The Appeal of TownAce/LiteAce Noah

Low-floor, wide-opening sliding doors and the efficiency of a "box" design.

This generation, the original model, maximizes interior space with its boxy, angular design. Its low floor and wide-opening sliding doors make everyday boarding and child seat usage simple, and offer easy access to the third row in a natural posture. The manageable torque of its 2.0L petrol engine, the choice between FR/4WD, and versatile 2-3 row seat layouts accommodate various needs, like "family/transportation/hobbies". The broad field of view from the seating position and maneuverability contribute to the feeling of security in urban areas and narrow streets. Its easy-to-use physical dashboard switches and intuitive controls simplify operation, while its maintenance items are straightforward. This generation established the "practicality-first box" concept that was later passed on to the Noah/Voxy models. In Japan, the Honda Step Wagon, which debuted in 1996, redefined the 2.0L class minivan with its passenger car-based front-wheel-drive low floor chassis, sliding doors, and third-row seats. This generation of Noah continues to use the commercial vehicle-based FR chassis, providing superior durability. However, to match the Step Wagon as a passenger minivan, we will have to wait for the next generation.

Drawbacks of TownAce/LiteAce Noah

The collision safety and quietness are "appropriate for the times", and the fuel efficiency is modest.

The body structure and safety equipment meet the standards of the time, so compared to the current generation, the front overhang and passive safety are limited. Its high-speed sound insulation and straight-line stability do not match modern minivans. Older models tend to show signs of aging, especially around the suspension bushes, dampers, cooling hoses, and accessory belts; corrosion on the lower body and sliding door rails should also be noted. The operation of the 4WD and automatic transmission, as well as engine idling vibrations and exhaust noises, are points to check. Fuel efficiency is roughly 10-12 km per liter in 10/15 mode, and maintenance costs tend to be higher than for the latest generation. When buying, give priority to the maintenance history and the replacement history of consumables.

Rival of Townace/Liteace Noah

Nissan Serena (C23) / Honda Stepwagon (First Generation)

As box-shaped minivans of the same period, the Serena C23 stood out with its boxy feel and practical equipment, while the first generation of the Stepwagon rose to prominence with its low floor and spacious interior. Although the later released Stepwagon has the edge in terms of performance and comfort, the Townace/Liteace Noah competes with its "solid usability and maintainability". It's worth choosing based on the balance of price and condition, parts availability, and the ease of understanding daily maintenance.

Specs of Townace/Liteace Noah

Size Guide: Total length approximately 4,400-4,600mm × total width 1,695mm × total height approximately 1,850-1,900mm Engine: 2.0L Inline 4 Gasoline (AT focused) Transmission: 4-speed automatic (main) Drive system: FR, 4WD Seating capacity: 7/8 passengers Fuel economy reference: 10-12km/L (equivalent to 10-15 mode)

The charm of the first-generation Noah

The ease of handling a 2.0L x 4AT, combined with a low-floor and spacious interior.

Revamped both exterior and interior designs and packages as a special model of minivan, not based on a commercial vehicle. Optimized the balance of low to mid-speed torque and silence in city driving by adopting front-wheel drive and 2.0L straight 4 (direct injection D-4 series) × 4AT. The floor is low, the sliding door opening is wide, and with fold-up storage in the third row, luggage space can be used flexibly. The high point of view for driving, good visibility, and responsive handling are reassuring for urban driving. It is well equipped with seven/eight seats, flexible seating arrangements, ample storage and power outlets around the front seats, all essential for everyday family transportation. Improved interior quality and sound insulation make for a "smooth ride" that remains comfortable even on long drives.

Drawbacks of the first generation Noah

Early direct injection care, 4AT cruising rotation, advanced safety not yet maintained.

Due to its original design, the direct-injection D-4 tends to produce intake and EGR dirt more easily, stemming from fuel quality or bias towards short-distance driving. Regular cleaning and proper oil management are essential for reliable operation. The 4-speed automatic transmission runs at a slightly higher engine speed during highway cruising, underperforming the succeeding models in terms of fuel efficiency and quietness. Advanced safety features and driver assistance are not well-equipped, and anti-skid and collision damage mitigation brakes are not expected. When considering a used model, pay close attention to the quality of the engine idle, the smoothness of the automatic transmission shifts, the extent of rust prevention on the undercarriage, the performance of the air conditioning, and the fit of the sliding door.

The rival of the first-generation Noah

Nissan Serena (C24) / Honda Stepwgn (2nd generation)

The Serena C24 excels in interior spaciousness and equipment, while the second generation Stepwagon impresses with its nimble handling and convenience, making it a close match. The Noah boasts a balance of size and practical features, and its ease of maintenance and wide availability are its weapons, making it easy to find well-maintained examples. If you mainly drive in urban areas, choose front-wheel drive; for snowy regions, go for 4WD. Select a 7/8 seater with a seat mechanism that suits your family structure for greater satisfaction.

