Background: While the
2002 Honda Odyssey may not have been the first front-wheel-drive minivan out of the gate, it certainly has become a popular choice. Odyssey debuted on American roadways back in the mid-1990s. Chrysler Corp., for all intents and purposes, invented the family-friendly minivan market in 1983 and automakers have been taking their best shots ever since. The original Odyssey was much shorter, built in Japan, featured sedan-like, swing out rear doors and was the automotive twin to the Isuzu Oasis; quite different than today’s larger offering. Odyssey underwent its second major redesign in the 1999 model year.
Automakers offer redesigns every three to 10 years depending on such factors as volume and plant capacity. Although the 2002 version is not a total redesign, Honda has added many new features including a more powerful engine and standard side air bags. Plant capacity is not as much of a challenge for Odyssey as it once was since Honda opened a brand new assembly plant in Lincoln, Ala. last November to build its largest vehicle. When operating at peak efficiency, this facility will churn out 120,000 minivans annually. Odyssey is also assembled in Ontario, Canada. The 2002 version went on sale last August.
The seven-passenger Odyssey is now one of the longest and largest minivans available. It’s marketed in one length rather than two, a strategy used by General Motors, Dodge and Chrysler. In fact, Odyssey, at 201.2 inches in length, is longer than extended wheelbase versions of the Dodge Grand Caravan (200.5 inches) and Chevrolet Venture (200.9 inches). Generally speaking, the longer minivans sell better in this country than their shorter counterparts. Based on the popular vote, Odyssey is the candidate to watch. Honda’s 2002 minivan has a waiting list of customers so don’t expect extended rebates or heavy discounting on this particular vehicle.
Trim levels and Engine: The 2002 Odyssey is available in three trims: LX, up-level EX and luxury-appointed EX-L. The sole engine powering both trims is Honda’s updated, 3.5-liter V-6 engine with multi-point fuel injection now cranking out 240 horsepower, up 30 horses from 2001 versions and one of the most potent in the six-cylinder class. Some minivan competitors feature several different engine choices throughout their model lineup. Now mated to a standard five-speed automatic transmission (instead of last year’s four-speed variety), fuel economy checks in at a respectable 18 miles per gallon city and 25 m.p.g. highway. Also, regular, 87-octane unleaded fuel is recommended for 2002 engines. Earlier editions recommended premium unleaded for maximum performance. The fuel tank holds 20 gallons of petro.
Price: The lower-priced LX edition includes a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $24,690 including a $440 destination charge. An EX version starts at $27,190 with destination charge. Honda supplied the Daily Herald with the most opulent version an EX-L with most of the bells and whistles available and a $30,190 price tag including the destination charge. The Odyssey skews more towards the expensive spectrum of minivans. A smaller, Kia Sedona minivan is one of the least expensive checking in at around $19,500. An extended-length Dodge Caravan starts at $22,440.
Standard equipment: Both trim levels include air conditioning, dual power side-view mirrors, rear window wiper, power windows, power door and tailgate locks, adjustable steering column, ceiling sunglass holder, rear window defroster, cruise control, rear-seat heating ducts and sliding sun visor extenders.
Notable options: The EX version offers the industry’s first factory-installed DVD rear entertainment system. Our test vehicle included this very popular family feature which can be linked to VCRs, camcorders and game consoles. Not included from the factory is the VCR unit itself, which must be purchased either from the dealer or another source. The system includes a square, seven-inch wide screen that folds down from the ceiling with the push of a button. Compact disc players come standard in EX versions while LX versions have cassette players. For those directionally challenged, a DVD navigation system is also optional in EX.
Inside: Front side windows slide down via power window buttons found on both the driver’s and passenger doors. Sliding side door windows don’t open at all while third row quarter windows power outward slightly for increased ventilation. Bucket seats come standard in the first row and are power-operated in EX editions. Second row seats are convertible; both seats can be pushed together forming a bench-type arrangement or they can separate, creating two stand alone seats. Second row seats are also removable.
Honda receives mucho kudos for its versatile three-passenger, third-row bench seat that folds completely into the floor when more cargo room is desired. This driver-friendly design is ideal for those who don’t want to lug seats in and out of the vehicle when storage room becomes important. This design also offers more room than models with a third-row seat that slides forward to the middle row. One of the only other minivans on the market to offer this feature is the smaller Mazda MPV minivan. The only challenge for adults is choreographing into the third row.
Second row seats slide sideways, but not forward as in some competing rivals, so riders must either enter by squeezing in from the passenger side if second-row seats are flush together, or duck and walk between seats if they’re apart. Agile youngsters and teens will find these maneuvers more conducive than their (for the most part) less agile parents. Even with the third seat up, Odyssey enjoys a plentiful 38.1 cubic feet of space. With the third-row folded down, 146.1 cubic feet of room opens up.
Cloth seating comes standard in LX with leather trim and surfaces available in EX editions. The driver finds most knobs and dials within easy reach. The automatic transmission shifter is on the steering column’s right side. In between front bucket seats is a tray with four beverage holders that folds down when not in use, creating a small aisle to the middle row. The steering wheel is thicker and the center horn pad is larger.
Outside: Odyssey comes with sliding rear doors on both sides of the vehicle. More and more front-wheel drive minivans are adding this popular design. When minivans began popping up in earnest in the late 1980s, the sliding door was exclusively on one side. The LX trim level features manual sliding doors standard while the EX versions boast power sliding doors on both sides.
In front, thin, rectangular, band-like headlights adorn the front with turn signal lights next door extending around to the fenders. Honda’s “H” logo situates in the middle of the front grille which incorporates horizontal black slats. The standard, high-mounted rear spoiler is also home to the brakelight. Exterior color choices include Granite green, Evergreen pearl, Mesa beige, Starlight silver, White, Redrock Pearl and Blue.
Warranty: The basic and drivetrain warranties are both three years or 36,000 miles. The corrosion warranty is five years. Extended warranties are offered.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 118.1 inches
Overall Length: 201.2 inches
Overall Height: 69.7 inches
Overall Width: 75.6 inches
Curb Weight: 4,387 pounds
Safety features: Odyssey is the first minivan to have side air bags standard across all trim levels. Also standard are dual stage front air bags, immobilizer theft deterrent system, child proof rear door locks, five-mile-per-hour absorbing body-colored bumpers and anti-lock brakes. Remote keyless entry is standard in EX while optional in LX.
Final thoughts: With one long body length, one engine selection, and a generous number of standard features, Odyssey ‘s marketing strategy is relatively straight forward and to the point. Most of the weighty decisions have already been made. For families shuttling around lots of passengers, the large, seven-passenger Odyssey deserves a serious look. These vehicles are in short supply and high demand so customers may very well encounter a waiting list. The 240 horsepower engine is one of the most potent in its class, but Odyssey ranks as one of the heaviest minivans around. It’s also one of the pricier ones in dealerships.