Honda EU2000I Portable Generator Review [Updated April 2023]

Last Updated on April 21, 2023 by Rod Olivares

It’s unheard of for a poor product to reach the top of Amazon’s Bestseller list. The products that rise to the top are usually backed by excellent reviews and superior features.

Honda’s EU2000I portable inverter generator rose to the top of the list because of its sound construction, its excellent performance, and its stellar reputation.

Is the Honda EU2000i still available for sale in 2023?

The Honda EU2000i was discontinued by Honda Power Company in 2018. However, a newer model, the Honda EU2200I has taken the EU2000i’s place and is an upgrade worth considering. See my full review of the EU2200i here.

Functions & Ease of Use

Like most generators, the EU2000I engine has a recoil starter.

To start it, all you need to do is turn the choke on, open the fuel tank vent, and switch the engine switch to on.

Then, a quick pull on the cable will start the generator easily. If the generator doesn’t start, you should check the oil since it will not start if the oil level is too low.

The rest of the operation of this generator is similarly user-friendly.

There is a simple on-off switch for the eco-mode.

This mode decreases fuel consumption and lowers the overall noise volume but it also lowers the power.

When you need more power, the eco throttle should be switched off.

There are two 120-Volt AC outlets and one 12-Volt DC outlet.

The DC port can be used along with optional battery charging cables to jump-start a 12-volt automotive starting battery.

There are also ports to connect parallel operation cables for hooking two generators together in order to double your power.

Indicator lights let the user know if oil is needed or if the unit is overloading:

• When the red Overload Alarm light comes on, it means that you are trying to use more power than the generator can handle.
• When the Oil Alert light comes on, the engine will automatically shut off. This stops the engine from being damaged due to running out of oil.
• There is also an Output Indicator light that will be green whenever the engine is running.

Max Power & Safety Features

This generator provides a good amount of power.

The maximum output is 2000 watts or 16.7 amps. The rated output is 1600 watts or 13.3 amps.

The EU2000I does have inverter technology. The inverter function keeps sensitive electronics safe.

This Honda generator can handle most common appliances including an Energy Star refrigerator, lights, fans, televisions, hair dryers, coffee makers, computers, cell phone chargers, blenders, power tools, and more.

The generator can handle two or more things at once, as long as the combined wattage needed is under the maximum output of 2000 watts.

The EU2000I portable generator has a circuit protector that trips if the AC receptacles are substantially overloaded.

When this happens, electricity to the AC receptacles will stop. This does not stop the generator altogether.

You will need to stop the generator and remove the overload, then push the circuit protector back in before restarting the generator.

Noise Level: How loud is it?

Honda advertises this generates as “super quiet” and they mean it. This generator operates at a range of 53-59 decibels.

For reference, 50 decibels is about the noise level of quiet conversation at home and 60 decibels is about the noise level of background chatter in a restaurant or office.

The generator will be at its loudest when operating at a max load. It will be at its quietest in eco-mode at a low load.

It never even gets close to as loud as a garbage disposal or dishwasher, which averages around 80 decibels.

This is a quiet generator that won’t bother neighbors and won’t keep you up at night.

Specs, Consumption & Capacity

• Engine: Honda GX100
• AC Output: 120V 2000W max. (16.7A) 1600W rated (13.3A)
• DC Output: 12V, 96W (8A)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 95 gallons
• Runtime per Tankfull: 3.4 hours @ rated load up to 8.1 hrs @ 1/4 load
• Dimensions: 20.2″ x 11.4″ x 16.7″ (L x W x H)
• Weight: 45.6 pounds

Service, Manual & Warranty Review

It’s important with any generator to perform regular maintenance, as recommended by the manufacturer.

This includes things like changing the oil and filters and checking the fuel line, spark plug, and valve clearance.

The manual lays out a clear schedule for when to complete the various maintenance tasks and tells you how to complete them.

Regular maintenance not only ensures the longevity of the generator but it also will help prevent serious injury which can occur due to malfunction.

Any additional service should be performed by a Honda technician.

The Honda EU2000I has a 3-year warranty for both residential and commercial use. The warranty will not apply if you have failed to perform the required routine maintenance.

Cover & Accessories

Because excessive dust can hurt the performance of the generator, it’s a good idea to keep it covered when not in use.

Honda makes a nice cover for this purpose.

Other accessories you might want are DC Charging Cables, Parallel Cables to hook two EU2000I generators together, and an Anti-Theft Bracket.

Honda EU2000I VS Yamaha ef2000isv2

These two highly rated generators are similarly priced and have similar features but they have a few important differences.

The Yamaha is just slightly quieter. It’s also a bit more compact and has a lighter weight.

Honda, on the other hand, has a longer runtime due to better fuel efficiency.

This is despite the Yamaha having a slightly bigger gas tank.

Another important difference is aesthetics. The Yamaha ef2000isV2 has an attractive retro look while the Yamaha has a more boring, industrial design.

Obviously, looks are the least important feature of a portable generator but it is still a relevant consideration for many people.

Although both generators have very high marks from reviewers, the Honda is definitely in the lead with buyers.

Online Buyer Reviews & Scores

The Honda EU2000I has a lot of reviews on Amazon and other online marketplaces and it receives really high marks across the board.

At the time of publishing this review, It had an average of an incredible 4.7 stars on Amazon, from 250 reviews.

That high of a star rating is pretty rare.

Buyers praise the consistent performance, ease of use, and reliability.

Some reviewers do complain that it is louder than expected when operating at max load.

On YouTube, user Jason describes in his review that the EU2000I as incredibly versatile, having used it on the farm, at the cabin, in an RV, for a backyard project, tailgating, and more.

Potential Problems & Issues

This portable generator from Honda is an incredibly reliable and consistent performer with no known issues.

One exception is that if you use the generator quite a lot, the recoil starter cord might eventually wear or even break.

The only real problems that you might have with this generator are caused by failure to perform consistent maintenance.

Buying a generator is an investment, not just in the initial cost, but also in the time and money costs of routine maintenance.

When you take care of the EU2000I, it remains safe to use and working great for many years.

Review Summary: Should You Buy the Honda EU2000I?

If you want or need a quiet portable generator with inverter functionality, you really can’t go wrong with the Honda EU2000I.

There are other good generators also worth considering, but this one is solidly constructed and incredibly reliable.

It’s also pretty powerful for a portable while being surprisingly quiet.

This is a great generator to buy if you’re in the market for a quiet portable.

If customer reviews are important to you, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a product with better reviews.

Do you have any experience with this generator? What did you think?

Do you think there’s a better generator on the market? Let me know in the comments.