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The Honda Odyssey is a
minivan Minivan (sometimes called simply a van) is a car classification for vehicles designed to transport passengers in the rear seating row(s), with reconfigurable seats in two or three rows . The equivalent classification in Europe is MPV (multi-p ...
manufactured by Japanese automaker
Honda commonly known as just Honda, is a Japanese multinational corporation, multinational Conglomerate (company), conglomerate automotive manufacturer headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Founded in October 1946 by Soichiro Honda, Honda has bee ...
and marketed for the North American market. Introduced in 1994, the Odyssey is now in its fifth generation, which began in 2017. The Odyssey was conceived and engineered in Japan after the country's economic crisis of the 1990s, which constrained the vehicle's size and concept and dictated its manufacture in an existing facility with minimal modification. The result was a smaller minivan, in the
compact MPV Compact MPV (an abbreviation for Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle) is a vehicle size class for the middle size of MPVs. The Compact MPV size class sits between the mini MPV and large MPV (minivan) size classes. Compact MPVs remain predominantly a ...
class, that was well received in the
Japanese domestic market The term "Japanese domestic market" ("JDM") refers to Japan's home market for vehicles and vehicle parts. Japanese owners contend with a strict motor vehicle inspection and grey markets. JDM is also incorrectly used as a term colloquially to ref ...
, but less well received in North America. The first-generation Odyssey was marketed in
Europe Europe is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and Asia to the east ...
as the Honda Shuttle. Subsequent generations diverged to reflect market variations, and Honda built a
plant Plants are the eukaryotes that form the Kingdom (biology), kingdom Plantae; they are predominantly Photosynthesis, photosynthetic. This means that they obtain their energy from sunlight, using chloroplasts derived from endosymbiosis with c ...
in
Lincoln, Alabama Lincoln is a city in Talladega County, Alabama, United States. It was incorporated in 1911. At the 2020 census, the population was 6,845. It was named for Major General Benjamin Lincoln, who served in the American army during the Revolutionar ...
,
United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
, that could manufacture larger models. Since 1998, Honda has marketed a larger (large MPV-class) Odyssey in
North America North America is a continent in the Northern Hemisphere, Northern and Western Hemisphere, Western hemispheres. North America is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South Ameri ...
and a smaller Odyssey in Japan and other markets. Until 2005, the North American Odyssey was also sold in Japan as the LaGreat (ラグレイト, ''Ragureito''). Both versions of the Odyssey were sold in Japan at ''
Honda Clio commonly known as just Honda, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate automotive manufacturer headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Founded in October 1946 by Soichiro Honda, Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer sin ...
'' dealership locations. Both versions of the Odyssey are currently sold in the Middle East. __TOC__


First generation (RA; 1995)

The 1995 Odyssey was introduced in 1994 as Honda's first minivan. It was based on the Accord
platform Platform may refer to: Arts * Platform, an arts centre at The Bridge, Easterhouse, Glasgow * ''Platform'' (1993 film), a 1993 Bollywood action film * ''Platform'' (2000 film), a 2000 film by Jia Zhangke * '' The Platform'' (2019 film) * Pla ...
, with a 4-cylinder engine, all-disc
anti-lock braking An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a Automotive safety, safety anti-Skid (automobile), skid Brake, braking system used on aircraft and on land motor vehicle, vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. ABS operates by preventing t ...
, all
wishbone suspension A double wishbone suspension is an independent suspension design for automobiles using two (occasionally parallel) wishbone-shaped arms to locate the wheel. Each wishbone or arm has two mounting points to the chassis and one joint at the knuc ...
, and a four-speed
automatic transmission An automatic transmission (AT) or automatic gearbox is a multi-speed transmission (mechanics), transmission used in motor vehicles that does not require any input from the driver to change forward gears under normal driving conditions. The 1904 ...
with a steering-column-mounted shifter and a hill-hold feature marketed as '' Grade Logic''. This class of vehicles would subsequently become known as
Compact MPV Compact MPV (an abbreviation for Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle) is a vehicle size class for the middle size of MPVs. The Compact MPV size class sits between the mini MPV and large MPV (minivan) size classes. Compact MPVs remain predominantly a ...
. The design featured
unibody A vehicle frame, also historically known as its ''chassis'', is the main supporting structure of a motor vehicle to which all other components are attached, comparable to the skeleton of an organism. Until the 1930s, virtually every car had ...
construction, dual airbags, dual gloveboxes, dual zone heating and cooling with 20 percent greater capacity than an Accord's system (overhead rear fan-speed adjustment control, and main control switch over the front-seat passenger), conventional rear swing-open rather than sliding doors, and a third row seat that could fold and tumble into a compartment beneath the floor — the spacesaver spare tire carried inside, on the right, rear wall of the cabin. Honda marketed the first-generation Odyssey in two trim levels. The LX accommodated seven passengers with two front buckets, a removable three-seat middle bench, and a 2-seat third row bench. The EX accommodated six passengers (using two removable second row captain's chairs in lieu of the bench) and offered additional equipment including a roof rack, alloy wheels, power driver's seat height adjustment, power moonroof, remote keyless entry system, fog lights (for later model years), body-colored side moldings and mirrors, map lights, and 200-watt AM/FM/cassette six-speaker audio system. The Odyssey was only sold with four-cylinder engines and front-wheel drive in North America; in Japan the four-cylinder models could also be had with four-wheel drive and a V6-engined version was introduced in October 1997. Isuzu offered a
rebadged In the automotive industry, rebadging (also known as badge engineering, an intentionally ironic misnomer in that little or no actual engineering takes place) is a form of market segmentation used by automobile manufacturers around the world. T ...
version of the Odyssey from 1996 to 1999 as the Isuzu Oasis.


