Is This The Coolest Minivan Ever Made? Japan’s Most Underrated (AND CHEAP) Honda

[@themikeyfrisco]

Pete: I don’t wanna touch this sock Also Pete: let me put this random JDM cigarette in my mouth! 😂

[@gregh9762]

14:25 odyssey was based on accord, stream based on civic, they were MPVs and no longer exist probably because of the declining market (eg birthrate). Smaller mpvs still survive, like freed and sienta (not sienna). 3rd row seat: fold the seat-back forward the way you did, then pull or roll the whole thing (including the seat-base) back towards the rear hatch. The whole 3rd row seat assembly will occupy the space above the spare wheel cover. It will reduce cargo height but you'll gain flat loading floor. 2nd row seat: roll the seat-base forward towards the front seat, then fold the seat back flat on the space that used to be seat-base (you need to remove headrest). Then unfold these floor cover at 17:57 to cover the gap, you'll have flat-ish cargo space. This is a MUST feature on jdm mpv because of car camping culture, as in actually sleeping in a car lying flat. EDIT: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r16kdGWgZdRljMUsi=XEDHWGGUiSdol1NO skip to 18:02

[@alienordic]

sadly, sienta is discontinued in my country :D .

[@casefc3s]

I stand by my stance that minivans are the ultimate DD. Comfortable, easy to drive, storage/people space. Can't beat it.

[@absentstars474]

Micro vans are even better.

[@ilovelimpfries]

It looks like a minivan but it's basically an accord wagon. It's based on the jdm accord chassis and shares many parts with the accord. Pretty easy to maintain and quite reliable actually.

[@carholic-sz3qv]

Yeah literally just like a much higher roof version of the estate/wagon! I see one of those almost everyday in my city I like the estate more than the sedan.

[@Buddyclub33]

Front end is 8th gen Civic all day

[@dirtyharrie]

I miss my Absolute like crazy. So excited for this build series!!!

[@kentandra14]

By the way, Oddyssey rb1 has optional recaro front bucket seat 😂

[@Simon-Jin]

The 3rd row actually can fold flat. After you put them down forward, theres another lever at the middle rear of the 3rd row. You pull it from the trunk, yank the strap, and the whole trunk floor becomes flat. Also the 2nd row lower cushions can be pulled out to allow a flatter surface when the seat backs are folded.

[@LeShiznit]

Came here for this, had one for a while and miss it. Mine had a button that folded the 3rd row flat electronically!

[@liam821]

That tps sensor 3:21 in, is called the ACC. It basically converts cable throttle to etrottle. So it has a dbw throttle body, but the gas pedal has a cable to that little box. Side note, these are awesome to convert an older car to etrottle since it’s stand alone and works with Haltech etc. Then you can use a modern Bosch dbw throttle body without having to use convert to an ethrottle pedal.

[@BRAINFxck10]

Civic Si minivan sheesh, waaay better than the soccer mom version we got

[@MrBluePoochyena]

Actually based on the European/Japanese 7th gen Accord Tourer (Wagon)

[@RJKYEG]

Cooler, yes. Better? Not for moving the family around.

[@MrBluePoochyena]

@@RJKYEG A Wagon is all you need for a family. More practicality than what 80% of all families will ever need.

[@kevinharris-charles4066]

😮

[@Simon-Jin]

Finally some content on JDM Odysseys!!! I "absolutely" loved my family's RB1 back in China. It had a proper AT trans instead of CVT as well.

[@NissanSkyline901]

I can't look at these Odysseys and not be reminded of the early 2010s when people were swapping Odyssey front headlights onto S13s and S14s AKA the Odyvia conversion.

[@DangerAngelous]

In Australia my mum used to have an RA6 Odyssey when I was growing up, and now she has an RB3 Odyssey, love the hell out of both of them

[@RyuMoto]

"JDM Lettering" is just Japanese guys 😂

[@TML34]

It’s extra Japanese. 😅

[@BrodeyDoverosx]

DEAD

[@robertosalasjr]

😭😭

[@JJJCHEVY]

One note on the rear seats folding. You can left the seat bottom and tilt it forward. Then the back can go down further and the flip out back panels make more sense.

