Honda Odyssey Model History

Debuting in 1995, the Honda Odyssey satisfied the minivan-craving families of the 1990s. Four-wheel disc brakes, dual airbags, dual-zone climate control as well as unique ergonomic touches like a dual glovebox made the new minivan immediately popular. Unlike the other leading minivans from Chrysler and Ford, the 1995 Honda Odysseys rear passenger entry was achieved with hinged doors rather than a sliding door. Able to accommodate up to seven passengers, the 1998 model year Odyssey was powered by a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generating 150 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque. For 2000, the Honda Odyssey underwent a massive redevelopment to refine the minivan. Appearing more mature, the 2000 model year Odyssey added 13.6 inches to its overall length and dropped the hinged rear doors in favor of minivan-style dual sliding doors. Dropping the four-cylinder engine, the 2000 model year of the minivan received a 3.5-liter V-6 power unit. Generating 210 horsepower for 2000, the Honda Odysseys engine output was increased to 240 for the following model year. The interior of the new-generation Odyssey minivan would feature several clever storage solutions. Nine beverage holders, a retractable center tray table and a special coin holder were available inside the Honda Odyssey. Honda buyers of the 2000 model year minivan were also offered the option of a navigation system at a time the technology was still considered exotic. The Odyssey underwent another major design change for the 2005 model year featuring the integration of the ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure for added occupant protection. The 2005 Odyssey also presented the introduction of Variable Cylinder Management to higher-trimmed models. A fourth-generation redesign of the Honda Odyssey in 2011 featured a wider appearance and power from an engine producing 248 horsepower. For 2014, all models of the Odyssey came standard equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. In addition, innovative built-in vacuum cleaner was introduced in the Touring Elite version of minivan.