Honda Odyssey

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

Honda Odyssey
(1999-2004 Generation Shown)
Manufacturer	Honda
Production	1995-present
Class	Minivan
Layout	FF layout

The Honda Odyssey is a minivan / large MPV produced by the Japanese automaker Honda since 1995. Since model year 1999, the name was used on two related but distinct vehicles, with the larger Odyssey sold in North America market, while the smaller Odyssey sold in Japan and other world markets.

The larger North American Odyssey was sold in Japan as Honda LaGreat between 1999 and 2004. However, Honda has no plan to sell the smaller Odyssey in North America, despite its popularity when it was first introduced in 2003 Tokyo Auto Show.

North American Market

First generation (1995-1998)

First generation
Also called	Isuzu Oasis Honda Shuttle
Production	1995-1998
Assembly	Sayama, Japan
Engine(s)	2.2 L 140 hp ('95-'97)/2.3 L 150 hp ('98) I4
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	111.4 in (2830 mm)
Length	187.6 in (4765 mm) (1997-98) 187.2 in (4755 mm) (1995-96)
Width	70.6 in (1793 mm)
Height	64.6 in (1641 mm)
Related	Acura CL Acura TL Acura Vigor Honda Accord Isuzu Aska

The Odyssey was introduced in 1995 with four swing-open doors as on most sedans rather than the conventional sliding door design. 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. Built on the Accord platform and using a 4-cylinder engine like the Accord's, many critics thought the interior was too small for a minivan, and the engine underpowered despite a switch to a more powerful 2.3L VTEC I4 engine in 1998. Consumers agreed and the first generation Odyssey was not a sales success.

1995-1996 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 got from Honda the Odyssey and renamed it the Oasis. Honda got from Isuzu the Rodeo and renamed it the Passport. Acura got the Trooper and renamed it the SLX. The Odyssey and Oasis were used in New York City as taxi cabs.

The Odyssey was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 1995.

Second generation (1999-2004)

Second generation (North America)
Also called	Honda Lagreat (JDM)
Production	1999-2004
Assembly	Alliston, Ontario Lincoln, Alabama
Engine(s)	3.5 L V6 210 hp(99-01)240 hp(02-04)
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic (1999-2001) 5-speed automatic (2002-04)
Wheelbase	118.1 in (3000 mm)
Length	201.2 in (5110 mm)
Width	75.6 in (1920 mm)
Height	69.7 in (1770 mm) 68.5 in (1740 mm) (LX)
Related	Acura CL Acura MDX Acura TL Acura TSX Honda Accord Honda Pilot

The second generation Odyssey was an American version of a Japan-only introduced minivan called the Lagreat, which is now discontinued, and was introduced as a 1999 model. It was considerably larger than the car it replaced, and adopted the traditional American minivan format, with sliding rear doors instead of hinged ones, and a V6 engine instead of original four-cylinder one.

It also had two sliding doors standard, something many vans did not offer. The Odyssey kept the fold-into-the-floor rear seat, an innovation soon copied by nearly every other minivan manufacturer since. The redesign significantly increased sales. This van continued to receive upgrades, such as offering both VHS and DVD-based i-VES systems, a Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, introduced in 2000, which was a first for any minivan, and the 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, and rear disc brakes. The Odyssey remained unchanged for 2003 and 2004, before being replaced with the third-generation model.

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.

Transmission issues

Many owners reported transmission problems with their second generation Odyssey, and Honda ended up replacing many transmissions under warranty for free. The 4-speed automatic transmission in 1999 to 2001 models had very serious problems with transmission durability. Honda responded to the problems by extending the warranty on the transmission 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 introduced in 2002 was supposed to fix this, but general reliability of the transmission did not improve until 2004. The five-speed introduced in 2002 suffered early wear out and failure of the transmission's third clutch pack. This causes large amounts of clutch debris to migrate through the transmission and block flow of transmission fluid, caused slipping, poor or no shifts, or sudden down-shifts from 5th gear to 2nd gear. Under some conditions, the 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 clutch problem. The addition of a transmission cooler with the towing package does not help with transmission reliability but it was required for any towing, or the warranty would be voided. The optional towing package included coolers for power steering and transmission.

2003 models are also affected by this problem.