Development

The Odyssey was engineered by Kunimichi Odagaki, then a chief engineer at the Honda's Research and Development Center, along with a team of 20 members — in the wake of Japan's recession of the early 1990s and the possibility of a 25-percent tariffs if the minivans were imported to the U.S. as light trucks. In the course of developing the Odyssey, it became paramount to circumvent these obstacles ''and'' conceive a feasible interior package that could use existing manufacturing facilities with minimal investment. Odagaki traveled to the U.S. in September 1990 with a small sub-team to conduct a review of the U.S. minivan market. At the project's inception, the team was considering variations for the project from 4-cylinder to V6 alternatives, when the project was canceled. Odagaki continued working with an "underground" team, using as its design credo the concept of a "personal jet" — which in turn led to the car's original ''PJ'' concept code-name. Odagaki conceived the idea of the third-row seat folding into a floor compartment, and he worked with his team to include a "center aisle." The team determined a minimum interior height of 1.2 meters to retain the aisle and favored a design with a low floor — to provide ease of passenger entry and exit, easy garage-ability, low roof-loading height, as well as enhanced productivity on the assembly line. The team worked to convince management of the project's viability, using extensive illustrations, a one-quarter scale model and a full-size foam model. By April 1991, Odagaki won permission to develop a prototype. After bringing the right-hand drive prototype to the U.S., Odagaki won the support of American Honda. Production was officially launched on October 20, 1994 — the first Honda model in to be released at the same time through Honda's three Japanese distribution channels (Primo, Clio, Verno), marketing the Odyssey through the three channels under the same name. In addition to being named after the
epic Epic commonly refers to: * Epic poetry, a long narrative poem celebrating heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation * Epic film, a genre of film defined by the spectacular presentation of human drama on a grandiose scale Epic(s) ...
, it also shares its name with a series of
Honda ATVs commonly known as just Honda, is a Japanese multinational corporation, multinational Conglomerate (company), conglomerate automotive manufacturer headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Founded in October 1946 by Soichiro Honda, Honda has bee ...
, the reusing of Honda Motorcycle trademarks being a common way of naming new cars. The Odyssey name was previously considered for a new SUV, but the focus group found the journey themed name puzzling and was named the
Honda Passport The Honda Passport is a line of sport utility vehicles (SUV) from the Japanese automaker Honda. Originally, it was a rebadged version of the Isuzu Rodeo, a mid-size SUV sold between 1993 and 2002. It was introduced in 1993 for the 1994 model ye ...
instead. At its debut, the Odyssey won the
Japan Car of the Year The annual Car of the Year Japan Award (日本カー・オブ・ザ・イヤー, nihon kā obu za iyā), also known as Japan Car of the Year (or JCOTY), is an annual Car of the Year award given for newly released or redesigned vehicles released in ...
Award (Special Category) and the RJC New Car of the Year Award. By September 1997, the Odyssey had sold more than 300,000 units, becoming Honda's fastest-selling new car and breaking the Civic's record.


Taxi service

In 1996,
New York City New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States, located at the southern tip of New York State on one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive w ...
's Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) expanded the number of licensable automobiles, approving the first generation Odyssey for use in the city's taxi fleet — the Odyssey having been recommended by the seven-year-old grandson of a TLC advisory commission member. Initial test riders identified advantages over then-prevalent
Chevrolet Caprice The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet in North America for the 1965 through 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965, with over a million units sold. It was the most popular car in the U.S. in the 19 ...
and the
Ford Crown Victoria The Ford Crown Victoria ("Crown Vic") is a full-size sedan that was marketed and manufactured by Ford. The successor to the Ford LTD Crown Victoria, two generations of the model line were produced from the 1992 until the 2012 model years. T ...
taxi models — including greater height (for a better view of the road), headroom, rear legroom, rear footroom (the front-wheel-drive Odyssey having a flat floor) and cargo space over the sedans, as well as air-conditioning vents in the rear, which the sedans did not offer.


Isuzu Oasis

In December 1992,
Isuzu , commonly known as Isuzu (, ), is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. Its principal activity is the production, marketing and sale of Isuzu commercial vehicles and diesel engines ...
announced its exit from passenger car market in 1993. In 1994, Isuzu negotiated with Honda to sell a version of Honda Odyssey by its U.S. dealers. The Isuzu Oasis was a
minivan Minivan (sometimes called simply a van) is a car classification for vehicles designed to transport passengers in the rear seating row(s), with reconfigurable seats in two or three rows . The equivalent classification in Europe is MPV (multi-p ...
marketed in the United States by Isuzu from 1996 to 1999 as a
rebadged In the automotive industry, rebadging (also known as badge engineering, an intentionally ironic misnomer in that little or no actual engineering takes place) is a form of market segmentation used by automobile manufacturers around the world. T ...
variant of the first-generation Honda Odyssey, the only minivan marketed by Isuzu. After the Honda Odyssey was redesigned for 1999, Isuzu continued to market the Oasis for another year with minor changes. Later Oasis models came with a 2.3L
VTEC VTEC (described as ''Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control'', but stands for ''Valve Timing Electronically Controlled'') is a system developed by Honda to improve the volumetric efficiency of a four-stroke internal combustion engine, r ...
engine similar to the engine found in the sixth generation Honda Accord.


