Honda Odyssey

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

Honda Odyssey
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda
Production	1995–present
Body and chassis
Class	Minivan
Body style	5-door minivan

The Honda Odyssey, known in Europe as the Honda Shuttle, is a minivan, or "large MPV", produced by the Japanese automaker Honda since 1994. Since model year 1999, the name has been used on two related but distinct vehicles, with the larger Odyssey sold in the North American market and the smaller Odyssey sold in Japan and other world markets. The first generation and all non-North American models are more the Compact MPV size.

The larger North American Odyssey was sold in Japan as Honda LaGreat between 1999 and 2004.

North American market

First generation (1995–1998)

First generation
Overview
Also called	Isuzu Oasis Honda Shuttle (german Wiki)
Production	1995–1998 Chassis RA1 RA3
Assembly	Sayama, Japan
Body and chassis
Layout	FF layout
Related	Acura CL Acura TL Honda Accord Isuzu Aska
Powertrain
Engine	2.2 L 140 hp ('95-'97)/2.3 L 150 hp ('98) I4
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	Template:Auto in (1997-98) Template:Auto in (1995-96)
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in

(Chassis RA1 RA3)

The Odyssey was introduced in 1995, based on the Accord platform, with a 4-cylinder engine and featuring rear swing-open rather than sliding doors. The basic vehicle was shared between the Japanese and North American markets. The Odyssey was also the first minivan to have a flat-folding third row seat. The second and third bench style seats can also be folded nearly flat so the van may be used as a sleeping area for two adults, or as a camper.

1997–1998 Honda Odyssey

The first generation Odyssey came in two trim levels LX and upscale EX. The LX could fit seven with two front buckets, a three-seat middle bench, and a 2-seat third row bench. The EX came with two second row captain's chairs.

The Odyssey was rebadged as the Isuzu Oasis, which is now discontinued. This unusual sharing of vehicles resulted from a lack of SUVs in Honda's lineup. Isuzu received the Odyssey and renamed it Isuzu Oasis. Honda got from Isuzu the Rodeo and renamed it the Passport. Acura got the Trooper and renamed it the SLX. 1995–1998 Odyssey and Oasis were used in New York City as taxi cabs.

The Odyssey was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 1995. However, it was only a tepid success due to its unconventional attributes, such as an inline 4 engine, smaller size, and hinged doors, compared to the competition's V6 powertrain and sliding doors.

Second generation (1999–2004)

Second generation (North America)
Overview
Also called	Honda LaGreat (JDM) Guangzhou-Honda Odyssey
Production	1999–2004
Assembly	Alliston, Ontario, Canada Lincoln, Alabama, USA
Body and chassis
Layout	FF layout
Related	Acura CL Acura MDX Acura TL Acura TSX Honda Accord Honda Pilot
Powertrain
Engine	3.5 L V6 210 hp(99-01)240 hp(02-04)
Transmission	4-speed automatic (1999–2001) 5-speed automatic (2002-04)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in Template:Auto in (LX)

(Chassis RL1)

The second generation North American market Odyssey was first assembled in Canada as a 1999 model mainly for North America. In Japan it was called Lagreat, "Canadian-made minivan". The television ad campaign for the new Odyssey evoked moments from the film 2001: A Space Odyssey, particularly the the extended space-station docking and lunar landing sequencess to the soundtrack of The Blue Danube waltz.

It was considerably larger than its predecessor, and adopted the Chrysler style minivan format, with sliding rear doors instead of hinged ones, and a 210 horsepower (160 kW) V6 engine 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. The Odyssey kept the fold-into-the-floor rear seat, an innovation adopted by many other minivans. The van continued to receive upgrades, such as offering both VHS and DVD-based entertainment systems. There was also an available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, introduced in 2000, which became the first navigation system ever offered in a minivan.

For the 2002 model side torso airbags were added and also made standard.

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.. Consumer Reports gave the Odyssey its highest marks in the IIHS Frontal Offset, Gov't Frontal, and Gov't Side in years 2000–2008 (there was no Gov't Side testing for the 1999 model, and no data available for the 2009 model).

