Honda Odyssey History
Honda Odyssey History
Introduction
The Honda Odyssey was first introduced in 1994 in the wake of Japan’s recession of the early 1990s, allowing the Japanese automaker to quickly become a contender in the world of the minivan. Since its introduction, the Odyssey has continuously helped Honda become a household name across the globe with steady sales increases throughout the years.
Early History
When the Odyssey entered production at the Honda Sayama Factory in Sayama, Japan, it became the first minivan the Japanese carmaker had ever produced. With the third generation, Honda introduced its ACE body engineering, which it later used on the eighth generation Civic.
Recent History
While the first Odyssey was offered with only two trim levels—LX and EX—consumers now have five trim levels to choose from with the LX, EX, EX-L, the Touring, and the Touring Elite. The SE trim is also offered in Canada. As the fourth generation hits the market, Honda has upped its game with a “cool” box chilled by the air conditioning and a plethora of new technologies.
Honda Odyssey Fun Facts
- First minivan to ever earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ award
- Was based on the Honda Accord platform when first introduced
- Development for the Odyssey was publicly cancelled before it was ready for the market, but continued secretly underground. Designers told the public they were developing a “private jet” instead
- Was approved to be used in New York City as a taxi in 1996
- Received both Car and Driver’s “5 Best Trucks” and Consumer Reports’ “Top Pick Minivan” multiple times