Honda Odyssey (international)

The Honda Odyssey is a minivan manufactured by Japanese automaker Honda since 1994, marketed in most of the world and now in its fifth generation in Japan.

This article is about the Honda minivan model. For the Honda all-terrain vehicle, see Honda Odyssey (ATV).

This article is about the international market Honda Odyssey. For the Odyssey sold in North America, see Honda Odyssey (North America).

Honda Odyssey
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda
Production	1994–present
Body and chassis
Class	Minivan
Body style	5-door station wagon (1994–2013) 5-door minivan (2013–present)
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive

The Odyssey had originally been conceived and engineered in Japan, in the wake of country's economic crisis of the 1990s – which in turn imposed severe constraints on the vehicle's size and overall concept, dictating the minivan's manufacture in an existing facility with minimal modification.[1] The result was a smaller minivan, in the compact MPV class, that was well received in the Japanese domestic market[1] and less well received in North America.[2] The first generation Odyssey was marketed in Europe as the Honda Shuttle.

Subsequent generations diverged to reflect market variations, and Honda built a plant in Lincoln, Alabama, incorporating the ability to manufacture larger models.[2] Since model year 1999, Honda has marketed a larger (large MPV-class) Odyssey in North America and a smaller Odyssey in Japan and other markets. Honda also offered the larger North American Odyssey in Japan as the Honda LaGreat between 1999 and 2004.

First generation (RA1-RA5; 1994)

First generation (RA1/2/3/4/5)
Overview
Also called	Honda Shuttle (Europe) Sanjiu 3-Nine Honda Odyssey (China) Isuzu Oasis
Production	1994–1999
Assembly	Sayama, Japan (Honda Sayama Factory)
Designer	Motoaki Minowa (1991)[3]
Body and chassis
Related	Honda Accord
Powertrain
Engine	2.2L 130 hp (97 kW)F22B6 SOHC VTEC I4 2.3L 150 hp (112 kW) F23A7 SOHC VTEC I4 (from August 1997[4]) 3.0L 197 hp (147 kW) J30A SOHC VTEC V6 (from October 1997[5])
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,830 mm (111.4 in)
Length	4,750 mm (187.0 in)
Width	1,770 mm (69.7 in)
Height	1,645–1,660 mm (64.8–65.4 in)
Curb weight	1,470–1,610 kg (3,241–3,549 lb)

The Honda Odyssey was a raised wagon from Honda and was launched in Japan and North America in 1994.[6] It was offered with an optional 4WD (with RA2 and RA4 chassis), and from 1997 a 3.0L V6 J30A engine with the RA5 chassis (Prestige version). L and Aero models were equipped with a sunroof. All the JDM Odysseys had the double-air conditioning system, separate for the front and rear seaters. Since the first generation all the models have been six or seven seater versions.

In 1995, it won the Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference Car of the Year award in Japan.

In Japan, the Odyssey competed with Toyota Gaia, Toyota Ipsum and the Nissan Bassara.

• 
  1996 Honda Odyssey (Australia)
• 
  1996 Honda Odyssey (Australia)
• 
  1998–2000 Honda Odyssey (Australia)
• 
  1998–2000 Honda Odyssey (Australia)

Second generation (RA6-RA9; 1999)

Second generation (RA6/7/8/9)
Overview
Production	1999–2003
Assembly	Japan: Sayama (Honda Sayama Factory) China: Guangzhou (Guangqi Honda)
Powertrain
Engine	2.3 L F23A I4 3.0 L J30A V6
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,830 mm (111.4 in)
Length	4,770–4,835 mm (187.8–190.4 in)
Width	1,795–1,800 mm (70.7–70.9 in)
Height	1,630–1,655 mm (64.2–65.2 in)
Curb weight	1,570–1,760 kg (3,461–3,880 lb)

In late 1999, a new, larger second generation Odyssey appeared in Japan and Australia and in a left-hand drive (LHD) format for China. However, this new Odyssey was a major upgrade of the first generation Odyssey rather than a completely new model. As a result, its overall shape and appearance were similar to the first generation Odyssey. Still, it was 85 mm (3.3 in) longer and 10 mm (0.4 in) wider than the previous model. While base models had slightly smaller dimensions and a smaller 2.3L engine, models with more options as well those with the 3.0L V6 engine featured slightly larger bumpers and chrome inserts, larger grille as well as a unique chrome number plate surround.