The second generation Odyssey was a commercial success. It was praised for its powerful V6, its handling from its four wheel independent suspension, and its features such as a large cabin, power sliding doors and the stow-away third-row seat. It won consecutive Edmunds.com Editors' Most Wanted awards from 1999–2003 in the minivan category.

Mid-generational Refresh

The Odyssey also received a significant increase in power from 210 hp (157 kW) to 240 hp (179 kW) in 2002. Also added for 2002 was a five-speed automatic transmission, side airbags, rear disc brakes, and a few minor cosmetic improvements on the outside as well as the inside. The Odyssey remained unchanged for 2003 and 2004, before being replaced with the third-generation model.

Transmission issues

Many owners reported transmission failures in their second generation Odysseys. The 4-speed automatic transmission in 1999 to 2001 models had very serious problems with transmission durability. Mike Spencer, a spokesman for Honda, stated that the 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 U.S.A. '99-'01 models to 7 years or 100,000 miles (160,900 km). A class action settlement further extended coverage to 109,000 miles (175,400 km) or 93 months for some '99-'01 Odysseys in the U.S.A. Canada is not included. The five-speed automatic was first installed in Odyssey in the 2002 model, but general reliability of the transmission did not improve until 2004 according to Consumer Reports. Mike Spencer, a spokesman for Acura, 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 5th gear to 2nd gear. A totally different 5 speed transmission problem was that under some conditions, 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, TL, MDX and Honda Accord suffered similar problems.

2003 models are also affected by this problem.

Trying to reduce failures, some Odyclub Forums have been adding aftermarket stacked-plate transmission coolers and changing the "non-serviceable" external transmission fluid filter on 02-04 5-speed models. Adding aftermarket filters on the transmission cooler line allows for easier periodic filter changes. None of these modifications are suggested by the manufacturer and it is too early to know if failures are reduced.

Third generation (2005–2010)

Third generation (North America)
Overview
Production	2005–2010
Assembly	Lincoln, Alabama, USA
Body and chassis
Layout	FF layout
Related	Acura MDX Acura TL Acura TSX Honda Accord Honda Pilot Honda Elysion
Powertrain
Engine	3.5 L V6 255 hp(05)244(06+07)241(08)
Transmission	5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	2005-07: Template:Auto in 2008–present: Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in Template:Auto in (LX)

(Chassis RL3)

Honda introduced the third-generation 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 are included in all models both features were previously unavailable.

A host of other features were added, such as 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 easier 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 where the spare tire went in the previous generation. The rear part of the windows changed shape. It has a dashboard-mounted shifter, instead of a column-mounted shifter in the previous generations. The second row bucket seats do not fold into the floor. A 'Plus-One' jump seat was optional on EX and more expensive trims for use with an eighth passenger.

Engine power was increased to 255 (re rated to 244 by the new SAE guidelines, and used in 2006+model descriptions) and EX-L and Touring models received Honda's VCM, or Variable Cylinder Management system. This enabled this van to receive U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg_‑US (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg_‑imp)/28 mpg_‑US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg_‑imp) for the 2005 model year. (18 mpg_‑US (13 L/100 km; 22 mpg_‑imp)/26 mpg_‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg_‑imp) for non VCM equipped LX and EX models.) These numbers were re-rated in 2007, bringing numbers to 17/24 for VCM equipped models, and 16/23 for non VCM equipped models. Consumer Reports noted in the 2005 auto issue that Odyssey was one of the vehicles that recorded gas mileage that was much lower than EPA ratings. Acceleration was slightly slower than generation two models.

The EX-L and higher trims can be purchased with both navigation and rear entertainment systems, while the VHS-based i-VES system was dropped. There are four trim levels in the United States: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring, the top-of-the-line package in the Odyssey lineup that incorporating features such as run-flat tires and power tailgate.

