Production | |
---|---|
Model Year: | 1997 |
Production Years: | 1997 - 1998 discontinued in 1998 |
Precise measurements of the 1997 Honda Life II, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length: | 3395 mm133.7 in11.1 ft |
Width: | 1475 mm58.1 in4.8 ft |
Height: | 1610 mm63.4 in5.3 ft |
Weight Specifications | |
Curb Weight: | 790 kg1742 lbs |
Tire Specifications | |
Tire Size: | 155/70 R12 (W:155 | H:70 | D:12) |
The Honda Life II, produced between 1997 and 1998, is a compact minivan tailored for urban driving and efficiency. This generation continued Honda's tradition of creating practical, space-efficient vehicles ideal for city dwellers and small families. Measuring just 3395 mm (133.7 inches) in length and 1475 mm (58.1 inches) in width, the Life II is notably compact, making it easy to maneuver and park in crowded urban environments. Its height of 1610 mm (63.4 inches) allows for a spacious interior feel despite the vehicle's small footprint. Weighing a mere 790 kg (1742 lbs), it is remarkably lightweight, contributing to its fuel efficiency and nimble handling. The vehicle rides on relatively small 155/70 R12 tires, which complement its compact dimensions and support city-oriented driving dynamics. Overall, the 1997-1998 Honda Life II stands out as a practical urban minivan offering a balance of space, lightweight construction, and manageable size, making it an attractive option for those seeking a versatile yet compact family vehicle during that era.
Discover the standout features that make the 1997 Honda Life II a leader in its class
Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.
The Honda Life II, produced from 1997 to 1998, is a compact minivan with practical dimensions suited for urban driving. It measures 3395 mm (133.5 inches) in length, which makes it easy to maneuver in tight city spaces and parking spots. The width is 1475 mm (58.1 inches), allowing the vehicle to comfortably navigate narrow roads and tight lanes without sacrificing internal space. It stands 1610 mm (63.4 inches) tall, offering a spacious interior headroom that improves passenger comfort. These dimensions make the Life II an ideal choice for drivers who need a small, efficient vehicle with a surprising amount of interior space for its size.
The Honda Life II minivan weighs approximately 790 kg (1742 lbs) curb weight. This relatively light weight contributes positively to the vehicle's fuel efficiency, allowing it to deliver better mileage compared to heavier minivans. Additionally, this lower mass makes the car easier to handle and more agile in urban environments. The reduced weight also contributes to less wear on tires and brakes and typically results in shorter stopping distances. Overall, the lightweight design of the Life II supports economical and practical daily driving, especially in city or suburban settings.
Yes, the Honda Life II fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Most typical garages offer interior dimensions around 2438 mm (96 inches) wide and 4877 mm (192 inches) deep. Since the Life II measures 3395 mm (133.5 inches) in length and 1475 mm (58.1 inches) in width, it leaves sufficient clearance for opening doors and moving around the vehicle inside the garage. The height of 1610 mm (63.4 inches) is well below the height of most garage doors, allowing easy entry and exit. This compact footprint means the Life II is ideal for owners with limited parking space who want a practical, easily stored vehicle.
Despite its compact exterior size — 3395 mm long, 1475 mm wide, and 1610 mm tall — the Honda Life II is designed to maximize interior space, typical of kei minivans. Its boxy shape and tall roofline provide generous headroom and a roomy feel inside. The interior layout optimizes space for seating four passengers comfortably, a practical rear bench, and versatile cargo configurations. While smaller than full-size minivans, its dimensions cater well to city drivers needing efficient space utilization without the bulk of a larger minivan. The tangible balance between exterior compactness and interior usability is one of the Life II's appealing design traits.
The Honda Life II rolls on tires sized 155/70 R12. These 12-inch tires are relatively small compared to many larger vehicles but are typical for kei cars and compact minivans. The narrower 155 mm tire width aids in reducing rolling resistance, which helps fuel efficiency, especially in city driving. The 70 aspect ratio (the tire sidewall height is 70% of the width) gives some cushion to absorb bumps and improve ride comfort on uneven roads. Smaller wheels combined with narrow tires contribute to nimble handling and better maneuverability, suiting the Life II's use as an urban vehicle.
Compared to its predecessor, the first-generation Honda Life (produced 1993-1996), the Life II maintained very similar dimensions with minor refinements. The length remained close to 3395 mm (133.5 inches), width stayed around 1475 mm (58.1 inches), and height about 1610 mm (63.4 inches), preserving the compact profile essential for kei cars. However, the Life II introduced subtle design updates improving interior ergonomics and overall usability, without significantly altering its footprint. These changes enhanced user comfort and practicality while keeping the car compliant with kei car dimension regulations. Thus, the Life II offered familiarity with slight incremental improvements.
The Honda Life II's dimensions closely align with other kei minivans from the late 1990s, such as the Suzuki Wagon R and Daihatsu Move, which typically fall within the kei car regulations: length roughly between 3300-3400 mm, width under 1480 mm, and height around 1600 mm. The Life II's 3395 mm length and 1475 mm width place it on par with competitors, offering a compact footprint ideal for city use. While differences in design may impact interior space efficiency and styling, the Life II competes effectively by balancing compact size, lightweight design (790 kg), and practical urban maneuverability. This equilibrium of dimensions made it a strong contender in the crowded kei car market segment.
The Honda Life II stands 1610 mm (63.4 inches) tall, which is relatively tall for a vehicle of its length and width. This increased height contributes to ample interior headroom, enhancing passenger comfort especially for taller occupants. The tall design also improves the driver's visibility by providing a higher seating position, which is advantageous for navigating busy city streets and tight spaces. Furthermore, the increased vertical space provides better cargo volume flexibility, allowing easier loading and unloading. Overall, the 1610 mm height makes the Life II more user-friendly without expanding its footprint.
With a width of 1475 mm (58.1 inches), the Honda Life II is narrow compared to larger vehicles, making it extremely practical for urban environments. This slim profile enables easy navigation through congested streets, narrow lanes, and tight parking spaces where larger cars may struggle. The narrow stance also generally results in a lighter vehicle with less drag, which can contribute to fuel efficiency. However, while the narrow width supports agility, it still maintains adequate stability for safe handling at city speeds. The width is an ideal balance for drivers who prioritize maneuverability in dense traffic and limited parking scenarios.
The Honda Life II’s length of 3395 mm (133.5 inches) is deliberately compact to optimize maneuverability, making it simple to navigate through tight urban landscapes and crowded parking lots. This short length lets the driver perform tight turns and park in smaller spaces compared to typical minivans or larger cars. It reduces the turning radius, which is beneficial in congested city centers or narrow residential streets. Despite its compact length, the Life II manages to accommodate passengers and cargo efficiently, making it an excellent choice for those who need a practical yet easy-to-park vehicle.
Discover similar sized cars.