Honda has notified its dealers not to sell some cars until they complete a recall to fix an air bag defect, which has been linked to 18 injuries and two deaths. The problem lies within the driver side air bag, which can deploy with a lot of force and send metal shards into the driver.

Under U.S. federal regulations, Honda must stop its dealers from selling the car before the recall is carried out. However, there are no such requirement for used cars.  The recalls cover 2001-2002 Honda Accord models, 2001-2003 Civic and Odyssey models, 2002-2003 CR-V, 2003 Pilot, 2002-2003 Acura TL and the 2003 Acura CL.

In a letter to its dealers, Honda and Acura showrooms were told that “Some vehicles affected by this campaign may be in your used vehicle inventory. These vehicles must be repaired before they are sold.”

Executive director of the Center for Auto Safety Clarence Ditlow says that Honda should also tell its customers not to drive these vehicles until they are fixed.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: NYT

Honda announced today that it is expanded a previous recall of certain 2001 through 2003 model-year Honda and Acura brand vehicles to replace the driver’s airbag inflator originally install in around 273,000 vehicles in the United States. The recall covers an additional 917,267 vehicles.

Honda said that “affected driver’s airbag inflators may deploy with too much pressure, which can cause the inflator casing to rupture and could result in injury or fatality.”

This recall now includes certain 2001 and 2002 Accord, 2001 to 2003 Civic, 2001 to 2003 Odyssey, 2002 and 2003 CR-V, 2003 Pilot, 2002 and 2003 Acura 3.2 TL and 2003 Acura 3.2 CL vehicles.

“Separately, Honda has also determined that approximately 640 affected driver’s airbag service parts were sold for installation in vehicles for collision repair or other vehicle service,” Honda said in a statement. “Because Honda is unable to determine the specific vehicles that may have received the affected service parts through existing information, Honda will inspect an additional approximately 603,000 vehicles and replace those parts as necessary.”

Notifications will be sent out in late December 2011.

- By: Omar Rana

Five minivan models have earned the 2011 Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The winners are the safest vehicles around, with better rollover crash protection than other models. Other qualifying factors include the highest ratings for side, frontal, and rear crash protection, along with electronic stability control.

On the top of the list is the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Volkswagen Routan. Roof strength is the defining factor in rollover protection, and is gauged using pressure applied via a metal plate. Good ratings are issued to vehicles that can hold up on a five inch give to forces 4 times their weight.

With three of the top five making 2012 model year improvements, the minivan segment appears to be catering to its market with enhanced safety features. ESC is also now a requirement for all passenger vehicles, also. As it is estimated that having it will reduce the number of fatalities in rollover crashes, a strong roof is still the most effective preventative measure.

- By: Alexandra Koken

For the seventh consecutive year, Porsche is the highest-ranking nameplate in the 2011 APEAL Study by J.D. Power and Associates. Hyundai also improved from 2010 more than any other nameplate this year, while Jeep and Chrysler also improved considerably.

BMW and Dodge each had three models each that received the segment-level awards. BMW models receiving awards incldued the new X3, Z4 Roadster and the 5 Series. Dodge received awards for the Challenger, Charger and Durango.

Ford and Honda also received two model-level awards, with Ford receiving awards for the all-new Fiesta and F-150 LD and Honda receiving awards for the Ridgeline and redesigned Odyssey.

“The auto industry has taken a battering during the past few years,” said David Sargent, vice president of global vehicle research at J.D. Power and Associates. “However, it is clear that throughout this period, automakers have never lost sight of the fact that survival—and ultimately success—only comes from winning over customers in the showroom. Offering highly appealing vehicles is one of the primary means to succeed.”

Hit the jump for the complete ranking.

2011 APEAL Study by J.D. Power and Associates:

- By: Omar Rana

We’re not sure how man of you are fans of the minivan segment but as Cars.com points out “It’s not often you see an entire segment of the auto industry redone at the same time, but 2011 is a renaissance for minivans.”

All the major players in the segment including Nissan, Honda, Dodge, Chrysler, Toyota and Volkswagen have revamped and redesigned their minivans for the 2011 model year.