Only the Touring model is equipped with run flat Pax tires that are designed to run 125 miles (201 km) with no air pressure. Pax was not sold on Canadian market vans because availability of tires and service could not be assured. Pax consists of a unique tire with different rim diameters on the inside compared to the outside, a support ring which is a hard ring that is mounted on the proprietary Pax only wheel, a gel lubricant and the wheel itself. When flat, Pax runs on the inner support ring lubricated by special gel. It also included TPMS even before tire pressure measuring systems were required by the government. Pax run flats wear faster than other Odyssey original tires by design with thinner tread grooves at the edges and ride harder due to the lower profile which reduces the distance from the outside of the tire to the support ring when flat. Pax tires cost about $1200 for a set of four or $1600 for 4 snow tires including mounting fee and the Gel pack. Pax requires special equipment and training to mount and do wheel alignment which many shops do not have. A proprietary gel pack is needed for mounting or overheating when running flat will occur. Some dealers and very few tire stores are able to mount or repair Pax. This makes prices high and availability reduced. Replacement or repair, especially on weekends and holidays is limited. The only Pax tires for Odyssey Touring are Michelin Energy LX4 or Michelin X-Ice snow tires. No other Odyssey Touring tire choices exist for 2005–2007 despite being on the market since late 2004. Pax became an option for 2008 models.

Third generation Odyssey has fewer transmission problems compared to the second generation, and 2005–2008 overall reliability has been average to better than average according to Consumer Reports. Problem areas include body integrity, body hardware, audio system, brakes and suspension according to Consumer Reports, April 2007. Owners have reported shuddering from VCM operation, engine mount and/or torque converter issues. 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." Odyssey has won a spot on Car and Driver's 5Best trucks for the past three years, as well as a host of other awards. The Odyssey is the top-ranked minivan in the US News charts.

Mid-generational refresh

2010 Honda Odyssey EX

For 2008, the Odyssey received a mid-model facelift. All models are equipped with active front head restraints, daytime running lights, and a standard MP3 jack. The grille is similar the 2008 Accord and the taillights have been restyled.

The backup camera, previously only included with navigation-equipped models, is integrated into the rear-view mirror of the non-navigation EX-L. There is also full Bluetooth support on the Touring model, for all Bluetooth-equipped devices. The Touring models are now standard with navigation and the Plus-One jumpseat on the EX and EX-L.

In Canada, a new entry-level DX trim was added to complement the LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring packages for the 2008 and 2009 model years. The DVD rear entertainment system can be ordered on the EX-L trim and is standard on the Touring. The DX lacks features such as the "2nd-Row Plus One Seat with storage", conversation mirror with sunglasses holder, tinted glass, roof rails, and has black body moldings. In 2010, the EX was replaced by the SE, which was the same save for Honda NHL badges and the added DVD rear entertainment system, while the LX was dropped.

JD Powers latest evaluation reported an increase in quality issues reported by owners. The most frequent concerns are vehicle vibration, steering vibration, and erratic operation of transmission.

Fourth generation (2011-)

Fourth generation (North America)
Overview
Production	2011–present
Assembly	Lincoln, Alabama, USA
Body and chassis
Layout	FF layout
Related	Honda Accord, Honda Pilot, Honda Ridgeline
Powertrain
Engine	TBA
Transmission	5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	TBA
Length	TBA
Width	TBA
Height	TBA

Honda projects a fourth generation Odyssey to arrive in 2011. As of October 2008, Honda is reconsidering its target of starting sales of diesel-powered autos in 2009. Japan's Nikkei English News reported earlier that Honda would put off sales of diesel vehicles in the U.S. and Japan until at least 2011, citing a company executive who wasn't identified. The delay is the result of difficulties in reducing costs to make the engines, Nikkei said. This delays entry of the existing diesel engine sold in Europe. A diesel V6 is not currently sold by Honda anywhere. Honda is developing a "low-emission diesel V6 engine specifically designed for the U.S. market for the 2011 model year." It is expected to have a new diesel plasma-catalytic converter to comply with environmental standards. The redesign of the Odyssey will include new exterior styling, updated interior features, and most likely introduction of a high-economy V-6 diesel engine to go along with an updated gasoline V-6. However, the chances of a diesel in the near future is reduced by April 2009 news in which Fukui was quoted as saying, "There are no plans for a full-size Honda diesel car."

