Honda Odyssey

Honda Odyssey (International)
Production period:	since 1995
Class :	Van
Body versions :	Station wagon
Previous model:	Honda Civic Shuttle

The Honda Odyssey is a minivan produced by the Japanese automaker Honda since 1994 . While the first model was marketed worldwide, there have been different models since then. The first Odyssey was designed in Japan in the wake of the local economic crisis of the 1990s, which in turn resulted in considerable restrictions on the vehicle size and overall concept. The result was a small mid-range minivan that sold very successfully in the Japanese domestic market, but was not a sales success in North America . Honda decided to develop different models for different market needs and built a plant in Lincoln , Alabama , to serve the local US van market locally. Honda also offered the larger North American Odyssey II in Japan between 1999 and 2004 as the Honda LaGreat , which was then replaced by the Honda Elysion . In Europe, the Odyssey I (here as the Honda Shuttle ) has been replaced by the Honda Stream .

First generation (RA1 – RA5, 1994–1999)

Honda Odyssey
Honda Odyssey
Production period:	1994-1999
Body versions :	Station wagon
Engines:	Otto engines : 2.2–3.0 liters (? –157 kW)
Length:	4755 mm
Width:	1793 mm
Height:	1641 mm
Wheelbase :	2830 mm
Empty weight :

The Honda Odyssey I was based on the Honda Accord and went into production in 1994. All-wheel drive was available as an option. In addition to the 2.2-liter and 2.3-liter petrol engines known in Europe, the 3-liter V6 petrol engine J30A was also used. Basically only 4- speed automatic transmissions with a steering wheel shift were available. A central electric sunroof was sometimes part of the standard. Depending on the equipment, a double air conditioning system was installed separately for the front and passenger compartments as standard. There were six or seven seats. The model was also offered as the Isuzu Oasis . In Japan, the main competitors were Toyota Gaia and Nissan Bassara .

Second generation (RA6 – RA9, 1999–2003)

Honda Odyssey
Honda Odyssey
Production period:	1999-2003
Body versions :	Station wagon
Engines:	Petrol engines : 2.3–3.0 liters (? –157 kW)
Length:	4765 mm
Width:	1803 mm
Height:	1641 mm
Wheelbase :	2830 mm
Empty weight :

In 1999 a newer, larger "second generation" Odyssey appeared in Japan and Australia and as a left-hand drive version in China . However, this was a major overhaul of the first model. The result was a similar general shape and appearance, but longer and wider. The base engine was now the 2.3-liter 4-cylinder F23A RA6 engine, alongside the 3.0-liter VTEC V6 engine J30A with 157 kW (210 PS). This model was the first Honda to receive a five-speed automatic transmission. In addition, a manual switching function was now available. The interior has been completely redesigned and the gear lever has been relocated to the center console. A climate control was now standard, and the V6 Leather equipment was installed in series. The spare wheel was placed below the third row of seats, which received additional heating. The sunroof was no longer available. In 2002 there was a slight revision with larger Honda emblems for the front and rear, clear glass rear lights and a larger grille with four chrome strips instead of the previous three. In the Australian market, the new Odyssey initially proved to be more popular than its predecessor. In 2003, however, sales were just 649 units - almost a third when it was launched in 2000.

Third generation (RB1 – RB2, 2003–2008)

Honda Odyssey
Honda Odyssey
Production period:	2003-2008
Body versions :	Station wagon
Engines:	Otto engine : 2.4 liters (119 kW)
Length:	4780 mm
Width:	1829 mm
Height:	1549 mm
Wheelbase :	2830 mm
Empty weight :

The third generation was the first completely new development since its introduction in 1995. It went on sale in Japan at the end of 2003 and in Australia and many other countries in 2004. With a significantly slimmer body, it leaned more on a high-rise station wagon but the altitude was lower than ever. In the interior, the folding seat mechanism was changed and refined. The only engine was now the 2.4-liter K24A i-VTEC with 119 kW (160 hp), which was also used in the Honda CR-V and Honda Accord . A 4WD version (RB2) was only available with an automatic transmission, while the 2WD version was available with a CVT transmission . In the sports version, the K24 engine developed 149 kW (200 hp), in the 4WD 142 kW (190 hp), both with an automatic transmission. In addition, this new machine had the same fuel consumption as the old 2.3-liter engine despite its higher output. All of this led to new sales successes. In Australia, the Odyssey had its best-ever sales year in 2005 and was sold more often than the Toyota Tarago for the first time .

interior

Fourth generation (RB3 – RB4, 2008–2013)

Honda Odyssey
Honda Odyssey
Production period:	2008-2013
Body versions :	Station wagon
Engines:	Otto engine : 2.4 liters (119 kW)
Length:	4780 mm
Width:	1800 mm
Height:	1550 mm
Wheelbase :	2830 mm
Empty weight :

Sales of the fourth generation began on October 17th, 2008. Honda only changed the interior and exterior design, while the technology remained the same.

Honda Odyssey (Australia)

interior

Fifth generation (RC1 – RC2, since 2013)

Honda Odyssey
Honda Odyssey
Production period:	since 2013
Body versions :	Station wagon
Engines:	Petrol engine : 2.4 liters (129–140 kW) Otto hybrid : 2.0 liters (135 kW)
Length:	4840-4845 mm
Width:	1802-1820 mm
Height:	1685-1697 mm
Wheelbase :	2900 mm
Empty weight :	1750-1910 kg

The fifth generation has been on sale since the end of 2013 and has become higher in particular. In China, the fifth generation provides the basis for the Honda Elysion , which is sold there in addition to the Odyssey. In Japan, in addition to a 2.4-liter gasoline engine sold around the world, a variant with a hybrid drive is also available.

Rear view

Web links

Commons : Honda Odyssey (International) - Collection of images, videos and audio files

official Japanese website