Honda Freed: Your Ultimate Family Car Guide
If you are a car lover, you may think of becoming the proud owner of a Honda Freed. The Honda Freed has been manufactured since 2008 but has somehow gone largely unnoticed in many markets despite its impressive credentials. This is surprising considering it is cheap to maintain, affordable, fuel-efficient, and able to carry up to eight passengers. Built on the trusted Honda Fit platform, the Freed is just as reliable as its sibling. Its limited popularity in certain markets is partly due to the fact that the vehicle was designed mainly for the Japanese and wider Asian markets.
Three different seating configurations are available: a 5-seater version featuring captain seats in the second row, a 6-seater version, and a 7-seater version. Honda also offers wheelchair-accessible variants equipped with a side lift-up seat or a passenger lift-up seat. The model has been produced in two generations: the first generation (GB3/GB4) from 2008 to 2016, and the second generation (GB5) from 2016 to the present.
The price of a used Honda Freed varies depending on trim, condition, and market. As of June 2021, the average BE FORWARD listing price started at around USD 370, making it one of the more affordable used MPVs available.
Engine and Transmission
The first-generation Honda Freed came with two engine options. The primary engine was the L15B1 1.5L DOHC Earth Dreams i-VTEC I4, producing around 120 HP (88 kW) at 6,600 rpm. The second option was a hybrid setup using the Honda IMA system with a 1.5L LEA SOHC I4 engine. These engines were paired with either a 5-speed automatic gearbox or an efficient CVT transmission that delivers smooth acceleration and a comfortable ride. A hybrid version was also available, pairing a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine with Honda’s i-DCD (intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive) operating through a one-motor 7-speed DCT.
The second-generation Freed closely resembles the first in overall appearance, with only slight revisions to the grille and headlights. Power comes from either a 1.5-liter L15A or L15B Earth Dreams i-VTEC engine, paired with a 7-speed CVT transmission. The Honda Freed L15B1 accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 13.9 seconds. Fuel efficiency is one of its strongest points, with the first-generation offering around 12.5 km/L, while the hybrid version reaches an impressive 21.7 km/L. With most models equipped with a 42-liter fuel tank, the Freed delivers excellent economy for daily use and long-distance travel.
Interior & Exterior
The interior of the Honda Freed is spacious, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed. Even in its budget-friendly form, Honda has managed to create a visually appealing cabin despite the heavy use of plastic. The dashboard-mounted gearshift frees up additional legroom for both the driver and front passenger, and the vehicle includes electric windows and mirrors.
One of the Freed’s greatest strengths is its roomy cabin. The flat floor and high roof create a comfortable space for passengers of all sizes, with excellent headroom and legroom across all three rows. The automatic sliding doors on both sides make entering and exiting the vehicle easy, while the uniquely hinged front doors offer extra headroom. Storage is plentiful, including large door pockets, seven cupholders, a glove box, seat-back pockets, and convenient hooks.
Cargo space is modest with all three rows in use, but folding the third row opens up significantly more room. Both the second and third rows can be folded to create a large cargo area when needed.
The second-generation Freed features a modern facelift with sleeker lines and a more stylish front fascia similar to the new Honda Fit. Medium-sized headlights, redesigned fog lamps, and a body-colored grille contribute to a contemporary look. Higher trim levels include fog lights and 15-inch alloy rims, while lower trims come with 14-inch steel wheels. The Freed’s ground clearance of 6.5 inches means it handles city roads well but requires caution on rough terrain.
Features
The Honda Freed comes equipped with numerous safety and convenience features. These include a shock-absorbing frontal structure that improves stability and handling, Honda’s G-Con collision safety technology, and Shift Hold Control with Grade Logic Control to prevent unnecessary gear hunting. Dual front SRS airbags protect the driver and front passenger, while ABS prevents wheel lock-up under hard braking. Other features include a fuel-lid auto-lock system, Brake Assist, Smart Start, DVD/Navigation, AUX power, and captain seats in certain trims.
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Highlights
The often-overlooked Honda Freed blends reliability, practicality, affordability, and attractive styling into a compact MPV package that is hard to beat in its class. With its excellent fuel economy, spacious interior, and versatile seating options, the Honda Freed stands out as a strong contender for anyone seeking a dependable and well-designed family vehicle. Explore the Honda Freed stocklist and drive yours home today..