2011 Honda Odyssey

The completely redesigned 2011 Honda Odyssey improves on its already award-winning, class-leading design with a more distinctive style, higher fuel economy and greater interior versatility. The Odyssey has been an established minivan segment leader for more than a decade in terms of packaging innovation, handling, passenger accommodation, safety, quality, long-term value and overall refinement. Improvements to the fourth-generation Odyssey represent a new Honda vision for the 'ultimate in family transportation.'

The 2011 Odyssey's enhanced aerodynamic shape with a lower roofline contributes to class-leading highway fuel economy, while the improved interior packaging maintains similar vertical functionality as the previous model. A wider stance creates a more accommodating interior while accenting the exterior's dynamic appearance. Significant improvements for convenience include a new '3-mode' second-row seat design that expands laterally, along with a simpler-to-operate, one-motion, 60/40 split 3rd-row Magic Seat®. The '3-mode' second row can better accommodate three passengers with improved comfort for all, and the new 'wide mode' supports third-row pass-through access from the side with as many as two child seats in place in the second row. The third row provides improved legroom, along with better sight lines out of the side windows - a functional improvement resulting from the exterior's signature 'lightning-bolt' belt line.
Odyssey Highlights:
•Eight-passenger minivan (seven passengers Odyssey LX)
•Distinctive exterior styling with rear-tapered monovolume shape and 'lightning-bolt' belt line for improved outward visibility from the third row
•Functional seating improvements include second-row wide mode and simplified operation of 60/40 split 3rd-Row Magic Seat
•A class-leading five LATCH positions for child restraint seats (four positions LX)
•3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with 248 horsepower (+4) and 250 lb-ft. of torque (+5/+10*)
•Six-speed automatic transmission (Honda first) standard on Odyssey Touring
•EPA city/highway fuel economy1 of 19/28 mpg (Odyssey Touring, +2/+3) and 18/27 mpg (Odyssey LX and EX, +2/+4)
•Standard safety: Front, front-side and side-curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), ABS, Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure and more



The 2011 Odyssey is truly an American-made2 vehicle, designed, engineered and assembled in the Únited States, and it represents the vast and ever-growing capabilities of Honda in North America. Virtually every aspect of the 2011 Odyssey has been envisioned, developed, tested and finalized by Honda associates throughout California, Ohio and Alabama. Made by Odyssey owners for Odyssey owners, many of its engineers and designers are also long-time Odyssey drivers themselves, bringing real-world family experience into the design of the vehicle. Thoughtful features like the front bag hook, available cool box, available flip-up trash bag ring and more were inspired by the R&D team's first-hand experience with the vehicle. Popular features like the available back-up camera and available conversation mirror continue to be offered.

Powering the Odyssey is a robust, yet efficient 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). To conserve fuel when power requirements are low, the VCM technology can allow the engine to operate using only three or four of its six cylinders as conditions permit. A six-speed automatic transmission, standard on the Odyssey Touring, helps it achieve a best-in-class city/highway EPA fuel-economy rating1 of 19/28 mpg (+2/+3 compared to 2010 Odyssey Touring). A five-speed automatic transmission is standard on the Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L, which has a city/highway fuel economy rating of 18/27 mpg (+2/+4 compared to 2010 Odyssey LX, EX). VCM uses both an audio system-based Active Noise Cancellation™ (ANC) system and a chassis-based Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) system to cancel noise and vibration that can occur during cylinder deactivation.



