Honda HondaJet vs Cessna Citation CJ3

The Cessna CitationJet CJ3 (light jet, ~417 kt, ~1,800 nm) and HondaJet HA-420 (very-light jet, ~422 kt, ~1,400 nm) are different classes — the CJ3 is a true light jet with stand-up cabin (barely); the HondaJet is the modern very-light-jet alternative.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Honda HondaJet Cessna Citation CJ3
Honda HondaJet
View 36 listings →
Median $3,750,000
Cessna Citation CJ3
View 73 listings →
Median $5,422,500
Price Range $2,575,000 – $4,650,000 $4,750,000 – $5,595,000
Category Very Light Jet Light Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 7 9
Cruise Speed 385 kts (713 km/h) 391 kts (724 km/h)
Range 1,437 nm (2,661 km) 1,875 nm (3,472 km)
Service Ceiling 43,000 ft (13,106 m) 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 10,700 lbs (4,854 kg) 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg)
Useful Load 3,280 lbs (1,488 kg) 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg)
Fuel Capacity 292.0 gal (1105 L) 438.0 gal (1658 L)
Fuel Burn 95.0 GPH (360 L/h) 125.0 GPH (473 L/h)
TBO 3,500 hrs 5,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $250,000 $275,000
Annual Fixed $250,000 $335,000
Hourly Variable $1,400 $1,850
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Honda HondaJet

Fuel$522/hr
Variable$1,400/hr
Annual Fixed$250,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $530,000/yr

Cessna Citation CJ3

Fuel$688/hr
Variable$1,850/hr
Annual Fixed$335,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $705,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Honda HondaJet or Cessna Citation CJ3?

Bottom line: Choose the CJ3 for the larger cabin, longer range and the proven light-jet platform. Choose the HondaJet for the modern very-light-jet experience, lower acquisition/operating cost and the unique over-the-wing engine mount. ================================================================ # CITATION × COMPETITORS (NEW pairs not yet covered) (5) ================================================================

Pick the HondaJet if…

  • Budget matters — from $2,575,000 vs $4,750,000, you save ~$2,175,000.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$1400/hr vs $1850/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 2015 vs 2004.

Pick the Citation CJ3 if…

  • More seats — 9 vs 7.
  • Faster cruise — 391 kts vs 385 kts.
  • Longer range — 1875 nm vs 1437 nm.
  • More inventory — 73 listings vs 36.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Honda HondaJet or Cessna Citation CJ3?
It depends on your mission and budget. The HondaJet cruises at 385 kts with 1,437 nm range. The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Honda HondaJet and Cessna Citation CJ3?
Seats: 7 vs 9. Cruise: 385 vs 391 kts. Range: 1437 vs 1875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
HondaJet: about $1400/hr variable cost. Citation CJ3: about $1850/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
HondaJet: 7 seats / 3,280 lb useful load. Citation CJ3: 9 seats / 3,230 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
HondaJet: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000. Citation CJ3: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$275,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data