Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Honda's Odyssey is now 20 years old!

The Honda Odyssey first launched in the 20th of October, 1994, to the Japanese market and sold worldwide a few moments later. During the days of the Japanese economic crisis in the 90's, when the government imposed severe constraints on the vehicle's size and overall concept, the Odyssey is made to be a smaller minivan that was well received in its home market. 2014 marks the Honda Odyssey's 20th birthday and lets check out five generations of Honda Odyssey in honor of its 20th anniversary.

1st generation/RA1-RA5 (1994-1999) - The first generation was more of a taller estate wagon rather than the minivan when it was launched in the 20th of October, 1994, and it was offered with either a 2.2L or a 2.3L VTEC engine while mated with a 4-speed gearbox. In October 1997, the Prestige version was offered and it's powered by a 3.0L V6 engine developing a measly 200HP of power.

1st-generation Odyssey (1994-1999)

2nd generation/RA6-RA9 (1999-2003) - Right before the rise of Y2K, the Honda Odyssey has been regenerated for its 2nd generation and for this generation, this is nothing more of an updated version of the first on but it's 85mm longer and 10mm wider than the previous model. The engine choices were a 2.3L 4-cylinder engine and the 3.0L V6 engine now producing 210HP of power output. Available transmission types were either a 4-speed or a 5-speed AT. There's even a flagship Absolute model introduced as well,

2nd-generation Odyssey (1999-2003)

3rd-generation (2003-2008)/RB1-RB2 - The 3rd generation Odyssey is now more sleeker and more dynamic than the last model. Introduced in autumn 2003, it was the first time this generation features cruise control. The V6 engine was thrown away and it's offered only with a 2.4L engine where in the Absolute model produces 200PS of power. Aside from the 5-speed automatic available for 4WD models, it was the first time this generation is equipped with the CVT gearbox for fuel efficiency purposes.

3rd-generation Odyssey (2003-2008)

4th-generation/RB3-RB4 (2008-2013) - While essentially an improved version of the last model, the fourth-generation Odyssey is all about being a stylish family mover in all the right places. Although the CVT is now the only gearbox available, the 4th generation Odyssey is powered by a K24A (four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC) engine that produces a power output of 127kW(173PS)/6,000rpm, torque output of 222Nm(22.6kg-m)/4,300rpm, and fuel economy of 13.2km/L based on Japan's 10-15 Mode Scale. The Odyssey Absolute uses the same K24A engine but produces a power output of 151kW(206PS)/7,000rpm, torque output of 232Nm(23.7kg-m)/4,300rpm, and fuel economy of 11.4km/L. Most FF models come with a CVT while 4WD models come with a 5-speed Automatic Transmission. Both the Odyssey Absolute and the Odyssey Absolute 4WD come with a flappy-paddle 5-speed AT as well.

4th-generation Odyssey (2008-2013)
5th-generation/RC1-RC2 (2013-onwards) - Launched last year, the fifth-generation Odyssey has now been transformed from once a target against the Wish and Premacy into a flagship minivan which targets against the Nissan Elgrand and the Toyota Alphard. Even though it's bigger than the predecessors, the new model is the first ever Odyssey to feature dual-sliding doors. It features a brand new 2.4L i-VTEC engine made under the EARTH DREAMS TECHNOLOGY banner and for the Absolute model, which is the top-of-the-line model for the new Odyssey, it promises class-leading fuel economy of 14.0km/L in JC08 Mode standards.

5th-generation Odyssey (2013-present)

In celebration of the Honda Odyssey's 20th anniversary, they've launched a special edition model based on the flagship Absolute model. For the special edition model, it features Berlina Black-colored opening front grille, fog light ring, black chrome rear emblem, 20th anniversary emblems on the sides, special 17-inch aluminum wheels, special color combination sheet on the insides (prime x smooth fabric), and a special violet-colored lighting meter.

Honda Odyssey Absolute 20th Anniversary

The special edition model starts at 3,356,400 Japanese Yen (around $34,000).

1 comment:

CarsallPrices said...

Honda Odyssey great car