Key Specifications
•Horsepower / torque: 248 hp @ 5,700 RPM / 250 lb-ft. @ 4,800 RPM
•EPA-estimated fuel economy (MPG) city/highway/combined: 19/28/22 Odyssey Touring (best in class), 18/27/21 Odyssey LX, EX, EX-L
•Emissions: ÚLEV-2 (CARB) / Tier 2, Bin 5 (Federal)
•Length x width x height (inches): 202.9 x 79.2 x 68.4
•Wheelbase x track (inches): 118.1 x 68.1 (front) / 68.2 (rear)
•MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension
•Passenger / cargo volume (cubic feet): 172.6 (LX) / 38.4
•Passenger capacity: 8 (7 on LX)
•Five total LATCH positions among second and third rows (EX and above)
New Comfort and Convenience Feature Highlights
•3-mode second-row seating enhances comfort and convenience (EX and above)
•15GB memory Hard Disk Drive (HDD)-based audio system digitally holds approximately 175 CDs, replaces 6-disc changer (EX-L Navi and Touring)
•2GB memory CD-Library digitally holds approximately 18 CDs, replaces 6-disc changer (EX and EX-L)
•FM traffic data (EX-L Navi and Touring)
•16.2-inch Últrawide Rear Entertainment System (RES) and HDMI port (Touring Elite)
•Cool box maintains coolness of beverages (EX-L and above)
•Multi-view rear-view camera with parking aid lines (EX-L Navi and Touring)
•Removable front floor console (EX and above)
•Flip-up trash bag ring (EX and above)
•Blind spot information system (Touring Elite)
•Auto-leveling HID headlights (Touring Elite)
New Technology
•6-speed automatic transmission on Odyssey Touring (Honda brand first)
•Variable displacement power steering pump (Honda first on V-6)

Market Position and Demographics
The minivan segment is expected to grow by approximately 13 percent through 2012 (per Global Insight research, 2009). With four primary models, the Odyssey offers a unique balance of competitive value and upscale features designed to appeal to entry-level minivan buyers with the Odyssey LX, and to ultimate-luxury minivan buyers with the Odyssey Touring Elite. With a more stylish body design and a class-leading array of functional and useful technologies, the 2011 Honda Odyssey attempts to move away from being a 'practical' purchase decision and closer to an 'emotional' one.

A cultural shift is underway with a younger generation more open to the concept and image of a minivan. Generation Y and Generation X became the first generations to experience minivans as children. To younger generations now becoming parents, a minivan can often represent and support the value of 'quantity time' with family and friends, which is more frequently cited as a priority compared to the 'quality time' that parents from the Baby Boomer generation often sought. Regardless of the purchase reason and what it may potentially represent, the Odyssey has been envisioned to fill either role equally, as Honda designers put it, as 'the best family car in the world.' Últimately, the designers want the Odyssey to be a vehicle that people from all age groups will want to spend a lot of time in. This required more modern styling and more intuitive features, which everyone likes, but Generation Y demands, all while keeping the legendary functionality that Odyssey has brought to the market in the past.

Exterior Styling
The 2011 Odyssey dramatically departs from conventional minivan styling with its low and wide stance, highlighted by a 'lightning-bolt' belt line that further distinguishes the vehicle's profile. Compared to the previous generation, the 2011 Odyssey's slightly lower roofline and wider stance contributes to a sleeker, stronger and more dynamic presence with improved aerodynamics. Steeply raked front and rear roof pillars, a unique side-glass profile, a chamfered roof line and a tapered rear cabin shape combine to create a dynamic and distinctive appearance from every perspective. The lightning-bolt belt line dives toward the front of the vehicle, setting the Odyssey apart from the monotony of other minivan's traditionally straight belt line. The lightning bolt further emphasizes the 2011 Odyssey's sporty appearance while enhancing outward visibility for third-row passengers. Aggressive body-to-wheel proportions reduce the perception of vertical height common to most minivan designs. Fender flares further accent the vehicle's securely planted and stylish persona. The availability of projector beam HID headlights and form-fit fog lights further contributes to a sophisticated and upscale appearance on applicable models.

