http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1121616
Honda Previews their 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon Display, showing an S2000-based Concept
Honda has a few treats in store for this year's Tokyo Auto Salon, which will run from January 11 to January 13 at Makuhari Messe. Interestingly, one of those treats involves a concept package for Honda's out-of-production S2000 roadster. Dubbed the S2000 Modulo Climax, the package includes new front and rear bumper treatments, some nice interior pieces and an interesting looking spoiler-ette.
Also on display is an assortment of Honda's N-One and N-Box minicars, accessorized by Mugen and Honda's Modulo division, Honda's SuperGT racers (CR-Z and HSV-010), a Mugen CR-V Design study, a CR-Z Mugen RZ, and more.
Press release and photos follow.
Overview of Honda Exhibit at TOKYO AUTO SALON 2013 with NAPAC
TOKYO, Japan, December 26, 2012 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced it will participate in TOKYO AUTO SALON 2013 with NAPAC*1, which will be held from Friday, January 11 to Sunday, January 13, 2013, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Featuring production and exhibition models of automobiles, motorcycles presenting a variety of exciting approaches to customization, power products and racing vehicles will also be presented at the Honda exhibit.
Featured automobiles will include models based on the all-new N-ONE mini-vehicle, such as the N-ONE Modulo*2 Style with its sophisticated atmosphere, the MUGEN Racing N-ONE Concept model manufactured by MUGEN*3, and a model created in collaboration with the Japan Nailist Association (JNA), showing off its custom body colors and adorned in rhinestone. Also on display will be 10 mini-vehicles full of fun and variety, including show models of the VAMOS and the ACTY TRUCK.
Honda's automobile exhibit will also show the S2000 Modulo Climax (exhibition model), an S2000-based concept model featuring cutting-edge aeroform design and a chic interior coordinated in black and burgundy. Models on exhibit will include the MUGEN CR-V Design Study, a CR-V-based concept model presenting a new design, and the CR-Z MUGEN RZ, a MUGEN vehicle sold commercially as a complete car limited to 300 vehicles.
Honda's motorcycle exhibit will present the GOLDWING F6B unveiled at EICMA 2012 (70th International Motorcycle Exhibition) in Italy in November and planned for commercial production. Customized vehicles derived from such models as the CB1300 SUPER FOUR{ABS}Special Edition and the NC700X will also be on display featuring aftermarket parts and accessories.
Honda's racing vehicle exhibit will present the RC213V motorcycle, an essential contributor to Honda's team and constructors' championships in the 2012 MotoGP, the highest class in the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix. Two cars from the SUPER GT Series, the HSV-010 GT and the MUGEN CR-Z GT, will also be appearing as well as the DOCOMO TEAM DANDELION RACING machine that won the 2012 Formula NIPPON team championship.
*1 Organized by the TOKYO AUTO SALON ASSOSIATION (TASA) with the cooperation of the Nippon Auto Parts Aftermarket Committee (NAPAC)
*2 Modulo: Brand name for customized products made by Honda Access Corporation, the manufacturer of genuine Honda aftermarket parts and accessories
*3 MUGEN: Brand name used by M-TEC Co., Ltd., which conducts motor sports activities and develops, manufactures and sells tuned parts for Honda vehicles and complete cars
Key vehicles in the Honda exhibit
Exhibition vehicles: concept models
Automobiles
N-ONE Modulo Style
S2000 Modulo Climax
STEP WGN Modulo Style
MUGEN Racing N-ONE Concept
MUGEN CR-V Design Study
Exhibition vehicles: racing vehicles
Automobiles
SUPER GT GT500 class: HSV-010 GT (AUTOBACS RACING TEAM AGURI)
SUPER GT GT300 class: MUGEN CR-Z GT (TEAM MUGEN)
Formula NIPPON : FN09 (DOCOMO TEAM DANDELION RACING)
Motorcycles
MotoGP: RC213V (Repsol Honda Team)
Isle of Man TT Races: EV Motorcycle SHINDEN (TEAM MUGEN)
Accessorized vehicles (Production models)
Automobiles
N BOX Modulo X
N BOX +
N-ONE
CR-Z MUGEN RZ
MUGEN N-ONE
MUGEN N-ONE Premium
Motorcycles
CB1300 SUPER FOUR{ABS}Special Edition
CB1100 Black Style{ABS}
NC700X
Other exhibition vehicles and products
Automobiles
N-ONE [Collaborative model in conjunction with the Japan Nailist Association (JNA), an incorporated nonprofit organization]
VAMOS show model CANPACHI
ACTY TRUCK show model VAMOTORA
Motorcycles
GOLDWING F6B (planned for production)
CBR250R{ABS}Special Edition (planned for production)
Power products Outboard engines
BF250A
BF2D
Honda booth website
http://www.honda.co.jp/autosalon/
