HONDA’s third-generation Odyssey claims to set new a precedent in people-mover design by negating the inherent compromise between the ability to transport seven humans in comfort and to offer car-like performance. There’s no doubt the all-new Odyssey, with a far lower centre of gravity and greater interior space (despite being only slightly taller than a Jazz), sets new dynamic benchmarks for the increasingly competitive people-mover market. And its slinkier new shape should attract more wagon-oriented buyers. But Odyssey III’s trumpcard - despite the lack of a V6 engine option - is its $7000-plus price drop, which makes the base model one of the most affordable seven-seaters available.
Honda Odyssey
Released: March 2000
Ended: June 2004
Family Tree: OdysseyHONDA'S original Odyssey people-mover was released in Australia in June 1995 as a six-seater and in March 1996 as a seven-seater, both with a 104kW/196Nm four-cylinder. January 1998 saw the 2.156-litre engine grow to 2254cc, offering 110kW/209Nm, but the all-new Odyssey's most direct predecessor is the second-generation model launched here at the 2000 Melbourne motor show. Despite the addition of variable valve timing the new engine produced less torque (110kW/206Nm), though the newly introduced V6L compensated somewhat with its 154kW/270Nm output. The Gen II Odyssey received a minor cosmetic upgrade in February 2002, before making way for the Gen III in June 2004.
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