The Honda Odyssey is a 5-door station wagon (1994-1998) and a 5-door minivan manufactured by Honda since 1994. Through 5 generations, the model received many updates, facelifts, and a lot of upgrades. The smooth ride, good handling, and rapid acceleration of the Odyssey's V6 engine will erase any preconceived notions about minivans when you drive one of the 2023 models. Don't worry. If you require a minivan for practical reasons, the Odyssey will not disappoint. But before we go deeper into the latest model, let's go back to its rich beginnings.
History of the Honda Odyssey
Honda Odyssey First Generation (RA; 1994–1998)
When Honda introduced the Odyssey in 1994, they based it on the Accord platform, with a 4-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. While most minivans at the time had sliding back doors, the Odyssey's rear doors were hinged like those of a standard automobile. The Honda Odyssey's four-cylinder engine and four-speed gearbox powered the first generation's six- or seven-passenger layout. An independent suspension, two gloveboxes, and detachable second-row seats were some of the additional features.
Honda Odyssey Second Generation (RL1; 1999–2004)
Honda built the second generation of the Odyssey between 1999 and 2004. A 3.5L V-6 replaced the original four-cylinder engine in this modified version.
Other significant upgrades to the Odyssey were a bigger size and folding doors on both sides of the car. In the middle of the second generation, manufacturing for U.S. models shifted from Japan to Canada and eventually to Alabama. The Odyssey went from a four-speed automatic gearbox to a five-speed automatic transmission around the transfer from Canada to Alabama. In comparison to the original Odyssey, the second generation was significantly bigger. Honda introduced sliding doors in this makeover rather than the typical hinged doors. The engine got bigger as the car got bigger. After three years with the basic four-speed transmission, the 2002 model year introduced a new five-speed automatic transmission with 240 hp. LX and EX were the two trim options available to buyers. Seating for seven people was available in both trims, and you could push the doors back and forth. New safety features for the second-generation Odyssey were traction control, anti-lock brakes, front-seat side-impact airbags, and latch-style anchors for car seats.
Honda Odyssey Third Generation (RL3/4; 2005–2010)
Honda unveiled the third-generation Odyssey in 2004 for the 2005 model year. It was a well-received minivan that could accommodate up to seven people.
Honda had to invent the notion of a family premium MPV when it introduced the Odyssey in 1994. It wasn't the company's first MPV, but it was the first to include luxury features, and it kept getting better as time went on. Although the automobile was already well-liked, the 2005 model showed no signs of slowing down its development. However, it was an entirely new car except for the redesigned front end. Crash tests found it one of the safest vehicles on the road because of its lower bumpers. The Odyssey came equipped with two folding back doors. The new upgrades available for the third-generation Honda Odyssey were a navigation system, premium sound, standard side airbags, voice-recognition navigation, a five-speed automatic, and the engine. The Odyssey's third-generation LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels were available. Seating for eight and a movable second-row seat made it easy to customize the interior. The optional amenities were a memory seat, run-flat tires, a motorized liftgate, and adjustable pedals. An automated 5-speed gearbox was standard equipment on the Odyssey's 3.5L V6. It wasn't the most advanced transmission on the market, but dependability was a strong suit. Although the Odyssey was a car that held its value well over time, it wasn't the only one to do so. The Odyssey was more rugged than the ordinary Honda Accord and was a unique MPV thanks to its high-strength chassis.
Honda Odyssey Fourth Generation (RL5; 2011–2017)
On June 17, 2010, Honda unveiled the 2011 Odyssey Concept at the Chicago Auto Show. Some of its changes were a bigger body, redesigned aesthetics, and a broader vehicle with a lower roofline. In 2014, the fourth-generation Odyssey received a mid-cycle refresh that included a standard six-speed automatic gearbox for all trim levels. Honda also had a vacuum cleaner in the most expensive variants. The Odyssey and the Accord performed similarly in 2014 performance testing. The onboard vacuum cleaner was a big hit, and it was proven to be effective in all sections of the interior. Available trims for this generation were LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Touring Elite.