The base model continued to be sold with a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine F23A in RA6 (2WD) & RA7 (4WD) models. The 3.0-liter J30A VTEC V6 engine from the first generation, producing now 210 hp (154.5kW) was available with RA8 (2WD) and RA9 (4WD) Prestige luxury and Absolute sport models. The 2000 Odyssey was the first Honda to receive a five-speed automatic transmission (with the 3.0-liter engine). All the second generation gearboxes also featured another first—a tiptronic-like manual mode, known as "Honda S-matic", in which a gearbox remains to be a classic Honda's hydro-automat, but the driver is able to manage the shifting moment (if electronically allowed) with the selector's "+" and "-" positions. The interior was completely new. The old automatic column shifter was moved to the centre console. A new touchscreen-based digital climate control system replaced the old manual controls, which worked in conjunction with Honda's new navigation system. Woodgrain trim was standard on all models, while in VG/VZ V6 models leather and velour seat and door materials were standard over the basic cloth trims. The interior configuration was also changed (second and third row), and the spare wheel was moved to a new position beneath the third row. With L and Absolute versions, an additional third-row heater was added. The sunroof was no longer available respectively.

In 2002, the Odyssey was given a mild restyle. It received new, larger Honda emblems for the front and rear, clear-lens tail lights (replacing amber, darker in Absolute trim), and a larger front grille with four chrome strips instead of three as well as new alloy wheel design options.

In the Australian market, the new Odyssey proved more popular than its predecessor, at least initially. However, in 2002, sales hit an all-time low, and in 2003, sales of only 649 units were almost one-third of the total in 2000.

• 
  2000–2002 Honda Odyssey (pre-facelift, Australia)
• 
  2000–2002 Honda Odyssey (pre-facelift, Australia)
• 
  2003 Honda Odyssey Fine Spirit (facelift, Japan)
• 
  Honda Odyssey (facelift, Japan)
• 
  2002 Honda Odyssey Absolute (facelift, Japan)
• 
  Honda Odyssey Absolute (facelift, Japan)
• 
  Honda Odyssey Prestige (facelift, Japan)

Third generation (RB1/2; 2003)

Third generation (RB1/2)
Overview
Production	2003–2008
Assembly	Sayama, Japan Guangzhou, China (Guangqi Honda)
Body and chassis
Related	Honda Accord Honda Elysion
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L K24A VTEC I4
Transmission	5-speed automatic with 4WD and Absolute CVT with 2WD-FF
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,830 mm (111.4 in)
Length	4,765 mm (187.6 in)
Width	1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height	1,550–1,570 mm (61.0–61.8 in)
Curb weight	1,610–1,760 kg (3,549–3,880 lb)

The third generation Japanese-built Odyssey was the first full redesign of the Odyssey since its introduction in 1994. Going on sale in Japan in October 2003, and in Australia and many other countries from early 2004, it continued with a 5-door body style, with a much sleeker, lower, and more car-like appearance. For the first time cruise-control appeared on the JDM Odyssey. The 4WD version has received the new DPS system. The seat folding mechanism was changed again. The height of the new Odyssey was lower than ever – designed with multi-level parking in mind, particularly for Japan. The new Odyssey came with the Honda K24A i-VTEC engine, a 2.4 L unit producing 160 PS (118 kW); this was the same engine used in the CR-V and Accord. A 4WD version (RB2) came only with an automatic transmission, while the 2WD version came only with a continuously variable transmission, except Absolute, JDB S/B model as well as export models. The V6 engine was dropped completely. Instead, a 200 PS (147 kW) variant of the K24A engine was adopted for the sporty Absolute version (190 PS (140 kW) with 4WD), which was only equipped with an automatic transmission – both the 2WD & 4WD variants. Moreover, this new engine had the same fuel consumption as the old 2.2 engine. All this resulted in the new Odyssey becoming a sales success. In Australia, the Odyssey achieved its best-ever sales year in 2005, and outsold the Toyota Tarago for the first time.

