2001 Honda Odyssey Press Kit

2001 Honda Odyssey - Overview

The Honda Odyssey sets new standards in performance, safety, versatility, utility, quality and value in the minivan market.

The Odyssey features a wide range of product, safety and environmental innovations, including:

• First minivan with head restraints at all seating positions
• First minivan to offer 3-point seat belts at all seating positions
• Dual sliding doors (power on EX)
• Most powerful V-6 engine in its class
• Meets Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards for light trucks
• Widest front and rear track in its class
• Only minivan to feature fold-down "magic" seat
• "Convertible" second-row bucket seats

With An overall length of more than 200 inches and a height of more than 68 inches, the Odyssey is as big as any competitor and the largest vehicle Honda has ever made.

Available in LX and EX models, the Odyssey boasts many standard features that are extra-cost options on other minivans. It is powered by a 24-valve V-6 engine with 210 horsepower (premium unleaded fuel) and is equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission, anti-lock brakes, an Electronic Brake Distribution system (EBD) and Traction Control System (on EX models).

Sixteen-inch wheels (alloy on EX models) and tires are standard and the Odyssey also has the widest track in its class (nearly two inches wider than its closest competitor).

POWER AND CONVENIENCE FEATURES
The interior of the Odyssey sets new standards for comfort and safety and includes a host of power and convenience features, including power door locks, power mirrors and power windows, front and rear air conditioning, AM/FM stereo cassette (CD on EX models) and power rear quarter-windows. Six indi-vidual map lights and individually adjustable rear-cabin air-conditioning vents are standard.

DUAL POWER SLIDING DOORS
Numerous examples of Honda's innovative thinking can be found throughout the Odyssey: Dual sliding doors are standard and EX models feature dual power sliding doors. The power doors can be opened or closed individually or simultaneously, using a dashboard control, keyless remote, or by pulling on the door handle. The doors also have a touch-sensitive safety rebound feature should they encounter resistance while opening or closing. Both doors also will operate manually in the event of a power failure.

INDIVIDUAL COMFORT AND VERSATILITY
In addition to offering one of the largest interiors in the class, the Odyssey is designed to provide the utmost in comfort, utility, versatility and practicality. There are nine fully usable beverage holders. Numerous storage spaces are conveniently located throughout the vehicle, including a large-capacity glove compartment and additional storage bin for the driver and front-seat passenger.

A retractable center tray table with beverage holders folds down to provide a walk-through to the rear seats. The second-row bucket seats can be quickly and easily converted into a two-passenger bench seat.

The Odyssey can also be quickly reconfigured to haul cargo. Its dual sliding doors, large rear hatch opening and low floor height make loading and unload-ing of bulky items easy. The convertible second-row bucket seats can be removed and the third-row "magic" seat folds into the floor, leaving a large cargo compartment capable of carrying 4' x 8' sheets of plywood flat on the floor. Or the seatbacks of the second- and third-row seatbacks can be quickly folded so that 4' x 8' sheets of plywood can be stacked on top of them.

NORTH AMERICAN PRODUCTION
The Odyssey will be built on a new assembly line currently under construction at Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario, near Toronto. First-year production will be about 60,000 units, with production gradually increasing to a plant capacity of 120,000 a year. The new line will add about 1,200 employees.

3.5-LITER, V-6 ENGINE
A 3.5-liter, 210-hp (premium unleaded gasoline), 24-valve V-6 engine is standard on the Odyssey. The 60-degree V-6 is based on the Accord V-6 engine, specially modified for minivan driving requirements. The additional 500 cc of displacement helps the engine produce an impressive 229 lb.-ft of torque, with 208 lb.-ft. available at 2000 rpm, providing the Odyssey with excellent low-end performance and pulling power.

This engine is the first in a Honda to be equipped with a knock sensor, which allows for the use of either premium unleaded gasoline or regular unleaded, at only a slight loss of performance (205-hp with regular).

A special two-rocker arm version of Honda's patented VTEC system (Variable valve Timing Electronic Control), along with an air-assist fuel injection system and electrically controlled exhaust-gas recirculation, helps the Odyssey achieve Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) status for light trucks, without sacrificing perfor-mance or fuel economy.

ENGINEERED TO MINIMIZE NOISE AND VIBRATION
The Odyssey body, chassis and drivetrain have been engineered to minimize various sources of noise and vibration. Its smooth-running V-6 engine is mounted in a rubber-isolated subframe. A special liquid-filled engine mount and an elec-tronically controlled engine mount absorb vibration, while a large-capacity exhaust system quiets exhaust noise.

The Odyssey's highly rigid body and chassis structure is designed to minimize vibration, and the extensive use of sound- and vibration-absorbing materials throughout the body helps to minimize road noise.

4-WHEEL INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION
In keeping with their goal of making the Odyssey the best riding and handling minivan, Honda engineers equipped it with a unique 4-wheel independent suspension featuring a strut-type front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension. Low-rate front and rear springs and 16-inch wheels and tires contribute to the Odyssey's smooth ride. The suspension geometry has been designed for optimum stability and control when braking and cornering.

The rear double wishbone suspension is a new configuration designed to maxi-mize the Odyssey's interior room by not intruding into the cargo area.

