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Model dossier · Honda

Honda Today Honda Today (JW1-JW4, JA1-JA3)

1985 to 1998 Combustion engine 3-door hatchback; 3-door light van
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01 Overview

Honda Today (Honda Today (JW1-JW4, JA1-JA3)) was built from 1985 to 1998, as a 3-door hatchback; 3-door light van. Powertrain: 545 cc EH I2; 547 cc E05A I3; 656 cc E07A I3. Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (JW1-JW3, JA1-JA2); Front-engine, four-wheel-dr…. Weight: 1985: 550 – 560 kg; 1994: 620 – 730 kg.

Composed from the specifications below, so it states nothing the specs do not. The picture illustrates the body shape, not this car; a photograph is added when a licence-safe one exists.

02 Features and what it can do
Four-wheel / all-wheel drive

Overview

The first generation Today (JW1) was introduced in September 1985 as a three-door hatchback—it was originally only sold as a light commercial van, as the tax structure favored such vehicles. The rear axle was a coil-sprung torsion beam, while the front axle used struts with forward-reaching control arms. Only intended for the Japanese domestic market, the Today was initially launched with three different model specifications, with the entry model being the 'F', followed by the 'M' and the top-of-the-range 'G'. It was introduced at newly established Japanese Honda Primo dealerships alongside the "Primo" sedan, the Civic.

Source: the English Wikipedia article on this model, CC BY-SA 4.0. Text may be shortened; read the full article for the complete text.

03 Specifications
Built1985-1998
Body3-door hatchback; 3-door light van
Engine545 cc EH I2; 547 cc E05A I3; 656 cc E07A I3
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive (JW1-JW3, JA1-JA2); Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (JW4, JA3)
Transmission4-speed manual; 5-speed manual; 2-speed Hondamatic; 3-speed automatic
Width1,395 mm
Wheelbase2,330 mm
Weight1985: 550 – 560 kg; 1994: 620 – 730 kg
05 Market price

Not yet sourced for this model. Used prices swing with year, mileage, grade and country, so we publish a market range only when it comes with a named source and a date, and never an estimate. For a live figure, use the landed-cost tool with the price on the auction sheet.

04 How it compares

Against the other van / MPV models in this database (40 with this body type). Computed from the dimensions in the specifications, so it changes as the database grows.

Width1,395 mm
Wheelbase2,330 mm
  • 80 mm below the median of 1,475 mm, and narrower than 87% of the 38 other van / MPV models in this database.
  • about the same as the median of 2,360 mm, and shorter than 63% of the 38 other van / MPV models in this database.
06 Buyer's guide

Who it suits

  • Families, groups and shuttle work: the people-carrier body is built around seating and access.
  • City and mixed driving: hatchbacks are compact outside and flexible inside.

Check before you buy

  • Test the four-wheel-drive system (transfer case, differentials) and look for uneven tyre wear.
  • Inspect for corrosion at sills, floor, subframes and suspension mounts, and replace perishable rubber (hoses, bushes, boots) at import.
  • Read the auction sheet grade and notes, and verify the odometer against service and inspection records. How to read an auction sheet
  • Run a history check (accidents, flood, mileage) before you bid. History check guide
  • Import age rules: this generation already qualifies in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Confirm the rule for your exact vehicle with customs before buying. Landed-cost calculator

General guidance for this type of vehicle, worked out from its body, powertrain and age. It is not a finding about this particular model; use an inspection and the auction sheet for the car you are actually buying.

07 Import age windows

Worked out from this generation's production years and each country's age rule. Rules also depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.

United StatesEligible now (built from 1985, 25-year rule).
CanadaEligible now (built from 1985, 15-year rule).
United KingdomEligible now (built from 1985, 10-year rule).
AustraliaEligible now (built from 1985, 25-year rule).
KenyaAll examples are older than the 8-year cap (newest built 1998).
08 Other generations and models

Other generations of the Today

More from Honda · all Honda models

09 Questions buyers ask

Can I import a Honda Today (Honda Today (JW1-JW4, JA1-JA3)) from Japan?

By production year alone, Honda Today (Honda Today (JW1-JW4, JA1-JA3)) is inside the age window for United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Rules depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.

What powers the Honda Today (Honda Today (JW1-JW4, JA1-JA3))?

Per its encyclopedia infobox, engine: 545 cc EH I2; 547 cc E05A I3; 656 cc E07A I3.

Answered from this page's own data, not from outside claims. See the sources below.

10 Sources

Confidence: single-source (Wikipedia infobox). Specifications differ by market, trim and model year; the auction sheet or the vehicle's registration document is the final word on a particular car.

Work out the landed cost Back to the Kei Hub
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