[TOKYO AUTO SALON 2013: Dates and place]
Dates:
Friday, January 11
9:00 am - 6:00 pm: Press and industry admission
9:00 am - 6:00 pm: Premium general admission (Halls 9-11)
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Premium general admission (Halls 1-8 and 9-11)
Saturday, January 12
9:00 am - 6:00 pm: General admission
Sunday, January 13
9:00 am - 5:00 pm: General admission
Place:
International Exhibition Halls 1–11, Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan
Honda booth: Hall 4, Booth 439
============================================
http://www.hondainthenews.com/2013-a...s-com-comparo/
2013 Accord Tops Rivals in Cars.com Comparo
The midsize sedan segment continues to showcase some of the freshest, best-selling vehicles in America, and that includes the all-new 2013 Honda Accord. The latest generation of the Accord has seen sizzling sales since its recent introduction, capped off by a November in which deliveries increased by nearly 83 percent. But it’s not just customers who are driving the car’s current run of success; the new Accord also has become a winner with the automotive press. Consider: In a recent shootout between the Accord and five of its closest rivals, the Honda entry bested the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Altima with its award-winning combination of value, efficiency and driving satisfaction.
The comparison gathered together all the mid-size sedans capable of at least 28 mpg in combined driving and priced no higher than $26,000—eliminating contenders like the VW Passat and Chevy Malibu, neither of which can meet that mileage mark at that cost—with judging by a panel of experts from Cars.com, USA Today and MotorWeek. Also, to provide real-world input, all players were put through their paces by a real-life family of four.
The Accord’s decisive victory came based on factors like:
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) that “responds in a jiffy, serving up passing power in concert with your right foot”
Engaging driving dynamics that make the Accord “surprisingly athletic and light on its feet … with quick, better-weighted steering” than the Fusion
High levels of content, with judges noting that: “one of only two cars in the test with a backup camera … the Accord wins double extra brownie points for squeezing this feature in at this price point”
The bottom line from Patrick Olsen, editor-in-chief of Cars.com: “Accord is one of the oldest and most trusted midsize sedans on the market. With each redesign, the Accord continues to get better and better. The 2013 won our showdown because of its high-end standard features, value for money and great driving ability.”
====================================
http://www.dailyhome.com/view/full_s...ance=home_news
Honda Manufacturing of Alabama sets annual production record
LINCOLN — Honda Manufacturing of Alabama produced a total of 336,601 Odyssey minivans, Pilot sport utility vehicles, Ridgeline pickups and the V-6 engines that power all three models in 2012, according to a press release.
Preliminary production estimates are through Dec. 21. The plant is estimated to have turned out 158,527 Odysseys; 156,920 Pilots and 21,154 Ridgelines. The Lincoln plant is the exclusive global production source for all three models.
“Honda experienced a tremendous resurgence in production in 2012, after recovering from the natural disasters of the prior year,” HMA president Tom Shoupe said in the release. “The teamwork and dedication of our 4,000 associates has, once again, led our company to achieve production of a record number of high quality, Alabama built, Honda vehicles and engines for our customers.”
The release goes on to say that in the past two years, HMA has announced investments of nearly $400 million to increase vehicle production, including the addition of Acura MDX luxury sports utility vehicle to the production lineup in the coming year.
“The investments also support an increase in annual production capacity to 360,000 vehicles and engines by 2013 and achieve improvements in manufacturing efficiency,” according to the release. The plant has also hired an additional 350 associates during the past two years.
The Lincoln plant covers 3.5 million square feet and represents a $2 billion capital investment. Annual payroll is in excess of $250 million.
========================================
http://jalopnik.com/5971593/shorter-...-we-screwed-up
Shorter 2013 Honda Civic Ad: Yes, We Screwed Up
The 2012 Honda Civic was highly regarded for being not very good at anything. Honda did an emergency redesign of the car to make it relevant and up the level of its competitors, thus resulting in the 2013 Honda Civic.