ENHANCED STABILITY UNDER A VARIETY OF DRIVING CONDITIONS
The Odyssey chassis is equipped with several systems designed to enhance stability and maintain traction under varying conditions. A 4-wheel anti-lock braking system with a special Electronic Brake Distribution system (EBD) automatically adjusts braking force under various passenger and cargo load conditions. Odyssey EX models also feature a traction-control system that optimizes traction on slippery surfaces, such as ice and snow, by eliminating wheel spin and tire slippage.

HIGHLY RIGID BODY STRUCTURE CONTRIBUTES TO OVERALL SAFETY
The Odyssey's body and frame structure have been extensively reinforced to help protect its passengers in a variety of impacts, including full-frontal and offset-frontal impacts, side impacts, rear impacts and rollovers.

Dual airbags are standard. Three-point seat belts (adjustable in the first- and second-row seating positions) and adjustable head restraints are standard at all seating positions, including the middle position of the rear seat.

HONDA ODYSSEY CONCEPT & DEVELOPMENT

THE EVOLUTION OF A NEW STANDARD
During the past 15 years, the minivan market has steadily grown from its starting point in 1983 to projected annual sales of about 1.3 million by the year 2000. Honda's first foray into this expanding market came in 1995 with the introduc-tion of the Odyssey. Changing consumer demands for increasingly car-like mini-vans, and Honda's evolution beyond a maker of small cars, paved the way for the company's first entry into the segment.

The first Odyssey was also the first minivan to offer an independent suspension and brought car-like ride, handling and performance to the minivan segment. It was designed for a cross-section of buyers around the world and also to provide Honda product planners, designers and engineers with an opportunity to further study the needs and uses of minivans in different markets. As a result, soon after the first Odysseys arrived in U.S. dealerships, Honda product planners were asking buyers how the Odyssey could be improved, along with studying other minivan owners and how they used their vehicles.

Who minivan users are is fairly well-known -- they are essentially families: Ninety percent of minivan owners are married, with two to three children. The median age is 43 years old and annual income averages around $70,000.

To find out how minivan owners used their vans, Honda product planners visited various parts of the U.S., including Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, California, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. There they observed minivan owners out on the highway, in large and small cities, in the parking lots of malls and home repair stores, at schools, athletic events, theme parks, national parks and campsites. Ultimately the Honda researchers compiled an extensive back-ground on how minivans are used.

Honda product planners also conducted focus groups around the country. In these focus groups, they asked minivan owners and intenders numerous questions about how they used their minivans, what they liked or disliked about them and what they wanted in a minivan. From their travels and research, the product planners and engineers came to some interesting conclusions.

For example, minivan owners use their vehicles in more diverse ways than owners of other types of vehicles. As a result, they are more opinionated about the design, engineering and features of their vehicles. Essentially, they see their minivan as a tool whose value lies in its convenience and versatility.

Minivan owners also understand that in order for a minivan to carry out such diverse roles as commuter, touring car and transport for people, equipment, groceries and building materials, its design must stress versatility. For example, as a family transport, safety and roominess are important attributes. Roominess is also important when the minivan is pressed into service as a cargo hauler; however, much of a minivan's appeal also lies in its smaller exterior size and weight. Compared to a full-sized, truck-based van, a minivan is easier to drive, easier to park, fits in a garage and gets better fuel economy.

Minivan owners also understand that their vehicle carries with it a certain "family" image, which they are proud of; however, they don't want to give up on style completely. They still want it to look good, but there's no need to go to extremes and make it look like something other than a minivan. In the words of a Honda designer: "Don't make it look weird."

Finally, Honda engineers and product planners studied how the minivan, as a concept, had evolved over the years. What they found was that the state-of-the-art minivan is large, but still "garagable," has a compact, yet powerful front-wheel drivetrain -- V-6 power has become the norm -- seats up to seven passen-gers in a three-row seating configuration, has an open interior layout that one can walk through, and features dual sliding doors.

So the new Odyssey would have these features. However, if it was to set a new standard in the class, as Honda engineers intended, it would have to incorpo-rate additional Honda thinking and innovation. It would have the performance, fuel economy, emissions, handling and ride of a car, not just be car-like. It would incorporate a new level of safety features, be extremely versatile and provide a great deal of individual comfort and convenience for its passengers. And as a Honda, the new Odyssey would also set new standard

2001 Honda Odyssey - Drivetrain

A 3.5-liter, 210-hp (premium unleaded gasoline), 24-valve V-6 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission are standard on both Odyssey models. Exclusively developed for the demands of minivan driving, the Odyssey engine boasts strong low-rpm torque for good off-line and around-town acceleration, fuel economy comparable to a sedan, and low emissions.

The following list highlights the main features of the Odyssey drivetrain:

3.5-Liter V-6 Engine

• 3471-cc displacement
• 210 hp @ 5200 rpm (premium unleaded gasoline)
• 229 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4300 rpm
• 208 lb.-ft. of torque (about 90% of peak torque) available at 2000 rpm
• 0-60 mph acceleration: 9.6 seconds
• 60-degree V-angle helps to minimize engine vibration
• Compact, lightweight engine (98-mm bore spacing)
• Compact cylinder head design
• Lightweight pistons and connecting rods
• Full-floating piston pins minimize piston noise during warm-up
• Cast-aluminum oil pan helps minimize engine noise
• 9.4:1 compression ratio
• VTEC valve train (Variable valve Timing Electronic Control) with rocker arms that incorporate low-friction roller-bearing cam-followers
• 26 mpg highway fuel economy (estimated)
• Meets California's stringent Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) standard for light trucks
• Electronically controlled EGR
• Air-assist injection system helps lower hydrocarbon emissions and improves driveabiity
• Large-capacity, 130-amp alternator
• Direct ignition system
• Electrically actuated cruise control

Transmission

• Direct-control automatic transmission is operated by a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for smoother shifting
• Cruise control is controlled by PCM and automatic transmission ECU for smoother operation
• Minimal gear noise

COMPACT, 3.5-LITER V-6 ENGINE
The 3.5-liter V-6 used in the Odyssey incorporates several innovative features designed to help minimize its size, weight, friction and vibration. For example, in order to keep size and weight to a minimum, the heat-treated, die-cast aluminum-alloy engine block has a relatively short deck height and close (98-mm) bore spacing.

