New Honda Odyssey provides versatility, comfort

BY IRA SIEGEL For Sun-Times Media October 31, 2011 9:51AM

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2011 HONDA ODYSSEY
TOURING ELITE

ENGINE: 248-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6

TRANSMISSION: six-speed automatic

DRIVETRAIN: front-wheel drive

FUEL ECONOMY: 19 city/28 highway

BASE PRICE: $43,250

AS TESTED: $44,030 (includes $780 for destination)

WEBSITE: honda.com

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Updated: October 31, 2011 10:43AM



The Honda Odyssey has been one of the top picks in the minivan segment for its exceptional versatility, comfortable cabin, responsive handling and lengthy list of amenities.

For some consumers, though, the stigma of owning a minivan has influenced them, driving them away from this segment.

Honda has completely redesigned the Odyssey for 2011. While there’s no mistaking the new Odyssey for anything but a minivan, its lower, wider stance and sleeker exterior styling cues make it one of the more appealing choices in this segment.

Anyone needing a versatile, family-friendly vehicle should definitely take a close look at the new Odyssey, especially inside.

Of course, there are three rows of seats inside the Odyssey. But because the 2011 Honda Odyssey sits lower to the ground, it’s now a bit easier to get in and out of. And thanks to its wider body structure, the new Odyssey has more room for its occupants.

The base LX trim ($27,800), which seats seven, features a second row with two full-size captain’s chairs.

All other trim levels accommodate eight passengers thanks to an additional second-row seat. Plus, that additional seat is 3.9 inches wider than the one in the previous model.

And a new feature for 2011 is that the second-row outboard seats can be moved 1.5 inches laterally.

This wide-mode configuration provides the ability to install up to three child seats side by side in the second row, or allow easier access to/from the third-row seat with one or two child safety seats installed.

Additionally, the second-row center seat’s ability to be moved forward allows for a child seat to be closer to the front-row occupants.

The standard 60/40 split third-row “magic” seat is now easier to fold down for 2011 and the well it folds into is great for groceries when the seats are upright. Adults seated in the third row will appreciate that there’s a bit more legroom for 2011.

Odyssey’s versatile cabin is quickly able to transform from people hauler to gear or building materials hauler.

With the second-row seats removed and the third-row seats folded down, you can fit 4-by-8 sheets of plywood. With the available front console removed, you can fit 10-foot-long 2-by-4s.

Other significant features inside include a new (available on certain models) DVD ultrawide rear entertainment system with HDMI port. It can display two different sources side by side, such as a video game and a movie.

There are a host of standard and available amenities to help make any long or short trip enjoyable.

All Odysseys are powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 248 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Honda’s variable cylinder management (VCM) is now standard across the line and allows the engine to operate on three, four or all six cylinders, helping to improve fuel efficiency.

The transitions are imperceptible and the engine delivers plenty of power, even when loaded down with people and gear.

The powerful V-6 is mated to a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic on all trim levels except the top-of-the-line Touring and Touring Elite. The latter two feature a six-speed automatic.

Odyssey delivers a smooth, well-mannered ride and there’s quite a bit of technology to help keep the cabin quiet and free of vibration. Spend some wheel time with the Odyssey and you’ll quickly see why this vehicle is a top pick in this segment.

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