Honda seems to have realized that they have screwed up with the 2012 car and recognize that in the first ad for the 2013 model. Honda has ventured to build products based on big ideas, like Asimo the robot and the HondaJet. Even though the Civic isn't as enterprising as those things, it's far more important to the company.
Good on Honda for realizing that they needed to make some adjustments for the car to be relevant. Now here's to hoping that the car actually makes good on their promise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=uiZS-MiIpac
===============================
2013 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite: The minivan is all grown up
http://portlandtribune.com/pt/11-fea...s-all-grown-up
In Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, it takes 10 long years for Odysseus to make his way home after the Trojan War. If he was driving the Honda van named after the poem, at least Odysseus would have traveled in comfort and style — especially if it was the 2013 Odyssey Touring Elite model, the subject our weeklong test drive.
Minivans have changed a lot since Chrysler introduced the first ones in the 1980s. Based on the company’s economical K-cars, they were small and simple. Today, almost all them are much larger and available with every conceivable convenience, entertainment and comfort feature.
Even the base model LX model of the Odyssey is well outfitted. Standard equipment incudes three rows of seats, front and rear air conditioning, an AM/FM in-dash single CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo, and — beginning this year — hands-free phone capabilities, USB Audio, and a rearview camera.
But step up to the top-of-the-line Touring Elite model and you’ll find leather seats (power and heated in the front), three zone climate control, a hard drive voice activated navigation system, and an optional 16.2-inch widescreen that folds down from the headliner in the second row. Both it and the Touting model also come with a six-spped automatic transmission instead of the five-speed version found on the other models.
All models are powered by just one engine, Honda’s tried-and-true 3.5-liter V6, rated at 248 horsepower and 250 foot-pounds of torque. They all include the Variable Cylinder Management system that shuts down two or three of the cylinders when they're not needed, improving fuel economy. Five-speed models are rated at 18 miles per gallon city and 27 on the highway, while the six-speed automatic adds a single mile-per-gallon. That’s the best of any vehicle designed to carry eight passengers.
All models also feature the most radical styling of any family van, including a jagged side window line that Honda refers to as a lightning bolt. Combined with the intentionally large sliding door tracks down each side, the effect is bold and eye catching. The beltline is also lower than most other vans, giving the Odyssey a low, wide look.
On the road, our test Odyssey was remarkably smooth and stable. The long wheelbase helped soak up imperfections, giving a supple and controlled ride. During one lengthy early morning freeway drive in heavy rain, the Odyssey felt as stable and secure as any large SUV. The higher ride height offered excellent visibility and, even though AWD is not an option, the traction was excellent, despite having to drive through washed out sections of the freeway.
But vans are really all about interior room and in this category, the Odyssey is practically in a class of its own. The inside is cavernous and can be configured to carry up to eight people or, with the seats folded down, full loads of lumber. Some reviewers have noted there is a large amount of hard plastic in the interior, but what do they expect? The Odyssey is designed to carry large families and children area messy, so the surfaces need to be easy to clean up. The fit and finish is first rate, though, which makes the materials look classier than you might expect.
Honda uses its 3.5-liter V6 is a variety of vehicles. It is a solid workhorse that offers impressive acceleration in the Odyssesy, especially considering its size. The six-speed transmission in our Tour Elite model shifted up and down through the gears smooth. Even freeway passing was relatively easy, which isn't something you could always say about minivans.
Special mention should be made of the front seats, which were deeply sculpted and very comfortable, even on long trips. They both included an inside arm that could be raised up to increase access to the generous center console storage bin.
With a starting price at over $28,000, the Odyssesy is competitive with other vans its size. At more than $44,000, our Touring Elite version was still reasonable, given everything it included. But even that top-of-the-line price is just one more reminder how much most minivans have changed over the years — not much about them is mini anymore.
Facts and figures (all models)
• Model tested: 2013 Odyssey Touring Elite.
• Manufacturer: Honda.
• Class: Van.
• Layout: Front engine, front-wheel-drive.
• Style: Five-door van.
• Engines: 3.5-liter V6 (248 hp, 250 lbs-ft).
• TransmissionS: Five-speed automatic; six-speed automatic.
• EPA estimated city/highway/mileage: 18/27.
• Price: Beginning at approximately $28,675 ($44,755 as tested).
