Honda Odyssey is one of the best representatives of mid-size Japanese minivans. The model was developed based on the Accord sedan. Due to this, the car received excellent handling and a roomy body that allows you to install 3 rows of seats and simultaneously carry 6 passengers. The product was notable for unusual body height, not typical for station wagons, minivans and sedans. When creating the Honda Odyssey, the priority for the manufacturer was solidity and comfort. The car represented the M-segment.

The model debuted on the market in 1994. Honda Odyssey came to Russia after 3 years. Here it was sold under the name Honda Shuttle. For several years, the car was available exclusively in a 7-seater version with a 2.2-liter unit. Since 1999, there were additional configuration models. This minivan was not very popular in Russia (as in Europe).

Competitors of the model were considered Toyota Estima and Mazda MPV cars.

Generation 1

The basis for the first generation Honda Odyssey was the body of the Accord. The minivan received 4 doors and a tailgate. Seats were arranged in 3 rows. If necessary, the last seats could be removed under the floor to increase comfort in the cabin. Inside was also a spare a Best Tires for Honda Odyssey, closed with a special cover.

4587561_Honda Odyssey_1A distinctive feature of the model was the transmission. Honda Odyssey was equipped exclusively with a 4-speed “automatic”. The minivan was characterized by energy-intensive suspension, a low center of mass and good steering. Similar properties endowed the model with sporting opportunities.

The car had a relatively small height and considerable width. It was produced in all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive Honda Odyssey lacked a drive shaft tunnel. A similar feature provided a flat floor.

In Europe and Russia, the model was known as the Honda Shuttle. However, the first generation of the Japanese minivan was not popular. Among its design features, the lack of a tachometer and the appearance of an automatic transmission control lever on the steering column should be highlighted.

Dimensions (1994 – 1999), tire pressure and drill
The model in the domestic market was available exclusively in versions with a 2.2-liter gasoline engine. The minivan had the following characteristics:

5.5J wheels on 14 ET45 (5.5 – width in inches, 14 – diameter in inches, 45 – positive offset in mm), tires – 205 / 65R15 (205 – tire width in mm, 65 – profile height in%, 15 – rim diameter in inches);
PCD (drilling) – 5 on 114.3 (5 – the number of holes, 114.3 – the diameter of the circle on which they are in mm);
fasteners – M12 by 1.5 (12 – stud diameter in mm, 1.5 – thread size);
the diameter of the central hole is 64.1 mm.
The last three parameters were the same for all generations of the minivan.

Generation 2

4587561_Honda Odyssey_2In 1999, Honda introduced the second generation model of the Odyssey. She became the continuation of the first generation, which went through a deep modernization. The body received 4 hinged doors and rear “gates”. The cabin housed 6 or 7 seats installed in 3 rows. The model was still offered in all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.

In 2001, the product experienced a second restyling. This time the changes were not so serious. The Japanese auto giant also introduced an understated version of the Absolute, which made the minivan close to European models in driving performance.

Among other innovations were listed:

xenon headlights;
dual climate control (rear and front);
transparent hatch.
In this case, the design with the rear of the glass roof disappeared. The trim quality of the Honda Odyssey has been improved. Also, the middle-row transformation mechanism was modernized, making the process easier. A special niche was made for the spare wheel. As a result, the floor became uneven, which was not very convenient.

On-board electronics are almost completely changed. The model was equipped with a single transmission control unit and motor, an upgraded wiper control unit, a peripheral control unit and OBD-II diagnostics. ABS is fully integrated into the brake system. In addition to the 4-speed “automatic” appeared a 5-speed “automatic”, characterized by increased reliability.

Generation 3

Production of the 3rd generation Honda Odyssey started in 2003. A significant design update has positively affected the popularity of the model. She finally managed to gain a foothold in the European and Russian markets. This generation of minivans was developed on an advanced platform, also taken as the basis for the new Accord.

4587561_Honda Odyssey_3The product was equipped with 7 seats, located in 3 rows, and had rear “gates” and swing doors. The height of the model, taking into account new market demands, was reduced to 1550 mm, which facilitated the parking process. To maintain comfort, the car maker had to use a unique technology that lowers the floor. A similar trick was previously used in the Honda Fit. The minivan suspension has been updated, making it more compact and more durable. The last seats began to clean under the floor automatically.

Honda specialists have worked on the design. Appearance Odysseus has become more aggressive and athletic. Consumers were also offered a sports version of Absolute. The minivan was available in all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. The first option was equipped only with a 5-speed automatic transmission, the second – CVT.

Sizes (2003 – 2008)
Honda Odyssey had two powertrain options: a 2.3-liter inline single-shaft engine or a 3-liter twin-shaft unit. For all performances, the following features were characteristic:

disks – 6.5J on 16 ET55, tires – 215 / 60R16;
disks – 7J on 17 ET51, tires – 215 / 55R17.

Generation 4

4587561_Honda Odyssey_44th generation Odyssey appeared after deep restyling of the previous version (the 2nd generation was built on the same principle). The Japanese brand improved the driving characteristics of the model, revised the design and added new features.

The minivan has acquired a 2-level dashboard with measuring instruments with 3D-backlight. System management (climate control, navigation, media) has become intuitive. At the same time, the steering wheel received adjustment in two directions, and the front seats – a unique moisture-resistant upholstery.

The bodywork of the Honda Odyssey has changed. Passengers in the third row of seats received additional space for their knees and legs. The minivan could still fit 7 people. The side seats belonging to the 2nd and 3rd row, shifted to the center so that passengers can look forward without much interference.

The list of equipment included:

• dynamic cruise control system, preventing the exit from the lane;
• assistants when leaving difficult intersections and when parking;
• exchange rate stability system.