Honda Odyssey Continues to Set the Minivan Standard

The 2003 Honda Odyssey continues to set an exceptionally high standard in the minivan segment by combining innovative features with class-leading dependability, quality and reliability.

The Odyssey adds a handful of new convenience and safety features for 2003. An intermittent rear window wiper with washer, power windows with automatic up/down driver's window, and a new "Wave" key (a key with dual toothed sides making it more difficult to copy and less likely to scratch surfaces) are among the latest enhancements.

Overall, the Odyssey has accounted for a number of minivan firsts, including a class-leading 240-horsepower engine, standard dual-stage driver's and front passenger's airbags and an optional state-of-the-art DVD entertainment system. All this has been accomplished while maintaining the remarkable value Honda customers expect year after year.

The Odyssey features a 3.5-liter, 24-valve, VTEC V-6 engine which produces 240-horsepower and 242 lb.-ft. of torque on regular unleaded fuel. Teamed with a highly sophisticated 5-speed automatic transmission, the Odyssey maximizes performance with EPA city/highway ratings of 18/25 mpg, while still meeting California's Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) standards. A rarity among minivans, the Odyssey also features a 4-wheel independent suspension system that offers an exceptionally smooth and stable ride.

The Odyssey's technologically advanced safety features have earned the minivan a quadruple 5-star rating - the highest rating awarded for frontal- and side-impact protection - from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Odyssey's four-ring safety shell body is reinforced with front and rear crush zones, and sturdy steel side-impact door beams help minimize the risk of injury in a collision. Additionally, features such as load-balancing Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and a 4-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) retain steering control and traction.

The 2003 Odyssey adds four new exterior colors: Midnight Blue Pearl, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Sage Brush Pearl (Fern interior) and Sandstone Metallic (Ivory interior). These colors join Evergreen Pearl, Havasu Blue Metallic, Redrock Pearl, Starlight Silver Metallic and Taffeta White.

In 2002, the Odyssey was lauded with the following accolades:

For more information and downloadable high-resolution images of the Honda Odyssey and other Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com