In contrast to the Odyssey and also the Stream, it sports a taller, more upright greenhouse and can accommodate eight people instead of seven.

The Stepwgn used a more conventional two-box layout, and was based on the Civic to reduce costs (starting from ¥1,548,000 and going up to ¥2,368,000).

Changes for 1997 included standardizing ABS and dual SRS airbags throughout the range, as well as the addition of a number of convenience features.

Japanese models went on sale in August 1997 at Honda's Primo, Verno and Clio networks.

[4] A version of the Stepwgn with a pop-up observation tent and fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) body, designed for outdoor leisure pursuits, was sold at Japanese Honda dealers from January 1998.

A 2.0L Honda K20A i-VTEC engine provided the second-generation Stepwgn with 160 PS (117.7 kW; 157.8 hp), improving both driving performance and fuel economy.

[8] In June 2003, Honda significantly modified the design: both the front and rear fascias were altered to fit the look of other Honda vehicles, and the "Spada" series was introduced, available with slightly modified fender styling and a 2.4L K24A i-VTEC engine producing 162 PS (119.2 kW; 159.8 hp).

Unlike the previous generations, which only featured sliding doors on one side, the third generation featured sliding doors on both sides, in order to compete with other minivans such as the Nissan Serena and Toyota Noah.

Although the size of the car was decreased, interior space remained unchanged thanks to a new low-floor chassis, which also improved the handling of the vehicle.

[19] The fourth generation Stepwgn was a full redesign of the model, increasing in height and length but remaining the same width.

The Stepwgn Spada model returned with a unique grille and headlamp design, and with clear rather than red taillights.

With an all-new 1.5-litre direct injection VTEC Turbo engine, the fifth generation Stepwgn features a functional cabin space, as well as a novel two-way tailgate called the Waku Waku Gate, derived from the Japanese term wakuwaku (わくわく, "exciting").

[28] It is equipped with a Honda Sensing system, which assists the driver with parking by controlling steering.