Cars.com decided to team up with USAToday and MotorWeek to put six new minivans to the test in Atlanta over three days, including one day with a suburban Atlanta family. The six minivans we tested were:

• 2011 Chrysler Town & Country
• 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
• 2011 Honda Odyssey
• 2011 Nissan Quest
• 2011 Toyota Sienna
• 2011 Volkswagen Routan

Who won? Well, we didn’t want to ruin it for you but we couldn’t help it with the title and the picture above.

Hit the jump for the video.

Refresher: Power for the 2011 Honda Odyssey comes from a 3.5L i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) making 248-horsepower and 250 lb-ft. of torque. All 2011 Odyssey LX and Odyssey EX models come standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission that helps them average an EPA rated fuel-economy of 18/27 mpg (city/highway) or 21 mpg combined. The 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring ($40,755) and Touring Elite ($43,250) are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which allows for an EPA rated fuel-economy of 19/28 mpg or 22 mpg combined.

2011 Honda Odyssey:

2011 Honda Odyssey:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Cars.com

2011 Audi A8 - Interior

WardsAuto has released its list of 10 Best Interiors for 2011. The list is a result of a lot of work done by the team at WardsAuto, where editors drove 51 vehicles that were all-new or featured significantly upgraded interiors to determine the 2011 winners.

“We’ve never evaluated so many vehicles for any awards competition in the past, which tells us every auto maker wants the freshest, highest-quality interior possible for all the vehicles they sell,” Ward’s AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter says. “Auto makers are so focused on the smallest details that it’s hard to find a bad interior these days. Still, some are better than others, and we’re recognizing the best of the best.”

Check out the full list after the jump.

WardsAuto’s Top 10 Best Interiors of 2011 (Alphabetical Order):

• Audi A8
• BMW X3 xDrive35i
• Chevy Cruze 2LT RS
• Dodge Charger Rallye Plus
• Ford Focus Titanium
• Honda Odyssey Elite
• Hyundai Elantra Limited
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit
• Kia Optima EX
• Volvo S60

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WardsAuto

2011 Honda Odyssey

Honda announced today that it is voluntarily recalling 2,800 units of the 2011 Honda Odyssey in the United States to replace the side window glass in one or both of the front doors.

“Honda is taking this step because there is a potential for one or both windows to become detached from the window regulator, causing the window to become inoperative and preventing it from being rolled up or down,” Honda said. “In the worst case, the window may bind and shatter onto the occupants. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this defect.”

Honda will start notifying customers in mid-April 2011. Owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.

Click here for more news on the Honda Odyssey.

Refresher: Power for the 2011 Honda Odyssey comes from a 3.5L i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) making 248-horsepower and 250 lb-ft. of torque. All 2011 Odyssey LX and Odyssey EX models come standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission that helps them average an EPA rated fuel-economy of 18/27 mpg (city/highway) or 21 mpg combined. The 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring ($40,755) and Touring Elite ($43,250) are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which allows for an EPA rated fuel-economy of 19/28 mpg or 22 mpg combined.

2011 Honda Odyssey:

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Honda Odyssey

Here is another recall for today. Honda announced that it is recalling a total of 33,341 units of the Honda Odyssey minivans over windshield wiper defects. Apparently the front windshield wiper blades become frozen to the windshield, causing the rod to separate from the motor

Honda received the first reports of the issue in Canada and the United States in November.

To fix the issue Honda will – you guessed it – replace the front windshield wiper. Recall starts in April.

Click here for more news on the Honda Odyssey.

Refresher: Power for the 2011 Honda Odyssey comes from a 3.5L i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) making 248-horsepower and 250 lb-ft. of torque. All 2011 Odyssey LX and Odyssey EX models come standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission that helps them average an EPA rated fuel-economy of 18/27 mpg (city/highway) or 21 mpg combined. The 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring ($40,755) and Touring Elite ($43,250) are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which allows for an EPA rated fuel-economy of 19/28 mpg or 22 mpg combined.

2011 Honda Odyssey:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

2011 Volkswagen Jetta

In these days, nothing seems to be built like they used to be. The simple answer is that it’s all about the money. In desperate bids to increase profits and expand into markets to raise volume, much has been sacrificed in the realm of build quality, reliability and handling performance.