The engine's 60-degree V-angle minimizes underhood space and also helps keep vibration to a minimum. The piston pins are also a quieter, full-floating design that make less noise, especially during engine warm-up.

To further save weight and minimize vibration, the forged-steel connecting rods are a compact, lightweight type, measuring only 19 mm in width. Even the connecting-rod bolts are a lightweight, small-diameter, nutless type. However, despite their smaller size, they have the same strength margins as larger, conventional nut- and threaded bolt-type fasteners, because they are designed to be torqued to the higher clamping forces of the bolt material's plastic-deforma-tion region, instead of its lower elastic region.

The engine's fully counterweighted, forged-steel crankshaft has also been kept short in order to minimize vibra-tion and uses a special dual-mode crankshaft damper pulley.

COMPACT CYLINDER HEAD
The Odyssey V-6's cylinder is the same type as the current 3.0-liter Accord V-6 engine, with a single overhead camshaft installed from the end, instead of being clamped in place from above with bolt-down caps. The elimination of hold-down caps and the use of a single overhead camshaft helps minimize engine height and improves underhood packaging, compared to an engine equipped with dual overhead camshafts.

The camshafts are constructed of ductile iron and flame-hardened to achieve the necessary hardness. The camshafts are turned by a crankshaft-driven, glass-fiber reinforced, toothed belt. An automatic tensioner compensates for belt stress and fluctuation.

The cylinder heads feature efficient pentroof combustion chambers, with 4 valves per cylinder. Four valves per cylinder offer several advantages over 2-valve arrangements, most notably lower reciprocating mass, which allows the engine to safely reach higher rpm and develop greater horsepower. Additionally, valve area is increased with the use of four valves, relative to conventional 2-valve systems, resulting in improved air flow. Valve actuation is via low-friction roller-bearing cam followers.

VTEC VARIABLE VALVE CONTROL
The Odyssey's 3.5-liter V-6 engine uses a special two-rocker version of Honda's VIEC valve system that gives it low emissions and a broad, flat torque curve. (VTEC stands for Variable valve Timing and lift Electronic Control.)

LOW-SPEED OPERATION
During low-rpm operation, the two-rocker VTEC system used in the Odyssey only opens one intake valve. (The second intake valve does lift off its seat slightly, in order to prevent fuel puddling, which would lead to an excessively rich mixture.) The air/fuel charge drawn through the open intake valve undergoes a swirl effect that creates a stratified charge, with a rich mixture near the spark plug (for good light-oW, and a progressively leaner mixture toward the periphery of the combustion chamber. This stratified charge, combined with the Odyssey engine's precise control of the exhaust-gas recirculation and air-injection system, results in lower emissions (especially during the critical warm-up period) and better fuel economy. The rocker arms are a low-friction, roller-bearing type, which help improve engine efficiency.

HIGH-SPEED OPERATION
At 3300 rpm, the rocker arm of the second (idle) intake valve is locked to the first valve, via electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated locking pins in the rocker arms. The greater valve area of all four valves provides the necessary increase in intake and exhaust flow to meet the V-6 engine's mid- and high-rpm performance needs.

FUEL INDUCTION
The Odyssey V-6 engine uses Honda-programmed sequential fuel injection. Air induction is via a one-piece, low-pressure die-cast-aluminum intake manifold with individually tuned intake runners, designed to boost low-rpm torque. A tuned plenum and throttle body connect to the upper end of the manifold.

AIR-ASSIST FUEL INJECTORS
The smaller the fuel droplet size delivered by the fuel injectors, the more effectively the fuel mixes with intake air. The result is more efficient combustion, easier starting, better high-altitude and cold-weather driveability (especially during engine warm-up), and lower hydrocarbon emissions. In order to improve fuel atomization, the Odyssey V-6 engine uses an Air-Assist Injector system (AAI). AAI uses an additional injector near each fuel injector that shoots a jet of air into the atomized fuel spray, breaking it into smaller fuel droplets so that it will burn more completely.

MULTI-POINT PROGRAMMED FUEL INJECTION
Honda Multi-Point Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) is standard on the Odyssey V-6 engine. PGM-FI uses a 16-bit PCM, connected to sensors that monitor throttle position, engine temperature, cylinder-firing position, intake manifold pressure, atmospheric pressure, exhaust-gas oxygen content and intake air temperature. The PCM uses this information to determine the fuel requirements of the engine. It then activates each fuel injector at precisely the right moment for optimum power and efficiency. The result is excellent driveability, smooth torque delivery, reduced emissions and better fuel economy.

An additional advantage of PGM-FI is easier maintenance and repair, since the PCM can sense when various components in the system are malfunctioning and flash a trouble code that tells the service technician where the problem is located.

