Does Honda make its own transmissions?
Yes. Honda both builds some of its own transmissions and buys others from outside suppliers. The company has historically produced manual transmissions and several automatic gearboxes in-house, while relying on specialist suppliers for CVTs and certain automatics, depending on model and market.
In-house transmission development and manufacturing
Honda maintains in-house capabilities for certain transmission components, enabling tight integration with engines and vehicle dynamics. The core elements of its in-house approach include:
- Manual transmissions: Honda has produced many of its manual gearboxes for numerous models across generations.
- Some automatic transmissions: The company has developed and built automatic gearboxes for specific platforms and model lines.
- Engineering and calibration: In-house teams contribute to shift-program tuning, reliability improvements, and overall driveline integration.
In-house production supports close integration of propulsion, electronics, and chassis systems, helping Honda tailor performance and efficiency to its design philosophy.
External transmission supply and partnerships
To complement its internal capabilities, Honda sources transmissions from external suppliers in parts of its lineup. The main themes include:
- CVTs from external specialists: Honda commonly uses CVTs supplied by dedicated CVT manufacturers for several models, enhancing efficiency and packaging.
- Automatics from partner suppliers: Depending on model and region, some automatic transmissions are sourced from external manufacturers rather than built entirely in-house.
- Joint development and collaboration: Honda sometimes collaborates with suppliers on transmission development to meet efficiency, emissions, and performance targets.
Outsourcing CVTs and certain automatic gearboxes provides access to specialized expertise and scale, while still allowing Honda to control core engineering and program direction.
Model-by-model variation
The exact mix of in-house versus outsourced transmissions varies by model, generation, and regional market. Broadly, mainstream models may rely more on externally supplied CVTs, while certain sporty or niche variants leverage Honda’s own gearboxes or closely controlled in-house development. Market dynamics and supplier agreements continually shape the lineup.
Regional differences
In markets with mature supplier ecosystems, Honda tends to lean more on external CVT providers, whereas in regions with substantial domestic manufacturing capacity, Honda may retain a larger share of in-house transmission work. The balance evolves with new models, regulatory requirements, and supply-chain considerations.
Summary
Honda employs a blended strategy for transmissions: it designs and manufactures a portion of its own manual and some automatic gearboxes, while outsourcing CVTs and certain automatics to specialist suppliers. The split varies by model, market, and generation, reflecting a balance between engineering control and supply-chain efficiency. This approach allows Honda to pursue efficiency gains, performance goals, and global availability across its lineup.
What kind of transmissions does Honda use?
In fact, you might be surprised to learn that there are actually two types of automatic transmissions that each offer their own unique benefits. In addition to conventional automatics, many Honda models come equipped with what's known as a continuously variable transmission or CVT for short.
Who builds the Honda CVT transmission?
Honda makes its own CVT transmissions, designing and manufacturing them in-house. This is a deliberate strategy to ensure quality and reliability, and it sets them apart from some other manufacturers who may use transmissions from third-party suppliers.
You can watch this video to learn about the reliability of Honda's CVT transmissions: 51sCentral Florida Pick and PayYouTube · Jul 3, 2025
- In-house design: Honda designs and produces its CVT systems internally.
- Quality control: By making their own transmissions, Honda can ensure they meet their specific quality and reliability standards for the vehicles they produce.
- Contrast with other brands: This is different from many other automakers, some of whom have historically used transmissions from third-party suppliers like JATCO.
- Hybrid CVT difference: Honda's hybrid vehicles use an electronically controlled CVT (ECVT) that is a different design and is very reliable.
Who makes the Honda 10 speed transmission?
The new automatic was designed and developed by Honda R&D in Tochigi, Japan, and is being manufactured for the Odyssey by Honda in Tallapoosa, Georgia. Using planetary gearsets also reduces friction, noted Sladek. The new transaxle is barely 15 inches long, 1.7 inches shorter than the six-speed it replaces.
Does Honda make their own transmissions?
Honda has long built nearly all of its own automobile transmissions, unlike many other automobile manufacturers which often source transmissions from external sources.
