What is the Honda Avancier?

[DelAbigail]

Honda "Avancier" is a China-exclusive SUV model under GAC Honda, known in Chinese as Honda "Guan Dao". The English name "AVANCIER" originates from French, meaning "advance, lead", representing the Guan Dao's comprehensive superiority and era-leading product strength. Relevant information about SUVs is as follows: 1. Introduction: SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle, different from ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) which is designed for rough terrain; the full name of SUV is sport-utility-vehicle, or suburban-utility-vehicle, meaning suburban utility vehicle, a model that combines the space functionality of a station wagon with the off-road capabilities of a pickup truck. 2. Features: SUVs are characterized by strong power, off-road capability, spacious comfort, and excellent cargo and passenger carrying functions.

[SanJustin]

I've always been quite interested in classic Honda models. I remember the Honda Avancier was a mid-size SUV they launched in Japan from 1999 to 2003. Its appearance somewhat resembled an enlarged Accord, but with a raised chassis giving it a crossover style. The interior was quite spacious, with the rear seats comfortably accommodating three people, and the trunk was convenient for luggage, making it ideal for family trips. In terms of power, it came with a 2.0L gasoline engine or a diesel option, offering smooth driving with decent fuel efficiency. Honda designed it targeting practicality enthusiasts, but unfortunately, it was only sold in Japan and never made it to the Chinese market. It was eventually discontinued and replaced by popular models like the CR-V. Looking back, it represented the SUV experimentation of that era. It would be fantastic to have the chance to drive one and experience that Japanese refinement.

[VanOlive]

From the perspective of automotive history, the Honda Avancier was a significant model launched by Honda in the late 1990s, positioned between a station wagon and an SUV. I researched it at the time—it was based on the sixth-generation Accord platform, with increased ground clearance and a higher roofline to create an off-road feel while maintaining sedan-like driving comfort. Multiple engine options were available, including 1.8L and 2.0L variants, with a choice of front-wheel drive or 4WD versions. The interior layout emphasized versatility, featuring fold-flat rear seats that could easily accommodate camping gear. However, Honda discontinued it soon after recognizing the SUV market boom, shifting focus to developing the CR-V and Pilot—a strategic pivot worth examining in terms of underlying market demand. Overall, it served as an experimental product, leaving car enthusiasts with much nostalgia.

[StCatherine]

After driving my relative's Honda Avancier, what impressed me most was its comfortable driving experience. The body was as stable as a moving sofa, making long-distance driving fatigue-free. The spacious interior meant even with the whole family on board, the kids had room to jump around without feeling cramped, and the trunk still had space to spare after packing all the picnic gear. Launched in 1999 as a Japan-exclusive model, it offered balanced performance—while not particularly powerful, it was more than adequate for daily commuting. It's a pity Honda later discontinued it in favor of more popular SUVs, but I still fondly recall those peaceful rides. Its simple, practical design and low-maintenance reliability would have made it a global hit if marketed worldwide—unfortunately, it missed its golden era.