Honda RB1.I Odyssey (2004-06)

Overview

Released in June 2004, the Honda RB Series I (RB.I) Odyssey was a seven seat people mover. Manufactured in Sayama, Japan, the front-wheel drive Odyssey was powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The Odyssey was available in an unnamed, entry-level variant and a ‘Luxury’ variant with additional features.

K24A4 engine

The 2.4-litre K24A4 engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, roller rockers (to reduce friction) and Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) with Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC) which optimised intake valve timing in response to engine load. The five-speed automatic transmission featured with Grade Logic control – which could adjust the shift schedule according to whether the vehicle was on an ascent or descent – and a sequential shift function.

Body and dimensions

The RB1 Odyssey introduced a new low-floor platform with high strength, high tensile steel plate for all major body frame components. Compared to the RA6/RA8 Odyssey , the RB1 Odyssey was 65 mm shorter (at 4780 mm), the same width (1800 mm) and 80 mm lower (1550 mm); wheelbase length, however, was unchanged (2830 mm).

Suspension and steering

The RB1 Odyssey had double wishbone front suspension with A-shaped lower arms and ‘compact reactive link’ double wishbone rear suspension; the RB1 Odyssey also had variable gear ratio steering which provided greater assistance for low-speed manoeuvres.

Honda RB1.I Odyssey specifications
	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
Odyssey, Odyssey Luxury	2.4-litre petrol I4	5sp auto	118 kW at 5500 rpm	218 Nm at 4500 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the RB1.I Odyssey included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The Luxury was also fitted with full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for all three rows).

Brakes

The Odyssey had 300 mm ventilated front brake discs and 305 mm solid rear discs.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , the Odyssey – when equipped with curtain airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 27.5 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver, while there was also slight risk of serious head and chest injury; for the front passenger, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury. In the side impact test, however, the maximum score was attained.

Features: Odyssey and Odyssey Luxury

Standard features for the Odyssey included a four speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, 60/40 second row and 50/50 third row split and folding seats, a multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and power windows, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, alarm and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Odyssey Luxury added 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-stack CD player, leather seats, heated front seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, automatic headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power folding third-row seats, illuminated vanity mirrors and a power sunroof.