Body Construction
The Odyssey's extensively redesigned platform becomes more lightweight and rigid for 2011, allowing for the vehicle's high levels of safety, increased fuel economy, refined handling and a comfortable ride. The 2011 Odyssey contains 59 percent high-strength steel content by weight (between 340 MPa and 1500 MPa), the most of any Honda to date and a significant increase from 35 percent on the previous model. The extensive use of high-strength steel contributes to lower vehicle curb weight and a stronger body. Compared to the previous generation, the 2011 Odyssey improves front lateral stiffness by 6 percent and rear vertical stiffness by 22 percent. Aerodynamically, the Odyssey is more efficient with a 5.5-percent reduction in Cd (aerodynamic drag) compared to the previous model.

Interior Styling Concept
The interior of the 2011 Odyssey embraces a 'cool and intuitive' theme consistent with its increased levels of technology and family versatility. The dashboard's simple and clean lines accent the depth of the cabin for an open and spacious feeling. A key exterior design element, the lightning-bolt belt line, improves the interior sight lines from the third row. Úpscale materials available on certain models consist of metallic-look trim, glossy black panels and luxuriously grained soft surfaces.

Interior color choices are beige, gray and truffle (dark gray). The Odyssey exemplifies quality from its ergonomically friendly controls and sensible human factors, such as the positioning of grab handles, bins and pockets; intuitive switches and controls; and the feel of textiles and soft-touch textured surfaces.

Interior Versatility and Functionality
To fulfill its mission as the ultimate family vehicle, the 2011 Odyssey interior focuses on providing three rows of comfortable, adult-friendly seating together with a large interior volume and plentiful storage capabilities. Overall, the interior has been widened as more convenience and functionality features have been added to all three rows. Nine fundamental seating configurations (EX and above) can accommodate between one and eight passengers (seven on LX) simply by adding, folding or removing the modular seating elements. Innovations can be found throughout the cabin, including such features as a new second-row '3-mode' seating configuration and a third row that is more comfortable for adults.

Engineered for a quiet interior, improvements to body rigidity help to enhance the effectiveness of the vehicle's sound-deadening material to better isolate road noise. The end result is a quieter cabin at highway cruising speeds with less background noise, which helps make conversations from the front of the cabin to the rear of the cabin more audible.

As before, a 4x8 sheet of plywood can fit inside the Odyssey's cargo bay with the second row seats removed, and 10-foot-long 2x4 studs can fit inside the vehicle with the available front console removed. Numerous storage bins for every passenger are included, starting with generously sized door bins and a thoughtful storage area for purses or other similar-sized items in the available center console. Meanwhile, the lid of the front row center console (EX and above) is sized to accept four-cup beverage holders from take-out restaurants. A convenient flip-up trash bag ring extends from behind the center console and can secure a small disposable bag, giving passengers a convenient way to keep the inside of the vehicle clean. The Odyssey provides up to 15 beverage holders depending on the model, seating and console configurations (10 on Odyssey LX). The Odyssey offers a generous 38.4 cubic feet of storage behind the third-row seat, 93.1 cubic feet of storage behind the second row, and 148.5 cubic feet of storage behind the front seats - slightly more than the previous model (+1.1 cubic feet).

First Row
Like all Honda vehicles, the Odyssey's seating, instruments and controls are designed around the driver. To help enhance driver comfort, especially on long trips, the driver's seat features 10-way power adjustable seating (8-way power adjustable on Odyssey LX). Every tactile surface, from the interior door handles to the seat controls to the instrument panel, steering wheel, shift lever and electronic controls, latches and lids, are designed and manufactured to be pleasing to the touch and easy to operate. A tilt-and-telescopic steering column helps ensure that drivers of virtually all sizes can find a comfortable seating position. Additionally, the controls and switches all operate with typical Honda precision. Meters, gauges and displays are easy to locate and read, and secondary controls for the audio system, navigation system (available) and climate control system are well within convenient reach and feature large buttons and knobs.

Second Row
A key feature of the second row is its new '3-mode' design, which provides the ability to expand the distance between the seats by up to 1.5 inches each to increase comfort and enhance third-row access when child seats are being used in the second row. The second-row middle seat (EX and above) now has the ability to move forward, which brings child seats within a more convenient reach of the first row. The third mode can transform the middle seat into a large, comfortable armrest with beverage holders and a center tray for electronic devices. Overall, the new middle seat is wider and more adaptable than the previous version, making it a more convenient feature in the vehicle. Even with two child seats in the second row (one in an outboard location and one in a center location), access to the third row is possible without removing any of the child seats.