• 
  Honda Odyssey (pre-facelift, Malaysia)
• 
  Honda Odyssey (facelift, Japan)
• 
  Honda Odyssey (facelift, Japan)
• 
  Interior

Fourth generation (RB3/4; 2008)

Fourth generation (RB3/4)
Overview
Production	2008–2013
Assembly	Sayama, Japan Guangzhou, China (Guangqi Honda)
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L K24A8 DOHC i-VTEC I4
Transmission	CVT 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,830 mm (111.4 in)
Length	4,780 mm (188.2 in)
Width	1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height	1,545–1,565 mm (60.8–61.6 in)
Curb weight	1,600–1,690 kg (3,527–3,726 lb)

Sales of the fourth generation Odyssey in the Japanese market began on 17 October 2008. The engine and transmission has fundamentally remained the same as the third generation, adding more power and better fuel economy. It is equipped with a 2.4-litre engine and CVT with a torque converter for the FWD, and 5-speed automatic transmission for 4WD and high-output 206 hp Absolute trim.[7] Two engines are offered in Japan: one with 173 PS output (i-VTEC is only for intake camshaft) and the other one with 206 PS output in Absolute trim (i-VTEC is for both camshafts).[8]

In many markets outside Japan like Australia and Indonesia, the Odyssey is also equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission.[9][10]

In Australia, the Odyssey was the best-selling people mover among private buyers.[11]

• 
  2009–2011 Honda Odyssey (pre-facelift, Australia)
• 
  Honda Odyssey Absolute (facelift, Japan)
• 
  Honda Odyssey Absolute (facelift, Japan)
• 
  Interior

Fifth generation (RC; 2013)

Fifth generation (RC1/2)
Overview
Also called	Honda Elysion (China)
Production	2013–present
Assembly	Sayama, Japan Guangzhou, China (Guangqi Honda)
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L K24W DOHC i-VTEC I4
Transmission	CVT (7-speed manual mode for the Absolute)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,900 mm (114.2 in)
Length	4,830 mm (190.2 in)
Width	1,800–1,820 mm (70.9–71.7 in)
Height	1,685–1,715 mm (66.3–67.5 in)
Curb weight	1,700–1,880 kg (3,748–4,145 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Honda Elysion

The fifth generation Odyssey for the international market was launched on 26 September 2013, and went on sale in October 2013. The rear hinged side doors were changed to dual power sliding doors, much like most other minivans by Japanese automakers today. It's now bigger than its predecessors and for seven-seater variants, premium cradle seats with ottomans are offered on the second row. The new model is available in either seven-seater or eight-seater. It's powered by Honda's newly developed 2.4L i-VTEC Earth Dreams engine which produces 175 PS (173 hp; 129 kW) and 225 N⋅m (23 kg⋅m; 166 lb⋅ft). Direct-injection is added in the range-topping Absolute variant which increases output to 190 PS (187 hp; 140 kW) and 237 N⋅m (24 kg⋅m; 175 lb⋅ft). The 2.4L Earth Dreams engine provides class-leading fuel economy of 14.0 km/L (40 mpg_‑imp; 33 mpg_‑US) as calculated from Japan's JC08 mode test cycle.[12]

In Japan and some Asian markets, the fifth generation Odyssey replaced the large MPV Honda Elysion which ceased production in 2013 for JDM and some Asian markets but continues to be sold in China. This current model also replaced the Elysion to compete against Toyota Alphard and Nissan Elgrand in the full-size luxury MPV category.