[@mrnicktoyou]

My wife has this car here in Australia and our engines only have 158hp and FWD only. It's the most gutless car, around town it really lacks torque. But, I love how practical and comfortable it is. And the back seats fold into the floor in our car, the middle seats bases fold forward and you get a flat space. It's a very good car overall.

[@rhysrhysrhys]

I have one as my daily here in Australia and the only complaint is the (lack of) power. So damn comfortable and a great place to be, especially with the tan leather.

[@a_Fax_Machine]

I've been watching your guys for the last few videos. To me, you guys are like the Canadian Mighty Car Mods. I'm loving the content! Keep it up

[@cs2294]

They're way better than Mighty car mods come on. They actually do tasteful stuff on here

[@BrodeyDoverosx]

They’re also way better drivers. They’ve been racing on tracks for decades.

[@silverbulletS197]

This minivan is SO unique! I love how it's an AWD K-series vehicle! I would drive that and rev up to ppl in it! Can't wait to see this journey! Nice choice guys!

[@lovelyandbex]

I love how it's not a minivan at all! It is a really fantastic wagon though!

[@trashyspeeds266]

​@@lovelyandbex in terms of north American standards, definitely not a minivan... but im sure else where it is classed as one!

[@kevincarpenter561]

Hi Brian, my wife and I imported a 1996 WRX and a 2002 Legacy GTB wagon from B-Pro. Might have to replace them next year as the KMs are getting up there. Many parts can be sourced locally if you can find an online shop manual with part numbers. Getting ecu codes read can be difficult though. Also find insurance before attempting to import so there are no surprises. Many insurance companies will no cover a JDM vehicle. So many cool JDM vehicles available to import that are not sports cars. Maybe get a fire truck? They look like Tonka trucks and they have very low kms on them, fire truck build!

[@themikeyfrisco]

I’ve been excited about a lot of projects over the years but I think I’ve never been more excited about one than this! Absolutely love Absolute RB2s and I’m so sad/mad we didn’t get them here in the states.

[@lovelyandbex]

My wife and I have a purple 2003 RB2 Absolute and we absolutely love it!!! Best wagon and most fun family car we've ever had!

[@MrDreame]

It’s like you guys are in my MIND , been eyeing this exactly model through B pro as well . Super pumped to watch this build Absolute prices about to go up lol

[@thai6670]

this give me so much fa5 8th civic vibe, front headlight looks really similar to the civic headlight layout. the oem visor looks almost idential to the oem visor on the civic. the wheels are basically hfp civic wheels also

[@elliottb7009]

you are correct, that is the TPS sensor. a cable runs from the pedal to the senor in the engine bay. keep this in mind when you guys do engine swap or ecu swaps so you can go E- throttle while keeping the stock pedal. use this sensor. ( mount it anywhere)

[@ChinitFxt]

The fact he put a random cigarette in his mouth but doesn’t want to touch a sock lol

[@ef7andapp170]

Rear Seat info from a fellow RB2 owner: Middle row will fold a bit flatter than @16:18. Pull up on the fwd edge of the cushions and flip-flop the Seat bottoms forward, then fold your headrests down, then recline the seat back to the fwd position. 3rd row: if you remove the sidewall liners, there are 4 bolts that hold that entire Seat assy in place. It weighs a TON! It also will fold flat into the floor if you removed that sub/Amp.

[@stephenbouck]

Who doesnt love a freaking minivan im all for this!!!! id love to see a big build series on this

[@Willdrknght]

Love these vans ! Valved exhaust and a super charger kit 😂 you got to do it !

[@natemeanor4247]

this is so cool. front end is almost 2nd gen insight and 2nd gen TSX? excited for this build!

[@pursk8erboy]

The box is the DBW module for Hondas with early versions of Drive By Wire. They did the same box for the 06-09 S2000. If you take the cap off, it’s just the spool for the throttle cable underneath.

[@kc550]

That collapsing center console is reminiscent of my wife's old second gen CRV. That thing rocked. Even had a folding table that was stowed beneath the trunk liner. Would've made for an affordable little overlanding vehicle. Loving this series boys!