Second generation (RL1; 1999)

The second generation North American market Odyssey was first assembled in Canada as a 1999 model mainly for North America between 1998 and 2004 — and exported to Japan as the LaGreat between 1999 and 2004. The television ad campaign for the new Odyssey evoked moments from the film '' 2001: A Space Odyssey'', particularly the extended space-station docking and lunar landing sequences to the soundtrack of
The Blue Danube "The Blue Danube" is the common English title of "An der schönen blauen Donau", Op. 314 (German for "By the Beautiful Blue Danube"), a waltz by the Austrian composer Johann Strauss II, composed in 1866. Originally performed on 15 Februar ...
waltz. By its second generation, the Odyssey was considerably larger than its predecessor, and adopted sliding rear doors instead of hinged ones, simpler front strut suspension in place of upper and lower control arm front suspension of the 1995–1998 model, and a
V6 engine A V6 engine is a six- cylinder piston engine where the cylinders and cylinder blocks share a common crankshaft and are arranged in a V configuration. The first V6 engines were designed and produced independently by Marmon Motor Car Company, ...
instead of the original four-cylinder. The Odyssey offered two sliding doors as standard equipment, whereas some minivans of the time only offered one, a second door being optional on lower trims. It offered power sliding doors for the EX trim and manual ones for the base LX trim. It kept the fold-into-the-floor rear seat, an innovation adopted by many other minivans. This generation also introduced the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System as an option for the EX trim, which became the first navigation system ever offered in any minivan or Honda vehicle. However, the power moonroof from the previous generation's EX trim was removed. The 2004 model was the only second generation Odyssey model year to receive reliability ratings of five out of five according to Automotive Information Systems. IIHS gave the Odyssey a Good rating in the Frontal Offset Test from 1999 to 2004. The second generation was praised for its powerful V6, its handling from its four-wheel
independent suspension Independent suspension is any automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically (i.e. reacting to a bump on the road) independently of the others. This is contrasted with a beam axle or deDion axle system in ...
, and its features such as a large cabin, power sliding doors (manual sliding doors on LX models) and the stow-away third-row seat. Some found it noisier than competitors. It won consecutive
Edmunds.com Edmunds.com Inc. (stylized as edmunds) is an American online resource for automotive inventory and information, including expert car reviews based on testing at the company's private facility. The company is headquartered in Santa Monica, Califo ...
Editors' Most Wanted awards from 1999 to 2003 in the minivan category. This is also the only generation of the Honda Odyssey where the power windows are only on the driver's and front passenger's doors.


2002 facelift

The Odyssey received a significant increase in power from in late 2001 for the 2002 model year. Some major upgrades included the addition of a third trim, EX-L, introducing leather seats to the Odyssey for the very first time, as well as a
DVD The DVD (common abbreviation for digital video disc or digital versatile disc) is a digital optical disc data storage format. It was invented and developed in 1995 and first released on November 1, 1996, in Japan. The medium can store any ki ...
-based entertainment system option for EX-L models without navigation. Also added was a five-speed automatic transmission, side torso airbags (not side curtain airbags), rear disc brakes, and a few minor cosmetic improvements on the outside as well as the inside. Other than an automatic power driver's window and a revised 5 speed transmission introduced in late 2003 in the 2004 model year, the Odyssey remained unchanged for 2003 and 2004, before being replaced with the third generation model.


Transmission problems

The 4-speed
automatic transmission An automatic transmission (AT) or automatic gearbox is a multi-speed transmission (mechanics), transmission used in motor vehicles that does not require any input from the driver to change forward gears under normal driving conditions. The 1904 ...
in 1999 to 2001 models had serious problems with transmission durability. Honda spokesman Mike Spencer stated that four-speed models were afflicted with a bad bearing that could break apart, scattering fragments of metal that clogged fluid passageways in the transmission, causing it to shift erratically. Honda responded to the problems by extending the warranty on the transmission on American 1999–2001 models to 7 years or . A class action settlement further extended coverage to or 93 months for some 1999–2001 Odysseys in the US. Canada is not included. The five-speed automatic was first installed in the Odyssey for the 2002 model, but general reliability of the 1999–2004 transmission was poor according to Consumer Reports. Spencer said that the five-speed models typically were damaged by premature wear of the third-gear clutch pack. As the clutch friction material abraded, it scattered bits inside the transmission case, clogging fluid lines and causing erratic shifting. Drivers might suffer slipping, poor or no shifts, or sudden down-shifts from fifth gear to second gear. Under some conditions, a different 5-speed transmission problem arose. Second gear could overheat and break, causing the transmission to lock. An oil jet was added to lubricate this gear but this did not solve the third gear clutch problem. The addition of the Honda transmission cooler with the towing package still allows transmission fluid temperatures that are too high. But it was required along with a power steering cooler for any towing, or the warranty would be void. The
Acura CL The Acura CL is a midsize car, midsize four passenger coupe manufactured and marketed by Honda's Acura brand across two generations from 1996 until 2003. All Acura CLs were manufactured at Honda's plant in East Liberty, Ohio with the Honda Civic ...
, TL, MDX, and
Honda Accord The , also known as the in Japan and China for certain generations, is a series of automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, best known for its four-door sedan variant, which has been one of the best-selling cars in the United States sinc ...
suffered similar problems.


