Of course, typical minivan buyers don’t plan on breaking speed records (can you imagine a Type R variant with 20-inch performance tires and a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox?), which is why they’ll get a choice of five- and six-speed automatic transmissions (with no manual mode) — not really the type of unit that will get your adrenaline flowing!
Still, the Honda Odyssey delivers safe accelerations as well as predictable handling in all conditions courtesy of a nicely-calibrated, fully-independent suspension, a quick, direct steering and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS that prove easy to modulate. Throw in a total of six airbags plus stability and traction control, and you get a proven recipe for confidence-inspiring travel.
The confirmation came on an elaborate test course set up around Qualcomm Stadium, near downtown San Diego (home of the NFL’s Chargers), as well as on the surrounding streets and highways. In addition to a dynamic driving experience and reassuring manners, the Odyssey’s convincing display included frugal performance by the upgraded V6, whose fuel consumption is down by 1.0 L/100 km.
8 men, 43 Odysseys
In order to create such a well-rounded package, Honda’s engineers, technicians and designers had to be able to understand and appreciate the wants and needs of customers.
The eight men at Honda R&D Americas who headed the development the new Odyssey inside the California and Ohio studios and labs showed uncanny enthusiasm as they thoroughly introduced the vehicle to the attending media. After all, every one of them is an Odyssey owner. Together, they have owned a total of 43 and Matei alone had seven!!!
Their passion could not have been more obvious; the 2011 Honda Odyssey really is THEIR baby, one that’s specifically suited for North American families. I think not a single journalist came away from the presentation feeling unimpressed.
The Alabama-built 2011 Odyssey will arrive in Canadian showrooms on October 22 with an entry price under $30,000.
Still, the Honda Odyssey delivers safe accelerations as well as predictable handling in all conditions courtesy of a nicely-calibrated, fully-independent suspension, a quick, direct steering and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS that prove easy to modulate. Throw in a total of six airbags plus stability and traction control, and you get a proven recipe for confidence-inspiring travel.
The confirmation came on an elaborate test course set up around Qualcomm Stadium, near downtown San Diego (home of the NFL’s Chargers), as well as on the surrounding streets and highways. In addition to a dynamic driving experience and reassuring manners, the Odyssey’s convincing display included frugal performance by the upgraded V6, whose fuel consumption is down by 1.0 L/100 km.
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| The Alabama-built 2011 Odyssey will arrive in Canadian showrooms on October 22. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
8 men, 43 Odysseys
In order to create such a well-rounded package, Honda’s engineers, technicians and designers had to be able to understand and appreciate the wants and needs of customers.
The eight men at Honda R&D Americas who headed the development the new Odyssey inside the California and Ohio studios and labs showed uncanny enthusiasm as they thoroughly introduced the vehicle to the attending media. After all, every one of them is an Odyssey owner. Together, they have owned a total of 43 and Matei alone had seven!!!
Their passion could not have been more obvious; the 2011 Honda Odyssey really is THEIR baby, one that’s specifically suited for North American families. I think not a single journalist came away from the presentation feeling unimpressed.
The Alabama-built 2011 Odyssey will arrive in Canadian showrooms on October 22 with an entry price under $30,000.
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