[@Darkslide2AR-FE]

I think you can find an aftermarket exhaust that might be slightly louder but not be annoyingly loud. The Invidia Q300 is an example would be ideal for your wants, but of course this is a Japanese car so may have to just create your own exhaust.

[@ormondjosh]

Hear me out. Minivans are the perfect candidate for mods. The OG spirit of modding your car was all about modding what you had. You didn't have a daily driver and then a crazy Liberty Walk project car on the side. You had a daily that was kinda sorta sporty and then you bought every cool bit you could scrounge up on eBay and sent it with a few self-tappers, some drinks, and a dream. Minivans are the ultimate "run what you brung" platform. And the Odyssey (any gen really) is the perfect platform. Let's normalize modding these beasts because one: they're cool AF, and two: so are you.

[@acevedohiram]

Haha the absolute is the one I got my k24a out of for the RSX. Super cool!

[@B16A5_EK4]

*RBB-3?*

[@acevedohiram]

@@B16A5_EK4 yes

[@jermainrmartinez4689]

I just bought a 1997 Honda Orthia 2.0GX wagon (FWD/B20-Auto) back in March, here in TX. It has 93km on the odometer... The FIRST thing that NEEDED to be replaced was the exhaust muffler asap! The Japanese salt roads can be brutal on the oem piping. Since the wagon came with a (RD1) 1st Gen CR-V rear subframe (Orthia/Partner wagons come an AWD tunnel ready😉) I ended up using an aftermarket muffler a '98-02 Accord 4cyl. The Odyssey you guys picked up looks great for sure!

[@thekorean12]

I saw a tastefully modded one of these in Tokyo last year and I just assumed Absolute was the model name of a car we never got in the states... My mind was blown when I realized it was an Odyssey. These look so good!

[@dubon.johnathan]

As many imperfections our Hondas will have as we piece them together, unknowingly we’re creating a work of art to be admired by many. I’m glad in some way that the frequency of videos has lessen because the quality is top tier. Can’t wait to see what’s next 🤙🏼

[@bretfoy4710]

Definitely want to see an exhaust I agree loud is not a good route but a good deep tone would really do it justice!!!

[@brandonwebb4574]

I really like the wheels and seats, very cool!

[@ConiferConnoisseur]

I would drive it! Excited to see what y’all do!

[@bandwagon240]

Siennas also have a center console that folds down like that. Kinda cool, kinda weird. Maybe a whipple style blower would be the answer for more low-end punch and ease of installation?

[@Meaty97]

The “cruise box” is for the drive by wire. Uses an e throttle but then a cable to actuate the throttle body

[@MikeMr305]

i just bought a 2013 mazda 5 manual trans minivan because of how rare and obscure they seem to be. ive been struggling to fix it up since it has 150k miles on it, but im nearly done. definitely excited to daily it. needs alot of body work but its surprisingly mechanicly healthy.

[@hk20000]

SA is doing JDM quirks and features. 10 years before American KZbinrs can get a hold of these cars. 🎉

[@L15B7EK]

That TPS is an accelerator pedal position sensor running off the throttle cable, to drive the electric throttle body. I use this in my EK to run the L15B throttle body.

[@christopheraustin918]

I remember seeing what I think was the first Odyssey tuner car in super street magazine back in the early 2000s. It was white with 19s, twin turbo setup, had custom extended and widened civic aero too I believe. Basically looked like a bigger civic tuner and I loved it.

[@JDM_DAISUKI]

The answer is a big YES

[@GleepGlop2]

That is such a cool car, I love the quirky Hondas that never came across the pond. I'll probably import one for my next car mainly to get a rust-free car with some JDM quirkiness as a bonus!

[@mikewoo7999]

I would like to see you take all the Japanese electronics out. Put in USDM parts so you can access AM/FM radio as well as Android auto/apple car play. Use it like intended. Get kids in there and get it dirty. See how it fares compared to a USDM Odyssey of similar year. Last is replace parts. See what the process is really like.

[@Savorychicken41]

The sliding door is the best thing about minivans if you have a bunch of kids. No worries about them door dinging cars. Wish this car had some small sliding doors, that would be hilarious.