Third generation (RL3/4; 2005)

Honda introduced the third generation of the Odyssey for the 2005 model year. It grew in width and weight but retained the previous generation's length and interior space. Honda introduced the ACE body engineering to the third generation Odyssey, which was later used on the eighth generation Civic. Side-curtain airbags and
electronic stability control Electronic stability control (ESC), also referred to as electronic stability program (ESP) or dynamic stability control (DSC), is a computerized technology that improves a car handling, vehicle's stability by detecting and reducing loss of Tract ...
are included in all models. Both features were previously unavailable. Trim levels included LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. The Touring trim level was new for this generation, being the most feature and luxury package, incorporated features such as special "Touring" badging right below the "Odyssey" logo,
run-flat tire A run-flat tire is a pneumatic vehicle tire designed to resist the effects of deflation when punctured, allowing the vehicle to continue to be driven at reduced speeds for limited distances. First developed by tire manufacturer Michelin in the 1930 ...
s, power tailgate, power adjustable pedals, memory seats, and chrome tailgate and sliding door interior handle trim. This generation, EX-L model could be upgraded with either a DVD Entertainment System or a DVD Entertainment and Navigation System bundle and returned the power moonroof. Additional features included integrated sunshades in the rear doors, windows that roll down in the second row, and the third row 'Magic Seat' was changed from a straight bench design to a split 60/40 design to allow for variable folding. The headrests could now be left in place when tumbling the rear seat. Some notable features of the redesign were dual glove boxes and an in-floor lazy susan storage compartment, located in the previous generation's spare tire well. Third generation models offered a dashboard-mounted shifter, instead of a column-mounted shifter. The second row bucket seats do not fold into the floor. A 'Plus-One' jump seat was standard on EX and EX-L models for an eighth passenger. Touring model came with a center storage compartment. Engine power was increased to (re-rated to by the new SAE J1349 guidelines, and used in 2006+ model descriptions), the EX-L and Touring models comes with i-VTEC engine that includes Honda's cylinder deactivation system called
Variable Cylinder Management Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) is Honda's term for its variable displacement technology, which saves fuel by deactivating the rear bank of 3 cylinders during specific driving conditions—for example, highway driving. It was first introduced in ...
or VCM. This enabled this van to receive
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent agency of the United States government tasked with environmental protection matters. President Richard Nixon proposed the establishment of EPA on July 9, 1970; it began operation on De ...
(EPA) fuel economy ratings of / for the 2005 model year. (/ for non VCM equipped LX and EX models) These numbers were re-rated in 2007, bringing numbers to 17/25 for VCM equipped models, and 16/23 for non VCM equipped models. Models equipped with i-VTEC and VCM engine (EX-L and Touring) uses a H5 transmission with lower ratio for fourth and fifth gears, boosting acceleration during high-speed travel. These ratios expand the range of the three-cylinder mode that dramatically enhances fuel economy, thereby realizing both powerful acceleration and low fuel consumption. Acceleration was slightly slower than generation two models. It was rated top pick in minivan category in Consumer Reports 2005 annual auto issue. For the 2006 model year, the "Odyssey" logo was moved from the right side of the back door to the left side, tether anchors was added to the 3rd row outboard seats. Leather trimmed steering wheel and shift knob was added to all EX-L models, which was previously available only on the Touring. The DVD Entertainment System and XM Satellite Radio was added as standard feature on Touring model, previously available only in combination with a Navigation System. For 2007 models, the H5 transmission was redesigned on all models with a stronger case, different gear ratios and four shafts versus three in the earlier H5 transmissions. The four shaft H5 transmissions are much more robust and do not exhibit the same failure rate as the three shaft H5. In addition, a mass air flow sensor (MAF) was added to the engine air intake system. Tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a center pocket coin holder and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) was added on all trim levels. Problem areas included body integrity, which includes paint wear and rusting, body hardware bumpers being loose, audio system, brakes and suspension according to the Consumer Reports issue of April 2006. According to the online edition of Consumer Reports in June 2016, transmission problems were better than average for 2006 models. Crash test ratings have been five star in every test but the 2005 had a safety concern. "During the side impact test, the driver door became unlatched and opened. A door opening during a side impact crash increases the likelihood of occupant ejection." The Odyssey won a spot on Car and Driver's 5 Best Trucks for the past three years, as well as a host of other awards. It was the top-ranked minivan in the US News charts. The 2007–09 Odyssey was the best-selling minivan in the United States.


