What is the Honda Odyssey?

[DeKeegan]

Odyssey is a mid-size MPV launched by Japanese automaker Honda. In China, it is produced in collaboration with GAC Group and is known as the GAC Honda Odyssey. Taking the 2021 Odyssey as an example, it is an MPV with the following dimensions: length 4847mm, width 1820mm, height 1702mm, wheelbase 2900mm, and curb weight 1822kg. The 2021 Odyssey features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. It is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine delivering a maximum horsepower of 146PS, maximum torque of 175Nm, and maximum power of 107kW, paired with an electronic continuously variable transmission.

[LaReed]

I've had an Odyssey at home for four years and find it incredibly practical. The space is so huge that it can fit two child safety seats plus a pile of picnic gear, and the kids can fool around in the back without feeling cramped. Every time we take my parents out on trips back to our hometown, they love the second-row independent seats that resemble first-class airline seats, complete with adjustable leg rests. The car's low ground clearance makes it especially easy for elderly people to get in and out—Honda really has family needs figured out. Driving in the city, the fuel consumption is just over 8 liters per 100 km, though tire noise gets a bit loud at speeds over 120 km/h on the highway. Recently, I saw that the new hybrid version has a range of over 1,000 km, and I'm considering trading up. If there's a downside, it's that the trunk is a bit smaller than the Highlander's, but it's more than sufficient for daily use.

[JakeAnn]

The test drive of the Odyssey Hybrid left a deep impression on me. Its surprisingly light steering feel is rare among MPVs. Starting with the electric motor is exceptionally quiet, and there's no transmission jerk in traffic like traditional MPVs. The front-end design looks much younger than the previous model, with the winged LED headlights and chrome accents adding a touch of sophistication. The Magic Seat system in the center console is particularly clever—my wife's bag and tablet all found their dedicated spots. The automatic parking feature is newbie-friendly, though the brake pedal feels a bit soft. This car perfectly blends homely comfort with refinement, especially the electric sliding doors that save you from the hassle of pulling doors open on rainy days.

[VanEthan]

Having learned about the Odyssey's evolution, the changes from the first generation in the 1990s to the current fifth generation are truly remarkable. Initially equipped with a 2.2L diesel engine targeting the Japanese market, it only gained popularity in China after switching to a 2.4L gasoline engine in 2002. The current mainstay is a 2.0L hybrid system paired with an ECVT transmission, offering smooth operation and fuel efficiency. The body structure is quite unique, featuring a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension, which sacrifices some vibration damping but achieves an ultra-low floor height. A standout feature is the Magic Slide Doors, allowing doors to open with a hand gesture in the air, though reliability issues with power doors should be noted. Space utilization is Honda's forte, with the third row capable of folding completely into the floor for practicality. In terms of resale value, it retains about 70% after three years.