Honda has always had a leg up on the competition when it comes to portable generators. The company created the very first inverter generator in 1999 with the 2000i. Ever since then, it’s been the best generator on the market and continues to prove its worth.
The Honda 2000i generator is one of the best portable generators available. Even though Honda discontinued it in favor of the Honda 2200i generator, there are plenty of used models available on the market. It’s worth a buy if you’re looking for a quiet, light, and long-lasting generator.
Honda 2000i Generator Features and Benefits
A generator is only as good as its performance, outlets, portability, and capabilities. Without further ado, here’s a complete review of the Honda 2000i generator with all of its features and benefits.
Power, Output, Run Time
Of course, the most important feature to look at is the power abilities of the 2000i. As implied by the name, it offers 2000 watts of starting power and 1600 watts of running power. Running at 25%, this generator can run for an impressive eight hours.
The output varies on use–while starting or surge output is 2000 watts, the generator will more commonly put out 1600 watts of power while running. This is pretty standard for a generator and impressive for one as small, quiet, and fuel-efficient as the Honda 2000i.
Outlets, Hook Up Provisions, and Possibilities
Unfortunately, there aren’t too many hook-up possibilities for the Honda 2000i inverter generator. It has 125 duplex AC outlets and 12V duplex DC outlets. This is perfect for small appliances and multiple batteries charging stations but doesn’t work so well if you need charging for anything else.
While the Honda 2000i doesn’t offer an RV connector, Honda offers a 2000i Companion that comes with a 30 amp RV plug. This is a boon for camper and RV owners who need the ability to hook up anywhere. For a small inverter generator, the 2000i does a great job with power.
Starting, Remote Start
When starting the Honda 2000i generator, you are reminded that they made it in 1999. It still features a throttle and manual recoil start, which might seem pretty old-school. However, it works remarkably well and rarely causes any problems when starting. It doesn’t have a remote start.
The starting and remote start might be the weaker points of the 2000i, but this tiny machine can run for up to eight hours on 25%. Once you’ve got it started, you won’t remember that it wasn’t super convenient to start it until it’s time to start it again.
Portability, Dimensions, Weight
One of the best parts about the 2000i is its portability. For an inverter generator, this machine is tiny, only weighing 45 pounds total. It is easy to carry and stores super well, making it outstanding for travelers or anyone on the go. There’s a handle at the top as well!
The dimensions are 20.2” X 11.4” X 16.7”.
These dimensions make it easy to tuck the generator away when you’re finished using it, whether that’s in a garage, a motor bay, or a closet. Its size and proportions mean it is not clunky and doesn’t get in the way. It also helps keep the noise of the generator down–this is one of the quietest generators on the market!
Other Features
Here are some other important features of the Honda 2000i generator:
Paralleling with Other Generators
You might wonder whether this generator can parallel charge with another generator, creating twice the power. The answer is yes; in fact, Honda’s 2000i generator was the first to parallel charge. This groundbreaking feature is part of what makes it such a standard in the world of inverter generators.
Control Panel Features
The 2000i is a little too old to have an LCD panel. However, the control panel has easy-to-use buttons and switches. These are self-explanatory and won’t confuse even a beginner in the world of generators. It mainly comprises the outlets, override switches, and safety warnings. There is nothing digital.
Security, Alarms, Accessories
Any machine that runs on gasoline comes with a safety hazard. However, Honda has installed several alarms and security accessories to guarantee your safety while you use this. If the oil levels are low, the machine will automatically switch off to prevent a fire. This generator is known as one of the safest on the market.
Emissions
The Honda 2000i runs on gasoline, which means that it does release some emissions into the air. However, it’s remarkably fuel-efficient. Because it can only hold one gallon of gasoline at a time, the amount of emissions released over an eight-hour run time is negligible. This generator set the standard for fuel efficiency and low emissions.
Warranty
There is an unlimited three-year warranty on every part of the Honda 2000i generator. No matter what part breaks, the manufacturer will replace it at no cost. However, because the generator has been discontinued for longer than three years, you might fall back on a warranty for a used generator.