2008 facelift

For 2008 model year, the Odyssey received a facelift. All models were equipped with active front head restraints, daytime running lights, and a redesigned dashboard, grille, and tail lights. An audio AUX jack became standard equipment. The backup camera, previously only included with Navigation System models, was integrated into the rear-view mirror of the non-navigation EX-L. Touring models featured full Bluetooth support for all Bluetooth-equipped devices, made Navigation System a standard feature, updated the design and font of the special badging to the one still used as of the fifth generation, and moved it to the right side of the back door. EX, EX-L, and Touring models came standard with the updated 'Plus One' jump seat with added storage features. Automatic climate control for the rear seats, a Touring feature, was expanded to non-Touring models equipped with a tri-zone climate control system. EX-L and Touring models received a revised version of the existing J35A7 engine with VCM now also present on one cylinder in the front bank for running on 3 or 4 cylinders depending on engine load. In Canada, an entry-level DX trim was added alongside the LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims for the 2008 to 2010 model years. The DX lacks features such as the "Second-Row Plus One Seat with storage", conversation mirror with sunglasses holder, tinted glass, roof rails, and has black body moldings. Beginning in 2008 for the 2009 model year, the power tailgate, which was previously exclusive to Touring models, was also included on EX-L models. In Canada, the LX trim was dropped in 2009 for the 2010 model year, and an SE Odyssey NHL edition replaced the EX (being identical to the 2008–09 EX in all respects but with a rear entertainment system and NHL badges). In the United States, for the 2010 model year, the DVD Entertainment System was added as an option for the EX trim alongside the EX-L. The Michelin PAX run-flat tire system, which was previously standard on Touring models, was made optional on 2008-2009 Touring models before ultimately being discontinued entirely for 2010.


Fourth generation (RL5; 2011)

Honda presented the 2011 Odyssey Concept in early 2010 at the
Chicago Auto Show The Chicago Auto Show is held annually in February at Chicago's McCormick Place convention center. It is the largest auto show in North America. Event History Samuel Miles, formerly a promoter of bicycle shows, produced the first "official" ...
and officially released it for sale on June 17, 2010; with a larger, wider body, a lower roofline and revised styling. Compared to its predecessor, the fourth generation Odyssey is longer, wider and lower. The body is constructed using 59% high strength steel, ranging from 390 to 1,500
MPa MPA or mPa may refer to: Academia Academic degrees * Master of Performing Arts * Master of Professional Accountancy * Master of Public Administration * Master of Public Affairs Schools * Mesa Preparatory Academy * Morgan Park Academy * M ...
yield strength In materials science and engineering, the yield point is the point on a stress–strain curve that indicates the limit of elastic behavior and the beginning of plastic behavior. Below the yield point, a material will deform elastically and w ...
. Trim levels included the LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Touring Elite. The Touring Elite was the new top-of-the-line trim level, then simplified to just Elite for its fifth generation beginning with the 2018 model year. The fourth generation Odyssey introduced options including a 650-watt premium audio system with 12 speakers and 5.1 surround sound theater mode paired with a new DVD Ultra-Wide Rear Entertainment System (UW-RES) with 16.2-inch display and HDMI port (Touring Elite), a voice-controlled satellite
GPS The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based hyperbolic navigation system owned by the United States Space Force and operated by Mission Delta 31. It is one of the global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) that provide geol ...
and HDD navigation system with XM NavTraffic (Touring and above, available EX-L), a "cool box" chilled by the air conditioning (EX-L and above), a stowable 3rd row 60/40 split bench seat, a removable first row center console (EX and above), and a new steering wheel shared with the eighth-generation Accord. The fourth generation Odyssey includes projector headlamps or HID xenon low-beam headlamps (Touring Elite), standard 17-inch wheels, 18-inch alloy wheels (Touring and above), and 6-speed automatic transmission (Touring and above). A Blind Spot Display for the driver's side and a multi-angle backup camera is available. All Odyssey models have a 3.5 L '' J35Z8'' V6 that makes at 5700 rpm and 250 lb⋅ft (339 N⋅m) of torque at 4800 rpm. Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) became standard on all models unlike its predecessor, which included VCM on EX-L and Touring models only. The version of VCM with 3-, 4-, and 6-cylinder modes that was introduced with the 2008 Odyssey continued to be used with the fourth generation Odyssey.