DIRECT IGNITION SYSTEM
The Odyssey V-6 engine uses individual direct-ignition spark coils, integrated into the spark-plug holder at each cylinder. This design offers several advantages over a more conventional ignition coil and distributor, including greater latitude in spark timing, since there is no need to alter dwell timing to let the coil windings saturate, as well as less weight and complexity.

ELECTRIC CRUISE CONTROL
In place of a conventional vacuum-operated cruise control, the Odyssey uses an electric motor-driven cruise control actuator. Compared to the older vacuum-actuated model, the Odyssey's electric actuator has improved response, more accurate speed control, weighs less and takes up less underhood space.

ODYSSEY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The Odyssey direct-control automatic transmission features stronger clutches and a larger torque-converter capacity to match the greater torque of its V-6 engine. Additional features of the transmission include precise shifting with reduced shift shock, compared to the automatic transmission used on the previous Odyssey. This new design also boasts less gear noise and vibration, and greater efficiency, and its Grade Logic Control is better integrated into the cruise control system. The transmission is produced at the new Honda Transmission Manufacturing plant in Ohio.

The transmission is a constant-mesh type, with three parallel shafts: input, intermediate and output. Shifting is electronically controlled and hydraulically actuated. Shift management is controlled by a new 16-bit microprocessor. This microprocessor's greater capacity is used to control two linear-shift sole-noids that in turn control hydraulic pressure to the gear clutch packs. Since the new control is more linear, clutch engagement is more progres-sive. The result is smoother shifting under all conditions, whatever the driving style.

A centrifugal hydraulic cancellation mechanism built into the clutch pack further minimizes shift shock by reducing unwanted centrifugal hydraulic pressure. The low-gear clutch and one-way clutch of the previous transmission have been eliminated. The low-gear hold function is now handled by the low-gear clutch.

The use of three support bearings for the intermediate and output shafts helps reduce gear noise, reduces shaft bending and maintains proper mesh even under load.

The lockup torque converter helps minimize fluid-coupling slippage by mechanically coupling the engine to the transmission during certain driving modes, such as steady-state cruising. The benefit is better mileage. The lockup feature works in 3rd and 4th gears, and also maintains lockup in 3rd and 4th gears during deceleration.

Cruise control is now governed by the auto-cruise control ECU in combination with the Powertrain Control Module. The PCM determines when vehicle speed drops below the speed set by the cruise control and initiates the appropriate gear selection, if necessary.

GRADE LOGIC CONTROL SYSTEM
The Odyssey 4-speed automatic transmission uses Honda's Grade Logic Control System. Grade Logic differs from more conventional computer-controlled shift programming in two important ways: It determines certain vehicle driving situations and then, based on stored "shift maps," selects the appropriate shift points for 2nd/3rd- and 3rd/4th-gear upshifts and 4th/3rd-and 3rd/2nd-gear downshifts. This feature is especially useful when driving up and down long grades.

2001 Honda Odyssey - Body

Listed below are the major features of the Honda Odyssey body:

• Dual sliding doors (power on EX models)
• Power rear quarter-windows
• Seven-passenger seating
• Rigid body design for excellent torsional and bending rigidity, providing a stable, smooth-riding suspension platform
• Reinforced body structure, frame and interior
• Extensive use of sound insulation and vibration-reducing body and chassis engineering minimizes NVH (noise, vibration and harshness)

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONSE
Length: in.	201.2
Width: in.	75.6
Height: in.	68.5
Wheelbase: in.	118.1
Track, Front/Rear: in.	66.1/66.2
Ground Clearance: in.	6.4
Curb Weight: lbs.	4211-4288

DUAL POWER SLIDING DOORS
Honda Odyssey EX models are equipped with dual power sliding rear doors. The doors can be opened from the outside, when the handle is pulled, or by the master switch on the instrument panel. A lockout switch, on the instrument panel, disables the door's operation.The doors can also be operated with the remote entry system. This allows the doors to be opened or closed from a distance of up to 30 feet, a handy feature if the driver is carrying parcels or there are people waiting Remote to get into the Odyssey.

Several safety features have been built into the Odyssey's power door system. If the door should encounter any resistance while closing, it will immediately reverse direction and open. The power opening feature is also disabled when the Odyssey is in motion. When the fuel filler door is open, the left-side door will not open. In the event of a power failure, the doors can be opened manually. And if the driver puts the vehicle into gear with the door open, a warning chime will sound.

HIGHLY RIGID BODY AND FRAME ENHANCES PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY
The Odyssey body contributes to the vehicle's enhanced dynamic performance and safety. The Odyssey uses a unitized body built on a large cross-section frame, tied together with seven underfloor crossmembers. There is extensive reinforcement at frame and body junctions and additional bracing inside body pillars. The resulting unit-body-on-frame design gives the Odyssey a high degree of protection from impacts from any direction, including full-frontal and offset-frontal impacts, side impacts, rear impacts and rollover.

The size and extensive reinforcement of the Odyssey body and frame also yield benefits in ride, handling and NVH control. Despite its increased size, the new Odyssey's frame has twice the resistance to bending forces as the first generation model, while torsional resistance is 1.5 times better than the previous Odyssey and even the current Accord.

In order to maximize cargo space, Honda engineers came up with the unique solution of puffing the spare tire into a separate compartment under the floor, just behind the front seats in previously unused space, rather than in the cargo area. In addition, the Odyssey uses a highly space-efficient double wishbone rear suspension that gives it a flat-floor cargo area.