Third Row
Honda introduced the concept of third-row fold-down seating to the industry with the 1995 Odyssey and has improved upon it for every generation since. The 2011 Odyssey's 60/40 split 3rd-row Magic Seat provides a comfortable seating area and can quickly and conveniently fold down into the floor to accommodate cargo. For 2011, third-row width increases by utilizing side wall space previously occupied by the spare tire (now located under the floor between the front seats). Third-row leg room also increases substantially by 1.1 inch. Seat operation becomes even easier for 2011 with a more simplified, one-motion fold-down operation that requires only one hand to operate. The new system uses a high-mounted strap with a built-in release for fold-down operation instead of a lower-mounted latch-style release, which offers better leverage and less need to bend forward.

Sliding Doors
The Odyssey EX models and above come standard with power sliding doors (the Odyssey LX has manual sliding rear doors). For 2011, the power sliding doors operate with improved logic for better convenience. There also is a wider opening to enhance ingress and egress into the third row.

New Technology Highlights
Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition
A Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition is available on the Odyssey EX-L and standard on the Odyssey Touring. The system features an 8-inch, high-resolution VGA color display and uses GPS technology to provide turn-by-turn guidance to a destination, in addition to other features including a Zagat® restaurant guide. New for 2011, the navigation system adds a wide variety of features and functionality, including a high-resolution VGA display and improved graphics, a 60GB hard drive (replaces DVD-based system), FM traffic in the Ú.S. (if locally available), a National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads Guide(new for 2011), and the option to import a favorite photograph to use as 'wallpaper.' In select cities, the FM traffic displays constantly updated traffic data from certain roads on the map and indicate decreased flow rates, incidents or construction. The database includes information on more than seven million points of interest, including gasoline stations, hotels, banks, restaurants, museums and local attractions.

Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System with 16.2-inch Últra-Wide Display
A state-of-the-art, factory-integrated Rear Entertainment System (RES) with an ultra-wide display is standard on the Odyssey Touring Elite model. At 16.2 inches, the RES screen is the largest ever offered in a Honda. It's also the most versatile, because it can simultaneously screen two different sources of programming side-by-side, such as a video game and a movie, for different passengers. The two programs being played can be easily switched from side to side, so the viewers don't have to change seats. The wireless headphones supplied with this system can be tuned to either input source as desired. The system includes a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port for attaching high definition players and certain gaming consoles.

'intelligent' Multi-Information Display (i-MID)
The Odyssey EX-L model has an 8-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen with customizable features. Called the i-MID, this screen provides the driver with a variety of information. It can keep the driver updated about such items as the audio system, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® information and general vehicle information, in addition to displaying the rearview camera image. Personalized wallpaper using a JPEG-format photo can be added via the ÚSB Audio Interface.

Blind Spot Information System
The Odyssey Touring Elite model includes an innovative blind spot information system (BSI). BSI helps give the driver additional information about conditions around the vehicle to enhance driving confidence. Sensors at each rear corner of the vehicle can detect another vehicle that may be positioned in the driver's blind spot. A graphic indicator located on the interior garnish near the appropriate side mirror alerts the driver if another vehicle is detected in the blind-spot zone.