2014 facelift

The 2014 model year Odyssey received a facelift and went on sale on July 2, 2013. Changes included the previously Touring-exclusive 6-speed automatic transmission becoming standard on all trims. The revised suspension uses aluminum front lower control arms, sleeker exterior styling with a new aluminum hood, aluminum front fenders, twin-bar grille and revised lower front fascia with optional integrated fog lights, darker-finish projector headlight housings, Smart entry availability and LED rear tail light bars. A built-in vacuum cleaner system is included with the Touring Elite model, which receives special "Elite" badging to distinguish it from the non-Elite Touring models.
Honda commonly known as just Honda, is a Japanese multinational corporation, multinational Conglomerate (company), conglomerate automotive manufacturer headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Founded in October 1946 by Soichiro Honda, Honda has bee ...
's i-MID, also available on the
Civic Civic is something related to a city or municipality. It also can refer to multiple other things: Civic or CIVIC can also refer to: General *Honda Civic, a car produced by the Honda Motor Co. *Civics, the science of comparative government * Civic ...
and
Accord Accord may refer to: Businesses and products * Honda Accord, a car manufactured by the Honda Motor Company * Accord (cigarette), a brand of Rothmans, Benson & Hedges * Accord (company), a former public services provider in south England * Accord ...
, became standard equipment in 2014 models; all models now got standard
Pandora Internet Radio In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first human woman created by Hephaestus on the instructions of Zeus. As Hesiod related it, each god cooperated by giving her unique gifts. Her other name—inscribed against her figure on a white-ground ''kyli ...
capabilities,
Bluetooth Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances and building personal area networks (PANs). In the most widely used mode, transmission power is li ...
Hands-Free Link,
iPod The iPod is a series of portable media players and multi-purpose mobile devices that were designed and marketed by Apple Inc. from 2001 to 2022. The iPod Classic#1st generation, first version was released on November 10, 2001, about mon ...
,
iPhone The iPhone is a line of smartphones developed and marketed by Apple that run iOS, the company's own mobile operating system. The first-generation iPhone was announced by then–Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs on January 9, 2007, at ...
,
USB Universal Serial Bus (USB) is an industry standard, developed by USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), for digital data transmission and power delivery between many types of electronics. It specifies the architecture, in particular the physical ...
integration and a color display screen. New safety features included in the refresh include a LaneWatch camera housed in the passenger side-view mirror or a Blind Spot Monitoring system.
Forward Collision Warning A collision avoidance system (CAS), also known as a pre-crash system, forward collision warning system (FCW), or collision mitigation system, is an advanced driver-assistance system designed to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. In ...
(FCW) and
Lane Departure Warning In road-transport terminology, a lane departure warning system (LDWS) is a mechanism designed to warn the driver when the vehicle begins to move out of its lane (unless a turn signal is on in that direction) on freeways and arterial roads. These ...
(LDW) are also available while a single-angle backup camera with dynamic guidelines became standard equipment. The SE trim positioned between EX and EX-L, was initially limited to the Canadian market but was made available in the US by the 2016 model year. New exterior paint colors were made available in 2014, as are new interior fabrics and trim pieces.


Safety

The
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS-HLDI) is an American nonprofit organization. It was established in 1959, and it is noted for its safety reviews of vehicles in various simulated traffic situations, ...
(IIHS) found the Odyssey to have the lowest overall driver death rate in its class with 0 deaths per million registered years. Beginning with the 2013 model year, all Odysseys came equipped with a rear-view
backup camera A backup camera (also called a reversing camera or rear-view camera) is a video camera specifically designed to be attached to the rear of a vehicle to aid in Reversing (vehicle maneuver), reversing and reduce the rear Blind spot (vehicle), blind ...
. For 2014, the front crash structure was upgraded.


IIHS

:* first minivan to earn IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award


NHTSA


Fifth generation (RL6; 2018)

The fifth generation Odyssey was unveiled at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in January, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) began production on April 26, sales followed on May 25 as a 2018 model. A new Honda's developed 10-speed automatic produced at Honda Precision Parts Georgia (HPPG) is Honda's first use of a 10-speed transmission in a production automobile, it is nearly lighter than the previous 6-speed. Trim levels included LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. Compared to its predecessor, the fifth generation is narrower, taller and shares the same wheelbase. Also utilizes the latest generation of Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure which is constructed using advanced materials including ultra-high-strength steel, aluminum and magnesium that minimizes weight to up to and improve torsional body rigidity up to 44% from the previous generation. The use of structural body adhesives has increased compared to the 4th gen with used. High-strength steel comprises 55% of the body. Like the Acura MDX and Pilot, the redesigned Odyssey features a 1500 MPa hot stamped outer front door stiffener ring and
forged Forging is a manufacturing process involving the shaping of metal using localized compression (physics), compressive forces. The blows are delivered with a hammer (often a power hammer) or a die (manufacturing), die. Forging is often classif ...
aluminum front suspension lower control arms. As well as a new dual-pinion electric power steering system and a new rear suspension with stabilizer bar. For the 2018 model year, the EX trim and above feature the
Honda Sensing In road-transport terminology, lane centering, also known as lane centering assist, lane assist, auto steer or autosteer, is an advanced driver-assistance system that keeps a road vehicle centered in the lane, relieving the driver of the task of ...
suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment. Which includes Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS),
Lane Keeping Assist In road-transport terminology, a lane departure warning system (LDWS) is a mechanism designed to warn the driver when the vehicle begins to move out of its lane (unless a turn signal is on in that direction) on freeways and arterial roads. These ...
(LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) and
Adaptive Cruise Control Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a type of advanced driver-assistance system for road vehicles that automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. As of 2019, it is also called by 20 unique names that ...
(ACC). The LaneWatch camera housed in the passenger side-view mirror is replaced for by a Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with Cross Traffic Monitor. The EX trim and above feature new Magic Slide 2nd-row seats, which can slide sideways. The screens for Honda's Navigation System and audio controls have been merged into a single 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen system with
CarPlay CarPlay and CarPlay Ultra is an Apple standard that enables a car radio or automotive head unit to be a display and controller for an iOS device. It is available on iPhone 5 and later models running iOS 7.1 or later. More than 800 car and mot ...
and
Android Auto Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google to mirror features of a smartphone (or other Android device) on a car's dashboard information and entertainment head unit. Once an Android device is paired with the car's head unit, the system ...
, as well as CabinControl remote compatibility. Touring and Elite models include CabinWatch day/night video monitor, CabinTalk in-car
PA system A public address system (or PA system) is an electronic system comprising microphones, amplifiers, loudspeakers, and related equipment. It increases the apparent volume (loudness) of a human voice, musical instrument, or other acoustic sound sou ...
, 4G LTE in-car
Wi-Fi hotspot A hotspot is a physical location where people can obtain Internet access, typically using Wi-Fi technology, via a wireless local-area network (WLAN) using a router connected to an Internet service provider. Public hotspots may be created by ...
, a 10.2-inch Rear Entertainment System (RES) with
Blu-ray Blu-ray (Blu-ray Disc or BD) is a digital optical disc data storage format designed to supersede the DVD format. It was invented and developed in 2005 and released worldwide on June 20, 2006, capable of storing several hours of high-defin ...
and
streaming video Video on demand (VOD) is a media distribution system that allows users to access videos, television shows and films digitally on request. These multimedia are accessed without a traditional video playback device and a typical static broadcasting ...
, hands-free power tailgate, heated steering wheel, LED accent lighting. All Odyssey models comes with a revised 3.5 L direct injected '' J35Y6'' SOHC V6 engine that makes at 6,000 rpm and of torque at 4,700 rpm. This engine returned to using a version of Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) that only has a 3 cylinder and 6 cylinder mode as opposed to the 3-, 4-, and 6-cylinder modes found on models from 2008–2017, which improved EPA fuel economy ratings of 19/28/22 mpg city/highway/combined. Like its predecessors, this engine uses a timing belt with scheduled replacement required every 100,000 miles. Beginning for the 2020 model year, all models come equipped with Honda's developed 10-speed automatic transmission, as the ZF 9HP transmission was discontinued.


