 2

Initial release (1996)

Japanese sales began on 8 May 1996. At that time, most rival Japanese vehicles usually had the engine mounted under the driver's seat, or a

cabover Cab-over, also known as cab over engine (COE), cab forward (U.S.), flat nose (Canada), or forward control (UK), is a body style of truck, bus, or van that has a vertical front, "flat face" or a semi-hood, with the cab of the truck sitting abo ...

type. The Stepwgn used the latter, and was based on the Civic, to keep prices low - starting from ¥1,548,000 and going up to ¥2,368,000. The passenger side was fitted with a sliding door, to allow easier access. To improve profitability, cost reduction measures were used, such as there being only one engine and transmission option; a two-litre

inline-four A straight-four engine (also called an inline-four) is a four-cylinder piston engine where cylinders are arranged in a line along a common crankshaft. The vast majority of automotive four-cylinder engines use a straight-four layout (with the e ...

and a CVT (continuously variable transmission automatic), and the vehicle design reduced the use of steel panels and parts.

1997 update

Changes for 1997 included standardizing ABS and dual SRS airbags throughout the range and further addition of a number of convenience features. Japanese models went on sale in August 1997 at Honda's Primo, Verno and Clio networks.

Stepwgn Field Deck (1998)

A version of the Stepwgn with pop-up observation tent, designed for outdoor leisure pursuits and made out of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). The models went on sale in Japan from January 1998, at Honda auto dealers.

1999 update

The vehicle received a facelift in May 1999. The appearance of the headlights was altered, and the rear license plate position was moved down. File:Honda Stepwgn 1999.jpg, Honda Stepwgn (facelift) File:Honda Stepwgn 1999 Rear.jpg, Honda Stepwgn (facelift)

Second generation (RF3/4/5/6/7/8; 2001)

Initial release

The second generation Stepwgn debuted in April 2001, largely based on the first generation's design. The second generation Stepwgn used a design that was geared towards families with children. The Stepwgn retained its sliding doors located on one side of the vehicle. The vehicle's seating allows four different seating arrangements: "play mode" (sitting opposite each other), "food mode", "sleep mode" and "cargo mode" (the second row of seats is folded flat). A 2.0L Honda K engine DOHC i-VTEC engine powers the second generation Stepwgn, providing , improving both driving performance and fuel economy. Some parts were stiffened in order to further enhance driving performance. The vehicle was unveiled at the 35th

Stepwgn, Stepwgn Almas (2001)

The Stepwgn Almas includes conventional side door lift model or passenger seat lift mechanism Early models include i-Series 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine. Stepwgn Almas models went on sale on 11 June 2001.

2003 update

In June 2003, Honda significantly modified the design: both the front and rear fascias were altered to fit the look of other Honda vehicles, and the "Spada" series was introduced, available with a 2.4L K24A DOHC i-VTEC, producing , and unique fenders. The vehicle was unveiled at the 37th Tokyo Motor Show in 2003. File:Honda STEPWGN G (front).jpg, Honda Stepwgn (facelift) File:Honda Stepwgn Spada.JPG, Honda Stepwgn Spada (facelift) File:Honda Step Wgn Spada rear.jpg, Honda Stepwgn Spada (facelift)

Production

For the first 6 months of year 2004, sales of the Stepwgn in Japan reached 24,389 units.

Third generation (RG; 2005)

The third generation Stepwgn had a much more aerodynamic design. Honda announced the third generation Stepwgn on 26 May 2005. Unlike the previous generations, which only featured sliding doors on one side, the third generation featured sliding doors on both sides, in order to compete with other minivans such as the

and

. Although the size of the car was shrunk, interior accommodation space remained unchanged thanks to a new low-platform chassis which also improved the handling of the vehicle. The overall length had also been shortened, although the platform retains the Civic-based design and employs a thin plastic fuel tank in order to provide a low floor, which was covered in fake wood. The Stepwgn was available with a double wishbone-type suspension with an FF axle or a de-Dion style suspension (4WD models). Japanese models went on sale in May 2005 at Honda automobile dealers. File:2005-2007 Honda Step WGN rear.jpg, 2005–2007 Honda Stepwgn (pre-facelift) File:3rd Honda Stepwgn 1.jpg, 2007–2009 Honda Stepwgn (facelift) File:3rd Honda Stepwgn 2.jpg, 2007–2009 Honda Stepwgn (facelift) File:2007 Honda Step WGN 02.JPG, 2007–2009 Honda Stepwgn Spada (facelift) File:2008 Honda Step WGN SPADA rear (cropped).JPG, 2007–2009 Honda Stepwgn Spada (facelift)

2006 Tokyo Auto Salon concept (2006)

Modulo Stepwgn Concept is a concept vehicle based on Stepwgn, with around-vehicle sensors. Stepwgn Modulo Concept X Final Room is a concept vehicle based on Stepwgn, with around-vehicle sensors. The vehicles were unveiled at the 2006

Tokyo Auto Salon The is an annual auto show held in January at the Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, Japan for Performance and custom aftermarket parts and technology displays. Hosted by thNippon Auto Parts Aftermarket Committee (NAPAC) The Tokyo Auto Salon is one o ...

2006 update

Changes include: *addition of G side lift-up seat car and front passenger lift-up seat car models *G, G S-package, 24Z include power slide door (rear left side) as standard *G L-package, G LS-package include power slide door (rear right side) as standard *new setting for smart key system (with 2 keys) *hydrophilic/heated door mirror+front door wiper glass. Japanese models went on sale in May 2006. Timing Belt: The third generation uses a chain timing belt as the engine is an interference type. Timing chain is the better approach for interference engines as they last the life of the engine.