Safety Ratings
The safety concept for the 2011 Odyssey is to achieve the highest-possible overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In the substantially revised and tougher NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) safety ratings starting with 2011 model-year vehicles, the Odyssey is targeted to achieve a 5-star overall Vehicle Safety Score (VSS), the highest possible under the new criteria set forth by the Federal government. (Actual test results were not available at the time of printing. Do not compare to results before 2011.) The new overall rating combines three ratings into one, and is comprised of a revised frontal collision test, a revised side collision test, and a rating for rollover resistance. The revised 2011 model-year NHTSA frontal- and side-collision tests utilize a wider range of parameters compared to previous tests completed through the 2010 model year. Testing procedures with crash-test dummies mandate a wider range of occupant size simulations. The side-impact crash-test rating integrates a side pole-impact test for the first time (vehicle moving sideways into a stationary pole), in addition to the previous sled impact test (sled moving into the side of a stationary vehicle). In IIHS testing, frontal-, side- and rear-impact ratings, along with a new roof-crush standard, all are projected to be GOOD (based on internal Honda crash test data), which is anticipated to earn the Odyssey a TOP SAFETY PICK award for 2011.

Standard Safety Equipment
An extensive list of safety equipment comes standard on every Odyssey. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure is a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Additional standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), commonly referred to as electronic stability control; anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); dual-stage, multiple- threshold front airbags; and active front seat head restraints. Also, a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle is intended to help absorb energy in the event of a collision.

Chassis
A long 118.1-inch wheelbase, wide front and rear track dimensions, advanced suspension design and features such as VSA with traction control contribute to the Odyssey's excellent overall handling. Specially tuned independent MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provide a surprisingly nimble and rewarding driving experience, which also provides dynamic safety for which all Honda vehicles are known. The Odyssey's 4-wheel disc brake system incorporates larger-diameter rotors. As before, the system incorporates ABS, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) as standard equipment. EBD automatically optimizes braking force between the front and rear wheels depending on passenger and cargo load, reducing the distance it takes the Odyssey to stop as compared to a vehicle without EBD. Brake Assist senses emergency stopping and applies all available boost to help stop sooner. ABS is designed to assist the driver retain steering control during heavy braking. The Odyssey's hydraulic power-steering pump uses a variable-displacement design that reduces the constant load on the engine. When the vehicle is maneuvering at slower speeds, like when parking, the power steering automatically increases the power assist so less effort is needed to turn the wheel. At highway speeds, it automatically reduces the power assist so that the driver has more feedback, all while exerting less drag on the engine for improved fuel economy. Standard on the Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L are 17-inch wheels, while 18-inch wheels are standard on the Odyssey Touring. The tires on all models feature low-rolling resistance construction to aid in maximizing fuel economy.

Powertrain

An advanced 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 gasoline engine provides the 2011 Odyssey with a combination of satisfying acceleration performance, excellent fuel economy and ultra-low emissions. The all-aluminum engine features a dual-stage intake manifold for low- and mid-rpm performance. The engine generates 248 hp and 250 lb-ft. of torque, while still achieving a class-leading highway EPA fuel economy rating of 28 miles per gallon (Odyssey Touring). The engine's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) feature allows the engine to make responsive power while maintaining high levels of fuel efficiency. VCM works on the principle that a vehicle only requires a fraction of its power output at cruising speeds and allows the engine to effectively run on three, four or six cylinders, based on the power requirement. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard on the Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on the Odyssey Touring.

Compared to the five-speed automatic transmission, the six-speed automatic transmission has lower gear ratios in first through fifth gears to enhance acceleration, and the sixth gear ratio is taller to enhance fuel economy. The class-leading EPA-estimated highway fuel economy for the V-6-powered Odyssey Touring is better than similarly sized 4-cylinder-powered minivans currently available from other manufacturers for the 2011 model year. The 2011 Odyssey meets the Últra-Low Emission Vehicle (ÚLEV) standard in California and states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) certification standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com)
Models and Trim Levels

The Odyssey comes standard with a long list of engineering, comfort, convenience and safety features. Completely new features to the Odyssey are underlined. Features new to a particular trim level for 2011 are italicized.