This should not be news to anyone as we’ve been forced to adapt to the slow degradation that has been affecting nearly every manufacturer. Some have recognized their faults and are putting solid efforts in to redeeming themselves. Some have completely gone the opposite way. And of course, there are the reasons why cars have become less involving and cheaper than they used to be. But to keep this short and sweet, Consumer Reports just issued a little assessment.

CR found that in models such as the Honda Odyssey, Mercedes-Benz E350, and Toyota Sienna had slightly deviated from the standards that their predecessors have set. Others include the current BMW X5, Toyota 4Runner and the Volkswagen Jetta, all of which have fallen short of their expectations.

Just to give you an idea, Consumer Reports devised a little chart. Check it out after the jump.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Consumer Reports

2011 Honda Odyssey

Even though the 2011 Honda Odyssey is built by a Japanese automaker, the minivan is truly an American-made vehicle – designed, engineered and assembled in the United States. The American made minivan earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s best-possible Overall Vehicle Score of five stars. That makes the 2011 Odyssey one of the first two vehicles ever to earn five stars in each position for all three crash tests.

The 2011 Odyssey achieved the Overall Vehicles Score with five-star ratings for frontal, side and rear crashes and also received four stars for the rollover rating.

Click here for more news on the Honda Odyssey.

Refresher: Power for the 2011 Honda Odyssey comes from a 3.5L i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) making 248-horsepower and 250 lb-ft. of torque. All 2011 Odyssey LX and Odyssey EX models come standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission that helps them average an EPA rated fuel-economy of 18/27 mpg (city/highway) or 21 mpg combined. The 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring ($40,755) and Touring Elite ($43,250) are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which allows for an EPA rated fuel-economy of 19/28 mpg or 22 mpg combined.

2011 Honda Odyssey:

Press Release:

2011 Honda Odyssey Earns Best-Possible 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score in More-Stringent Federal Government Crash Test Safety Rating Program

Odyssey among first vehicles to earn 5-stars in all crash test subcategories

The all-new 2011 Honda Odyssey has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) best-possible Overall Vehicle Score¹ of five stars and is one of the first two vehicles ever to earn five stars in each seating position for all three crash tests, each crash test category and the overall rating, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The Odyssey joins the 2011 Accord Sedan as one of the few vehicles to date that achieves the federal government’s best-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score and five stars in the combined frontal and side crash safety ratings.

The Odyssey achieved its top Overall Vehicle Score with five-star ratings for the frontal crash safety test and both side crash safety tests in all evaluated front and rear seating positions and scenarios. Additionally, the Odyssey received four stars for the rollover rating³, the highest achievable in the light-truck vehicle class using the program’s measurement methodology.

The newly introduced Overall Vehicle Score is part of the federal government’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that is first being applied to 2011 models. As a convenience to new car shoppers, the Overall Vehicle Score represents the combined results of the overall ratings from the frontal crash tests, the side crash tests and the rollover-resistance into a single, summary score between one and five stars. Additional information is available at www.safercar.gov.

Complete NCAP safety rating results for the 2011 Odyssey are:

All 2011 Odyssey vehicles utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. ACE is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment. Standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); three-row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; a driver’s front side airbag; and a front passenger’s side airbag with an occupant position detection system.

Overall, the Odyssey improves for the 2011 model year with greater interior functionality, a more distinctive style and higher fuel economy. Significant enhancements to the interior include a new “3-mode” second-row seat design that is more comfortable for center passengers (Odyssey EX and above). A more powerful and efficient 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine features Variable Cylinder Management (standard on all models for 2011) and produces 248 hp while delivering an EPA-estimated⁴ city/highway/combined fuel economy of 19/28/22 mpg on Odyssey Touring models.

New technology available on certain models includes a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch ultrawide split-screen display and an auxiliary High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) video input, an “intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with customizable wallpaper, integration of FM traffic data on navigation models and much more.

The 2011 Odyssey is truly an American-made vehicle – designed, engineered and assembled in the United States. The Odyssey is produced exclusively at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) using domestic and globally sourced parts.

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Chrysler Town & Country

The Chrysler Town & Country is on its way to regain the sales crown in the minivan segment for 2010. Surprised? Well, you shouldn’t be since the spot has been largely dominated by Chrysler since the first of its minivans rolled off the line in 1983.

