Does Honda City Type 2 have power steering?
The Honda City Type 2 does not have a single, universal answer for power steering; availability varies by market and year. Some early Type 2 models used manual steering, while hydraulic power steering (and, in rare cases, electric assist) appeared on certain trims or regional versions. For a precise yes or no, identify the car’s year and market, then check the components described below.
Background: What is the Honda City Type 2?
The term City Type 2 generally refers to the second-generation Honda City, produced in several markets during the mid-1980s under the Type II designation. Specifications, including steering arrangements, varied by country and trim level. While higher-trim or market-specific versions could offer power-assisted steering, basic or early models often shipped with manual steering.
Generation and market variations
Because the City Type 2 spanned multiple markets, the exact steering setup depends on where and when the car was built. Always reference the owner's manual, service records, or the vehicle’s VIN to determine the factory specification for your specific example.
Power steering configurations by market/year
The following outlines common steering configurations seen on Honda City Type 2 models depending on market and year.
- Manual steering (no hydraulic/electric assist).
- Hydraulic power steering (HP): belt-driven pump and fluid reservoir providing assist.
- Electric power steering (EPS): electronic motor-assisted steering, more typical on later updates or imported variants rather than the original Type II lineup.
Availability of these configurations varies by region and production year. If you want a definitive answer for a specific car, confirm the exact model year and country of origin.
How to verify on your vehicle
Use these practical checks to determine whether your Honda City Type 2 has power steering.
- Inspect the engine bay for a power steering pump and reservoir. A belt-driven pump with hoses to the steering rack indicates hydraulic power steering.
- Look for a belt connected to a pump on the engine—its presence usually means hydraulic PS rather than manual steering.
- Check the steering column area for electrical connectors or a small motor near the rack, which would indicate electric power steering (EPS).
- Test-drive: at low speeds, a noticeably lighter steering effort suggests power assist; if turning requires significant effort, the car may be manual or have a failing PS system.
- Consult the owner’s manual or the VIN-based equipment list to confirm the original steering configuration for your specific vehicle.
If you’re shopping for a City Type 2 or restoring one, verifying the steering setup helps with maintenance planning and potential retrofits.
What this means for owners and buyers
For collectors, restorers, or buyers, knowing whether a City Type 2 has power steering affects maintenance needs, parts compatibility, and potential retrofits. Hydraulic systems require fluid checks and line/hose replacements, while EPS involves electronics and control modules. Always rely on model-year guides and official documentation for the exact specification on your car.
Summary
Power steering on the Honda City Type 2 is not uniform across all examples; it depends on the year, market, and trim. While some late-model or higher-trim variants in certain regions offered hydraulic steering (and occasionally electric assist), many early City Type 2 cars shipped with manual steering. To confirm for a specific vehicle, inspect the engine bay for a PS pump and reservoir or an EPS motor, and consult the owner’s manual or VIN data for the exact factory specification.
