Honda To Unveil Odyssey Minivan Concept in Chicago

Honda announced today that it will unveil a concept version of its next-generation Odyssey minivan at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show’s media days on Feb 10.

It should be noted that Honda often debuts a concept version very close to the actual production version being shown, and sometimes even close to the sale date. The latest Honda Pilot was shown as a prototype at the Detroit auto show in January 2008, and the production model went on sale in late May that year.

Honda Dials Back Odyssey, Pilot Production

Honda will scale back production of its new Pilot SUV and Odyssey minivans by 32,000 units to compensate for shifting consumer demand. The loss in family-hauler production will be made up by increasing output of the popular Accord sedan. Sales of the Accord are up 2.4% this year through September.

While increased Accord production won’t impact supply in the states — Honda will simply import fewer Japan-built Accords — fewer Pilots and Odysseys will mean a tighter supply if demand returns. Honda will also be able to keep incentive spending down for those two models.

Honda says that with this increase in Accord production, it will now be producing more than 80% of the cars it sells in the U.S. domestically.

Honda to produce more cars, fewer minivans, SUVs (Detroit Free Press)

Minivan Deals Can Be Had in Bad Economy

The economy may or may not be in its death throes, but the kids still need to go to soccer practice. (Or various other activities. Perhaps dance lessons?)

News has been focusing on falling SUV and truck sales, but the minivan is also in a slump as of late. For prospective minivan buyers out there, we went through our incentives list and checked out the deals available. Some are significant, like the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country getting $3,500 cash back and the 2008 Kia Sedona’s $5,000 or 0.0% financing for 60 months.

There are cash-back deals on some 2009 models as well: The 2009 Nissan Quest gets $2,500 cash back or 2.9% financing for 72 months, while the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan has a nice little $1,000 deal. See the list below for the models we found, or check out our full list of regional incentives here. 

Honda Introduces Multi-View Camera System

Honda has announced that new models of the Odyssey minivan (which go on sale in Japan next month) will include the automaker's new multi-view camera system.

Four wide-angle CCD cameras provide a panoramic view of the car's surroundings and can assist in parallel parking, backing up, checking blind spots and other tight driving situations. Drivers will see composite views via a display screen in the dash, as well as additional assisting information, such as a line that shows the vehicle's projected trajectory.

The system is similar to Infiniti's Around View Monitor, which uses four cameras in similar positions. However, Infiniti's system also projects a bird's-eye view of the vehicle's surroundings, which you can see in the video here. Let us know in the comments which camera system seems more useful.

Cars.com Faceoff: Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest

While most requests we hear from families involve wanting a car that has all the capabilities of a minivan but isn’t actually a minivan, there are still minivan shoppers out there. Cars.com’s Joe Wiesenfelder and Mike Hanley took on three popular models, including the newly redesigned Dodge Grand Caravan and slightly tweaked Honda Odyssey. Can the Nissan hold its own against such tough competition? Check out the Faceoff to find out.

Cars.comparison: Family Workhorses

Friday Fleet Notes: 2.29.08

This week, we have input from staffers on multiple vehicles, including the Mazda RX-8, Jeep Patriot, Subaru WRX STI and the always-coveted Chevy Malibu. Check out what our staff had to say, then take a look at our latest Expert Reviews for each vehicle for more in-depth coverage.

2008 Honda Odyssey

• Unlike many minivans, the Odyssey doesn't forget about the driver. The V-6 engine is a smooth performer, and the van's responsive handling is much appreciated. Cabin quality is impressive, and seat comfort is good in all three rows. If I were shopping for a minivan, I'd spend my money on this one. – Mike Hanley, Cars.com reviewer

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Honda Odyssey

When the keys for a new minivan come to the office we’re don’t rush over with the same enthusiasm as if it were a sports car. But after a week in the new Honda Odyssey — a fully loaded Touring model at that — reviewer David Thomas came away impressed by how luxurious this family-friendly vehicle was. Make sure to check out the full review with video.

2008 Honda Odyssey Expert Review

Honda Prices New 2008 Odyssey

Last month, Honda told us about changes to its new 2008 Odyssey minivan, but we didn’t know the prices until today, which also happens to be the day the new family-hauler goes on sale. 

Prices start at $25,860 for the Odyssey LX. That’s just barely up from the 2007’s $25,645 price. Neither includes a $635 destination charge. What do you get for the extra money? There aren’t a bevy of new standard features, but the exterior has a slightly new look, and the interior also got a once-over, with improved fabric for the LX and EX. An auxiliary jack for MP3 players is also standard. 

Otherwise, new features for 2008 are included on the upper-level EX trim, which starts at $28,960, and the fully loaded Odyssey Touring, which starts at $40,610. That comes with navigation, voice recognition, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, a DVD rear entertainment system and run-flat tires.

Related
Ch-Ch-Changes: 2008 Honda Odyssey (KickingTires)
2007 Family Car of the Year (Cars.com)

Ch-Ch-Changes: 2008 Honda Odyssey

When we saw the news about the 2008 Honda Odyssey — last year’s reigning Family Car of the Year — we were a bit surprised. We had expected the Odyssey to enter the new model year just as it left the last one. Instead, Honda is offering a new look with a slightly redesigned front and rear end. They’re not radically different, mind you, just enough to make the 2008 stand out a bit more, especially with its new-fangled grille. The interior receives minor upgrades, with new colors and new fabric seating surfaces.

Bluetooth is now available as an option, and a power passenger seat is standard in EX-L and Touring trims, while a rearview camera is available for all versions of the Odyssey and standard on the EX-L.

A revised V-6 engine is again offered in two different versions. Using new EPA testing standards, the V-6 in the LX and EX trim levels is rated at 244 hp and gets 16/23 mpg (city/highway), while the more efficient 241-hp engine in the Touring and EX-L trim levels gets 17/25 mpg.

Update: The 2008 Odyssey will go on sale in mid-October with pricing to be announced later. We only have two more images of the 2008 Odyssey at this time, which can be found below.