The front end forms a rigid box consisting of a large cross-section upper main frame and lower subframe that are connected at the front end by a cross-piece and at the firewall. The main frame and subframe are designed to feed full-frontal and offset-frontal impact loads back into the main frame and side sill (outboard frame) members under the floor. The junction of these frame members at the base of the A-pillar has been boxed in with additional sheet metal, to form a strong "torque box," which is better able to distribute impact forces between each underfloor frame member. In addition, the door pillars have been rein-forced, in order to better absorb offset- and side-impact energy.

The large cross-section side sills that make up the outboard frame mem-bers run the length of the Odyssey and are completely boxed in order to better absorb side-impact energy. In addition, the short cross-pieces that tie the outboard frame to the main longitudinal frame, called outriggers, have been boxed in with additional steel plates at their junction with the outboard and inboard frame members. These crossing-joint structures help control frame deformation in a side impact and carry the impact energy to the main-frame structural members under the floor. Side-impact beams are also incorporated into all the doors of the Odyssey.

4-RING SHELL
The Odyssey body is further rein-forced by what Honda calls a 4-ring shell. Consisting of a series of hoops formed by the underfloor crossmem-bers, the A-, B-, C- and D-pillars, and the crossmembers in the ceiling, the 4-ring shell completely encircles the passenger compartment at its front, two places on the side and at the rear, and provides protection in the event of a side impact or rollover.

Further reinforcement against side impact is provided by the A-, B-, C-and D-pillars. These pillars feature internal plates that greatly strengthen them against buckling.

To better protect the Odyssey against rear impact, the main-frame members extend all the way to the rear of the body and are tied together with a crossmember under the floor. In addition, the rear pillar is internally reinforced and large outrigger pieces further tie the base of the rear pillar to the floor.

ADVANCED SOUND AND VIBRATION CONTROL PROVIDE A QUIET INTERIOR
Honda engineers designed the body and interior of the Odyssey to be quieter than other minivans in its class. In fact, the Odyssey interior is as quiet as the current Accord series. The V-6 engine, large-capacity exhaust system and advanced engine-mounting system keep engine noise and vibration to a mini-mum. In addition, the Odyssey bene-fits from the highly rigid body struc-ture and the use of advanced sound absorption and insulation materials. These include a new type of asphalt felt material used in the wheelwells, cargo area and firewall, asphalt sheeting throughout the floor, an additional dashboard insulator foam in all pillars.

The exhaust system uses a short flexible tube between the exhaust manifold and catalyst, which is designed to isolate vibration from the rest of the system. The tube leads to the catalyst, then to a pre-chamber and large-capacity main silencer (the main silencer has 50% more volume compared to the first generation Odyssey). The result is a higher-flowing, more efficient system with about 5 dB less exhaust noise than the first generation Odyssey.

INTERIOR LAYOUT AND DESIGN
The Honda Odyssey is designed to carry seven passengers in safety and comfort and also function as a highly versatile cargo hauler. The interior features a two-tone color scheme with the darker shade extending down from the window line and a lighter gray lending a light, airy feeling to the upper part of the cabin. The seats, armrests and door inserts are upholstered in a durable fabric, while the lower part of the front doors, sides of the interior, cargo area and instrument panel are done in scuff-resistant plastic. The plastic used is 93% polypropylene, which is easier to recycle than vinyl.

Ample glass area is provided for the driver and passengers. There is a total of 283 degrees of outward visibility from the driver's position.

INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROL LAYOUT
The instrument panel is sloped so that both primary and secondary controls are within easy reach. Instruments and gauges are housed in a pod directly in front of the driver and include a tachometer, a large, easy-to-read speedometer with two LCD (liquid-crystal display) digital trip odometers and a main LCD digital odometer. The fuel gauge, temperature gauge and shift-position indicator are to the right of the speed-ometer. Various indicator lights for SRS, ABS. oil pressure, battery, etc., are also housed in the main instrument pod.

CPU-controlled functions such as the various warning systems, illumination intensity, intermittent wipers, power windows, etc., are divided among three separate CPUs. Communication between the CPU is via a multiplex data bus. This takes considerably less wiring and is quicker and easier to install and service.

The driver's side SRS module is housed in the steering wheel. The SRS module uses a silicone-coated bag and a non-azide-type propellant. The horn button is a full membrane type, so the entire center section of the hub functions as the horn button. Cruise control, as well as audio controls on EX models, is also mounted on the steering wheel. The windshield wiper controls and lighting controls are also mounted on stalks on either side of the steering wheel, in typical Honda fashion.

On/off buttons for the cruise control and traction-control system are mounted on the instrument panel, just to the left of the steering wheel, as are controls for the power mirrors and dual sliding doors. Power window and lock controls are mounted on the driver's door.

The HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) controls are mounted high in the center console, for easy accessibility and feature large rotary knobs and electrically operated switches. Air conditioning and a micron air-filtration system are standard. EX models feature an automatic climate-control system that will maintain a constant, pre-selected temperature.

Controls for the AM/FM stereo cassette (a CD player is standard on EX models) are located just below the HVAC controls, along with the interior lighting switch.

SLIDING SUN VISOR EXTENSION
A sliding extension is incorporated into each sun visor on all models. When the sun visor is used to shield the driver and passenger from glare coming in the side windows, the sliding visor can be extended to block an approximately 4-inch-long area not covered by the main visor.