The Odyssey Hybrid was launched in Japan on 4 February 2016.[13] Honda has given the Sport Hybrid i-MMD name to the new hybrid system. Improvements to the new hybrid system include reduction of the size and weight of key components such as the battery and power control unit from the existing two-motor hybrid system used in the Accord Hybrid and Accord Plug-in Hybrid that were introduced in 2013. The power control unit is 23 percent smaller and 27 percent lighter than the one in the Accord Hybrid. The Odyssey Hybrid went on sale in Japan on 5 February 2016, but is unlikely to be exported to the US as the US-market Odyssey utilizes a larger platform than the Japanese market Odyssey.[14]

In Saudi Arabia, the JDM Odyssey was introduced in 2015 as Honda Odyssey J, while Odyssey continues with its original name.

The fifth generation Odyssey is also a basis for the second generation Honda Elysion for the Chinese market, but with a different front mask, and adopts a design resembling the Honda Legend. The Odyssey-based Elysion was launched in China on 9 January 2016.

On 16 November 2017, the fifth generation Odyssey was given a facelift and refreshed with a range of driver’s assistances featuring adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking system, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation system, lane keeping assist system, rear cross traffic monitor and blind spot monitoring system in the top of the range model. It also has a new front mask, an improved NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) and a plusher captain's chair in the second row.[15]

A facelift of the fifth generation Honda Odyssey was introduced in the Chinese market in July 2018, updating the front end with a redesigned front bumper.[16]

• 
  Honda Odyssey VTi-L (pre-facelift, Australia)
• 
  Honda Odyssey Absolute EX (facelift, Japan)
• 
  Honda Odyssey Absolute EX (facelift, Japan)
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  Honda Odyssey 2.4 E Prestige (facelift, Indonesia)
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  Honda Odyssey (2018 Chinese facelift)
• 
  Honda Odyssey (2018 Chinese facelift)
• 
  Interior

Reception

At its debut, the Odyssey won the Japan Car of the Year 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.[1] The Odyssey was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 1995.[17] At the Odyssey's European launch, where it was marketed as the Shuttle, British ex-Grand Prix driver Jonathan Palmer described its handling as equal of any "executive saloon".[18]

References

1. "Developing a Car with a Roomy Interior". Honda Worldwide.
2. "First Drive: 1999 Honda Odyssey". Insideline, Greg Anderson, Jan 1, 1999.
3. "USD362831S". Retrieved 26 December 2019.
4. "オデッセイをマイナーモデルチェンジし発売". www.honda.co.jp. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
5. "オデッセイ・プレステージを新発売". www.honda.co.jp. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
6. Global Viewpoints Honda's Japanese Odyssey Archived June 17, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
7. "Honda Announces the All-New Odyssey". World.honda.com. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
8. "New 2009 Honda Odyssey unveiled in Japan!". www.paultan.org. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
9. "Honda Odyssey specifications". www.goauto.com.au. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
10. "Honda Launch All New Odyssey 2014 in Indonesia". Archived from the original on 2014-01-14. Retrieved 2014-01-17.
11. "Honda Australia lays out plans to late 2015". www.goauto.com.au. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
12. Honda to Release All-New Odyssey and Odyssey Absolute Premium Minivans in Japan Archived 2013-11-02 at the Wayback Machine
13. http://gas2.org/2016/02/06/honda-offers-hybrid-odyssey-minivan-in-japan/
14. ""Honda debuts upgraded 2-motor hybrid system", Automotive News, February 18, 2016".
15. ""New Odyssey to feature intelligent driver-assist", Honda Media Centre, December 12, 2017".
16. "7月15日上市 广汽本田新款奥德赛官图".
17. "Honda Odyssey Minivan". Edmunds.com. Retrieved 2010-02-12.
18. "Honda SHUTTLE (1995–2000)". Yahoo Cars, UK, Jonathan Crouch.

External links

• Honda Odyssey official site (in Japanese)
• Honda Odyssey Repair Manual
• Original design presentation drawings for the first-generation Honda Odyssey