- Refined and responsive 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine
- Excellent ride/handling balance
- Spacious interior
- High standard of interior fit and finish
- Limited access to third row seats
- Steering is slow around centre and lacks feel
- Driver’s seat lacks under-thigh support
- Temporary spare tyre
Overview
Released in March 2000, the Honda RA6 and RA8 Odyssey were front-wheel drive people movers. Manufactured in Sayama, Japan, the RA6 Odyssey was powered by a 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and had seven seats; the RA8 Odyssey, however, was powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and had six seats. The Odyssey range initially consisted of an unnamed, entry-level variant and the V6-L; in 2003, the range was expanded with a ‘V6’ variant. The full range is given in the table below.
F23A and J30A engines
The 2.3-litre F23A and 3.0-litre J30A engines both had single overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and Honda’s Honda’s VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system which consisted of two camshaft profiles for low and high engine speeds. The four-speed automatic transmission also featured Grade Logic Control which could adjust the shift schedule according to whether the vehicle was on an ascent or descent.
Dimensions and body
Compared to their RA1/RA3 predecessors, the RA6/RA8 Odyssey was 95 mm longer (at 4845 mm), 10 mm wider (1800 mm), and10 mm lower (1630 mm), though wheelbase length was unchanged at 2830 mm. The bodies for the RA6 and RA8 Odyssey also benefited from additional reinforcements, including front strut tower bars and further strengthening of cross members at the rear suspension’s mounting locations.
Suspension
The RA6 and RA8 Odyssey had double wishbone suspension front and rear.
| Years | Engine | Trans. | Seats | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey | 2000-04 | 2.3-litre petrol I4 (RA6) | 4sp auto | 7 (2-3-2) | 110 kW at 5800 rpm | 206 Nm at 4800 rpm |
| Odyssey V6-L | 2000-04 | 3.0-litre petrol V6 (RA8) | 5sp auto | 6 (2-2-2) | 154 kW at 5800 rpm | 270 Nm at 5000 rpm |
| Odyssey V6 | 2003-04 |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the RA6 and RA8 Odyssey included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelt pretensioners.
Features: Odyssey, V6 and V6-L
Standard features for the RA6 and RA8 Odyssey included 16-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system, dual zone air conditioning, a power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, front fog lights, remote central locking, power mirrors and power windows, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser. Inside, the third row of seats could be folded and stored under the floor to expand luggage space.
Beyond this, the V6 variant was fitted with a CD player and leather-wrapped steering wheel; the V6-L was further equipped with a six-stack CD player and leather seats.
February 2002: Odyssey update
In February 2002, the RA6/RA8 Odyssey range underwent a minor update, with the entry-level Odyssey fitted with a single CD player. Visually, these updated models were distinguished by their revised front and rear bumpers, door mirrors, rear number plate surround and body-coloured side mouldings. Inside, the cloth seat materials were also upgraded.
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