====================
Honda Previews their 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon Display, showing an S2000-based Concept
Honda has a few treats in store for this year's Tokyo Auto Salon, which will run from January 11 to January 13 at Makuhari Messe. Interestingly, one of those treats involves a concept package for Honda's out-of-production S2000 roadster. Dubbed the S2000 Modulo Climax, the package includes new front and rear bumper treatments, some nice interior pieces and an interesting looking spoiler-ette.
Also on display is an assortment of Honda's N-One and N-Box minicars, accessorized by Mugen and Honda's Modulo division, Honda's SuperGT racers (CR-Z and HSV-010), a Mugen CR-V Design study, a CR-Z Mugen RZ, and more.
Press release and photos follow.
Overview of Honda Exhibit at TOKYO AUTO SALON 2013 with NAPAC
TOKYO, Japan, December 26, 2012 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced it will participate in TOKYO AUTO SALON 2013 with NAPAC*1, which will be held from Friday, January 11 to Sunday, January 13, 2013, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Featuring production and exhibition models of automobiles, motorcycles presenting a variety of exciting approaches to customization, power products and racing vehicles will also be presented at the Honda exhibit.
Featured automobiles will include models based on the all-new N-ONE mini-vehicle, such as the N-ONE Modulo*2 Style with its sophisticated atmosphere, the MUGEN Racing N-ONE Concept model manufactured by MUGEN*3, and a model created in collaboration with the Japan Nailist Association (JNA), showing off its custom body colors and adorned in rhinestone. Also on display will be 10 mini-vehicles full of fun and variety, including show models of the VAMOS and the ACTY TRUCK.
Honda's automobile exhibit will also show the S2000 Modulo Climax (exhibition model), an S2000-based concept model featuring cutting-edge aeroform design and a chic interior coordinated in black and burgundy. Models on exhibit will include the MUGEN CR-V Design Study, a CR-V-based concept model presenting a new design, and the CR-Z MUGEN RZ, a MUGEN vehicle sold commercially as a complete car limited to 300 vehicles.
Honda's motorcycle exhibit will present the GOLDWING F6B unveiled at EICMA 2012 (70th International Motorcycle Exhibition) in Italy in November and planned for commercial production. Customized vehicles derived from such models as the CB1300 SUPER FOUR{ABS}Special Edition and the NC700X will also be on display featuring aftermarket parts and accessories.
Honda's racing vehicle exhibit will present the RC213V motorcycle, an essential contributor to Honda's team and constructors' championships in the 2012 MotoGP, the highest class in the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix. Two cars from the SUPER GT Series, the HSV-010 GT and the MUGEN CR-Z GT, will also be appearing as well as the DOCOMO TEAM DANDELION RACING machine that won the 2012 Formula NIPPON team championship.
*1 Organized by the TOKYO AUTO SALON ASSOSIATION (TASA) with the cooperation of the Nippon Auto Parts Aftermarket Committee (NAPAC)
*2 Modulo: Brand name for customized products made by Honda Access Corporation, the manufacturer of genuine Honda aftermarket parts and accessories
*3 MUGEN: Brand name used by M-TEC Co., Ltd., which conducts motor sports activities and develops, manufactures and sells tuned parts for Honda vehicles and complete cars
Key vehicles in the Honda exhibit
Exhibition vehicles: concept models
Automobiles
N-ONE Modulo Style
S2000 Modulo Climax
STEP WGN Modulo Style
MUGEN Racing N-ONE Concept
MUGEN CR-V Design Study
Exhibition vehicles: racing vehicles
Automobiles
SUPER GT GT500 class: HSV-010 GT (AUTOBACS RACING TEAM AGURI)
SUPER GT GT300 class: MUGEN CR-Z GT (TEAM MUGEN)
Formula NIPPON : FN09 (DOCOMO TEAM DANDELION RACING)
Motorcycles
MotoGP: RC213V (Repsol Honda Team)
Isle of Man TT Races: EV Motorcycle SHINDEN (TEAM MUGEN)
Accessorized vehicles (Production models)
Automobiles
N BOX Modulo X
N BOX +
N-ONE
CR-Z MUGEN RZ
MUGEN N-ONE
MUGEN N-ONE Premium
Motorcycles
CB1300 SUPER FOUR{ABS}Special Edition
CB1100 Black Style{ABS}
NC700X
Other exhibition vehicles and products
Automobiles
N-ONE [Collaborative model in conjunction with the Japan Nailist Association (JNA), an incorporated nonprofit organization]
VAMOS show model CANPACHI
ACTY TRUCK show model VAMOTORA
Motorcycles
GOLDWING F6B (planned for production)
CBR250R{ABS}Special Edition (planned for production)
Power products Outboard engines
BF250A
BF2D
Honda booth website
http://www.honda.co.jp/autosalon/
[TOKYO AUTO SALON 2013: Dates and place]