NUMEROUS STORAGE BINS AND POCKETS PROVIDE ADDED CONVENIENCE
Numerous storage pockets and bins are located throughout the Odyssey. A large DIN-type pocket; located just below the AM/FM stereo, can accept additional audio equipment. A pull-out combination beverage holder and change sorter is located below the DIN pocket. Typical of the attention to detail Honda designers have put into the Odyssey interior are the rubber pads, built into the change sorter, to prevent coins stored there from rattling.

A 177-cu.-in. pull-out storage bin is located just under the beverage holder, and the passenger side of the instrument panel has a large 366-cu.-in. glove compartment. Storage pockets are built into the driver's and front passenger's door liner and elastic storage pockets are built into the rear of the front passenger's seatback on LX models and both the driver's and front passenger's seatbacks on EX models.

The third-row seat has two beverage holders built into the right-side armrest, while a beverage holder and storage bin with a hinged lid are incorporated into the left-side armrest.

RETRACTABLE CENTER TRAY TABLE
A retractable tray table located between the front seats allows easy access to the rear of the Odyssey, when folded down. When the tray is in place it provides four beverage holders: two for the front-seat passengers and two for the second-row passengers. The tray has a textured, non-skid surface and a sliding e'ctension that moves the second-row beverage holders closer to the seats.

COMBINATION OVERHEAD MAP LIGHT AND SUNGLASS STORAGE
All Odyssey models feature a convenient push-to-open sunglass storage that is incorporated into the headliner. The same module houses the map lights and their switches.

HOMELINK® REMOTE SYSTEM
The Odyssey EX features a HomeLink® universal remote system, built into the overhead map-light module. The system can be programmed with the codes of up to three devices, such as a garage-door opener, home security system, etc.

INTERIOR SEATING OFFERS INDIVIDUAL COMFORT AND VERSATILITY
All the seats in the Odyssey are large and comfortable. They have also been designed and contoured to minimize fatigue and support good posture. The first-row seats are more than 21 inches wide. The second-row bucket seats are more than 22 inches wide and the third-row bench-type seat is 47 inches wide.

The first- and second-row seats are adjustable for seatback angle, and EX model second-row seats are also adjustable for legroom. The driver's seat on Odyssey EX models features an 8-way power adjustment. Both front seats include a fold-down armrest.

The second-row bucket seats are large and comfortable and feature left- and right-side fold-down armrests. The seats have a unique feature that allows them to be quickly and easily converted into a two-passenger bench seat merely by releasing a latch at the bottom front right of the right-side seat, tilting it forward, sliding it along a rail until it is next to the left seat, then lowering the back into its catch.

A driver's and a front passenger's assist handle, as well as large passenger-assist handles built into the back of the front seatbacks, help make entry and exit easier.

INDIVIDUALLY ADJUSTABLE REAR-CABIN AIR-CONDITIONING VENTS
The Odyssey's front and rear air-conditioning system provides a separate three-speed blower control located in the passenger-compartment ceiling, along with a selector for overhead air conditioning or foot-level heated air. Second-row and third-row outboard seating positions feature individually adjustable air-conditioning vents in the ceiling, much like those in commercial-air-craft passenger cabins. The vents can be adjusted for direction, or shut off completely.

INDIVIDUAL MAP LIGHTS
The individual map lights in the Odyssey are designed to illuminate an area large enough and bright enough so that a seated passenger can read by it. As the light continues to the floor, the beams overlap so that they illuminate the entire floor area, making it easier to see when getting in and out of the vehicle. The lights can also be controlled by a master switch, located on the center console. With it, the driver can switch the system on or off, or have it come on automatically when the doors are opened. The driver can also switch off the lights of an individual napping passenger.

HIGH-EFFICIENCY FRONT AND REAR AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING
In addition to individual air-conditioning vents and passenger-compartment blower and temperature controls, the Odyssey air-conditioning system also uses two air-conditioning condensers and two heater cores: One set serves the front of the interior and one set serves the rear passenger area. The high-capacity condenser for the air-conditioning system has an integral receiver tank that first runs the liquid refrigerant through a sub-cooling condenser, then to the main condenser. In addition to reducing the weight of the system, the new condenser design is 12% more efficient than previous designs.

The Odyssey heater cores are also of a new design that is both lighter and more efficient. The aluminum heat-exchanging tubing used in the core has a flatter cross-section, so it exposes more area to the airstream. The overall effect is a 15% improvement in airflow through the core.

Both the front and the rear systems can be controlled from the driver's HVAC panel, or the driver can switch control of the rear system to the panel in the passenger compartment.

MICRON AIR-FILTRATION SYSTEM
The air-conditioning system of the 1999 Odyssey features a micron air-filtration system capable of filtering virtually 100% of particulate matter eight microns or larger (the size of most pollen) and approximately 40% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size (around the size of diesel emissions). Replacement periods for the filter unit should average about two years or 30,000 miles in normal use.

INTERIOR CAN BE QUICKLY ADAPTED TO VARYING CARGO LOADS
When designing the interior of the Odyssey for utility and cargo hauling, Honda engineers drew on their extensive experience in building versatile interior features. As a result, the Odyssey offers a variety of passenger and cargo configurations.