Third generation (2005-Present)

Third generation (North America)
Production	2005-present
Assembly	Lincoln, Alabama
Engine(s)	3.5 L V6 255 hp(05)244(06+)
Transmission(s)	5-speed automatic
Wheelbase	118.1 in (3000 mm)
Length	2005-07: 201.0 in (5105 mm) 2008-present: 202.1 in (5133 mm)
Width	77.1 in (1958 mm)
Height	70.0 in (1778 mm) 68.8 in (1747.5 mm) (LX)
Related	Acura MDX Acura TL Acura TSX Honda Accord Honda Pilot

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. It could be purchased with both navigation and rear entertainment systems, and the VHS-based i-VES system was dropped. There are four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring, a new model for the Odyssey lineup, incorporating features such as run-flat tires and power tailgate only on the Touring model. 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. 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 added on EX 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 EPA fuel economy ratings of 20/28 for the 2005 model year. (18/26 for non VCM equipped LX and EX models.) However, most drivers' milage is lower. These numbers were re-rated in 2007 using the EPA's new system, bringing numbers to 17/24 for VCM equipped models, and 16/23 for non VCM equipped models. Acceleration was slightly slower. Honda introduced the ACE body engineering which was later used on the eighth generation Civic, included side-curtain airbags and vehicle stability control in all models, and added a host of other features, 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.

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 for good reason. 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.

This Odyssey has not had the rampant transmission problems of the last generation, and 2005-2006 overall reliability has been average according to Consumer Reports. Problem areas include body integrity, body hardware, audio system, brakes and suspension according to Consumer Reports, April 2007. 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.

2008 Honda Odyssey

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 grill is now similar to that of the Accord and the taillights have been restyled. Also, Honda has announced that the backup camera, previously only included with navigation-equipped models, will be integrated into the rear-view mirror of the non-navigation EX-L, as well as 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.

Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and International Market

First Generation (1995-1998)

The first generation JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) Odyssey is the same as the North American version.

Second Generation (1999-2004)

Second generation (International)
Production	1999-2004
Assembly	Sayama, Japan
Engine(s)	2.3L I4 3.0L 201 hp (150 kW) VTEC V6
Transmission(s)	5-speed automatic
Related	Acura CL Acura MDX Acura TL Acura TSX Honda Accord Honda Pilot

In 2000, a new, larger "second generation" Odyssey appeared in Japan and Australia. However, this new Odyssey was actually a major upgrade of the first generation Odyssey, and not 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. The base model continued with a 2.3 L 4-cylinder engine, but the most major addition was an optional 3.0 L VTEC V6 engine producing 201 hp (154 kW). The 2000 Odyssey was the first Honda to receive a 5-speed automatic transmission, which also featured another first - a manual shift (semi-automatic) mode. The interior was completely new. The old automatic column shifter was moved to a unique central position on the dash. Digital climate controls replaced the old manual controls, and were situated below the audio system controls. Luxurious woodgrain trim appeared on all models, while V6-L models received leather for the first time. In January 2003, the Odyssey received a mild restyle. It received new, larger Honda emblems for the front and rear, clear-lens taillights (replacing amber), and a larger 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 that of 2000.

Third generation (2005-present)

Third generation (International)
Production	2005-present
Assembly	Sayama, Japan
Engine(s)	2.4L 160 PS (158 hp/118 kW) or 200 PS (197 hp/147 kW) I4
Transmission(s)	5-speed automatic
Wheelbase	111.4 in (2830 mm)
Length	2005-07: 188.2 in (4780 mm)
Width	2005-07: 72.0 in (1829 mm) 2008-present: 1800 mm (70.9 in)
Height	61.0 in (1549 mm)
Related	Acura MDX Acura TL Acura TSX Honda Accord Honda Pilot

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. The new Odyssey came with the Honda K24 engine, a 2.4 L unit producing 158 hp (118 kW); this is the same engine used in the CR-V and Accord. The V6 engine was dropped completely. Instead, a 197 hp (147 kW) variant of the K24 engine was adopted in the Absolute version, which is a sporty version. Moreover, this new engine has an equivalent fuel consumption of the old 2.2 engine. However, this has not stopped the new Odyssey from becoming a sales success. In Australia, the Odyssey achieved its best-ever sales year in 2005, and has outsold the Toyota Tarago for the first time. In fact, the 3.0 model in the pass generation only accounted for 15% of total sales.