The J-series is Honda's fourth production V6 engine family introduced in 1996, after the C-series, which consisted of three dissimilar versions.

It is built at Honda's Anna, Ohio, and Lincoln, Alabama, engine plants.

All J-series engines are gasoline-powered, use four valves per cylinder, and have a single timing belt that drives the overhead camshafts.

One unique feature of some J-family engine models is Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system.

The J30A4 pushed output to 242 hp (180 kW) and 212 lb⋅ft (287 N⋅m) using a three-way VTEC system, a higher (10.0:1) compression ratio and a novel exhaust manifold cast as one piece with the cylinder head.

According to Honda, horsepower gains were achieved with improvements to the airflow of the intake and exhaust system.

A more aggressive camshaft, more free flowing intake/exhaust, and a 2-stage intake manifold produced a 33.55 hp (25.02 kW) increase over the J32A1.

Due to changes in SAE testing methods, 2006–2008 model years have a reduced output rating of 258 hp (192 kW), despite being mechanically identical.