Japanese domestic market (JDM) and international market

First Generation (1995–1999)

First generation (JDM model)
Overview
Production	1994–1999
Assembly	Sayama, Japan
Body and chassis
Layout	FF layout F4 layout
Related	Acura CL Acura MDX Acura TL Acura TSX Honda Accord Honda Avancier
Powertrain
Engine	2.2L I4 2.3L I4 VTEC 3.0L 200 hp (149 kW) VTEC V6
Transmission	4-speed automatic 2WD-FF/4WD

(RA1-RA5 chassises)

The first generation Japanese domestic market Odyssey was similar but not completely the same as the North American version. The right-hand drive version had a 4WD transmission (with RA2 and RA4 chassises), and 3.0L 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 Japan, the Odyssey competed with the Toyota Gaia and the Nissan Bassara.

Second generation (1999–2003)

Second generation (JDM model)
Overview
Production	1999–2003
Assembly	Sayama, Japan Guangzhou,China
Body and chassis
Layout	FF layout F4 layout
Related	Acura CL Acura MDX Acura TL Acura TSX Honda Accord Honda Pilot
Powertrain
Engine	2.3L I4 3.0L 210 hp (157 kW) VTEC V6
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic 2WD-FF/4WD

(RA6-RA9 chassises)

In the late 1999, a new, larger "second generation" Odyssey appeared in Japan and Australia and as a Left hand Drive (LHD) in 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 the saloon's length was shortened. The base model continued to be sold with a 2.3 L 4-cylinder engine F23A (RA6(2WD) & RA7(4WD), however, the a 3.0 L VTEC V6 engine J30A (from the first generation, producing now 210 hp (154 kW)) was available with RA8(2WD) & RA9(4WD). The 2000 Odyssey was the first Honda to receive a 5-speed automatic transmission (with the 3.0L 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 '+' & '-' positions. The interior was completely new. The old automatic column shifter was moved to the centre console. Digital climate controls replaced the old manual controls, and were situated near the audio system controls. Luxurious woodgrain trim was standard on all models, while in V6-L models leather was standard. 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.
A sporty 'Absolute' version with all the chassises for the first time has appeared. This co-Mugen tuned version differs by the modified suspension of the European-like car's behavior, 17-inch wheels and some exterior/interior changes.
In January 2003, the Odyssey was given a mild restyle. It received new, larger Honda emblems for the front and rear, clear-lens tail-lights (replacing amber), and a larger front grille with 4 chrome strips instead of 3. Pricing was reduced by US$2,000 (US$24,490) for the 4-cylinder, and US$4,000 for the V6 (US$30,490). 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. 2001 Model Has great intrerior and comes tritonic too.

Third generation (2003–2008)

Third generation (JDM model)
Overview
Production	2003–2008
Assembly	Sayama, Japan Guangzhou,China
Body and chassis
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Related	Acura MDX Acura TL Acura TSX Honda Accord Honda Pilot Honda Elysion
Powertrain
Engine	2.4L 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) or 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) I4
Transmission	5-speed automatic with 4WD CVT with 2WD-FF
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	2004-05: Template:Auto in
Width	2004-05: Template:Auto in 2006-08: 1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height	Template:Auto in

(RB1-RB2 chassises)

The third generation Japanese-built Odyssey was the first full redesign of the Odyssey since its introduction in 1995. Going on sale in Japan in late 2003, and in Australia and many other countries in 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 hp (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. The V6 engine was dropped completely. Instead, a 200 hp (147 kW) forced variant of the K24A engine was adopted for the sporty Absolute version (190 hp (147 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.

Fourth generation (2008-)

Fourth generation (JDM model)
Overview
Also called	Guangzhou-Honda Odyssey
Production	2008–present
Assembly	Sayama, Japan Guangzhou,China
Body and chassis
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L K24A8 DOHC i-VTEC I4
Transmission	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	1,550 mm (61.0 in)

The sales for the fourth generation of the Odyssey in the JDM market started October 17, 2008. Honda will create the 2009 and 2010 JDM Odyssey on the same platform as the 2008, keeping many of the 5 door body style and a four cylinder engine.

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. It has received mostly positive reviews from car critics, resulting in a score of 93% on Seven Car Garage.

References

• Issue of Nov 2003 of Car and Driver HK

External links

• Official U.S. Site
• YahooAutos-2007 Honda Odyssey
• YahooAutos-2006 Honda Odyssey
• In depth Information on the 2005+ Honda Odyssey