How do you tell if a Honda is U.S. or Japan built?
The quickest way to tell is to check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). In general, Hondas built in the United States or Canada carry VIN prefixes like 1HG or 2HG, while Japan-built Hondas commonly begin with JHM or other J-prefixes.
Beyond the VIN prefix, the VIN is a 17-character code that encodes country, manufacturer, model, body style, engine, and the assembly plant. The first three characters (the World Manufacturer Identifier, or WMI) establish country/region, and the 11th character identifies the exact plant. Labels on the car and official records can provide additional confirmation.
Using the VIN to determine origin
Locating the VIN
Where to look for the VIN: on the dashboard near the driver’s side (visible through the windshield) and on the driver’s door jamb. It's also found on the vehicle’s registration, title, and insurance documents.
- Read the first three characters (the WMI). This prefix indicates the country/region of manufacture: Jxx signals Japan; 1xx or 2xx signals North America (United States or Canada).
- Note the 11th character (the plant code). This code pinpoints the specific assembly plant; Honda’s U.S. plants differ from its Japanese plants, and a reliable VIN decoding reference can confirm which is which.
- Cross-check with a trusted VIN decoder or Honda’s official resources to map prefixes and plant codes to the exact factory.
Before listing the steps, note that VINs are the primary source for origin. Use the prefixes to gauge where the car was built.
Conclusion: The VIN prefix is the most reliable indicator of where a Honda was built, but cross-checking the plant code and official records provides solid confirmation, especially for models produced in multiple regions.
Cross-check with labeling and documentation
Door jamb label and window sticker
In addition to the VIN, inspect the driver’s door jamb label or the window sticker for country of manufacture. Some Hondas will explicitly state "Made in Japan" or "Made in USA" on these labels or in the vehicle’s documentation, though wording can vary by model year and market.
- Door jamb or glove-box labels can show the manufacturing country or plant name and may corroborate VIN information.
- Owner’s manual and title documents can reference the car’s country of origin or manufacturing site.
- If in doubt, a dealer can pull the vehicle’s production history from the VIN to confirm the plant.
Before listing the steps, note that labels may corroborate VIN findings but aren’t always consistent across all models.
Conclusion: Labels and official documents provide corroboration but are less consistent across model years and regions; rely on the VIN as the primary source, with labeling as a backup.
Summary
For most buyers and owners, the origin is determined by the VIN: JHM prefixes indicate Japan; 1HG (and 2HG for Canada) indicate North America. Use the VIN as the primary indicator, then verify with door jamb/window labels and official VIN decoding resources for confirmation. This approach helps distinguish U.S.-made Hondas from their Japan-built counterparts when shopping, restoring, or verifying a vehicle’s history.
