2002 Honda Odyssey EX-L

2002 HONDA ODYSSEY EX-L The Odyssey has enjoyed a successful run ever since its introduction in its present form in 1999. Improvements this year to an already excellent product include more power, a few restyling touch-ups, new rear disc brakes, a five-speed automatic transmission and a new version with leather trim, the EX-L. Interior and trunk Access is very easy, right to the rear bench, and the seats are comfortable. Some drivers, especially if they’re short, may have trouble finding a good driving position. Head and legroom are adequate especially since the rear buckets seats slide up and back a good distance. One of the reasons people buy a minivan is because they want a roomy interior that’s easily transformed. That’s where the Odyssey shines. In addition to moving fore and aft, the rear bucket seats slide together to create an aisle on the right, or apart, to form a centre aisle. The seats are fairly light and the backs lock when folded to make them easy to manipulate. The grab handles in the seat backs facilitate access and provide a better grip when moving or removing the rear seats. Then there’s the Magic Seat, introduced in the preceding Odyssey. After removing the head restraints, it can be folded and flipped flat into a floor well. The seat has room for two adults, if you want a bit of comfort. With the seat in place, there is still ample space for cargo. Any items you don’t want sliding around can be stowed in the floor well, or restrained using the hooks in the seatback. The rear hatch opens just high enough to clear a tall person’s head. Safety and convenience The cabin is carefully finished and though better soundproofed than other Honda vehicles, it is noisy enough that the radio has to be turned up considerably. The radio, by the way, looks cheap and the quality of sound is not very impressive. Honda seems to have lost its touch as far as the ergonomics of this Odyssey is concerned. The shift lever is too close to the wiper lever and hides some of the radio buttons. The turn signals are practically inaudible and the turn signal stalk hides the traction control and cruise control buttons. The accessory outlet is placed too low in the centre console, and you have to reach down on the doors for the seat heater controls. The radio controls should be above, not below, the climate control buttons. Finally, at night, very few controls are lighted. On the plus side, there is a small folding shelf between the front seats, and the spare tire is recessed under the floor, behind the front seats. Storage is plentiful and there are no fewer than nine cup holders. The heating system is very efficient. A net can be installed to prevent objects from flying forward of the cargo space. We noted however, that the rear wiper has only an intermittent cycle.

Safety-wise, the Odyssey comes equipped with front and side air bags, powerful headlights, lapand-shoulder seatbelts and anti-lock brakes. The head restraints lock but cannot be adjusted high enough to protect tall people. The windshield wiper control should be relocated so that the driver does not have to let go of the steering wheel to use it. Engine and transmission The 3.5-litre V-6 now develops 240 horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque, ample power for any kind of driving. Acceleration is energetic both from a standing stop and passing. The engine runs smoothly and sounds great. It meets LEV (Low Emissions Vehicle) standards, which is important because with so much power, fuel consumption can be considerable. The new five-speed automatic transmission shifts very smoothly. Honda should increase the resistance in Drive because it is still too easy to shift past to “D3”. Traction control on the Odyssey is efficient but it stops working at over 30 km-h, which is too early. On the road The only vehicle in its category with an independent suspension, the Odyssey rides as well as it handles. It tracks true even in bumpy curves and is a model of good road manners that many cars could emulate. The power steering is well tuned, steady, precise and fairly quick, with a short turning circle. The brakes may seem a bit touchy at first, but you quickly appreciate their smooth power and fade resistance. An inspection at the CAA-Quebec inspection centre showed that the Odyssey is very well assembled. However, we’d like to see more protection for the fuel filler pipe against debris thrown up by the wheels. Conclusion Already one of the best if not the best vehicle in its category, the new, improved Odyssey is still at the top of the class. However, it is really too bad to have to put up with such poor soundproofing. Here’s hoping that Honda will finally realize that soundproofing is a big part of vehicle quality. FOR Smooth, powerful engine Interior layout Fit and finish Smooth ride Handling Powerful brakes

AGAINST Control layout Deficient soundproofing Control lighting Inaudible turn signal Intermittent cycle only (rear wiper) Wiper stalk design

2002 HONDA ODYSSEY

Engine: 24-valve, 3.5-lire V-6 Torque: 242 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm Suspension: fully independent Length: 511 cm Height: LX: 174 cm; EX: 177 cm Weight: 1,955 to 1,990 kg Towing capacity: 1,580 kg

Horsepower: 240 h.p. @ 5,500 rpm Transmission: 5-speed automatic Brakes: disc/drum Width: 192 cm Wheelbase: 300 cm Tires: 225/60R16 Air bags: standard front

Fuel consumption: - Transport Canada rating: city: 13.1 L/100 km (22 mpg); highway: 8.5 L/100 km (33 mpg) - Test result: 13 L/100 (22 mpg) Fuel tank capacity: 75.7 litres Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 8.2 seconds

60-100 km/h: 5.3 seconds

Competition: Chevrolet Venture, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan, Ford Windstar, Oldsmobile Silhouette, Pontiac Montana, Toyota Sienna Maintenance (amount may vary from dealer to dealer): Frequency: 3 months/6,000 km; total to 100,000 km: $1,380 Warranty: - Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km - Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km - Surface corrosion: 3 years/unlimited kilometrage - Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited kilometrage - Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module and onboard diagnostic device) Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $661 Brake pads: $77 Front fender: $145

Front brake disk: $104 Muffler: $365

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, female driver or male driver 30 to 40 years old): $736 to $1,119 Price according to trim line: LX: $31,900; EX: $34,900; EX-L: $36,900

Main options: Roof rack (LX): $404; CD player: $454 Price as tested: $36,900 Freight and preparation: $850 Dealers: Quebec: 60; Canada: 203 Ó CAA-Quebec, December 2001