Honda Odyssey Five Generations (1995-present)

Five generations across the entire run. 1st gen RA1-4 (1995-1998): Accord-platform-derived compact MPV with hinged side doors (no sliders) — Honda misjudged the US market briefly. 2.2L F22B6 I4 (140 hp / 145 lb-ft) 1995-1997, 2.3L F23A6 I4 (150 hp / 152 lb-ft) 1998. 4-speed automatic standard, FWD only. 7-passenger with fold-flat third row (industry-first). Built in Sayama, Japan. Sold also as Isuzu Oasis 1996-1999 (rebadged). 2nd gen RL1 (1999-2004): completely new larger US-market design specifically for North America, sliding doors (manual on LX, optional power on EX), 3.5L J35A1 SOHC V6 (210 hp / 229 lb-ft 1999-2001, 240 hp / 242 lb-ft 2002-2004), 4-speed automatic (1999-2001), 5-speed automatic (2002-2004 — first 5-speed in a Honda). Built at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama from late 1999. 3rd gen RL3 (2005-2010): refreshed bodywork, 3.5L J35 V6 (244-255 hp), 5-speed automatic, Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation introduced on Touring trim — runs on 3 or 4 cylinders at light loads to save fuel. 4th gen RL5 (2011-2017): bolder styling with 'lightning bolt' beltline, 3.5L J35 V6 (248-280 hp depending on year), 5-speed (2011-2013) then 6-speed (2014-2017) automatic, 8-passenger configurable seating, Cool Box (refrigerated console). 5th gen RL6 (2018-present): 3.5L J35 V6 (280 hp), 9-speed ZF automatic on lower trims (2018-2020) then 10-speed automatic on Touring/Elite, Magic Slide second-row seats (side-to-side reconfigurable), Cabin Watch (rear-seat camera), Cabin Talk (PA system to back rows), CabinVac (built-in vacuum with HEPA filter, removable canister), optional refrigerator, 8-inch infotainment (10.2-inch from 2024 refresh). 2021 mid-cycle facelift refreshed fascia. 2024 second mid-cycle refresh: updated front fascia with sportier grille, refreshed taillamps, new infotainment software. FWD only across all generations — no AWD option (vs Sienna). Built at Lincoln Alabama since 1999.