Dates:
Friday, January 11
9:00 am - 6:00 pm: Press and industry admission
9:00 am - 6:00 pm: Premium general admission (Halls 9-11)
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Premium general admission (Halls 1-8 and 9-11)
Saturday, January 12
9:00 am - 6:00 pm: General admission
Sunday, January 13
9:00 am - 5:00 pm: General admission
Place:
International Exhibition Halls 1–11, Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan
Honda booth: Hall 4, Booth 439
============================================
http://www.hondainthenews.com/2013-a...s-com-comparo/
2013 Accord Tops Rivals in Cars.com Comparo
The midsize sedan segment continues to showcase some of the freshest, best-selling vehicles in America, and that includes the all-new 2013 Honda Accord. The latest generation of the Accord has seen sizzling sales since its recent introduction, capped off by a November in which deliveries increased by nearly 83 percent. But it’s not just customers who are driving the car’s current run of success; the new Accord also has become a winner with the automotive press. Consider: In a recent shootout between the Accord and five of its closest rivals, the Honda entry bested the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Altima with its award-winning combination of value, efficiency and driving satisfaction.
The comparison gathered together all the mid-size sedans capable of at least 28 mpg in combined driving and priced no higher than $26,000—eliminating contenders like the VW Passat and Chevy Malibu, neither of which can meet that mileage mark at that cost—with judging by a panel of experts from Cars.com, USA Today and MotorWeek. Also, to provide real-world input, all players were put through their paces by a real-life family of four.
The Accord’s decisive victory came based on factors like:
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) that “responds in a jiffy, serving up passing power in concert with your right foot”
Engaging driving dynamics that make the Accord “surprisingly athletic and light on its feet … with quick, better-weighted steering” than the Fusion
High levels of content, with judges noting that: “one of only two cars in the test with a backup camera … the Accord wins double extra brownie points for squeezing this feature in at this price point”
The bottom line from Patrick Olsen, editor-in-chief of Cars.com: “Accord is one of the oldest and most trusted midsize sedans on the market. With each redesign, the Accord continues to get better and better. The 2013 won our showdown because of its high-end standard features, value for money and great driving ability.”
====================================
http://www.dailyhome.com/view/full_s...ance=home_news
Honda Manufacturing of Alabama sets annual production record
LINCOLN — Honda Manufacturing of Alabama produced a total of 336,601 Odyssey minivans, Pilot sport utility vehicles, Ridgeline pickups and the V-6 engines that power all three models in 2012, according to a press release.
Preliminary production estimates are through Dec. 21. The plant is estimated to have turned out 158,527 Odysseys; 156,920 Pilots and 21,154 Ridgelines. The Lincoln plant is the exclusive global production source for all three models.
“Honda experienced a tremendous resurgence in production in 2012, after recovering from the natural disasters of the prior year,” HMA president Tom Shoupe said in the release. “The teamwork and dedication of our 4,000 associates has, once again, led our company to achieve production of a record number of high quality, Alabama built, Honda vehicles and engines for our customers.”
The release goes on to say that in the past two years, HMA has announced investments of nearly $400 million to increase vehicle production, including the addition of Acura MDX luxury sports utility vehicle to the production lineup in the coming year.
“The investments also support an increase in annual production capacity to 360,000 vehicles and engines by 2013 and achieve improvements in manufacturing efficiency,” according to the release. The plant has also hired an additional 350 associates during the past two years.
The Lincoln plant covers 3.5 million square feet and represents a $2 billion capital investment. Annual payroll is in excess of $250 million.
========================================
http://jalopnik.com/5971593/shorter-...-we-screwed-up
Shorter 2013 Honda Civic Ad: Yes, We Screwed Up
The 2012 Honda Civic was highly regarded for being not very good at anything. Honda did an emergency redesign of the car to make it relevant and up the level of its competitors, thus resulting in the 2013 Honda Civic.
