Intro: The Honda Odyssey is all-new for 2011, with a design intended to evoke a sporty, aggressive nature. The new styling even includes reworking the belt-line, which usually runs uninterrupted for the entire length of the Odyssey. It's now broken up by an abrupt notch that gives the Odyssey a sense of motion, even at rest.
Trims for the Odyssey are LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and the range-topping Touring Elite. We drove an EX-L model that featured a power sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels with all season tires, and power open-close sliding doors.
Performance: The Odyssey comes equipped with a 248 horsepower 3.5-liter V6, sending power to the front wheels. Power is sent through either a 5-speed automatic on LX, EX, and EX-L models, or a 6-speed automatic transmission on Touring and Touring Elite models.
Fuel Economy: Here are the highest and lowest EPA estimates for fuel economy:
Features: The Odyssey provides spacious seating for eight. The second row gets its own climate controls and for hauling cargo, a third row bench folds seamlessly into the floor.
There's leather seating all around with front row passengers getting heated captains chairs, and the benefit of a powered cooler located at the bottom of the center console. Honda calls this the Cool Box, and it can chill up to six 12-ounce cans or four 20-ounce cans at one time.
Our test model also featured a 229-watt 7-speaker stereo with 2GB library, auxiliary inputs and a subwoofer, as well as Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.
Safety Features: Standard safety features include 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, vehicle stability control, traction control, side impact door beams, and a full complement of front and side impact airbags.
Pricing: Base MSRP for the 2011 Honda Odyssey is $27,800. A range-topping Touring Elite starts at $43,250.
Warranty: The Odyssey is backed by a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Summary: With aggressive new styling, and heap of useful and entertaining in-car tech, the 2011 Honda Odyssey is sure to please, be it to the corner store, or on a cross-country road trip.