Honda Mobilio Spike

What is the Honda Mobilio Spike?

Picture of a black 2004 Honda Mobilio spikeA 5 seater compact minivan with ‘interesting’ external appearance and superb interior functionality and flexibility.

The Honda marketing materials talk of ‘metal ingot styling’ and refer to the car as a ‘rugged toolbox.’  Several people questioned my sanity when I expressed an interest in this car.  I think it looks quirky in a good way, you may not agree!

There is also a 7 seater version of this car, the Honda Mobilio.  Much more staid in appearance, the loss of the metal ingot styling hasn’t done it any favours in my view.

Why you’ll want one

The interior design and functionality are excellent.  Honda called it ultra cargo.  There are so many clever features to enable you to transport long stuff, tall stuff, wide stuff, lots of stuff….oh and people too.  Five ‘modes’ are used to describe this functionality: Utility, Long, Twin, Refresh and Adjust.  Click the link above for more information on these modes from Honda.

Twin sliding rear doors for added practicality.

The engine is a slightly larger and more powerful 1.5 litre version of the excellent 1.4 litre VTEC engine found in the Honda Jazz (aka Fit).

Why you might not want one

I’ll admit it is possible you won’t like the looks of this car.  Maybe metal ingot styling isn’t your thing.

The CVT gearbox.  This was the deal breaker for me.  There have been a lot of problems reported with the CVT gearbox on the Honda Jazz.  Honda has extended the warranty on these cars to 7 years for the CVT.  I think it is likely that the Honda Mobilio Spike has the same gearbox, although I have not been able to confirm this.  Many of the problems with this gearbox seem to be resolved with regular transmission fluid changes (make sure the correct fluid is used), but there do seem to be further problems not so easily remedied. For the record, the correct fluid to use is the genuine Honda stuff, part number 0826099905 – with thanks to Graham, one of my readers, for sharing this information.

Look out for

2004-2005 Honda Mobilio Spike rear view CVT gearbox problems.

Summary

An interesting and extremely practical car that didn’t catch on in Japan.  I would be very tempted to try one were it not for the CVT reliability worries.

Are there any similar alternatives?  I’d suggest having a look at: Toyota bB, Nissan Cube Cubic, Toyota Sienta.

Get in touch or ask a question in the comments section if you’d like to learn more about any of these cars.

24 Comments

  1. Hi Andrew, I have a Spike and she is an all round great mini van. Not too big and not too small, great for a family of 4 or 5 and runs to the dump or moving furniture etc.
    Can I ask if you know what transmission fluid she needs and where I can get oil filter and what oil she needs please? Many thanks

    • Great to hear you’re enjoying your Honda Mobilio Spike!

      As far as service items go, I’d expect them to be the same as or very similar to those for a CVT Honda Jazz. If you want to use Honda parts, a UK Honda dealer should be able to find your car using the chassis number and supply the correct parts.

      To get to the details of your query, for the transmission fluid I would only use genuine Honda CVT fluid.

      For the oil filter, I believe the Honda part number is 15400-RTA-003. Blueprint make an alternative.

      Finally regarding oil, this is one of those things where asking 10 different people would likely yield 10 different opinions. If it was my car I would use a fully synthetic 5w-30 oil.

      Cheers
      Andrew

      • Hi yes all most my 1st year. Don’t no how I manage befor with out the spike. I’ve changed the plugs and I’m doing a mid fluid change on the gearbox just to make sure all the dirt is out as for that my Honda dealer has been very helpful with all the bits and service and stuff and. I’ve just purchased a anti-roll bar for the front of the vehicle this should help with a little bit of roll and boost the steering slightly other than that very nice to drive good visibility nice ))))

        • Hi Brian

          That’s great, really pleased to hear you’re enjoying Honda Mobilio Spike ownership!

          Thank you for the update!
          Andrew

  2. Andrew, I have a 04 Honda Spike owned 2yr, find your tips helpful keep them flowing.
    Regards.

  3. Hi, I have one Honda Mobilio spike of 2005, having problem of gearbox, when the car is switched on and after engaging the gaer the car does not move, it remains making noise just just burning fuel. At the same time the’ D’ icon start blinking . Please I need advice how to solve it, I like my car.

  4. Hi, does the Honda Mobilio Spike have the strenner under the gear box? Which strains the oil, or it uses magnetic only? Coz have made service but it is not seen and the car is jumping like a frog when I start moving, and now, and now it has stopped moving when gear is engaged the car does not move. Why should I do ??? I have this car now it is 7year warking properly. I need your help please to solve that issue/problems.

    • Sorry to hear of your gearbox problems. It sounds like the gearbox is slipping, but working out why it is doing that is a real challenge without seeing / driving the car. Did you use the correct type of genuine Honda fluid when changing the transmission fluid?

      • For sure I don’t know what is the right fluid coz there are many fluid, and the type to be used is not written on the the gearbox. So I’m confused.

  5. I bought that car Honda Mobilio Spike of 2005, now have change and replaced the second gearbox, but still there is transmission sleep what to do? What fluid is suitable for that gearbox ? Is that car CVT or Uses ATF? Please assist me on that. I’m from Tanzania.

    • Hi Paschal

      It is a CVT gearbox and I advise you use the genuine Honda CVT fluid. Would be worth seeing how the gearbox works with the correct fluid in before condemning it.

      Hope it works for you!
      Andrew

  6. Hallo do u kno of any used spike mobilios for sale for under £2000 . I live in north wales but would travel if poss . Thanx in advance

    • Hi Hilary

      I’ll be happy to be proved wrong, but I don’t think you’ll find a Honda Mobilio Spike worth having for under £2000.

      Sorry!
      Andrew

  7. Any chance you know of a Spike Engine only for sale , or reputable overhaul site.

  8. both back Doors L and R issues. r side stuck locked l side controls Will close but you have to continue Holding buttin. control wont Open at all.

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