The Honda Odyssey II 3.5 i V6 LS (243 Hp) represents a significant evolution in Honda’s minivan offerings, produced from 1999 to 2004. This second-generation Odyssey, sold primarily in North America and select international markets, built upon the success of the original by offering increased space, improved refinement, and a more powerful engine option. The 3.5 i V6 LS trim sat towards the higher end of the Odyssey II lineup, offering a compelling blend of performance and features for families seeking a comfortable and capable minivan. It was part of the broader effort by Honda to establish itself as a leader in the minivan segment, competing directly with established players like the Dodge Caravan and Toyota Sienna.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Honda |
| Model | Odyssey |
| Generation | Odyssey II |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 i V6 LS (243 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1999 year |
| End of production | 2004 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg, 7.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg, 30.1 UK mpg, 10.6 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.2 kg/Hp, 122.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm, 164.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 243 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70 Hp/l |
| Torque | 328 Nm @ 4500 rpm (241.92 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | J35A |
| Engine displacement | 3471 cm3 (211.81 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.4 l (4.65 US qt | 3.87 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9.4 l (9.93 US qt | 8.27 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1990 kg (4387.2 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 914 l (32.28 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 4137 l (146.1 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Length | 5110 mm (201.18 in.) |
| Width | 1920 mm (75.59 in.) |
| Height | 1740 mm (68.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3000 mm (118.11 in.) |
| Front track | 1680 mm (66.14 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1680 mm (66.14 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/60 R16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Odyssey II 3.5 i V6 LS is the Honda J35A engine, a 3.5-liter, naturally aspirated V6. This engine is a member of Honda’s J-series family, known for its reliability and smooth power delivery. The J35A utilizes a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) cylinder head design with four valves per cylinder, and a multi-port fuel injection system. This configuration allowed for a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The engine produces 243 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 241.92 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. Paired with this engine is a 5-speed automatic transmission, designed to provide smooth and responsive shifting. This transmission was a key component in making the minivan easy to drive in a variety of conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.5L V6 and 5-speed automatic combination in the Odyssey II LS provided a noticeable improvement in performance compared to earlier Odyssey models or those equipped with the smaller 2.3L four-cylinder engine. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved in approximately 7.7 seconds, making it one of the quicker minivans of its time. The automatic transmission was tuned for comfort and ease of use, with gear ratios optimized for everyday driving. While not a sports car, the Odyssey II LS offered ample power for highway merging, passing maneuvers, and carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. The automatic transmission, while smooth, wasn’t particularly sporty, prioritizing fuel economy and a relaxed driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The LS trim level of the Odyssey II was considered a well-equipped variant. Standard features included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD player, and cloth upholstery. Optional extras often included a power sunroof, upgraded audio systems, leather upholstery, and rear-seat entertainment systems. The LS trim also typically featured alloy wheels and upgraded interior trim compared to the base LX model. Safety features such as anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard.
Chassis & Braking
The Odyssey II utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with independent double wishbone suspension at both the front and rear. This suspension setup provided a comfortable ride and decent handling characteristics for a minivan. The LS trim typically featured larger tires (225/60 R16) compared to lower trims. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, with ABS standard. The braking system was adequate for the vehicle’s weight and performance, providing confident stopping power in most situations.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Odyssey II 3.5 i V6 LS was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engine. Compared to the four-cylinder Odyssey models, the V6 offered a significant performance boost, making it a more appealing option for drivers who frequently carried passengers or cargo. However, some critics noted that the automatic transmission could feel somewhat sluggish at times. Fuel economy was respectable for a minivan of its size, averaging around 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Compared to competitors like the Dodge Caravan and Toyota Sienna, the Odyssey II offered a compelling combination of features, reliability, and driving dynamics.
Legacy
The Honda Odyssey II 3.5 i V6 LS has proven to be a reliable and durable minivan. The J35A engine is known for its longevity, and with proper maintenance, can easily exceed 200,000 miles. The 5-speed automatic transmission is also generally reliable, although some units may experience issues with the torque converter over time. Today, the Odyssey II remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly among families seeking an affordable and practical minivan. Its reputation for reliability and spaciousness continues to make it a desirable option, even two decades after its initial release.