Up to the final month of 2010, Chrysler has sold 102,495 units of the Town & Country, well ahead of the Honda Odyssey, which sold 98,035 and has topped the segment for the past two years. Coming in next is the Toyota Sienna with 89,509 followed by the Dodge Grand Caravan at 89,057.

Being at the top of the minivan segment has a sense of pride for Chrysler, which has held the spot for 25 years.

“Our goal is regaining leadership,” said Olivier Francois, head of the Chrysler brand. “We consider we own it and we need to regain what once belonged to us.”

Though the November of 2010, minivan sales in the U.S. came in at 438,808. During all of 2009, the segment accounted for 424,007 units sold. We just can’t believe that many Americans pick minivans over crossovers!

2011 Chrysler Town & Country:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite

While critics may think Honda’s lineup of vehicles is getting pretty dull, Kelly Blue Book seems to think otherwise, at least in terms of minivans (that’s if you consider them exciting). The publication has just named the 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan its Best Redesigned Vehicle for 2011.

“The 2011 Honda Odyssey improves on its predecessor in every way imaginable, offering a better-looking, more contemporary exterior design, a sumptuous interior stuffed with innovative features, and class-leading fuel economy, ” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.  ”Its safety, refinement, resale value and trouble-free nature are combined with a surprising level of fun-to-drive, so it is not difficult to see why Honda refers to the 2011 Odyssey as the ‘ultimate in family transportation.’”

In 2010, the Best Redesigned Vehicle was award to the Ford Taurus and in 2009 the Ford F-150 took the award.

Refresher: Power for the 2011 Honda Odyssey comes from a 3.5L i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) making 248-horsepower and 250 lb-ft. of torque. All 2011 Odyssey LX and Odyssey EX models come standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission that helps them average an EPA rated fuel-economy of 18/27 mpg (city/highway) or 21 mpg combined. The 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring ($40,755) and Touring Elite ($43,250) are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which allows for an EPA rated fuel-economy of 19/28 mpg or 22 mpg combined.

2011 Honda Odyssey:

Press Release:

Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com Names Honda Odyssey ’2011 Best Redesigned Vehicle’

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new car and used car information, today announces the 2011 Honda Odyssey has been named 2011 Best Redesigned Vehicle.  The kbb.com editors praise the 2011 Honda Odyssey engineers and designers for successfully tackling the difficult task of improving and redesigning an already very-successful, hot-selling model that is widely regarded as the pinnacle of its class.

The Best Redesigned Vehicle accolade honors the vehicle that best demonstrates improvement and superiority relative to its predecessor and competitors.  In judging, the kbb.com editors consider exterior and interior styling, technology, comfort and convenience features, performance/capability, driving dynamics, safety, fuel economy, overall refinement and, of course, value.

Few products reflect the accelerating pace of change more than the automobile.  Whereas many of yesterday’s new models were not much more than styling updates, today’s redesigns are more often leaps and bounds ahead of their predecessors in every way.  Accordingly, it takes an exceptional product to be named Kelley Blue Book’s Best Redesigned Vehicle.

A variety of new or improved design innovations contributed to the 2011 Honda Odyssey capturing the Best Redesigned Vehicle honors from the kbb.com editors this year.  Its lower roofline and improved aerodynamics are keys to the 2011 Odyssey’s class-leading highway fuel economy, while the wider stance not only enhances its exterior appearance, but also translates into significantly more useable interior space.  The Odyssey’s innovative features are legend, and this time the split third-row Magic Seat is joined by a three-mode second row that greatly improves passenger comfort.

Not only is the Odyssey equipped with a robust array of active and passive safety features, but it also has a total of five LATCH child-seat attachment points, the most on any currently available vehicle.  The kids also will appreciate the available rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch ultra-wide split-screen display with HDMI video input.  Other added features include the available ‘cool box,’ front bag hook and flip-up trash bag ring, all of which illustrate the fact that Honda designers thought long and hard about users’ needs as they conceived the new vehicle.

Dozens of vehicles were redesigned for the 2011 model-year.  In addition to the award-winning 2011 Honda Odyssey, rounding out the top 10 finalists for kbb.com’s 2011 Best Redesigned Vehicle were (in alphabetical order) the BMW X3, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Sonata, Infiniti M, Jaguar XJ, Kia Optima, Porsche Cayenne, Toyota Sienna and Volvo S60.

