2011 Honda Odyssey to Start at $27,800
The completely redesigned 2011 Honda Odyssey is set to establish a number of new benchmarks for the minivan segment, and they're going to include an MSRP that starts at $27,800. This is an increase of $995 over the starting price of a 2010 model, but the automaker says overall the bump "represents a 2.5-percent difference on a sales-weighted basis compared to the 2010 models being replaced (approximately $840 on average)."
On the other hand, Honda's all-new minivan is an excellent example of the old saying that "you get what you pay for." From its bold exterior design to its incredible interior versatility to its surprisingly fuel-efficient powertrain, the 2011 Honda Odyssey offers the kind of features you expect on a vehicle that can cost nearly as much as a BMW 5 Series.
The minivan's sheet metal is your first clue this is a different sort of beast as compared to competition It's noticeably lower and wider than the 2010 Odyssey, showcasing an aggressive, streamlined appearance that's further emphasized by what Honda calls a "lightning bolt" belt line. This essentially puts a kink into the Odyssey's belt line, giving third-row passengers a better view while also adding some exterior flair to the overall design.
Innovations continue on the inside, where Honda engineers have greatly enhanced the vehicle's capabilities. The Odyssey now boasts a new "3-mode" second-row seating design that allows drivers to adjust the seats both fore and aft while also converting the center seat into a functional arm rest for extra comfort and convenience. The third row features Honda's Magic Seat system that allows the back seats to be folded flat quickly and easily. All told, there are nine basic seating configurations available, with room to hold up to eight occupants or 4x8-foot sheets of plywood.
Motivating the Odyssey is a cutting-edge, all-aluminum V-6 packed with the latest powertrain technologies for an optimum mix of satisfying performance and high fuel-efficiency ratings. The bottom line here: When mated to a standard five-speed automatic, the engine delivers 248 hp, 250 lb.-ft. of torque and and EPA line of 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway/21 mpg combined. Hooked up to the six-speed auto that's standard on the Touring models, the results climb to 19/28/22. Significantly, these EPA ratings top those from the Toyota Sienna despite the latter being available with a smaller four-cylinder engine.
The Honda Odyssey price of admission rises further, and quickly, as you move into up-level trims, with the full lineup looking like this:
- Honda Odyssey LX'”$27,800
- Honda Odyssey EX'”$30,950
- Honda Odyssey EX-L'”$34,450
- Honda Odyssey EX-L with Rear Entertainment System (RES)'”$36,050
- Honda Odyssey EX-L with navigation'”$36,450
- Honda Odyssey Touring'”$40,755
- Honda Odyssey Touring Elite'”$43,250
The 2011 Honda Odyssey will be available from Autotropolis car dealers later this month.