The second-row seats are easily removed when additional cargo space is needed. Both the second-row and third-row seatbacks can also be folded flat, allowing large flat items, such as 4'x8' plywood, to be carried without removing the seats. There is also sufficient room under the seats to carry long items, such as 2"x 4" lumber.

RETRACTABLE THIRD-ROW "MAGIC" SEAT
The third-row seat can be quickly and easily folded and stowed in its well, in much the same manner as the first-generation Honda Odyssey, leaving a large, flat-floored cargo area. Even the hinge mechanism for the seat is designed to lie flat, thereby making it easier to stack items like plywood panels.

There is 19.3 cu. ft. of cargo area behind the third-row seat. The large, deep well that houses the seat, when stowed, also functions as a convenient place to securely store items such as shopping bags, boxes or athletic equipment. A covered storage area built into the left side of the cargo compartment holds the jack, and a removable net, on the same side, will secure the third-row-seat head restraints when the seat is folded. An additional cargo net is also provided on EX models.

INTERIOR CARGO DIMENSIONS
Maximum Opening Height at Tailgate	40 in.
Maximum Opening Width at Tailgate	50 in.
Maximum Width at Floor Level	52 in.
Minimum Width Between Wheel Housings	49 in.
Length of Cargo Area Behind Third Seat	25 in.
Loading Height	24 in.
Distance from Back to Front Seat to Tailgate	97 in.

2001 Honda Odyssey - Chassis

Honda engineers set three primary goals when developing the Odyssey chassis: First, they wanted it to perform like a car; specifically, superior ride, handling, maneuverability and braking. Second, in keeping with their goal of providing car-like comfort, they designed the chassis to minimize NVI-I (noise, vibration and harshness). Finally, Honda engineers wanted to design and package the Odyssey chassis components so as to take up a minimum of space, leaving the maximum amount of room for passengers and cargo.

The following list highlights the engineering features of the Odyssey chassis:

Enhanced Ride and Handling

• Low center of gravity and wide track add to stability
• 16-inch wheels and 215/65 R16 M+S tires
• 4-wheel independent suspension: front suspension is a low spring-rate strut type and the rear suspension uses double wishbone links
• Negative-offset steering axis

Enhanced Braking Performance

• Electronic Brake Distribution system (EBD) optimizes braking force in response to vehicle load
• 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic Traction Control System (TCS) (EX only) prevents wheel spin on slippery roads and surfaces with a split coefficient of friction
• 11.8-inch ventilated front disc brakes
• 10-inch rear drum brakes

Minimize NVH

• Floating front subframe isolates engine vibration
• Fluid-filled and electronically controlled engine mounts absorb engine vibration over a wide range of engine speeds

Packaging Efficiency and Operability

• Low floor
• Wide cargo compartment
• Compact rear suspension design maximizes rear cargo space
• Pedal-type parking brake
• Spare-tire compartment under passenger-compartment floor
• Lightweight plastic resin, 20-gal. fuel tank located in front of the rear suspension
• 2000-pound towing capacity (3500 with towing package)

CLASS-LEADING RIDE AND HANDLING
In order to create the best-riding and best-handling minivan in its class, Honda engineers designed the Odyssey body and frame so that it would have a high degree of bending and torsional rigidity, then added a 4-wheel independent suspension system. The four-wheel independent suspension offers enhanced ride and handling benefits and better isolation from road noise and vibration.

INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
The Odyssey's independent front suspension is a MacPherson strut-type, with a large, forged lower wishbone arm that helps to feed suspension loads into the frame over a wide area. This, in turn, helps to minimize the transmission of road noise and vibration to the body and frame and also adds additional. strength of the system.

The Odyssey's ride over rough roads benefits from the front suspension's low-rate, long-travel springs, which soak up bumps and road distur-bances more effectively. The addition-al space these springs require is read-ily available in the Odyssey's front end, thanks -to its large front sub-frame and crush-zone area.

In order to enhance its handling and stability, the Odyssey's front suspen-sion is designed so that the inside front wheel will assume a slight toe-out attitude when cornering, and both front wheels will assume a toe-out attitude when braking. A bush-ing, built into the front, inner pivot of the lower, front suspension arm, pro-vides the necessary compliance. The result is quicker, more linear steering response and enhanced straight-line braking stability.

DOUBLE WISHBONE REAR SUSPENSION
The Odyssey also provides the ride and handling advantages of a double wishbone rear suspension. Since Honda engineers wanted the Odyssey to have a wide, low and flat cargo floor, the rear-suspension components needed to fit into the space available under the floor, while providing superior ride and handling characteristics. In order to accomplish this, they eliminated the long, vertical upright that normally connects the upper and lower transverse links to the hub and wheel, and connected the various suspension links directly to the bearing carrier/hub assembly. Next, because the springs and shock absorbers take up a majority of verti-cal space in the rear suspension, Honda engineers specified a wider, lower spring to take up less vertical space and moved the rear shock absorber to a new location outside the spring pack, then angled it to better fit under the floor. As a result, the Odyssey rear suspension sits lower and takes up less space, and the body can also sit lower on the suspension. This lowers the vehicle's center of gravity, which improves handling and stability.

A large rubber compliance bushing, built into the leading-link pivot where it anchors to the body, helps to absorb impact forces from sharp pavement breaks and bumps.

A small degree of toe-in compliance has been built into the rear suspen-sion transverse links, where they pivot at the wheel carrier. Any side pressure that may result from corner-ing, off-camber road or crosswind, causes the outside wheel to assume a slightly toe-in attitude. The resulting steer-effect helps to counter the roll-induced steer effect of the side force, so the Odyssey tracks straighter under these conditions.