The year 2011 marks the second time in eight years that a Honda model has taken the Best Redesigned Vehicle title.  Ford took top honors in 2004 for the F-150, 2005 for the Mustang, 2009 for the F-150 again, and 2010 for the Taurus.  Honda broke Ford’s initial streak in 2006 with the redesigned Civic coupe and sedan, and Chevrolet won back-to-back in 2007 and 2008 with the Silverado full-size pickup and Malibu sedan, respectively.

Vehicles usually are redesigned every four to five years, although some brands wait longer to redesign their models.

“Each model year, auto manufacturers continually raise the bar in providing consumers with top-notch vehicle technologies, performance and design,” said Nerad.  ”With the Best Redesigned Vehicle accolade, we honor the models that exceed all expectations.”

For more information about the 2011 Best Redesigned Vehicle and the top 10 finalists, visit http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/2011-best-redesigned-vehicle.

- By: Omar Rana

With Toyota in the middle of a huge recall mess, 2010 was turning out to be a bright opportunity for Honda, however, it didn’t turn out that way. Instead of gaining on its competitors, Honda’s U.S. retail and market share are down in 2010. Sales of the Honda brand are up just 4 percent through November, in a market that’s up 11 percent.

While some of that has to do with timing – two crucial sellers including the Civic and CR-V, are in the final year of their product cycle, and the Accord is 18 months from a redesign – the other half has to do with sluggish sales.

The Toyota Prius is outselling Honda Insight hybrid 8 to 1. The Japanese automaker planned on selling 60,000 to 80,000 units in 2010 and through November it has only sold 19,325. The Toyota Venza competitor, the Honda Accord Crosstour, sold only 25,927 units. The Venza sold 43,325 units.

The new Honda CR-Z was expected to sell 15,000 units a year and in its first 5 months, the model only sold 4,373 units with 3,000 sitting in inventory.

On a brighter note, the 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan, which was introduced in Sept. is off to a strong start.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

2005 Honda Odyssey

Honda has announced that it is recalling 528,000 vehicles worldwide, with 471,820 being recalled in the United States. The recall consists of model year 2005 to 2007 Acura RL and model year 2005 to early 2007 Honda Odyssey vehicles to replace a seal in the brake master cylinder.

The recall goes hand-in-hand with the 1.5 million Toyota vehicles recalled earlier this week. The same supplier, ADVICS Co., a privately held Japanese company with a unit in the United States, which made the seals for both major automakers.

“Honda made this decision to prevent the unlikely failure of a seal in the brake master cylinder,” Honda said in a statement. “It is possible for the seal to fail if the Honda Genuine DOT 3 brake fluid installed at the factory is replaced with certain aftermarket brake fluids with reduced lubrication properties, followed by a manual brake bleed with full and rapid stroke of the brake pedal. This could cause the seal to become twisted within its retention groove. The twisted seal could then leak a small amount of brake fluid when the vehicle is used. A brake fluid leak due to this would cause the low brake fluid warning lamp to illuminate until repaired. Failure to repair the master cylinder seal would eventually result in a soft brake pedal and the possible loss of one of the two hydraulic braking circuits.”

Owners of these Honda models can contact their dealers for an appointment once notification is received by mail. They can also visit www.recalls.acura.com or for Honda vehicles at www.recalls.honda.com . Acura owners can call (800) 382-2238; Honda owners can call (800) 999-1009 and select option number 4.

- By: Omar Rana

2011 North American Car and Truck of the Year

The following is a short-list of all the model being considered for the 2011 North American Car and Truck of the Year. On December 16, three finalists from each category will be announced, with the winner getting its fame and award at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show in January.

As you can probably see from the list Ford, General Motors and Hyundai / Kia lead the list.

The winner will be chosen by a pool of 50 U.S. and Canadian automotive journalists from various publications.

Hit the jump for the full list and let us know your choice in the comments section below.

