2012 Honda Odyssey Manchester NH
Check out our new Honda Odyssey Inventory in NH!
The Honda Odyssey was redesigned last year, and carries into 2012 Odyssey with minor updates to the standard equipment. The EX trim is now standard with Bluetooth, USB audio interface, 8 TFT screen, and 2GB CD-Library. Safety features such as side-impact and curtain airbags, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are standard on all models. Luxury features such as leather trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, navigation and entertainment system are all available. The Honda Odyssey excels by combining all the seating and cargo flexibility needed in a van with a variety of features to suit different tastes, functions and budgets, as well as excellent handling.
Powering the '12 Odyssey
All trims use a 248-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine that features Honda's variable cylinder management system (VCM), which allows the V6 engine to switch among three, four, and six cylinders. Odyssey Touring models come with a 6-speed automatic transmission to match other vans. With four gears to get going rather than three in the LX through EX-L models, the heaviest Touring models accelerate the best, and don't require as many downshifts on varying conditions and roads. Steering feel is light on center and weights up nicely with cornering effort. It's direct without being too quick to respond, gives the driver a feel for what the front tires are doing, and executes a U-turn in a commendable 36.7 feet. Brakes have equally good feel and transmit no jerkiness to passengers.
2012 Honda Odyssey Design
The interior of the 2012 Odyssey features a third-row Magic Seat that folds into the floor. Maximum seating capacity for the Odyssey is eight passengers. The 2011 Honda Odyssey is longer and two inches wider than the previous generation but half an inch lower, so while the aerodynamics are said to be better by 5.5 percent, the net improvement based on the wider front is 3 percent. The door handles of the Odyssey are close together and paired in a mild recess. The power sliding doors can be opened with the brakes on, without having to shift to Park first, which better matches the way we live. In the front of the van, a grille new for this generation of the Odyssey appears to be a cross between Honda's Insight and Civic and Toyota's Sienna. At the rear taillights use clear-lens signals with amber bulbs for some visual pop without the expense of LED lamps. A spoiler atop the hatch is standard on all, and the power tailgate (EX-L and above) has pinch-protection in both directions and can now be opened with the remote without first unlocking the van. Roof rails are a dealer accessory. Second-row seats can be moved apart so that three child seats will fit, or you can have two child seats and still be able to move the third section for back-row access. The middle section slides forward for an easier reach for front-row occupants, or creates a large center armrest, and all can be removed for cargo. One lever will fold, tilt, slide or remove the seats.
Honda Odyssey Lineup for 2012
The Odyssey is available in five trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite. Odyssey LX includes front and rear manual air conditioning, eight-way power driver's seat, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power windows/locks/mirrors, adjustable second-row seats, 60/40-split fold-in-floor third row seats, 229-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 five-speaker stereo system auto-off projector headlights, cruise control, reading lights (all rows), trip computer and 10 beverage holders.
Odyssey EX adds power sliding side doors, three-zone automatic climate control, driver power lumbar, second-row sunshades and multi-function seats, alloy wheels, removable front center console with two more cupholders, 2GB CD library and seven speakers with subwoofer, Homelink, conversation mirror, security system, heated mirrors, wheel-mounted audio controls, auto on/off headlights, compass and outside temperature display. The EX trim is now standard with Bluetooth, USB audio interface, 8 TFT screen.
Odyssey EX-L upgrades to leather upholstery and steering wheel-wrap, power moonroof, tailgate and four-way passenger seat, heated front seats, Bluetooth hands-free and steering wheel phone controls, XM radio, USB port, eight-inch display, front cool box, and auto-dimming mirror.
Odyssey Touring 18-inch wheels, and mild aerodynamic changes like side sills and mirrors with signal repeaters. Touring also adds to EX-L driver-memory system linked to reverse-tilt mirrors, an acoustic windshield, standard navigation and rear entertainment, third-row sunshades, third-row center armrest, multi-information display, corner and backup sensor indicators, fog lamps and ambient footwell lighting.
Odyssey Touring Elite is a Touring model with blind-spot warning system, HID headlamps, and a dual-input 16.2-inch widescreen rear entertainment system linked to a 650-watt, 12-speaker 5.1 surround sound system.
Conclusions
The Honda Odyssey is considered by many to be the gold standard in minivans. It's refined design with creative storage solutions, and spirited driving dynamics make it stand-out year after year. For most uses, the Odyssey makes a more logical, more compelling argument than a truck-based SUV and many full-size crossovers. It weighs less, offers more passenger and cargo room, and greater flexibility in how the space is configured. Unless you need genuine off-road 4WD ability or tow a large trailer the Odyssey will serve better. For more on this model, visit the official 2012 Honda Odyssey website!
Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com