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HONDA Stream Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 3
First production year: 2000
Engines: Gasoline
Body style: Van
HONDA Stream photo gallery

The 2006 Honda Stream was based on the same platform as the Civic, and it offered car-like handling in a 7-seat, MPV package.

While the first generation was a shy try for the Japanese carmaker to jump in a car-segment where the market was already packed with offers from other manufacturers, the second generation came to confirm that Honda was there to stay, and it didn't want to lose a hard-gained position.

The exterior look was far better-looking than its predecessor. A pair of swept-back headlights and a chromed bar between them attracted more attention. Despite being an MPV, the Stream looks sportier due to the standard 17" light-alloy wheels and the roof-spoiler in the back. From behind, the tall and slim taillights sat next to the tailgate, and at a glance, it resembled the CR-V design. Depending on the trim level, the car featured chromed or body-colored door-handles.

An MPV has to offer more on the inside than on the outside. From this point of view, the Stream fulfilled its task with the introduction of the seven-seat layout. At the front, the Accord-looking instrument cluster and the Civic Hatchback-like seating position were a good match. The Stream allowed an easy passage from left to right by moving the gear-selector on the dash next to the center stack. Though, pair of cupholders on the center console might be tricky to avoid. Apart from the front seats, all of the other could have been folded, tipped forward, or even removed to transform the Stream into a furniture-carrier.

Under the hood, Honda installed two of its well-known engines: the 1.8-liter i-VTEC and the 2.0-liter V-TEC units. While the first was carried-over from the Civic VIII, the latter was taken from Accord VIII.

full description and technical specifications
HONDA Stream photo gallery

When the minivan market started to grow, Honda was ready with its Civic Shuttle. But that was just not enough. So, they decided to launch the Stream in 2000. The MPV was based on the seventh generation of the Honda Civic, using a McPherson front suspension and a multilink rear suspension. The Stream had a 2720 mm (107 in) long wheelbase, which was 110 mm (4 in) more than for the Civic sedan. This modification allowed engineers to install a third row of seats, thus making the Stream a 7 seater in a 2-3-2 configuration.

On the outside, the vehicle wasn't too tall for a minivan, with only a 1590 mm (62.6 in) height. Since it was based on the Civic, they had to stick to the same engines, but they didn't took all of them. For the Stream only two gasoline units were used, a 1.7-liter and a 2.0-liter. The latter was a detuned version of the well known K20 engine, which was installed on the second generation of the Civic TypeR.

For the 2003 facelift, the Stream received few updates for the bodywork, meant to enhance ride. The transmissions choices were kept to 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. The 1.7-liter engine only came with the manual, while the more powerful 2.0-liter engine had either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission.

In Japan only, Honda engineers also experimented the 2.0-liter unit with gasoline direct injection mated to a CVT transmission.

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HONDA Stream photo gallery

When Honda introduced the seventh generation of the Civic, it didn't design a station-wagon for it, but it offered an MPV instead: the Stream.

The Japanese carmaker understood the importance of the MPV class globally. It was still trendy not only in the U.S. but also in other countries. After offering a few generations of minivans on the market, since the beginning of the '80s, the Honda made a decisive step and built one on a stretched platform designed for the Civic.

With its aerodynamic shape and slightly sloped roof, the Stream was designed as a vehicle able to carry up to seven passengers inside. Its window line resembled a section of an aircraft wing. At the front, the big headlights were similar to those installed on the 5-door Civic hatchback, while the two-slats grille resembled the sedan.

Inside, the designers placed the gear-stick poking through the center stack, and that solution created a free passage from left to right for the front occupants. The middle row was a regular bench for three adults, while the last row was better suited for children. Apart from the front seats, all others could have been folded down to increase the storage volume.

Honda offered the Stream with a choice of two gasoline engines, both paired as standard with a 5-speed manual. A 5-speed automatic was available on selected markets.

full description and technical specifications