The Honda Odyssey remains a top choice among minivans, with a level of performance and sophistication few can match.
May 14, 2006 (Press Release) --
The Honda Odyssey remains a top choice among minivans, with a level of performance
and sophistication few can match. Its smooth, powerful V6, refined ride and
versatile interior combine to offer a package that is much more practical and
enjoyable than most SUVs.
Modest changes for 2006 — the second year of the current generation — include XM
satellite radio functionality now being standard on the upscale Touring version,
and a stand-alone DVD entertainment system a new option on the EX-L model
(previously, both were bundled with a navigation system). A leather-trimmed
steering wheel and shift knob have been added to EX-L models, while tether anchors
for child seats are now included on third-row outboard seats across the line.
The Honda Odyssey is rated with better than average reliability by Consumer
Reports. It received five out of five stars on National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration front and side-impact crash tests and four out of five stars on the
rollover test.
The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine employs Honda’s VTEC technology to deliver 244
hp. EX-L and Touring models add Variable Cylinder Management, in which half of the
cylinders shut down at cruising speeds to boost fuel efficiency. This allows 20
mpg city/28 mpg highway, versus 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway for the standard V6.
The upgraded engine also includes an Active Control Engine Mount System and Active
Noise Control technology to help reduce noise and vibrations. A sophisticated
five-speed automatic transmission channels power to the front wheels on all
models.
As with most Hondas, handling, steering and braking are crisp and make driving the
Odyssey a pleasure. The engine has plenty of power for overtaking vehicles on the
highway as well as hauling lots of people and stuff. But the transmission can be
slow to downshift at times.
Tall windows, high seating and a low dashboard make for excellent outward
visibility. The Odyssey almost feels like a sedan behind the wheel.
As expected with a family-oriented vehicle, the Odyssey offers a long list of
standard safety features, including stability and traction control, four-wheel
antilock disc brakes, front airbags as well as front-side and side-curtain airbags
that deploy early when sensors detect an imminent rollover.
While the Toyota Sienna offers more gadgets and the Nissan Quest has more dynamic
styling, the Odyssey’s roomy, flexible and well-thought-out interior is packed
with standard amenities. These include seven-passenger seating, an AM/FM/CD
stereo, front and rear air-conditioning, cruise control, power door locks, mirrors
and windows, keyless entry, a storage compartment in the floor, a tilt-adjusting
steering wheel and a third row that folds flat into the floor. Unlike older
minivans, windows in the rear sliding doors roll up and down.
EX and EX-L trim levels offer eight-passenger seating with an extra jump seat in
the second row. Other models have a removable storage bin instead.
Source: http://search.msn.com
Posted by Jim Gorzelany and Matthew de Paula
and sophistication few can match. Its smooth, powerful V6, refined ride and
versatile interior combine to offer a package that is much more practical and
enjoyable than most SUVs.
Modest changes for 2006 — the second year of the current generation — include XM
satellite radio functionality now being standard on the upscale Touring version,
and a stand-alone DVD entertainment system a new option on the EX-L model
(previously, both were bundled with a navigation system). A leather-trimmed
steering wheel and shift knob have been added to EX-L models, while tether anchors
for child seats are now included on third-row outboard seats across the line.
The Honda Odyssey is rated with better than average reliability by Consumer
Reports. It received five out of five stars on National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration front and side-impact crash tests and four out of five stars on the
rollover test.
The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine employs Honda’s VTEC technology to deliver 244
hp. EX-L and Touring models add Variable Cylinder Management, in which half of the
cylinders shut down at cruising speeds to boost fuel efficiency. This allows 20
mpg city/28 mpg highway, versus 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway for the standard V6.
The upgraded engine also includes an Active Control Engine Mount System and Active
Noise Control technology to help reduce noise and vibrations. A sophisticated
five-speed automatic transmission channels power to the front wheels on all
models.
As with most Hondas, handling, steering and braking are crisp and make driving the
Odyssey a pleasure. The engine has plenty of power for overtaking vehicles on the
highway as well as hauling lots of people and stuff. But the transmission can be
slow to downshift at times.
Tall windows, high seating and a low dashboard make for excellent outward
visibility. The Odyssey almost feels like a sedan behind the wheel.
As expected with a family-oriented vehicle, the Odyssey offers a long list of
standard safety features, including stability and traction control, four-wheel
antilock disc brakes, front airbags as well as front-side and side-curtain airbags
that deploy early when sensors detect an imminent rollover.
While the Toyota Sienna offers more gadgets and the Nissan Quest has more dynamic
styling, the Odyssey’s roomy, flexible and well-thought-out interior is packed
with standard amenities. These include seven-passenger seating, an AM/FM/CD
stereo, front and rear air-conditioning, cruise control, power door locks, mirrors
and windows, keyless entry, a storage compartment in the floor, a tilt-adjusting
steering wheel and a third row that folds flat into the floor. Unlike older
minivans, windows in the rear sliding doors roll up and down.
EX and EX-L trim levels offer eight-passenger seating with an extra jump seat in
the second row. Other models have a removable storage bin instead.
Source: http://search.msn.com
Posted by Jim Gorzelany and Matthew de Paula
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