The Odyssey had originally been conceived and engineered in Japan, in the wake of country's economic crisis of the 1990s – which in turn imposed severe constraints on the vehicle's size and overall concept, dictating the minivan's manufacture in an existing facility with minimal modification. The result was a smaller minivan, in the Compact MPV class, that was well received in the Japanese domestic market and less well received in North America. The first generation Odyssey was marketed in Europe as the Shuttle.
Subsequent generations diverged to reflect market variations, and Honda built a plant in Lincoln, Alabama, incorporating the ability to manufacture larger models. Since model year 1999, Honda has marketed a larger (large MPV-class) Odyssey in North America and a smaller Odyssey in Japan and other markets. Honda also offered the larger North American Odyssey in Japan as Honda LaGreat between 1999 and 2005. Both versions of the Odyssey were sold in Japan at Honda Clio dealership locations.
The North American fourth generation Odyssey was officially released on sale on September 30, 2010 for the 2011 model year.
Honda presented the 2011 Odyssey Concept in early 2010 at the Chicago Auto Show and officially on June 17; with a larger, wider body, a lower roofline and revised styling.
The redesigned Odyssey features options including 12-speaker 650 watt audio system (Touring Elite), a voice-controlled satellite GPS and DVD navigation system with XM NavTraffic (Touring and above, available EX-L), an external HDMI input (Touring Elite), a larger 16.2-inch (410 mm) split-screen rear-seat DVD entertainment system (Touring Elite), a "cool box" chilled by the air conditioning (EX-L and above), a stowable 3rd row 60/40 split bench seat, a removable first row center console (EX and above), and a new steering wheel via updates.
The 2011 Odyssey includes projector headlamps or HID xenon low-beam headlamps (Touring Elite), standard 17-inch wheels, 18-inch alloy wheels (Touring and above), and 6-speed automatic transmission (Touring and above). All trims come standard with a backup camera, with higher trims offer a tri-angle rearview camera. The body is constructed using 59% high strength steel, ranging from 390-1,500 MPa yield strength.
Mid-generational refresh
For the 2014 model year, Honda facelifted the Odyssey. This includes a 6-speed automatic transmission on all trims, sleeker exterior styling with a new aluminum hood, aluminum front fenders, twin-bar grille and revised lower front fascia with integrated fog lights, darker-finish projector headlight housings, Smart entry availability and LED rear taillight bars. A built-in vacuum cleaner system is included with the Touring Elite model.
Honda's i-MID, also available on the Civic and Accord, is also standard for 2014, all models get standard Pandora Internet Radio capabilities, Bluetooth Hands-Free Link, iPod, iPhone, and USB integration, a 3.5 millimeter auxiliary input jack, and a color display screen.
The models for 2014 include the LX, the EX, the EX w/ Leather (EX-L), the Touring, and the Touring Elite; the SE trim, which is positioned between LX and EX, is available for the Canadian market . New exterior paint colors are available for 2014, as are new interior fabrics and trim pieces.
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