2021 facelift

In March 2020, for the 2021 model year, the Odyssey features a minor restyling that includes a redesigned front grille and tailgate trim and adds 4-way power lumbar adjustability to the front passenger seat alongside perforated leather with contrasting
piping Within industry, piping is a system of pipes used to convey fluids (liquids and gases) from one location to another. The engineering discipline of piping design studies the efficient transport of fluid. Industrial process piping (and accomp ...
options.
Honda Sensing In road-transport terminology, lane centering, also known as lane centering assist, lane assist, auto steer or autosteer, is an advanced driver-assistance system that keeps a road vehicle centered in the lane, relieving the driver of the task of ...
is now standard on all trims. A rear seat occupant reminder is added to the CabinWatch system to help prevent
heatstroke Heat stroke or heatstroke, also known as sun-stroke, is a severe heat illness that results in a body temperature greater than , along with red skin, headache, dizziness, and confusion. Sweating is generally present in exertional heatstroke, ...
among children. Headlight improvements for the following year's model makes the 2022 Odyssey an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. For the 2023 model year, the base LX trim is discontinued, and a new Sport trim is placed between EX-L and Touring which features a sport-styled interior and exterior. The Canada and Mexico markets introduce a new Top-of-the-Line Black Edition which features black trim throughout the vehicle, gloss black side mirrors, a black grille, and darkened LED taillights, black alminum wheels, gloss black side skirts and a trunk spoiler. The steering wheel and upholstery are black leather with red stitching and inserts on the first and second row seatbacks, as well as red ambient lighting. It is also the first Odyssey to include body-colored door handles, on the Sport trim, since the third generation Odyssey (2005-2010). In the IIHS' updated Moderate Overlap test, which now emphasizes rear occupant safety, the 2023 Odyssey received a Poor rating. It is the only minivan to receive a Poor rating in the updated test. File:2024 Honda Odyssey Elite in Sonic Gray Pearl, front left.jpg, 2024 Honda Odyssey Elite (facelift) File:2023 Honda Odyssey (rear view).jpg, Facelift, rear view (2023) File:2023 Honda Odyssey interior.jpg, Interior


2025 facelift

In July 2024, for the 2025 model year, the EX trim is discontinued, leaving the EX-L as the base model, along with the Sport (which is renamed Sport-L), Touring, and Elite trims. The exterior features a sporty new grille, and reshaped front and rear fascias. The front fascia features larger black fog light surrounds and the redesigned rear bumper integrates the same vertical reflectors used on the second-generation
Acura NSX NSX may refer to: Stock exchanges * Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX) * National Stock Exchange (Jersey City, New Jersey), US (NSX) * National Stock Exchange of Australia (NSX) Other uses * Honda NSX The Honda NSX, marketed in North America as th ...
supercar. Inside, all models get a new 7-inch digital instrument display, featuring an all-digital tachometer on the left and a physical speedometer on the right. A larger 9-inch Display Audio touchscreen with a faster processor, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, a wireless phone charger, and more USB-C ports are added throughout the cabin. The Rear Entertainment System has been updated with a larger 12.8-inch high-resolution screen. The HDMI port has been relocated to the inside of the console, which offers a dedicated storage compartment for streaming devices. The Blu-ray/DVD player has been discontinued. File:2025 Honda Odyssey front view.jpg, 2025 Odyssey front (second facelift) File:2025 Honda Odyssey rear view.jpg, 2025 Odyssey rear (second facelift)


Safety

The 2018 model year Odyssey received a "Top Safety Pick+" award by the IIHS.


