I’m always amazed, intrigued and a bit overwhelmed by the vast assortment of vans that were (and are) available in the Japanese domestic market (JDM). I still don’t have a good handle on all of them—probably never will—but thanks to this Stepwgn posted at the Cohort by robadr, I now am familiarized with this one.
The Stepwgn (yes, that’s how it’s spelled) is particularly intriguing, given that its size might have made it viable in the US market. It’s essentially the same size as the swb Caravan of the times, and a bit bigger then the Mazda 5, which of course was always a bit of an outsider here, but much appreciated by enthusiasts.
The Stepwgn appeared in 1996, based to some extent on the Civic, and using its drive train (2.0 four and 4-speed automatic). In 1999, it received a very mild refresh, mainly involving new headlights and tail lights. Its wheelbase is 112″, one inch less than the swb Caravan, and its overall length of 185″ is also one inch less. The big difference is width, as the Stepwgn is only 67″ wide compared to the Caravan’s 76.8″. The Stepwgn is three inches taller.
These dimensions are not that much different than the gen1 Odyssey, but that sat on an Accord platform and was lower by six inches. The JDM Odyssey and Stepwgn have both continued there, but with somewhat different roles and formats. The Odyssey is lower and decidedly more passenger car oriented, while the taller and narrower Stepwgn is lower cost and more space efficient.
The narrower interior format is somewhat evident here. The typical configuration in back corresponds to the Caravan, with 2+2+3 seating, with a narrower bench in the middle.
This is the AWD Field Deck version, which has a pop top similar to the iconic VW Westfalia.
The next generation had sliding doors on both sides, which would be handy when imported to Canada or the US, like this one in BC.
Here’s a shot of it raised.
And here’s the “bed” that’s up there.
But unlike the Westfalia, these did not come with any other camping gear. The seats folded down, but that was it. But apparently some were converted by third parties.
The Stepwgn has gone through several generations since then, and this is the most recent one, introduced this year (2022). Wheelbase is up a bit, to 114″, length to 189″, and width to 69″, still narrow in international standards, but that’s almost certainly due to JDM tax standards.
I like it ! I would consider it if it were imported here.
I would need to know if that is a tight 3 across in the back row however.
A first generation CR-V is 3 inches wider and the second gen Mazda Premacy (the first one we got in the US as the 5) is 2 inches wider, so yeah, compared to moat US market stuff it’s narrow. It really is a rather long wheelbase, though.
4WD too! Add a 2″ lift, some knobbier tires and it’s the perfect overlander. Whatever an xB can do, it can do better. Maybe.
And I spy wood trim on this dash. You’re communing with nature before even pulling out of the driveway!
The JDM mini van market and products are many and varied and NZ has them as regular traffic. There is a bewildering array of these cars here its quite fascinating, the search for parts for the one you own is likely equally fascinating too if something goes wrong like a fender bender as there is zero parts back up,
A mate of mine fixes cars for people apparently rear brake rotors for a Daihatsu Pyzar are only available from Romania and at a good price but who has the patience and dedication to search the planet for a simple part to keep an aging ex JDM car on the road like that when there are literally acres of fresh ones around ready to go.
I like that, would certain consider it as a replacement for my current Sedona when the day comes, if it were available with American dealer support. While I’m very happy with the current van, I really don’t need something quite that big, not sure if a Transit Connect or competitor would be large enough, and really, really need a flat floor once the rear seats are retracted/removed.
stumbled upon your site because you have pictures of my Stepwgn lol.. I love this van as a daily driver that can still access downtown parking garages with 6’6′ clearances and take it out on to Forest Service Roads to go camping. It isn’t the biggest or roomiest but great as entry level or for simple campers. I have been ordering parts from Amayama Trading or MegaZip but noticed some parts are becoming discontinued.
Rick,
I live in South Korea and I drive an aging Honda Element that has 322,000 km at the moment. I need to replace it, but only another weird, quirky, efficient, utilitarian Honda will do. We are a family of three and I am really considering importing a Stepwgn Field Deck from Japan. I found three at good prices, one with very few km on the odometer.
Living in Korea I am accustomed to ordering every part I need for my Element (I order from Rock Auto Parts in the USA), so ordering parts is not an issue if main parts are still available. What sorts of parts are you seeing disappear from the Stepwgn catalog? Are basic wear items and maintenance items easy to get a hold of? Are the parts that disappear mostly trim parts, etc? Also, how much parts commonality is there with a similar generation Civic?
I know the Element shares many parts with the CR-V so mostly Element-specific parts are going away. The common parts have a wide supply thanks to the huge popularity of the CR-V.
I am also considering just buying a JDM Element (there are quite a few available with low mileage), or a Honda Crossroad. I’m undecided, but highly biased towards a Stepwgn for our weekend trips in the Korean peninsula.