Honda LaGreat (RL1)
Overview
ManufacturerHonda
Also calledHonda Odyssey (North America)
Production1999–2005
AssemblyAlliston, Ontario, Canada
DesignerMitsuhiro Honda (1996)
Body and chassis
ClassMinivan
Body style5-door minivan
Powertrain
Engine3.5 L J35 V6
Transmission
  • 4-speed B7XA automatic (1999-01)
  • 5-speed BYBA automatic
(2002-04)
Dimensions
Wheelbase118.1 in (3,000 mm)
Length201.2 in (5,110 mm)
Width75.6 in (1,920 mm)
Height69.7 in (1,770 mm)
68.5 in (1,740 mm) (LX)
Chronology
PredecessorHonda Odyssey (RA1-RA5)
SuccessorHonda Elysion

The Honda LaGreat, known in some markets as the Honda RL1, is a passenger van produced by Japanese automaker Honda for the Japanese market. Produced in Alliston, Ontario, Canada, the LaGreat was a rebadged version of the second generation North American Odyssey. The LaGreat was announced in 1999 as a larger and more luxurious model than the existing Japanese Honda Odyssey. Production of the model continued until 2005, when it was succeeded by the Elysion.[1]

Background

Rear view

With the success of the existing Odyssey minivan, Honda elected to design a luxury medium-sized passenger carrier for the consumer market.[2][3] Honda marketed the LaGreat as an all-family vehicle, with abundant practicality and reliability.

The LaGreat was offered with a more powerful six-cylinder engine, which initially produced 210 horsepower and was later upgraded to produce 240. Additionally, Honda offered the option of seating eight adults, through a bench seat in both the middle and third rows. At the time, the LaGreat was one of the largest minivans available in Japan, rivaling the size of the Toyota Estima and Chrysler Grand Voyager. Leather seats were standard and a moonroof was optional on the top-end Exclusive variant.[4]

Technology

The Honda LaGreat was the first passenger van available with a navigation system and a rear DVD entertainment unit. Additionally, from 2002 to 2005, the LaGreat had optional fog lights and side curtain airbags.

Criticism

The LaGreat failed to meet Honda's expected sales figures, primarily due to the van's price.[5] Additionally, the van failed to appeal to the Japanese market base due to its larger size and the fact that its fuel economy was worse than the competition. The LaGreat was regarded as a luxury vehicle in Japan due to Japanese Government dimension regulations and road tax obligations Japanese owners had to pay every year. Honda sold luxury vehicles in Japan at Honda Clio dealerships.

References

  1. ↑ "Honda Lagreat (RL1) data catalogue". www.automobile-catalog.com. Archived from the original on 2012-03-29.
  2. ↑ "Honda Canada | Honda in Canada | Honda Canada Milestones - 1990-1999". Honda Canada. Archived from the original on 2017-12-14. Retrieved 2017-12-13.
  3. ↑ "Honda Worldwide | Products & Technology | Automobiles | History". World.honda.com. Archived from the original on 2009-09-03. Retrieved 2009-05-10.
  4. ↑ "Honda - Lagreat - Technical specifications, Fuel economy (consumption)". www.auto-data.net. Archived from the original on 2018-02-12.
  5. ↑ "Honda Odyssey US car sales figures". Archived from the original on 2017-06-16.
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