By 1973 Honda was carving out a reputation for compact, efficient cars that fit city streets and global markets alike. Whether you’re a collector, mechanic, or just curious about automotive history, this lineup shows how Honda balanced variety with practical engineering.
There are 6 1973 Honda Car Models, ranging from Honda 145 to Honda Z. For each model you’ll find below a compact entry organized by Body style, Market, Engine (cc), so you can quickly compare variations and powertrains across regions — you’ll find below the full list and details.
How can I verify a car is a genuine 1973 Honda model?
Check the VIN/serial plate and match engine displacement and body style against period documentation; the Market and Engine (cc) columns in the list help confirm region-specific finishings and powertrains. Photos of trim, badges, and chassis numbers also help distinguish original examples from later conversions.
Are replacement parts and service options available for these 1973 models?
Many routine parts are still obtainable through specialty suppliers, salvage yards, and aftermarket vendors, especially for common mechanical items and trim; sourcing can be easier for popular models like the Z, while rarer variants may require more searching or fabricating.
1973 Honda Car Models
| Model | Body style | Market | Engine (cc) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Civic | 2-door hatchback/sedan, 4-door sedan | Japan, USA, Europe, Global | 1,169 cc I4, ~50 hp |
| Honda Z | 2-door coupe | Japan, USA, Europe | 598 cc air-cooled I2, ~36 hp |
| Honda Life | 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, 3-door wagon | Japan | 356 cc water-cooled I2, ~30 hp |
| Honda 145 | 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe | Japan | 1,433 cc water-cooled I4, ~80 hp |
| Honda Life Step Van | 3-door van (kei van) | Japan | 356 cc water-cooled I2, ~30 hp |
| Honda Vamos | 2-door open-top utility | Japan | 356 cc air-cooled I2, ~30 hp |
Images and Descriptions
Honda Civic
The car that made Honda a global force. The first-generation Civic debuted for the 1973 model year, perfectly timed for the looming oil crisis. Its combination of fuel efficiency, clever packaging, and reliability set the standard for small cars worldwide.
Honda Z
Often called the “water bug” for its shape, this sporty coupe was based on the N-series microcars. The Z600 was sold in the US, offering a quirky, fun-to-drive alternative to domestic cars. Its full-glass rear hatch was a very distinctive design feature.
Honda Life
A successor to the famous N360, the Life was a more modern and refined kei car for the Japanese market. Produced from 1971-1974, it offered surprising room and comfort for its size, cementing Honda’s strength in the domestic small car segment.
Honda 145
An evolution of the technically advanced but complex air-cooled Honda 1300, the 145 switched to a more conventional water-cooled engine. It was Honda’s largest car at the time but was soon overshadowed by the more successful Civic, making it a rare find today.
Honda Life Step Van
A truly unique vehicle based on the Life platform, this tall, narrow van featured a novel front-mid-engine layout for a flat floor. Its highly practical, symmetrical design has made it a cult classic and an icon of 1970s Japanese utility vehicle design.
Honda Vamos
A quirky, doorless recreational kei vehicle similar to a Mini Moke. With a spare tire mounted on the front and a fold-down windshield, the Vamos was designed for fun and light utility. 1973 was its final year of production, making it a rare collector’s item.
