Brand Comparison
Honda vs OXE Outboards
A straight, factual side-by-side — both are excellent builders that simply shine in different places. Here is how they line up and who each one suits.
| Honda Marine | OXE Marine AB (formerly Cimco Marine AB) | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1964 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan (U.S. marine: Alpharetta, Georgia) | Helsingborg, Sweden |
| Ownership | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Publicly traded (Nasdaq Stockholm: OXE) |
| Stock / Ticker | NYSE: HMC — parent Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (also TYO: 7267) | OXE.ST (Nasdaq Stockholm); OTC: CMMCF |
| Annual Revenue | ≈ $137 billion (FY, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. — whole company) | Reported in OXE Marine AB public filings (SEK) |
| Employees | ≈ 195,000 worldwide (entire Honda Motor Co.), not marine-specific | Reported in OXE Marine AB filings |
| Manufacturing | Global Honda manufacturing footprint | Assembly and engineering in Sweden |
| HP Range | 2.3 – 350 hp | 150 – 300 hp (+ HYBRID 450) |
| Fuel / Power | 4-stroke gasoline only | Diesel (compression-ignition) & diesel-electric hybrid |
| Product Lines | 4 families | 5 families |
| Signature Tech |
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| Famous For | Being the four-stroke pioneer. Honda never sold a two-stroke outboard, and the brand is known for quiet, clean, dependable engines — plus the headline-grabbing BF350, Honda's first production V8. | Inventing the practical diesel outboard. OXE is famous for its belt-drive diesel engines used by navies, coast guards and commercial operators where diesel logistics and range matter most. |
| Best For | Buyers who want proven four-stroke reliability, clean running, and fuel economy over top-end speed. | Commercial, military, patrol and superyacht-tender operators needing diesel efficiency, range and single-fuel logistics. |
Revenue and workforce figures are point-in-time snapshots from company filings for the year shown (in several cases the parent company, not just the marine division). Stock price, market value, and ROI change daily — use the ticker for live pricing.
Where Each Brand Dominates
Honda on the water
Reliability-First Cruising
A default choice for boaters who value long-term dependability and low emissions over top speed.
Fuel-Economy Repowers
Lean Burn Control and four-stroke efficiency make Honda a strong repower option for economy-minded owners.
Pontoon & Family Boats
Quiet, smooth running suits pontoons and family day-boats where refinement matters.
OXE on the water
Commercial & Military
Built for patrol, security, workboat and defense duty cycles with diesel logistics.
Long-Range & Efficiency
Diesel economy delivers extended range over gasoline outboards.
Superyacht Tenders
Diesel-tender option that matches a mothership's fuel.
Which one fits you?
Choose Honda if…
- ✓Four-stroke expertise dating to 1964 — no two-stroke legacy to carry
- ✓Automotive-derived tech (VTEC, PGM-FI, Lean Burn) for economy and refinement
- ✓Strong reputation for reliability, low emissions, and quiet running
Choose OXE if…
- ✓Major fuel efficiency and range vs gasoline (reports of 30%+ better economy)
- ✓Diesel safety and single-fuel logistics for pro/military users
- ✓Long service intervals and commercial durability
Browse & Official Links
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The Honest Take
Both Honda Marine and OXE Marine AB (formerly Cimco Marine AB) are top-tier outboard builders — you can buy either with confidence. Honda leans toward buyers who want proven four-stroke reliability, clean running, and fuel economy over top-end speed, while OXE leans toward commercial, military, patrol and superyacht-tender operators needing diesel efficiency, range and single-fuel logistics. For most buyers the deciding factors are which dealer and service network is strongest in your area, and which brand your local mechanics know best. Whichever you choose, you can browse listings for both on OutboardListings.com.
FAQ
Is Honda or OXE the better outboard?
Neither is universally "better" — they lead in different areas. Honda is best for buyers who want proven four-stroke reliability, clean running, and fuel economy over top-end speed. OXE is best for commercial, military, patrol and superyacht-tender operators needing diesel efficiency, range and single-fuel logistics. The right choice depends on how you boat and what dealer support is near you.
What is the HP range of Honda vs OXE?
Honda Marine offers 2.3 – 350 hp, while OXE Marine AB (formerly Cimco Marine AB) offers 150 – 300 hp (+ HYBRID 450).
Who owns Honda and OXE?
Honda Marine: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.. OXE Marine AB (formerly Cimco Marine AB): Publicly traded (Nasdaq Stockholm: OXE).