2010 Honda Odyssey Review

Overview

Odyssey is a crisply styled and fun- to-drive minivan that can carry eight passengers and a huge load comfortably. Mainly a carryover model from 2009, the 2010 Honda Odyssey has received accolades for agile handling, convenient split and flat-folding rear bench seat, and utility. The midsize 2010 Honda Odyssey minivan is available in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. The Odyssey has won a number of awards and critical acclaim including the Kelley Blue Book award as one of the 10 "Best New Family Vehicles of 2009," and "2009 Best Resale Value Award" in the van category, which honors vehicles that are expected to have the best resale value after five years of ownership.

Power and performance

A 3.5-liter, all-aluminum, SOHC VTEC engine that produces 244 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 240 lb-ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm is standard on the Odyssey LX and EX. These models deliver an EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 16/23 mpg. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard. The Odyssey EX-L and Touring models are powered by a 3.5-liter, all-aluminum, SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) for enhanced fuel efficiency. This engine is rated at 244 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 245 lb-ft. of torque at 4,900 rpm while achieving an EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 17/25 mpg*. The VCM equipped engine runs on 3, 4 or 6 cylinders, based on current power requirements. Powered by the intelligence of i-VTEC technology, VCM quickly and seamlessly activates or deactivates 2 or 3 cylinders by closing each cylinder's intake and exhaust valves at the same time. The system provides V-6 power when accelerating or climbing, as well as the fuel efficiency of a smaller engine while cruising. The towing capacity is rated at 3,500 lbs.

Body and styling

The Odyssey offers convenient seating versatility, a high-quality feel and a reputation for surprisingly engaging driving dynamics. The third-row Magic Seat, a premium appearance and efficient engine performance offer a classy transportation environment with room for up to eight people (Seven on LX models). A leather-trimmed interior, DVD rear entertainment system, Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a backup camera, power side-doors, and a power tailgate are among the available features. The Odyssey's seating areas can easily adapt between passenger and cargo duties with its One-Motion 60/40 split third-row Magic Seat. It can provide seating for up to three passengers and 38.4 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the seats. It can also fold completely flat into the floor creating 91.1 cubic feet of cargo space while still providing room for five passengers (Four passengers on LX). Total cargo volume goes up to 147.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. The unique second-row PlusOne Seat on the Odyssey EX, EX-L and Touring has an integrated storage bin inside the seat structure and is also removable to create a walk-through to the third row. A front and rear air conditioning system with an air-filtration system, cruise control, keyless entry, tilt and telescopic steering column, power windows with auto-up/down driver's and passenger's window, power door and tailgate locks, AM/FM/CD stereo system with 4-speakers and auxiliary audio input jack and heat-rejecting glass are among the standard comfort and convenience features on the Odyssey LX. The LX, EX and EX-L models roll on 16-inch wheels (alloy on EX and above) with all-season 235/65R16 tires. The Touring models are equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season 235/60R17 tires. The Odyssey EX gets a tri-zone automatic climate control system, power sliding doors, second-row PlusOne Seat with a storage bin, an 8-way power driver's seat with lumbar support, 6-disc in-dash CD changer with 6-speakers, security system, body colored side mirrors and door handles, alloy wheels, roof rails, auto-off headlights, fog lights, exterior temperature indicator, HomeLink remote system and more. Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System with 9-inch screen, which also adds a 115-volt power outlet, is newly available. The Odyssey EX-L includes power tailgate, 4-way power front-passenger's seat, XM Radio, power moonroof, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats, automatic-dimming rearview mirror with a 2.5-inch rearview camera display (EX-L-exclusive). Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System with 9-inch screen, which also adds a 115-volt power outlet, is also available. Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System with voice recognition and rearview camera (Navigation screen rearview camera display replaces rearview mirror display) is also available on the Odyssey EX-L equipped with the DVD rear entertainment system. Navigation-equipped models also include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink. The Odyssey Touring includes all Odyssey EX-L features with the DVD rear entertainment system and the Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System as standard equipment. Premium Audio System with 7-speakers including subwoofer, a programmable multi-information display with trip computer, a two-position memory power driver's seat, power adjustable pedals, premium alloy wheels, corner and backup sensors, auto on/off headlights and a compass are the other key features.

Safety Features

The 2010 Honda Odyssey has received the highest crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, five stars, for both frontal and side impacts. Its Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure provides enhanced occupant protection in a frontal collision. All Odyssey models are equipped with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), commonly referenced as electronic stability control. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and Brake Assist; advanced dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's SRS front airbags; front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; active front seat head restraints; daytime running lights and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle are standard. A total of three Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child seat attachment systems, designed with families in mind, are available. Two are located in the outboard second-row seating positions and one is located in the middle third-row seating position.