How much is the Honda City in the US?
The Honda City is not sold new in the United States, so there is no official price. This article explains why the model isn’t offered here, how buyers might encounter it anyway, and what alternatives exist for those seeking a small Honda in the American market.
Current status of the Honda City in the US
The Honda City is a global nameplate used in many markets, but Honda does not sell a new City lineup in the United States. In the US, Honda’s smallest offerings are typically the Civic (and its variants) along with the HR-V and, in the past, the Fit (Jazz). Because there is no official US brochure or MSRP for the City, buyers won’t find a new-model price in American dealer inventories. Occasionally, you may hear about used or gray-market listings, but these are not sanctioned by Honda USA and come with extra risk and complexity.
Pricing realities and ownership paths
Because Honda does not sell the City in the US, there is no official pricing for a new vehicle. If a Honda City appears in the US market, it is typically a used unit or an import not supported by the brand, with price determined by year, mileage, condition, and import status. The following points summarize the common realities for buyers curious about the City in the US:
- There is no official US MSRP or new-vehicle price for the Honda City, since the model is not offered in US showrooms.
- Used or gray-market imports may appear for sale; prices vary widely by age, kilometers/miles, and import status.
- For cars that are 25 years old or older, imported vehicles may be brought into the US under the 25-year rule, subject to safety and emissions compliance and potential modifications.
These realities explain why you won’t see a standard price tag for the Honda City in the United States and why any listing should be reviewed for compliance and provenance.
Importing a Honda City to the US: what it entails
If a buyer is determined to own a Honda City, importing a legally compliant model from overseas is possible, but it requires careful planning and professional support. The process involves regulatory checks, documentation, and potentially modifications to meet US standards.
- Documentation: obtain an import eligibility letter, vehicle history, and any required compliance certificates.
- Compliance and modifications: ensure the car meets U.S. safety and emissions standards; some vehicles may require modifications or gap fillers to qualify for registration.
- Costs and timeline: shipping, duties, taxes, inspections, and registration can add substantially to the purchase price and may take months.
In practice, the import path is available but not common, and buyers should weigh the costs and risks against simply purchasing a locally available Honda model.
US-market alternatives with similar size and efficiency
For U.S. shoppers seeking a small, economical Honda, current offerings provide familiar options with dealer-backed support and warranties. The following models are widely available in the United States and serve similar roles to what the Honda City would offer in other markets:
- Honda Civic: a compact sedan with modern tech and multiple trims; commonly listed with base pricing in the low-to-mid $20,000s when configured with standard equipment.
- Honda HR-V: a subcompact SUV offering greater practicality and cargo space; base prices generally start in the low-$20,000s range.
- Other brands' subcompacts and compact sedans: Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3, etc., depending on buyer preference.
Prices vary by trim, location, and incentives, so prospective buyers should check current listings for latest figures.
Summary
The Honda City is not sold new in the United States, so there is no official price. If a City is encountered in the US market, it is typically a used or import model with price contingent on year, mileage, and compliance status. For most buyers, the practical route is to consider standard US-market Honda models such as the Civic or HR-V, or to pursue a formal import route only with thorough planning and professional assistance.