Reception

At its debut, the Odyssey won the
Japan Car of the Year The annual Car of the Year Japan Award (日本カー・オブ・ザ・イヤー, nihon kā obu za iyā), also known as Japan Car of the Year (or JCOTY), is an annual Car of the Year award given for newly released or redesigned vehicles released in ...
Award (Special Category) and the RJC New Car of the Year Award. By September 1997, the Odyssey had sold more than 300,000 units, becoming Honda's fastest-selling new car and breaking the Civic's record. The Odyssey was ''
Wheels A wheel is a rotating component (typically circular in shape) that is intended to turn on an axle bearing. The wheel is one of the key components of the wheel and axle which is one of the six simple machines. Wheels, in conjunction with axl ...
'' magazine's
Car of the Year Car of the Year (COTY) is a common abbreviation for numerous automotive awards. The "Car of the Year" phrase is considered to have been introduced by '' Motor Trend'' magazine in 1949 when the new publication named Cadillac as Motor Trend Car of ...
for 1995. At the Odyssey's European launch, where it was marketed as the ''Shuttle'', British ex-
Grand Prix ( , meaning ''Grand Prize''; plural ''Grands Prix'') most commonly refers to: * Grand Prix motor racing, a form of motorsport competition ** List of Formula One Grands Prix, an auto-racing championship *** Monaco Grand Prix, the most prestigious ...
driver
Jonathan Palmer Jonathan Charles Palmer (born 7 November 1956) is a British former racing driver, motorsport executive, and broadcaster, who competed in Formula One from to . Before opting for a career in motor racing, Palmer trained as a physician at Lon ...
described its handling as equal of any "executive sedan". Subsequent generations of the Odyssey have given the nameplate a reputation "as the most car-like minivan available". In a 1995 owner survey, 98% of the respondents rated the Odyssey's handling as above average, 50.3 percent rating engine power to be good — and 25 percent wanted a more powerful engine. A later review of the first generation Odyssey summarized the minivan's market reception:


Awards and recognition

The Odyssey has received numerous awards since its inception, winning both Car and Driver's "5 Best Trucks" and Consumer Reports' "Top Pick Minivan" several times.


Export vehicle

In the middle of 2012, Honda began exporting the fourth generation North American Odyssey minivan to the
Philippines The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an Archipelagic state, archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. Located in the western Pacific Ocean, it consists of List of islands of the Philippines, 7,641 islands, with a tot ...
. Export of the Odyssey to that market ceased in 2015 after the introduction of the international fifth generation Odyssey which is imported from Japan. A version of the second generation North American Odyssey was sold in Japan as the
Honda LaGreat The Honda LaGreat, known in some markets as the Honda RL1, is a passenger van produced by Japanese automaker Honda for the Japanese market. Produced in Alliston, Ontario, Canada, the LaGreat was a rebadged version of the second generation North ...
. The Odyssey manufactured at HMA in
Alabama Alabama ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Southeastern United States, Southeastern and Deep South, Deep Southern regions of the United States. It borders Tennessee to the north, Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gu ...
has also been exported to Canada, Mexico,
South America South America is a continent entirely in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a considerably smaller portion in the Northern Hemisphere. It can also be described as the southern Subregion#Americas, subregion o ...
,
South Korea South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia. It constitutes the southern half of the Korea, Korean Peninsula and borders North Korea along the Korean Demilitarized Zone, with the Yellow Sea to the west and t ...
, and the Middle East.


Sales


Chassis Codes

Chassis code are linked with the vehicle's identification number (VIN). The number after the letters RA/RL indicates the type and generation code: * RA1 = 2.2 F22B6 FWD Odyssey (1995 – 1998) * RA2 = 2.2 F22B6 4WD Odyssey (1995 – 1998) (Not available in North America) * RA3 = 2.3 F23B7 FWD Odyssey (1998) * RA4 = 2.3 F23B7 4WD Odyssey (1998) (Not available in North America) * RA5 = 3.0 J30A3 Odyssey (1997 – 1998) (Not available in North America) * RL1 = 3.5 J35A1/4 Odyssey (1999 – 2004) * RL3 = 3.5 J35A6 Odyssey (LX, EX) (2005 – 2010) * RL4 = 3.5 J35A7 Odyssey (EX-L, Touring) (2005 – 2010) * RL5 = 3.5 J35Z8 Odyssey (2011 – 2017) * RL6 = 3.5 J35Y7 Odyssey (2018 – present)


References

* Issue of Nov 2003 of Car and Driver HK


External links


Official U.S. Site


{{Isuzu United States
Odyssey The ''Odyssey'' (; ) is one of two major epics of ancient Greek literature attributed to Homer. It is one of the oldest surviving works of literature and remains popular with modern audiences. Like the ''Iliad'', the ''Odyssey'' is divi ...
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