Yahoo Autos Junkyard Gem: 1996 Honda Odyssey
Since 1999, we've known the Honda Odyssey as a well-over-two-ton rival to the equally bulky not-so-minivans made by its many competitors. For the 1995 through 1998 model years, however, the Odyssey was a nimble 3,400-pounder without sliding doors, designed with one eye on North America but also with Honda's home market in mind. Not many 1995-1998 Odysseys were sold in the United States, but I found this well-traveled example in a Northern California car graveyard recently.
This vehicle had more in common with earlier Japanese wagon-ish van models (e.g., the Mitsubishi Expo LRV and siblings, the Nissan Stanza Wagon and Honda Civic Wagovan) than with the Detroit minivans of the 1990s. Note the sedan-style four-door setup.
The space inside was used very efficiently, with three rows of seats providing comfortable spots for seven adults. In addition to gaining nearly 1,000 pounds of weight, the 1999 Odyssey was 14 inches longer and five inches wider than its predecessor… and fit the same number of occupants.
The 1995-1998 Odyssey was based on the Accord's platform and drove much like its slightly lighter relative.