Honda seems to have realized that they have screwed up with the 2012 car and recognize that in the first ad for the 2013 model. Honda has ventured to build products based on big ideas, like Asimo the robot and the HondaJet. Even though the Civic isn't as enterprising as those things, it's far more important to the company.
Good on Honda for realizing that they needed to make some adjustments for the car to be relevant. Now here's to hoping that the car actually makes good on their promise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=uiZS-MiIpac
===============================
2013 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite: The minivan is all grown up
http://portlandtribune.com/pt/11-fea...s-all-grown-up
In Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, it takes 10 long years for Odysseus to make his way home after the Trojan War. If he was driving the Honda van named after the poem, at least Odysseus would have traveled in comfort and style — especially if it was the 2013 Odyssey Touring Elite model, the subject our weeklong test drive.
Minivans have changed a lot since Chrysler introduced the first ones in the 1980s. Based on the company’s economical K-cars, they were small and simple. Today, almost all them are much larger and available with every conceivable convenience, entertainment and comfort feature.
Even the base model LX model of the Odyssey is well outfitted. Standard equipment incudes three rows of seats, front and rear air conditioning, an AM/FM in-dash single CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo, and — beginning this year — hands-free phone capabilities, USB Audio, and a rearview camera.
But step up to the top-of-the-line Touring Elite model and you’ll find leather seats (power and heated in the front), three zone climate control, a hard drive voice activated navigation system, and an optional 16.2-inch widescreen that folds down from the headliner in the second row. Both it and the Touting model also come with a six-spped automatic transmission instead of the five-speed version found on the other models.
All models are powered by just one engine, Honda’s tried-and-true 3.5-liter V6, rated at 248 horsepower and 250 foot-pounds of torque. They all include the Variable Cylinder Management system that shuts down two or three of the cylinders when they're not needed, improving fuel economy. Five-speed models are rated at 18 miles per gallon city and 27 on the highway, while the six-speed automatic adds a single mile-per-gallon. That’s the best of any vehicle designed to carry eight passengers.
All models also feature the most radical styling of any family van, including a jagged side window line that Honda refers to as a lightning bolt. Combined with the intentionally large sliding door tracks down each side, the effect is bold and eye catching. The beltline is also lower than most other vans, giving the Odyssey a low, wide look.
On the road, our test Odyssey was remarkably smooth and stable. The long wheelbase helped soak up imperfections, giving a supple and controlled ride. During one lengthy early morning freeway drive in heavy rain, the Odyssey felt as stable and secure as any large SUV. The higher ride height offered excellent visibility and, even though AWD is not an option, the traction was excellent, despite having to drive through washed out sections of the freeway.
But vans are really all about interior room and in this category, the Odyssey is practically in a class of its own. The inside is cavernous and can be configured to carry up to eight people or, with the seats folded down, full loads of lumber. Some reviewers have noted there is a large amount of hard plastic in the interior, but what do they expect? The Odyssey is designed to carry large families and children area messy, so the surfaces need to be easy to clean up. The fit and finish is first rate, though, which makes the materials look classier than you might expect.
Honda uses its 3.5-liter V6 is a variety of vehicles. It is a solid workhorse that offers impressive acceleration in the Odyssesy, especially considering its size. The six-speed transmission in our Tour Elite model shifted up and down through the gears smooth. Even freeway passing was relatively easy, which isn't something you could always say about minivans.
Special mention should be made of the front seats, which were deeply sculpted and very comfortable, even on long trips. They both included an inside arm that could be raised up to increase access to the generous center console storage bin.
With a starting price at over $28,000, the Odyssesy is competitive with other vans its size. At more than $44,000, our Touring Elite version was still reasonable, given everything it included. But even that top-of-the-line price is just one more reminder how much most minivans have changed over the years — not much about them is mini anymore.
Facts and figures (all models)
• Model tested: 2013 Odyssey Touring Elite.
• Manufacturer: Honda.
• Class: Van.
• Layout: Front engine, front-wheel-drive.
• Style: Five-door van.
• Engines: 3.5-liter V6 (248 hp, 250 lbs-ft).
• TransmissionS: Five-speed automatic; six-speed automatic.
• EPA estimated city/highway/mileage: 18/27.
• Price: Beginning at approximately $28,675 ($44,755 as tested).
====================
Comment