Engines

The third generation Stepwgn is powered by either a 2.0L K20A engine rated , or a 2.4L K24A engine rated .

Transmissions

The 2.0L model retained a 4-speed automatic transmission, whilst the FWD 2.4L model was fitted with a CVT transmission.

Production

At the month of November 2005, sales of Stepwgn in Japan reached 7,093 units.

Fourth generation (RK; 2009)

The fourth generation Stepwgn is a full redesign of the model. The new model increased in height and length, but remained the same width, when compared to the previous generation. The Stepwgn Spada model returned, keeping its unique grille and headlamp design. The Stepwgn is available in seven trim levels: G, G L Package, L, Li, Spada S, Spada Z and Spada Zi. The 2.4-litre engine was dropped from the lineup, with only a 2.0-litre petrol option currently available. The Stepwgn is available with either front- or four-wheel-drive across the range. Japanese models went on sale in October 2009. Early models include Stepwgn, Stepwgn special-needs vehicle. Stepwgn Spada and Stepwgn Spada special-needs vehicle were added on 23 October 2009. File:2009 Honda StepWGN 02.jpg, 2009 Honda Stepwgn (pre-facelift) File:Honda Step WGN Spada (cropped).jpg, Honda Stepwgn Spada (pre-facelift) File:Honda Stepwgn Spada (pre-facelift) (rear).jpg, Honda Stepwgn Spada (pre-facelift) File:4th generation Honda Step WGN interior.jpg, Interior

Facelift

In 2012, there were minor changes to the Stepwgn, including a new front grille, a new front bumper, new rear lights and rims. Also, a parking camera was included in all models. File:Honda StepWGN Spada.jpg, Honda Stepwgn Spada (facelift) File:Honda STEPWGN SPADA S (RK5) rear (cropped).JPG, Honda Stepwgn Spada (facelift)

Modulo Stepwgn (2010)

The Modulo Stepwgn is a production vehicle based on the standard Stepwgn. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2010

Stepwgn Modulo Style (2013)

The Stepwgn Modulo Style is a concept vehicle based on the standard Stepwgn. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2013

Production

For the month of July 2013, sales of the Stepwgn reached 6,715 units.

Fifth generation (RP1–5; 2015)

The fifth generation Stepwgn was introduced in April 2015. With an all-new 1.5-liter direct injection VTEC Turbo engine, the fifth generation Stepwgn features a functional cabin space, as well as an innovative tailgate mechanism called the Waku Waku Gate ("Waku Waku" meaning "exciting" in Japanese). The Waku Waku gate is a unique proposition as the rear doors either function as a wide tailgate that opens up or a sub-door that opens to the side. It can be used to get out of the third row seat smoothly and to easily store small cargo without folding. File:2015 Honda Stepwgn (rear).jpg, 2015 Honda Stepwgn (RP3; pre-facelift) File:Honda STEPWGN SPADA・Cool Spirit (RP3) front.JPG, Honda Stepwgn Spada Cool Spirit (RP3; pre-facelift) File:The rearview of Honda STEPWGN SPADA・Cool Spirit (RP3).jpg, Honda Stepwgn Spada Cool Spirit (RP3; pre-facelift) File:Honda STEP WGN Modulo X (DBA-RP3) front.jpg, Honda Stepwgn Modulo X (RP3; pre-facelift) File:Honda STEP WGN Modulo X (DBA-RP3) rear.jpg, Honda Stepwgn Modulo X (RP3; pre-facelift)

Facelift

The Stepwgn got refreshed in September 2017. The Stepwgn Spada Hybrid has a 3 mode powertrain which can switch to being run on EV, Hybrid, or Engine drive mode. It also has a Sport drive mode. It is equipped with Honda Sensing and can park on its own perpendicularly and parallel by controlling steering. File:Honda STEP WGN e-HEV SPADA G・EX Honda SENSING (6AA-RP5) front.jpg, Honda Stepwgn e:HEV Spada G EX Honda Sensing (RP5; facelift) File:Honda STEPWGN e-HEV SPADA G・EX Honda SENSING (6AA-RP5) rear.jpg, Honda Stepwgn e:HEV Spada G EX Honda Sensing (RP5; facelift) File:Honda STEP WGN Modulo X・Honda SENSING (DBA-RP3) front.jpg, Honda Stepwgn Modulo X Honda Sensing (RP3; facelift) File:Honda STEP WGN Modulo X・Honda SENSING (DBA-RP3) rear.jpg, Honda Stepwgn Modulo X Honda Sensing (RP3; facelift) File:Honda STEPWGN SPADA・Cool Spirit Honda SENSING (DBA-RP3) interior.jpg, Interior

Sixth generation (RP6–8; 2022)

The sixth-generation Stepwgn was unveiled on 7 January 2022. It is available in three models: Air, Spada and Spada Premium Line. For this generation, the "Waku Waku Gate" mechanism was dropped, in favour of a conventional automatic tailgate release. File:Honda STEPWGN e-HEV AIR (6AA-RP8) rear.jpg, Stepwgn Air e:HEV rear view File:Honda STEP WGN e-HEV SPADA (6AA-RP8).jpg, Stepwgn e:HEV Spada File:Honda STEP WGN e-HEV SPADA PREMIUM LINE (6AA-RP8) rear.jpg, Stepwgn e:HEV Spada Premium Line rear view File:Honda STEP WGN e-HEV SPADA PREMIUM LINE (6AA-RP8) interior.jpg, Interior

References

External links

* (Japan) {{Honda Stepwgn Cars introduced in 1996 2000s cars 2010s cars 2020s cars Minivans Front-wheel-drive vehicles All-wheel-drive vehicles Vehicles with CVT transmission Hybrid minivans Cars powered by transverse 4-cylinder engines