2011 Honda Odyssey Launches in US with $27,800 Starting Price
Honda’s redesigned Odyssey minivan enters US showrooms from 30 September 2010, with a starting price of $27,800 and a focus on American design and production.
Honda will begin US sales of its redesigned Odyssey minivan on 30 September 2010, with the 2011 model priced from $27,800. That figure is $1,000 higher than the outgoing version, reflecting both the model’s comprehensive update and its repositioning in the minivan segment.
Honda is emphasising the Odyssey’s American credentials, with the 2011 model designed, engineered and manufactured in the United States for the first time. The company refers to it as the “American Odyssey”, highlighting its development for US buyers and production at Honda’s Alabama plant.
Features and equipment highlights
The 2011 Odyssey introduces a range of new features aimed at family buyers. Among the most notable are a 3-mode second-row seat (from EX trim upward) that allows for greater lateral movement and flexibility, and a one-motion 60/40 split third-row Magic Seat designed to simplify reconfiguration for cargo or passengers.
- 15 cup holders throughout the cabin
- Available 16.2-inch ultrawide rear entertainment screen (Touring Elite)
- Blind spot information system (Touring Elite)
- Multi-view rear camera with parking aid lines (EX-L Navi and Touring)
- Cool box for beverages (EX-L and above)
- Removable front floor console (EX and above)
- Bluetooth audio streaming (EX-L and above)
Interior space remains a key selling point. The Odyssey LX offers seating for seven, while higher trims accommodate eight. Passenger volume on the base LX reaches 172.6 cubic feet, with up to 148.5 cubic feet of cargo space available behind the first row when seats are folded.
Improved fuel economy and US focus
The 2011 Odyssey delivers improved fuel efficiency, with combined city and highway consumption of 21mpg for the LX and EX models, up from 18mpg on the outgoing version. Honda’s focus on American buyers is further underlined by the model’s development and production entirely within the US, a move intended to strengthen its appeal in the country’s competitive minivan market.
Honda’s US sales chief set a target of 110,000 Odyssey sales for 2011, reflecting confidence in the model’s updates and its alignment with American preferences. The Odyssey competes with rivals such as the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Town & Country, both of which also target family buyers with a mix of practicality and technology.
Trim levels and technology
The Odyssey range includes LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite trims. Higher-spec models add features such as a 15GB hard disk drive audio system (EX-L Navi and Touring), FM traffic data, leather upholstery, navigation and a 16.2-inch ultrawide rear entertainment system. The Touring Elite trim introduces auto-levelling HID headlights and a blind spot information system.
