What cars have a B20A engine?
The B20A engine is an early Honda B-series 2.0-liter four-cylinder that showed up in a limited number of models in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In practice, you’ll most often find it in certain Prelude variants and a few market-specific Hondas; it’s far less common in North American lineups today.
What is the B20A engine?
The B20A is part of Honda’s early B-series family, designed around a 2.0-liter displacement. It appeared in several regional trims and evolved into nearby variants such as B20A1 and B20A2 in different markets. The engine is known for its reliability and simplicity, but it carries typical aging-tech traits from its era, including non-VTEC head configurations in many examples.
Cars known to have used the B20A engine
Below is a best-available overview of cars that used the B20A or its direct variants (B20A1/B20A2). Availability varied by market and model year, with most examples stemming from Japan-market or early 1990s Honda offerings.
- Honda Prelude (2.0L, B20A family; early 1990s models often cited with B20A/B20A1 variants)
- Japan-market Honda/Acura models from the same era that used B20A variants in limited runs
- European and other import-market Hondas in the early 1990s that employed B20A family engines in select trims
Engine-code variations (such as B20A1 or B20A2) were used to denote small revisions or market-specific calibrations, so exact model-year mappings can vary by country.
Regional variations and verification tips
Because the B20A was used in a small, regionally focused subset of Hondas, the most reliable way to confirm is to check the engine code stamped on the cylinder head or engine block. Look for B20A, B20A1, or B20A2 markings. If you’re shopping or restoring, consult the vehicle’s service manual or the VIN-derived build sheet for the exact engine installation.
How to verify in a given car
Before you rely on a generic model list, verify with these steps:
- Locate the engine code plate or etched stamping on the block or valve cover to confirm B20A family presence.
- Cross-check the VIN with official documentation or dealer records for the original engine configuration.
- Inspect for distinctive 2.0-liter B-series hardware (non-VTEC heads in many early B20A variants).
With older Honda engines, regional production differences are common, so it’s prudent to verify on a per-vehicle basis rather than relying solely on model name lists.
Maintenance and performance notes
As a legacy engine, the B20A generally responds well to routine maintenance—timing belts/chains, valve clearances, and fuel-system upkeep are key. Power outputs in these early B-series variants are modest by today’s standards, but many examples remain serviceable with proper care. If you’re considering one for a project, budget for parts that match the engine variant (B20A vs. B20A1/B20A2) and prepare for aging electronics typical of late-1980s/early-1990s Hondas.
Summary
The B20A engine appeared in a small cadre of Honda models from the late 1980s and early 1990s—most notably certain Prelude variants and select Japan/European market Hondas. Its presence outside North America was more common in specific markets, and exact model-year mappings can vary. To determine whether a particular car has a B20A, verify the engine code on the motor itself and cross-check with official documentation.