2011 North American Car of the Year:

• Audi A8
• Buick Regal
• Chevrolet Cruze
• Chevrolet Volt
• Ford Fiesta
• Hyundai Sonata/2.0T/Hybrid
• Infiniti M37/56
• Jaguar XJ
• Kia Optima
• Mazda2
• Nissan Juke
• Nissan Leaf
• Volkswagen Jetta
• Volvo S60

North American Truck of the Year:

• Dodge Durango
• Ford Edge
• Ford Explorer
• Honda Odyssey
• Hyundai Tucson
• Infiniti QX56
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Kia Sorento
• Kia Sportage
• Lincoln MKX
• Mercedes-Benz R-Class
• Porsche Cayenne
• Toyota Sienna
• Volkswagen Touareg

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Honda Odyssey

Last week, Honda surprised the automotive industry with the debut of the 2011 Odyssey minivan. Ready to hit dealerships this fall with 15 cup holders, the 2011 Honda Odyssey has a lower roofline (-1.6 inches), a wider track (+1.4 inches) and overall improved aerodynamics that help increase fuel-economy.

Speaking of fuel-economy, the 2011 Honda Odyssey won’t be offering a fuel-efficient 4-banger likes its closest rival, the 2011 Toyota Sienna. However, its important to note that Honda says that the Odyssey’s 3.5L V6 engine with 3-mode variable cylinder management helps the Touring Elite model achieve an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

2011 Toyota Sienna

That’s actually better than the 187-hp 2.7L 4-cylinder Toyota Sienna, which returns an EPA-estimated 19/24 mpg (city/highway).

Both offer a wide range of interior features that are convenient to the average family and both offer outstanding looking exteriors.

The question is… which one would you buy (use your imagination if you aren’t married and don’t have 5 kids).

Let us know in the comments section after the jump.

2011 Honda Odyssey:

2011 Toyota Sienna:

2011 Honda Odyssey:

2011 Toyota Sienna:

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Honda Odyssey

Unlike Toyota, which offers a 4-cylinder version of its 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan, Honda said yesterday that it will not offer a 4-cylinder powertrain with the 2011 Honda Odyssey, which was reveled yesterday.

“We will provide only a six-cylinder powertrain to provide customers with the power and performance they demand,” Honda said in a Web chat on Thursday. “It’s important to note that our six-cylinder Touring Elite model achieves an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.”

In comparison, the 2011 Toyota Sienna’s 187-hp 2.7L 4-cylinder engine returns an EPA-estimated 19/24 mpg (city/highway).

The 2011 Honda Odyssey will come standard with a 3.5L V6 engine with 3-mode variable cylinder management. Horsepower and torque numbers have yet to be released.

Click here for our original post on the 2011 Honda Odyssey.

2011 Honda Odyssey:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite

Honda has officially taken the cover off of the 2011 Honda Odyssey, which will hit dealerships later this fall. As you can tell right away, the 2011 Odyssey draws much of its design influence from the Odyssey Concept we saw earlier this year. When compared to the current model, the 2011 Honda Odyssey has a lower roofline (-1.6 inches), a wider track (+1.4 inches) and overall improved aerodynamics that help increase fuel-economy while adding more interior width.

“We recognize the minivan is first and foremost a functional vehicle,” said Art St. Cyr, Chief Engineer of the 2011 Honda Odyssey. ”One thing we know and confirmed throughout this development was that minivan customers were unwilling to sacrifice any of their interior space and functionality. So, we focused on maintaining and enhancing this interior space.”

Of course, when it comes to minivan segment the interior is the most important thing. Here are some of the impressive interior features on the 2011 Odyssey:

• 15 beverage holders.
• Second- and third-row passenger window sunshades.
• Removable 1st row center console with hidden storage.
• Two captain’s chairs in the second row provide adult comfort with center seat folded down.
• One-strap stowable 3rd Row Magic Seat.
• Increased 3rd row leg room by one inch and added a center arm rest.

As for power, the press release states that the 2011 Honda Odyssey is powered by a 3.5L i-VTEC V6 with 3-mode Variable Cylinder Management. No specific horsepower numbers were discussed, but Honda does say that the Odyssey Touring Elite manages a fuel-economy of 19/28 mpg (city/highway).

We’ll bring you more details as we get them.

Hit the jump for the high-res image gallery and the press release.

2011 Honda Odyssey:

Press Release:

06/17/2010 – DENVER -

- By: Stephen Calogera