About the Manufacturer
Honda is not just a car manufacturer–the company was the first to introduce a portable inverter generator with the Honda 2000i. The quality of the product has set the standard for the rest of the industry and continues to do so. It’s been one of the best-selling generators for over 20 years.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Honda 2000i generator:
- When did Honda stop making the 2000i?
They stopped making this model in 2018.
- Is the Honda generator worth the money?
Yes! It is pricier than some but worth paying more for an excellent generator.
- How much gas does the Honda 2000i generator hold?
This generator holds about one gallon of gasoline.
Things to Consider Before Buying
If you are considering buying a 2000i generator, consider these points before. It is a great option, but still a significant investment.
Best Suited For
The Honda 2000i Generator is best suited for:
- Folks who camp
- Anyone who needs quiet performance
- Those in need of supplemental energy
- People who want backup power
Reasons to Buy
You should buy this generator if you are going camping and think you might need some backup power or want a spare generator in case of emergency. It’s a great option for stationary energy or more mobile situations.
Strengths, Average Specs, and Weaknesses
Pros:
- Extremely quiet and portable
- Can run for up to 8 hours
- Fuel efficient
Standard features:
- Puts out 2000 watts of starting energy and 1600 watts of running energy
- Capable of parallel functioning
- Safety warnings and automatic turnoff
Cons:
- Discontinued by the manufacturer
- Doesn’t have many options for plugins
- More expensive than many other generators
Social Proof
We aren’t the only ones who think that the Honda 2000i generator is one of the best on the market. Here are some of the Amazon ratings that make it the most popular inverter generator on the website.
Sandra W. Ryan mentions how the generator has never needed servicing. The carb jet gets clogged easily but it’s fairly easy to clean it up. The overall unit is super portable and easy to use, which is why she left 5 stars.
This reviewer, VD, focuses in on the silence of this amazing generator. They also mention the ease of starting the unit, and the portability. Although it may not be the best for beginners, this reviewer leaves tips for those new to this type of generator.
We thought this review from August Dog excellently shares the true power of this generator, as it was able to power their AC, microwave, and many lights at the same time. It worked great for their RV setup, and is a great portable generator for frequent travelers.
These are just a few of the many, many reviews on Amazon, the Honda website, and all over the internet. True generator buffs and new users alike are fans of the versatility, safety, and portability of the Honda 2000i generator.
Related Products
If you aren’t convinced that the Honda 2000i generator is the right fit for you, there are several other options that are similar. Check out these related products and see if they might work better for your situation.
Honda 2200i Generator
You can’t get much more similar to the Honda 2000i than the 2200i. It’s the newer model of the generator, which Honda debuted in 2018 after discontinuing the 2000i. Everything we love about the 2000i is the same as in the Honda 2200, except you get 200 more watts of energy.
You can also buy a 2200i Companion if you need to plug in an RV or travel trailer.
Yamaha EF2000iS Portable Inverter Generator
For a less expensive version of the Honda 2000i generator, check out the Yamaha edition. It puts out the same amount of energy and is cheaper. The power is just as clean and stable as the 2000i, and you can get up to 10 hours of energy from this generator. It’s a superb choice if you’re trying to stay on a budget and can’t afford a Honda generator.
WEN 56200i Inverter Generator
Finally, you can look at the WEN 56200i inverter generator. It has the same capacity as both the Yamaha and the original Honda generators, but also has a lower price tag. You can buy this generator for under $500, which is a remarkable price for an inverter generator.
While it doesn’t last as long as the others on this list, the WEN 56200i is a great option if you want a short-term generator that is quiet and not too expensive.
Conclusion
The Honda 2000i generator was the first of its kind and set the standard for almost twenty years. Even after it’s been discontinued, it is a hugely popular generator and it is sold both used and refurbished around the world. If you are interested in the Honda 2000i inverter, click here to check it out and see for yourself!