The static rear roll center height is 148 mm (5.8 in.) Rear suspension travel is 220 mm (8.7 in.).

ENHANCED STABILITY UNDER A VARIETY OF DRIVING CONDITIONS*
In addition to the precise control and inherent stability of its 4-wheel independent suspension, front-wheel-drive layout and 16-inch wheels, Honda engineers incorporated several additional features into the Odyssey chassis to enhance its stability under a variety of driving conditions, including a high static stability factor, negative-offset scrub radius steering, a brake-actuated electronic Traction Control System (TCS) (on EX models), a 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) and an Electronic Brake Distribution system (EBD).

HIGH STATIC STABILITY FACTOR
The Odyssey boasts what Honda engineers call a high static stability factor, meaning its relatively low center of gravity, long wheelbase (118.1 in.) and wide track (66.1 in., fr./66.2 in., rr.), combine to give it a greater resistance to pitch and roll forces, such as crosswinds and off-camber roads. As a result, the Odyssey tracks straighter, with less need for steering correction. It also corners flatter and is less prone to nose dive under heavy braking.

NEGATIVE STEERING OFFSET
The steering system incorporates a negative-offset scrub radius, which helps maintain straight-line control on road surfaces with differing traction coefficients; for example, a typical carpool lane when one tire is on the road shoulder and the other is on the pavement.

ENHANCED BRAKING STABILITY FROM ABS AND ELECTRONIC BRAKE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (EBD)
The Odyssey braking system uses 11.8-inch front ventilated disc brakes and 10-inch rear drums. Power-assist is provided by twin-vacuum servo units that provide a firm, progressive feel without a resultant high pedal effort. In addition, the pedal ratio between the force applied by the driver's leg and the resistance of the hydraulic system has been matched to provide the driver with the optimum balance of force and control.

A pedal-type parking brake, under the left side of the instrument panel, is used instead of a lever-type, which, if mounted between the driver's and passenger's seat, would interfere with the walk-through area.

An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard on the Odyssey. The Odyssey ABS system is a four-sensor, three-channel system with a speed sensor located at each wheel. There is a separate channel for each front wheel and the rear wheels share a common third channel. This is a "select-low" system, meaning the system controls both rear-wheel slave cylinders together.

When the driver applies maximum brake pressure and impending wheel lockup is detected, the sensors send a signal to an electronic control module (ECM). The ECM processes the information, then signals the ABS system to momentarily reduce, then reapply, full brake pressure at the appropriate wheel(s). If impending wheel lockup occurs when brake pressure is reapplied, the cycle is repeated. This allows the tires to maintain maximum braking traction without locking.

Since a large vehicle like the Odyssey has a higher center of gravity than an automobile, the braking system is more sensitive to the placement and amount of cargo. For example, during hard braking, when lightly loaded, there is more of a tendency for rear-brake lockup to occur, while plenty of traction is still available for braking at the front, wheels. In order to minimize the onset of rear brake ABS engagement, the Odyssey has an Electronic Brake Distribution system (EBD). When the ~rear-wheel ABS sensors detect incipient lockup, EBD signals an additional ABS solenoid to reduce braking force to the rear wheels, thereby maximizing braking force.

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) HELPS MAINTAIN TRACTION UNDER VARYING ROAD
Odyssey EX models incorporate an electronic Traction Control System (TCS). TCS uses the ABS sensors and software to detect front-wheel slippage when power is applied. When slippage is detected in one or both wheels, it activates the brake calipers at the appropriate wheel until it stops slipping. The system is very effective in providing traction and stability on slippery surfaces, such as ice or snow, and helps maintain stability on surfaces with a split coefficient of friction; for example, when only one wheel is on ice and the other is on dry pavement.

WHEELS AND TIRES
The Odyssey features 16-inch wheels and tires. (In the class, only the Chrysler Town and Country offers wheels and tires this large as an option.) The Odyssey EX model has alloy wheels and the Odyssey LX has steel wheels with full wheel covers.

WHEELS AND TIRES
	Odyssey EX	Odyssey LX
Wheels	16 x 6.5jj	16 x 6.5jj
	Aluminum Alloy	Steel w/ Full Wheel Covers
Tires	215/65R16	215/65R16

VIBRATION-REDUCING ENGINE-MOUNTING SYSTEM
In addition to its low-vibration 60-degree V-6 engine, the Odyssey uses a special subframe and engine-mounting system to further reduce vibration. The subframe is mounted to the mainframe rails, using rubber insulators. The engine-mount brackets and dynamic-damper brackets that mount the engine to the subframe are made of cast aluminum. Cast aluminum brackets are more resistant to vibration than stamped-steel brackets. Vibration absorption is further enhanced by two rubber bushing mounts, a passive fluid-filled engine mount and an electronically controlled fluid-filled mount.

The electronically controlled rear engine mount is designed to damp low-frequency, high-load vibrations such as those that occur when the engine is idling in gear and the air conditioning is on. The mount contains two fluid chambers separated by a barrel-type valve. At low engine speeds, the valve is open so the full volume of both chambers can damp the vibration. As engine rpm increases, an electronic control unit commands a vacuum actuator to close the valve; taking one of the chambers out of the system and making the mount firmer so that it more effectively damps road and driving vibration.