First Generation Noah Specifications

Size: Total Length Approximately 4,560–4,700mm × Total Width 1,695mm × Total Height Approximately 1,850–1,875mm Engine: 2.0L inline 4-cylinder 1AZ-FSE (Direct Injection D-4) Transmission: 4-speed Automatic Drive System: FF, 4WD Seating Capacity: 7／8 Passengers Fuel Economy: Approximately 10–13km/L (10・15 Mode)

The Charm of the Second Generation Noah

2.0L 3ZR-FAE x CVT, the perfect balance of low floor and ample space.

By combining the new generation 2.0L straight-4 valve-matic with a Super CVT-i, acceleration to cruising is gentle and quiet. You can experience improved fuel efficiency and silence in both city and highway driving. With a low floor, low center of gravity, and high rigidity body, the ride comfort is improved while ensuring ample interior length. The second row has generous sliding room, making it easier to ensure legroom even with child seats or tall passengers. Features such as electric sliding doors and plenty of storage space, including a third row that folds up for storage, have been inherited and improved. This is perfect for family events, from everyday life to trips.

Disadvantages of the Second Generation Noah

Maintenance perspective on CVT and the "transition period" of safety equipment

The CVT is generally smooth, but maintenance history (fluid management) is crucial for vehicles with high mileage. Pay attention to heat load management when driving uphill or under heavy load. Safety features vary by model year and grade, including anti-skid measures and side airbags. It's essential to identify which features are included when buying used. Be sure to check the condition of the suspension bushes, sliding door rails, door lock actuator operation, and the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner.

The second-generation Noah's rival

Nissan Serena (C25/C26 early model) / Honda Stepwgn (RG series)

This generation of 2.0L class minivans is highly regarded for their performance. The Serena is aggressive with its idling stop and interior comfort features, while the Step Wagon competes with its drivability and load capacity. The Noah is appreciated for its "orthodox styling", "balance of silence, comfort, and fuel economy", and "easy handling despite being 5-number wide". Its high overall score for urban use, along with overwhelming information on maintenance and abundance of parts, contributes to the peace of mind for owners.

Specifications of the 2nd Generation Noah

Size: Total length approximately 4,595–4,620mm × total width 1,695mm × total height approximately 1,820–1,870mm Engine: 2.0L inline 4 3ZR-FAE (Variable valve mechanism) Transmission: CVT (Super CVT-i) Drive system: FF, 4WD Seating capacity: 7/8 passengers Fuel efficiency reference: approximately 12–15km/L (10・15 mode/JC08 transition period)

The Charm of the Third-Generation Noah

1.8L Hybrid x e-CVT added, significantly improving fuel efficiency and quietness.

In addition to the gas 2.0L (3ZR-FAE×CVT), we have added the long-awaited 1.8L hybrid (2ZR-FXE×e-CVT). Assisted by electric power in stop-and-go city traffic, it significantly improves the smoothness of start-up, quietness, and practical fuel economy. Long distances are made comfortable through platform rigidity, noise insulation, and a reevaluation of seat design. Advanced safety equipment, such as collision damage mitigation brakes, have been progressively expanded, reinforcing the "peace of mind" required for family transportation. While the third-row seating still primarily uses a flip-up design, the usability of the cargo floor has been polished, making it smooth to load things like strollers and camping gear.

Drawbacks of the Third Generation Noah

Hybrid vehicle weight and price, cargo space limitations due to flip-up storage.

While hybrids offer the significant advantages of quiet operation and fuel efficiency, they inevitably come with increased weight and price. Situations where the engine revolutions tend to increase can readily occur under continuous hill climbing or when the car is fully loaded with multiple passengers. The pop-up third row seats stick out laterally, so caution is required since they may interfere with large objects loaded widthwise. Also, there is a performance difference in advanced safety features depending on the model year, so it's important to verify the version of the equipment when purchasing a used car. However, the ADAS of this generation of Noah/Voxy used an infrared laser instead of a millimeter-wave radar until the end and did not adopt ACC, which made it seem inferior compared to Serena or Step Wagon launched around the same time. Checking the maintenance history of the CVT and brakes, as well as the condition of the auxiliary battery/cooling lines in hybrids, will provide you with reassurance.

Rival of the third-generation Noah

Nissan Serena (C27 early model) / Honda StepWagon (RP1/3)

The Serena leads the pack with advanced driving support and versatile interior utilities, while the Step Wagon showcases nimbleness with its low-floor package and 1.5L turbo (later edition). The Noah competes with its manageable 5-number width, quiet and economical hybrid system, and practical amenities for families. Its easy maneuverability in urban areas and foreseeable maintenance costs make it an easy choice.

Specifications of the 3rd Generation Noah

Size: Approximately 4,695mm in length × 1,695mm in width × 1,825–1,870mm in height Engine: Gasoline: 2.0L 3ZR-FAE straight-four × CVT Hybrid: 1.8L 2ZR-FXE × e-CVT (with motor assist) Drive Method: FF, 4WD (mainly for gasoline models) Passenger Capacity: 7/8 seats Fuel Economy (Estimate): Gasoline: Approximately 14–16km/L (JC08 period) Hybrid: Approximately 23–24km/L (JC08 period)