Honda's Odyssey minivan has earned the government's highest possible rating of five stars for all occupants in recent side impact crash testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In an earlier NHTSA test of frontal crash performance, the Odyssey also earned Five-Star ratings for both the driver and front-seat passenger.
"World-class safety is a must for today's minivan customer, and the Odyssey delivers," said Tom Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co. Inc. "Five-Star safety protection for all passengers was a fundamental target during development."
Both frontal and side impact tests were conducted as part of the NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), in which vehicles are given a rating from one to five stars in separate tests of frontal and side impact protection. The Odyssey is the first minivan to earn the double Five-Star side impact rating without the need for side airbags.
A Five-Star rating in the 38.5 mph side impact test indicates a 5 percent or less chance of serious injury. Five-Star performance in the 35 mpg frontal crash test indicates a 10 percent or less chance of serious injury in a frontal impact. Detailed results of the tests can be viewed on the NHTSA web page at www.nhtsa.dot.gov. The heart of the Odyssey's cabin integrity is the "four-ring body shell." The Odyssey's A-, B-, C- and D-pillars connect with ceiling and under-floor cross-members. The pillars themselves feature internal steel plates for added strength. This four-ring structure helps resist buckling and provides added security in side and rear impacts. Other Odyssey safety features include dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and three-point seatbelts and headrests in all seven seating positions. The Odyssey also meets federal standards for head impact protection that take effect in calendar year 2002.
The Honda Odyssey is a seven-passenger minivan with the most powerful V6 engine in its class, best-in-class fuel economy and Low Emission Vehicle certification. It features an innovative "magic" third-row bench seat that folds flat into the floor. Other standard features include theatre-style seating, sliding and removable second-row captain's chairs, and individual lighting and ventilation controls. The EX model has dual power sliding doors. An optional DVD satellite-linked navigation system also is available, the first available on a minivan.