[@thenewcraft5582]

Always thought this body style Odyssey was cool! I probably would have bought one years ago for a daily driver if they were ever sold in the US. Definitely more of a wagon than a minivan without the sliding doors. Can't wait to see what you guys do with it. Can't even import and register a first year model for 4 more years.

[@DiogoDC123]

looks like an 8th gen wagon with some fk2 type R mixed into it

[@iM3M0]

Airbags and cool wheels is all that is needed :)

[@gabaquino]

Cant wait for the build

[@PANTYEATR1]

5:56 Brian has a little Christopher Reeves going on 👀💪 at 24:49 - it needs a turbo... Not just for speed, but for it to be able to get out of it's own way when you add passengers and cargo. For the exhaust, i always try to build it with the same amount of mufflers it came with, just free flowing units. 💪🏆

[@brandonismyname4]

Dang, I called it right when you teased it months ago. I lived in one of these bad boys for 6 months in New Zealand.

[@BProJDM]

It is definitely one of the coolest!

[@JJJCHEVY]

Gearhead Syndrome did a long format interview with Brian at B-Pro. Good guy

[@pjkf01]

This is exactly what I am looking for. Just gotta wait a few more years in the states.

[@craigveenstra]

Oh gosh! Nice vehicle! Let me know if it's for sale after you guys are done with it. My 09 Civic SI is on it's way out.

[@lavachemist]

My ex-wife's mother had one of these. Around 15 years ago I rode around Tokyo in an Odyssey just like this. It was even the same color!

[@trashyspeeds266]

Could u imagine if this was that very van 😯

[@jacksonduval4995]

I had to look up Carrozzeria. It's just pioneer

[@snakeon]

I have the same odyssey absolute, but RB1, nice space and good handling car

[@jeremymontes9872]

No sliding door… not a minivan! Though that is one kick ass wagon!!!

[@jp2246]

Yes, definitely cool! Wheels, proper stance, engine mods for 20 + HP

[@aaronwhalley2724]

I own a k24 Honda Elysion, I think there thw bigger version of the oddessy. Same colour as that one. I'm looking forward to seeing what mods you choose. Great videos as always 👌

[@Ejiokpa16]

The first startup sound is for the etc card that’s not connected. Most of the cars here in Japan have them integrated. These vans are pretty dope! They do watch tv while driving which is crazy to me 😅.

[@s13Marino]

The tracks that were on the window were specifically for curtains. Companies like junction produce made actual fabric curtains for VIP styled cars. They slide sideways on those tracks.

[@peterkalos6271]

You guys in Canada get all the cool stuff with your “15 year import rule”!!! I want that van so bad, but not legal for 5 more years

[@markmorris6325]

The 3rd row seats flip over into the space where they had the sub woofer, the flaps on the 2nd row then fold back to bridge the gap to give you a flat floor.

[@au_eg8168]

used to own an non Absolute model in Sydney. was running with Ohlins DFV coilover and able to track it as well.

[@rickyho2140]

3rd row flips back and folds flat where the sub was to make a flat rear floor along with those flaps from 2nd row

[@ivaniliev5682]

The rear most seat fold into the back. There is a handle once they are folded over, flip them backwards and then you get the backs of the other seats to come over the top to make the floor flat

[@danymunoz1123]

Looks like a cool family car,I would keep it simple intake,cool but quiet exhaust,sporty suspension and some cool rims sounds about right

[@mastercricket7626]

Man, i need one of these .... i have a wife and 2 kids ... this would be dope af with a manual trans and still awd .. that would just be cool af , and would help keep the tuner aspect of it ... peace and love all, keep it rad, stay safe, and build on..l8r famz and keep having fun guys

[@Hunac-Ceel]

so cool i love it 😍

[@dumbestoyster]

There's a guy running around my area of town in Calgary, that has one of those. Its lowered & has aerodiscs on the front, looks pretty cool

[@raines48]

The box with the plug and throttle cable going to it is the accelerator sensor. Similar to how the tsx dbw works.

[@misawajason]

The third row seats fold backwards as well, making the rear section absolutely flat. In my RB2 (non absoloute version), I had a switch on the left side that folded the third row electrically.