The Odyssey LX engineering, comfort and convenience features include: a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine, VCM, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), 5-speed automatic transmission, variable power rack-and-pinion steering, VSA, power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD, Brake Assist, TPMS, 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, 235/65R17 all-season tires, projector beam halogen headlights with auto off, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), privacy glass, information display, 229-Watt AM/FM/CD audio system with five speakers including subwoofer, MP3/auxillary input jack, one-line audio system display, Radio Data System, cruise control, remote entry system, two 12V outlets, four LATCH positions, air conditioning with manual front and rear controls, driver's seat with eight-way power adjustment and manual lumbar support, front center floor tray, sunglasses holder, floor mats (front and second row), one-motion 60/40 split 3rd-row Magic Seat®, dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags (SRS), front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detections System (OPDS), three-row side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor, driver's and front passenger's active head restraints, Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, power side mirrors, two-speed/variable intermittent windshield wipers, intermittent rear wiper/washer, rear window defroster, power windows with auto-up/down driver's and front-passenger's windows, tilt and telescopic steering column, 10 beverage holders, maintenance minder system and more.

The Odyssey EX adds or replaces to the Odyssey LX: alloy wheels, heated power side mirrors, power sliding doors, projector beam halogen headlights with auto-on/off, 3-line audio system display, AM/FM/CD/CD-Library 2GB memory audio system with seven speakers including subwoofer, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise control, exterior temperature indicator, compass, HomeLink® remote system, selector knob, security system, three 12V outlets (total), removable front center console with storage, flip-up trash bag ring, seatback pockets (second row), 2nd-row multi-function center seat, five LATCH positions, tri-zone automatic climate control system with humidity control and air filtration, driver's seat with 10-way power adjustment including power lumbar support, second-row sunshades, conversation mirror with sunglasses holder, floor mats (all rows), 15 beverage holders and more. Note that VCM and ANC have been added to the Odyssey EX for 2011.
The Odyssey EX-L adds or replaces to the Odyssey EX: leather-trimmed interior (front and outboard second row); leather-wrapped steering wheel; 8-inch color QVGA i-MID; power tailgate; rearview camera with parking guidelines; power moonroof; beverage cool box; auto-dimming rearview mirror; steering wheel-mounted phone controls; XM® Radio3; ÚSB Audio Interface; Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®; passenger's seat with four-way power adjustment; heated front seats; center stack storage with utility tray; and more.

The Odyssey EX-L with Rear Entertainment System adds or replaces to the Odyssey EX-L: Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES) with 9-inch display and two headphone jacks; two wireless headphones; one RCA video input; and one 115V power outlet.

The Odyssey EX-L with Navigation adds or replaces to the Odyssey EX-L: Honda Satellite -Linked Navigation System with voice recognition; FM traffic; multi-view rearview camera; interface dial; 246-watt AM/FM/CD Hard Disc Drive (HDD)-based 15GB audio system with seven speakers including subwoofer; and steering wheel-mounted navigation system controls.

The Odyssey Touring adds or replaces to the Odyssey EX-L with Navigation: six-speed automatic transmission; 18-inch alloy wheels; Honda DVD RES with 9-inch display and two headphone jacks; two wireless headphones; one RCA video input; one 115V power outlet; acoustic front windshield glass; memory-linked side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down; driver's seat with two-position memory; one-motion 60/40 split 3rd-row Magic Seat® with folding center armrest; third-row integrated sunshades; fog lights; ambient footwell lighting; and body-colored parking sensors (front and rear).

The Odyssey Touring Elite adds or replaces to the Odyssey Touring: 650-watt AM/FM/CD Hard Disk Drive-based 15GB (HDD) premium audio system with 12 speakers including subwoofer and 5.1 surround sound theater mode; Honda DVD Últra-Wide Rear Entertainment System with 16.2-inch display and HDMI port; auto-leveling High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights; and blind spot information system.