Honda Odyssey Fifth Generation (RL6; 2018–Present)
In January 2017, Honda released the fifth-generation Honda Odyssey at the 2017 North American International Auto Show. Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) started the production of the 2018 Odyssey on April 26 and started selling it on May 25 as a 2018 model year vehicle. For the first time, Honda's 10-speed automatic transmission is found in a mass-produced vehicle, and it weighs less than a pound and a half less than the company's previous 6-speed model. The trim levels for the fifth-generation model were LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite.
Price
Honda retails the Odyssey model with an original price of $38,635 for the EX (base) model. The company also offers more variants at higher prices:
- EX - $38,635
- EX-L - $41,705
- Sport - $42,505
- Touring - $45,745
- Elite - $50,765
Features of the Honda Odyssey
Interior Features
The basic function of a minivan is to transport people and goods, and the Odyssey does it with ease. Seven people may fit into the LX, which is the base model. As for the remainder, it will take eight. There's plenty of space for heads and legs, even in the third row. It's easy to become comfortable in any of the seats. In addition, there are 15 cup holders throughout the cabin and the vehicle. The Magic Slide seats in Honda's second row may be shifted from side to side, forward, and backward, allowing various seating arrangements. The Odyssey is a modern family transporter because of its peaceful interior and innovative tech features, including an in-cabin camera that lets you watch the youngsters in the second and third rows. Because of its low load floor and square design, it has a lot of room to move stuff, but other competitors do it more efficiently. The two outboard seats in the second row each weigh 68 lbs (31 kg), so getting them out of the car requires a lot of strength. The Magic Slide seat mechanism is a barrier to cargo storage since it remains on the floor after removal.
Exterior Features
Honda's Odyssey is intriguing, proving that it is still one of the best minivans. Upgrades for 2021 include a revised grille and front bumper styling, new headlights with a redesigned arrangement, and black trim under the back window. The new blackout grille and chrome strip on the front end give it a more aggressive look, while the side profile is elegant. Standard wheels are 18 inches in diameter, but the larger 19-inch alloys on the top-of-the-line versions are a welcome touch. All models come standard with daytime running lights, fog lights, and LED headlights, with LED fog lights being added to the EX model and up. A power moonroof and power tailgate are standard on the EX, and EX-L trims, respectively, while power sliding doors are standard on the EX.
Standard Features
All Trims
- Climate Control
- Push-Button Start
- A Tilt-And-Telescoping Steering Column
- An Eight-Way Power-Adjustable Driver's Seat
- Four-Way Power-Adjustable Front Passenger Seat
- Honda Sensing
LX and Higher Trims
- A Tri-Zone Climate Control
- A Power Tailgate
- A 12-Way Power-Adjustable Driver's Seat
- Heated Front Seats
EX-L, Touring, and Elite
- Ambient Lighting
- A Navigation
- A Power Tailgate
- An Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Seatback Pockets
- Heating and Ventilation for the Front Seats
- A Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Infotainment Features
Base Trim
- 5-Inch Touchscreen
- Bluetooth connectivity
- A USB port
Higher Trims
- Apple Carplay
- Android Auto
- SiriusXM
- HD Radio
- 7-Speaker System (EX-L and Touring)
- 11-Speaker Premium Sound System (Elite)
- In-Car PA System, WI-Fi Hotspot Capabilities, an Advanced Rear-Seat Entertainment Setup (Touring)
Specs and Performance of the Honda Odyssey
Honda installed a 3.5L J35Y6 V6 engine for the Honda Odyssey, and this model delivers 280 hp (210 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) of torque at 4,700 rpm. This Honda Odyssey accelerates from 0-60 mph (97 kph) in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 111 mph (179 kph) and a curb weight of 4,574 lbs (2,075 kg). Honda manufactured the Odyssey model with a 10-speed automatic transmission with a front-wheel-drive (FWD) drivetrain.
Release Date
In January 2017, Honda released the latest generation of Odyssey at the 2017 North American International Auto Show.