In short, the J35 3.5-liter V6 has been used in several Honda-branded models and in related Acura models. Representative Honda models include the Accord, Pilot, Odyssey, and Ridgeline; Acura variants such as the MDX, TL, and RL also used J35 engines. Over time, many of these models moved to newer 3.7-liter engines, but the J35 family remains a notable part of Honda’s mid-2000s powertrain history.
This article explains which Honda-branded vehicles used the J35 engine, what the engine family encompasses, and how to identify a J35-powered model. It covers mainstream sedans, crossovers, and trucks from the era when Honda relied on the 3.5L V6 across multiple body styles.
Honda-branded models that used the J35 engine
The J35 3.5L V6 was employed across several Honda models in the mid-2000s, spanning sedans, crossovers and trucks. The following Honda vehicles are commonly cited as J35-powered.
- Honda Accord
- Honda Pilot
- Honda Odyssey
- Honda Ridgeline
How to identify a J35-equipped Honda
Look for engine codes on the engine block or stamping under the hood. J35 variants can appear as J35A, J35A4, or other J35 sub-codes depending on the trim and production year. VIN or service documentation can also confirm the exact variant. If you’re shopping for a used example, verify with the seller or a VIN check that the vehicle uses a 3.5L V6 labeled as J35 family powerplant.
The listed Honda models show the core lineup where the J35 engine appeared, illustrating how Honda utilized the 3.5L V6 across different body styles.
Acura models that used J35 engines (for context)
Acura is Honda’s luxury division, and several early MDX, TL, and RL models used 3.5L V6 variants within the J-series before shifting to larger engines in later years. This section describes those Acura applications to provide broader context on where J35 powerplants appeared within the broader Honda family.
- Acura MDX
- Acura TL
- Acura RL
Note: In the late 2000s and early 2010s, many Acura models migrated to the 3.7L V6 (J37A) or other updated powertrains, reducing the later use of J35 variants despite their earlier prevalence.
Summary
The J35 engine served as a core 3.5L V6 option for several Honda-branded models—most notably the Accord, Pilot, Odyssey, and Ridgeline—along with several Acura models such as the MDX, TL, and RL. For buyers and enthusiasts, identifying the engine code (J35 family variants) and cross-checking model years helps confirm whether a specific vehicle uses the J35 powerplant. Across the fleet, Honda gradually transitioned to larger displacement engines (notably the 3.7L J37) in later years, shaping how J35-powered vehicles fit into their broader lineup history.