Get the Best Priced Honda Odyssey Parts

Honda introduced its version of the minivan in 1994 under the nameplate of Odyssey. This model also included one of the first fold into the floor seats that are standard on all vans these days. At the time Honda introduced the Odyssey, Japan was in the middle of a pretty severe recession. That helped guide Honda to develop the Odyssey with a slightly smaller body size than other minivans at the time. At that time, the "minivan" was going by the name multipurpose vehicle, or MPV. The smaller body style of the Odyssey was clearer something the public found useful and pleasing and the sales numbers for the van were impressive. Its sales in the US for the first three years was about 25,000 units per year. Although maybe not pre-planned, the smaller Odyssey also allowed Honda to base the Odyssey assembly line on the very popular and successful Accord, making production more efficient.

The second generation Honda Odyssey was introduced in 1998. This new model replaced the swinging doors with a sliding door, increased the overall size of the frame and interior, increased the horsepower by adding a new V6 engine. Handling and safety were improved with a simplified front strut suspension system. Another innovation was the very new and fancy technology known as the satellite navigation system. Honda seemed to hit the magic formula as sales skyrocketed in the US to 78,000 in 1998. In 2005, all these improvements and the Odyssey's very loyal owner base earned the Honda Odyssey top honors from Consumer Reports as minivan of the year. By 2008, the Odyssey was selling 175,000 units per year in the US.

Even though sales have remained high for the Odyssey, it has had a continuing blemish with its transmission. Starting around 1999, Honda Odyssey transmission problems like slipping between second and third gear or check engine light coming on started to be reported. Ultimately, this path led to transmission failure, several recalls and class action lawsuits. While there has not been a large scale recall of the Odyssey, the fact that Honda offers reduced cost for repair and replacement, as well as continued complaints, keeps the Odyssey from having a completely clean record from both operational and safety standpoints. But unfortunately, for most Odyssey owners, a Honda Odyssey parts diagram or Honda Odyssey parts list won't help with something as complex as the transmission.

The fourth generation of the Odyssey continues Honda's clean design and customer focused enhancements, some of which include split screen DVD players, voice control of many systems and maybe the most innovative enhancement, a self-contained vacuum cleaning system. Owners have a big list of Honda Odyssey accessories available. A 650 watt sound system should meet the most discriminating listener's needs and other less obvious enhancements such as a six speed automatic transmission promises to keep the Honda Odyssey at the top of the minivan mountain.