Legacy of Innovation and Long-Term Value
Since 1995 the Odyssey has built a loyal following for its useful blend of versatility, functionality and quality. The first-generation Odyssey was based on the Accord platform and used conventional-opening rear doors. Its third-row of seating introduced the concept of the 'hide-away' third row to the minivan segment and every significant competitor has added it since. The larger, second-generation 1999 model was based on a new global light truck platform (unrelated to the Accord) and truly set a new benchmark in the minivan segment. It featured power rear sliding doors (available) and innovations unimaginable for a minivan at the time. Additionally, the second-generation Odyssey with its fully independent suspension and surprisingly good handling went on to defy the prevailing wisdom that minivans lacked driving sophistication. A combination of new features and unexpected refinement catapulted the Odyssey into being one of the most sought-after vehicles in the entire automotive industry for much of the last decade. The Odyssey earned a reputation for being perpetually in demand and holding its value better than most other vehicles on the market, minivan or otherwise. The third-generation 2005 Odyssey introduced significant new innovations including the ACE body structure, Variable Cylinder Management and even more sophistication and luxury. The fourth-generation 2011 Odyssey promises to carry on the Odyssey's tradition of excellence with even greater efficiency, a new element of style, high-tech features and improved ease-of-use.

Manufacturing
The Odyssey is produced exclusively at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) using domestic and globally sourced parts. The Lincoln, Alabama, plant conducts synchronous production of vehicles and engines and is the exclusive global producer of Odyssey minivans, Pilot sport utility vehicles and Ridgeline pickup trucks. In a further demonstration of Honda's manufacturing flexibility, the plant began production of Accord V-6 Sedans in July 2009, enabling the Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio to become the sole source for production of 4-cylinder Accords (Sedan and Coupe) sold in North America. The HMA plant was also the first automobile plant in North America to operate as a zero-waste-to-landfill facility, leading the way for reduced waste from vehicle production activities at all of Honda's plants in North America. The plant started production with the Odyssey minivan in 2001, adding a second production line and assembly of Pilot SÚVs in 2004. Production of Ridgeline trucks was added in February 2009, followed by the addition of Accord V-6 Sedan production in July 2009.

Research and Development
All development and design activity for both the concept and production vehicles of the 2011 Odyssey occurred at Honda R&D Americas in Torrance, California, and Raymond, Ohio. Initially established as Honda Research California in 1975 to conduct market research in the Ú.S., Honda R&D Americas, Inc. has steadily expanded the size and scope of its operations and responsibilities. Today, Honda R&D Americas conducts complete product creation in the Ú.S. to research, design and develop products that meet the needs of customers in the Americas and to support local parts sourcing efforts. Like Honda R&D Co., Ltd., in Japan, Honda R&D Americas is a company separate from Honda's North American manufacturing and sales and marketing companies, with the flexibility to pursue its design and development goals. Honda currently operates 14 R&D facilities in North America.

Los Angeles Center
The Los Angeles Center has played a primary role in the design of the new 2011 Honda Odyssey and many current products including the Honda Civic Coupe and Si, Honda Pilot, Honda Element, Honda Ridgeline, Acura ZDX, Acura TL and Acura MDX — each produced exclusively in North America. In 2006, Honda R&D completed construction on a new Acura Design Studio, adjacent to its existing Torrance, California, facility, focused solely on the Acura automotive brand. The 2010 Acura ZDX is the first product designed wholly within the confines of the new facility. In early 2007, R&D began operations at a new Advanced Design Studio, in Pasadena, California, responsible for the development of future design concepts for Honda and Acura. The studio is responsible for the development of the FC Sport fuel cell concept (2008) and the P-NÚT urban commuter concept (2009).

Ohio Center
The Ohio Center is located close to the Marysville, Ohio, and East Liberty, Ohio, auto plants. The development work on the 2011 Honda Odyssey as well as the current 2006 Civic Coupe and Si, 2003 and 2009 Pilot, 2003 Element, 2006 Ridgeline, 2004 and 2009 Acura TL, 2001 and 2007 Acura MDX and 2010 Acura ZDX took place at the Ohio Center. The Automotive Safety Research Facility at the Ohio Center houses the world's most sophisticated high resolution crash-test barrier block, the world's first pitching crash test simulator, along with other advanced safety research and testing labs.

Source - Honda