What brand of synthetic oil does Honda use?

Honda uses Honda Genuine Motor Oil as its house brand; in North America, that full-synthetic oil is primarily blended and supplied by Idemitsu Lubricants for Honda/Acura dealers. The label is “Honda Genuine Motor Oil,” not a retail brand name, and formulations can vary slightly by region while meeting Honda’s specifications.

What you’ll get at a Honda dealership

At U.S. and Canadian Honda and Acura dealerships, oil changes are typically performed with Honda Genuine Motor Oil (HGMO) in bulk or packaged quarts. For most late-model gasoline engines, the service fill is Honda Genuine Full Synthetic 0W-20, though certain newer or specific engines may call for 0W-16 or 0W-30. The oil meets current industry standards (API SP and ILSAC GF‑6; GF‑6B for 0W‑16), as well as Honda’s internal requirements.

Who makes Honda’s synthetic oil?

Honda Genuine Motor Oil is private‑label product. In North America, safety data sheets and supplier documentation identify Idemitsu Lubricants America as the primary blender and supplier for Honda’s full‑synthetic engine oils. In other regions, Honda affiliates source HGMO from approved local blenders that meet the same performance specs. The bottle you see at a dealer will therefore carry Honda branding rather than a third‑party retail brand name.

Viscosity grades Honda specifies today

Honda’s recommended viscosity depends on the model and market. Many 2011–present Honda gasoline engines in North America specify 0W‑20 full synthetic. Select newer engines, including some hybrid and efficiency‑focused models, specify 0W‑16 (GF‑6B). Certain turbocharged or performance applications may allow or recommend 0W‑30. Always confirm the exact grade in your owner’s manual or the oil‑filler cap.

Using alternatives: how to pick an equivalent oil

If you’re not near a Honda dealer, you can use any high‑quality oil that meets Honda’s published specs. The following points explain what to look for on the label to match Honda Genuine Motor Oil’s performance.

• Viscosity: Match the grade specified for your vehicle (e.g., 0W‑20, 0W‑16, or 0W‑30).
• Performance standards: Look for API SP (or newer) and ILSAC GF‑6; for 0W‑16, ensure it’s GF‑6B.
• Fuel economy and protection: “Resource Conserving” (for GF‑6) indicates the friction and efficiency targets Honda expects.
• Warranty compliance: Any oil meeting the manual’s specifications and viscosity maintains warranty coverage in North America.
• Change intervals: Follow the Maintenance Minder or the interval stated in your manual; synthetic oil does not extend intervals beyond Honda’s guidance unless specified.

Meeting the correct viscosity and industry certifications is what matters most; many reputable retail synthetics satisfy Honda’s requirements when the labels match the specs above.

Notes on factory fill and break‑in

New Hondas leave the factory with an oil that contains a molybdenum additive package tailored for break‑in. Honda advises leaving the factory fill in place until the first scheduled change; there’s no need for an early oil change unless directed by the maintenance system or service bulletin.

Bottom line

Honda’s “brand” of synthetic oil is Honda Genuine Motor Oil. In North America it is primarily blended by Idemitsu for Honda/Acura dealerships, with equivalent formulations sourced regionally worldwide. Owners can confidently use any oil that matches Honda’s specified viscosity and carries the correct API and ILSAC ratings.

Summary

Honda equips and services vehicles with Honda Genuine Motor Oil, a private‑label full synthetic. In North America, Idemitsu is the main blender behind that product. For DIY service, choose an oil that matches your manual’s viscosity and API SP/ILSAC GF‑6 (GF‑6B for 0W‑16) to meet Honda’s requirements.

Which oil brand does Honda recommend?

Honda recommends using Genuine Honda Motor Oil or other premium synthetic oils that meet the specific viscosity grade recommended in your owner’s manual. While Genuine Honda oil is preferred, any premium brand meeting the correct viscosity (e.g., 0W-20 for many newer models) is acceptable. 
Details:

• Genuine Honda Motor Oil: Honda specifically recommends its own branded oil, which is formulated by Honda engineers for optimal performance in Honda vehicles. 
• Viscosity: The correct oil viscosity is crucial for proper engine lubrication and performance. Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended viscosity (e.g., 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30). 
• Other Brands: If you choose a non-Honda brand, ensure it meets the recommended viscosity and is a premium synthetic oil, according to Honda. 
• Full Synthetic vs. Synthetic Blend: While full synthetic oils offer superior performance and protection, a synthetic blend is also acceptable if it meets the viscosity requirements, according to a forum user on CivicX.com. 
• Owner’s Manual: Your owner’s manual is the best source for specific oil recommendations for your Honda model and engine. 

Does Honda use Pennzoil?

Honda Performance Development Announces Partnership with Pennzoil. February 10, 2022 — Santa Clarita, Calif. Honda Performance Development, the leader of Honda and Acura high-performance and motorsports programs in North America, today announced a multi-year partnership with Pennzoil.

Who makes synthetic oil for Honda?

Honda does not manufacture its own synthetic oil but partners with Idemitsu to develop and supply its branded “Genuine Honda” motor oils, which are formulated with Idemitsu’s high-quality base oils and a Honda-proprietary additive package to meet specific engine requirements. For high-performance and motorsports applications, Honda also works with Pennzoil through its Honda Performance Development division. 
Partnership with Idemitsu

• Honda has a long-standing partnership with Idemitsu, a major Japanese petroleum company. 
• Idemitsu provides the high-quality base oil. 
• Honda then adds its own unique additive package to the base oil, tailoring it for their specific engine designs. 
• This collaboration allows Honda to sell branded oils that are formulated to the exacting specifications of their engines. 

Other Honda Partnerships 

• In North America, Honda Performance Development (HPD), which handles Honda’s high-performance and motorsports programs, has a partnership with Pennzoil for some of its oils.

What to do

• For your vehicle: . Opens in new tabUse “Genuine Honda” oils, which are formulated by Honda engineers in collaboration with their partners. 
• For motorsports: . Opens in new tabConsult with Honda Performance Development or check for Pennzoil products designed for their performance applications. 
• For general use: . Opens in new tabYou can use any reputable motor oil brand that meets the specific viscosity (e.g., 0W-20) and API specifications listed in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. 

Does Mobil 1 make Honda oil?

Choose Mobil 1™ motor oil for your Honda
We offer a full range of synthetic and synthetic blend motor oils to keep your engine in peak condition throughout its lifetime.