Are you a Minivan Hesitator? Well, Honda knows you're out there and it's got its sights on you. Also, is Hesitator a word?
Are you the type of person who really wants and needs a minivan but can't bring yourself to be seen in something so prosaic as a minivan? Well, first off, grow up. But Honda loves you, you shallow refuse-to-acknowledge-your-age goof. The company thinks a lower, wider, less-boxy minivan is going to help you get over your insecurities. Hence the Honda Odyssey Concept, which the company believes looks cooler than your average minivan.
That's between you and the man in the mirror. What is more likely to convince a potential Odyssey buyer is that the 2011 production Odyssey (which will look essentially like this "concept") will have a more spacious interior without adding length to the vehicle. One might also be swayed by the fact that the 2011 model will be able to accommodate three child-safety seats in the third row, compared to only two in the current Odyssey. That, at least one version of the production model should return 19 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, according to Honda's estimates, is also attractive. All Odysseys will be powered by the same size V6, so the trim line that achieves that figure might have more gears in the transmission or be powered by fairy dust. Probably one or the other.
Read Inside Line's full story on the Honda Odyssey Concept.
1487 says:
10:34 AM, 02/10/10
looks like the current model. What is so "concept" about this?
rsholland says:
10:36 AM, 02/10/10
I like it, especially the unusual side window treatment. The "lighting bolt" lower edge of the rear-quarter window should make it easier for small children to see out from the third-row seat; plus it adds a distinctive styling element.
felonious says:
10:39 AM, 02/10/10
I'm so thankful that I'm not yet getting excited about new minivan designs. :)
questionlp says:
11:03 AM, 02/10/10
Ick... the thing looks like the bastard-child that is the Mercedes R-class bloatmobile, I mean wagon. >.<
firstwagon says:
11:04 AM, 02/10/10
"so the trim line that achieves that figure might have more gears in the transmission or be powered by fairy dust. Probably one or the other."
One trim level of the current model (touring) already gets better mileage with the same size V6. It has cylinder deactivation and the DX, SE and EX-L models don't.
The fairy dust idea is cool though if that's the world you live in.
firstwagon says:
11:11 AM, 02/10/10
I think it looks good. A more modern, cleaned up version of the current model which is already the best looking product Honda has ( make what you will of that part).
subytrojan says:
11:14 AM, 02/10/10
I don't like the grille, but it's definitely better than the Accord Crosstour grille!
bimmerjay says:
11:21 AM, 02/10/10
Where's hondacura4, time to trade up man!
hondacura4 says:
12:35 PM, 02/10/10
I'm here Bimmer but it's not (fully) my decision, it's the wife's! The rear and the side look pretty good but the front looks very dated. I was hoping for a front end treatment similar to the FCX Clarity's.
As for the mileage estimates, I'd look for the 6AT that debuted in the Acura MDX/ZDX, which ALL Odyssey trims will have. I'd also look for a revised VCM system (puke), higher power/torque ratings, some added high end features similar to the new Sienna, and better use of space.
hondacura4 says:
12:58 PM, 02/10/10
I'd like to see Honda concentrate on getting the Odyssey's weight in check.
mazdamike17 says:
10:14 PM, 02/10/10
This is an interesting van, but I don't like those head lights... They don't make me think Honda at all... The rest is decent, especially the rear, but I don't know, those lights make me think Buick not Honda. Honda has seemed to have lost a lot of styling sense, they did great 5 years ago, but now, everything is so blah...
alman08 says:
10:38 PM, 02/10/10
I knew there's a reason why I liked the Ford Edge...
blueprint1 says:
09:44 AM, 02/11/10
Note to Pund : the 1999-2004 Odyssey also had three child seat anchors in its 3rd row (the two outboard ones being low-cost, dealer-installed options). I have them in my 2003 and they were practical on road trips : mom and baby in the 2nd row, two other kids in the third row.
Kids older now, only two boosters in use, and I really look forward to seeing the final production version of this Ody.
cr_driver says:
05:21 PM, 02/11/10
At least someone from this crowd might buy one....
Talk to the fairy and see if she approves...LOL