[@jamesk1989]

I’ve watched every single video since I started watching the asss2000 and will support indefinitely but I will be honest, I wouldn’t waist too much time on this car with footage to be honest, I’d focus on what you guys did since the beginning and that is building track builds. This video is a bit slow pace and reviewing a mini van. Honestly this might be good for your second channel but I don’t think it’s worthy for your main channel

[@VS666]

Hey guys, long time subscriber and huge fan. I love this new buy, very unexpected!!! I have vans for my business and this has me very interested, would you mind measuring the distance available from the back of the front seats to the back door?

[@speedacademy]

Shoot me an email, and I’ll do that. [e-mail]

[@zaidkidwai7831]

That’s legit dope

[@Busydadgarage717]

This van is AWESOME! Lowered, intake, maybe a better flowing quiet exhaust to gain back some of that lost power?

[@jaynuck]

Babe wake up! The boys episode dropped! Babe wake up! I’m importing a minivan!

[@TypeVertigo]

Used to see these zipping around quite a bit while vacationing in Singapore in the 2010s, alongside its smaller brother the Stream. Always thought these low-slung Odysseys were cool. I want to see what you had in mind for this unit. The gen2 Streams were also pretty nice and definitely had more of an Odyssey look to them than the more awkward looking gen1s. For reference, I think the US-market Odysseys were called LaGreats in Japan.

[@uknterror508]

Do a similar build to the flexus. Bolt-ons and Supercharger (not sure what the autos can hold but I know it isnt much). Explore a comfort style suspension setup (maybe airbags), finish it off with some VIP inspired wheels

[@christheguy5554]

They have some cool Vans in Japan 🇯🇵 I own a 2004 RF-5 Honda Stepwgn spada s stock areo with the k20 160hp dohc 16 valve motor 98,000km on it. Lowered on tein coils and white FD2 wheels. Weekend cars in my garage are a DC5r and Fk8. 45 years old now with a family, grinding away since I was 16 and it’s paying off now big time. Looking forward to 2025 in Canada, hope it’s a year of positive change.

[@marvinpascual5409]

JRSC/CT Engineering supercharger Don’t you guys have something lying around from the FD2?

[@rosodigital]

That sensor is a remote throttle actuator. It was the precursor to drive by wire.

[@muscle_car_guy2338]

It definitely needs more induction noise for sure. Exhaust wise for me I would do the down pipe just for the better air flow and then leave the rest. Just change the intake manifold and pipe and then the down pipe and then a tune. And if it’s still not satisfying enough change the cams. Apart from that leave it be.

[@Danielism]

Really would love to see the first gen JDM 23s or 23c AWD Mazda6 wagon as a competitor to the Odyssey as a build shoot out

[@mbchagas]

You can flip the bottom part of the second row to the front. 3rd row you can flip it backwards.

[@kristiang.5237]

The exhaust system looks very similar to a first gen 04-08 TSX. The HKS SILENT Hi Power exhaust for the TSX is extremely quiet and I bet easily modified to fit you van 👍🏼

[@Driftmonkey]

My mate has a mugen kitted RB1 with the factory recaro's. Cool car.

[@georgebournazis3665]

I think Wade Wilson AKA Deadpool would like to have a word with you here! LOL looks great man

[@au_eg8168]

pull the strap once third row folded down then rotate the hold set to sit flush with the tailgate

[@bgee461]

Ive had my 99 odyssey for a while, Honda minivans are just the top of the segment in every regard. I did bigger MDX brakes, h&r springs, and some accord HFP wheels, and it's just a great package. Sadly the engine is out right now for a full refresh.

[@GleepGlop2]

I think the thing you were asking about is a throttle position sensor. You cant adjust the throttle cable like in a D series, its an electronic one. My Element has the same thing.

[@karthekanvick4292]

A custom vibrant performance exhaust would sound nice

[@DaoS204]

Feels like this vid is made for me 😂. I got an 04 absolute 💙

[@jimmyyking]

"It has JDM dirt on it." 💀 This thing is absolutely awesome. Running an RBB-3 in my 8th gen si. Based on the information online, the only K24 that got the upgraded cams were the USDM 06-08 K24A2. The only way to make sure is to open up the head and inspect the cams.