The 1998 Honda Odyssey with a four-cylinder configuration uses a 2.3-liter inline-four from Honda’s F-series, commonly designated the F23A.
In the United States, the first-generation Odyssey offered this 2.3-liter four-cylinder as the baseline powerplant, paired with various transmissions across trim levels. The engine belongs to Honda’s F23A family and shared its basic architecture with several other 1990s Honda models, known for smooth delivery and reliability.
Engine family and specifications
Key details about the engine include displacement, layout, and its widespread use in Honda’s 1990s lineup.
- Displacement: 2.3 liters
- Configuration: Inline-4 (I4) with dual overhead camshaft (DOHC)
- Fuel system: Multi-point fuel injection
- Engine family: Honda F23A
- Common variants: F23A1, F23A4
These points summarize the core characteristics of the 1998 Odyssey’s four-cylinder engine and its place in Honda’s product line of the era.
Context within the model year lineup
The four-cylinder engine served as the base powertrain in the first-generation Odyssey, offering a practical balance of power and fuel efficiency for family use. A V6 option was available in higher trims or later years, but the 4-cylinder remained the standard for many early Odysseys.
Maintenance and reliability notes
For owners and buyers, typical considerations include ensuring the fuel-injection system remains clean, watching for wear on gaskets and seals, and keeping up with routine timing or belt maintenance as appropriate to the variant. Parts availability for the F23A family remains solid due to its long production run across Honda’s lineup.
Summary: The 1998 Honda Odyssey’s 4-cylinder is a 2.3-liter inline-four from the F23A engine family, a common and reliable powerplant used across Honda’s 1990s lineup.


