2008 Honda Odyssey Has a Musical Personality

Forget Oprah's list for now. You want to know one of my "favorite things" for this year? Try Pandora, an amazing free site that lets you create music stations that play only music you like and listen to stations created by other people as well.
How does this relate to the Ody? I was listening to Pandora when I saw an ad for a music station "created" by the 2008 Honda Odyssey. In fact, the Ody is listed as a "person" on Pandora and has created four stations, entitled BreakinFree ("tween" music), Ticket To Ride ('60s), Truckin' (classic hard rock), and I've Been Everywhere (hip kids' music). It's part of Honda's "Respect the Van" campaign, and I gotta give them props for creativity and for plugging into what I think is the best music site since iTunes. And the stations are pretty good, too! Something for everyone in the family. I guess that's the point: It's a minivan, right?
I expect other vehicles to become "people" on Pandora soon (and probably in the virtual reality sensation Second Life as well). So next time you talk about your car's "personality," better check its musical taste first.


Source: http://blogs.edmunds.com/women/678

Aussie’s Best Cars Of The Year

Are you an Aussie? I suppose you know the best cars in your nation. But if you don't, it's time to hit your refresh button.

The stylish European Ford Mondeo leads 5 new entries in the ranks of Australia's best cars, as the country's auto clubs vote for their honor roll for this year, reports said. The Mondeo, which is one of the 50 consumer-focused fresh arrivals for this year, epitomizes the changing face of Aussie new-cars showrooms. The car is joined by VW Golf R32, BMW M3, Nissan X-Trail and BMW X5 diesel on the Best Cars honor roll.

"The Mondeo reflects all the shifts in the market in one car," said the chief judge of the Australia's Best Cars contest, Ernest Litera of the RACV. "This is a vehicle that has the space and comfort we've traditionally found in a large car, and it is available with a diesel engine. The market is shifting to quality mid-size cars."

"These awards are not about the automotive industry - they are about the consumer," the executive director of the Australian Automobile Association, Mike Harris, said yesterday. "AAA and Australia's automotive clubs represent more than 6.5 million members and these awards provide them - and all motorists - with an independent program."

There were 7 repeat champions but the longest-running by far is the Honda Odyssey. This time around, the vehicle is defending its crown this time against the new family-focused Toyota Kluger. "The Odyssey has won for the fourth time, and that's because it is a purpose-built people mover," Litera said. "A good car is not just a good car for 12 months. A winner will often run back-to-back, because it takes the competition a couple of years to get on top."

Honda, the affiliate of the luxury maker of Acura CL engine parts, could've been very jubilant to hear the news.

Australia's Best Cars

Small car: Volkswagen Polo TDI

Mid-size car under $28,000: Honda Civic VTi

Mid-size car over $28,000: Ford Mondeo TDCi

Large car: Toyota Aurion AT-X

People mover: Honda Odyssey Luxury

Sports car: Volkswagen Golf R32

Luxury sports car: BMW M3

Prestige car: Lexus IS250

Luxury car: Lexus GS450h

Recreational 4WD: Nissan X-Trail ST

Luxury 4WD: BMX X5 Diesel

All-terrain 4WD: Land Rover Discovery 3 SE TDV6

Apart from the 12 winners, the Best Cars results offer a wide-scope auto shopper's guide that allows buyers to choose the features they want. "While we have an overall winner in each category, you can also use the tables to find what you want. And it's not subjective," Litera noted.

[credit: Melbourne Herald Sun]


Source: http://myautoparts.blogspot.com/2007/12/aussies-best-cars-of-year.html

Honda Odyssey: Redesigned for 2008

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. now releases the details, features, and some technical specs of the redesigned Honda Odyssey minivan for the 2008 model year. The vehicle now comes with a new exterior styling and powertrain components that offer excellent fuel economy.

"The Odyssey is the king of the Honda lineup when it comes to moving the maximum number of people in maximum comfort. For 2008, the Odyssey strengthens its styling and functional advantages while adding even more premium features." said Dick Colliver, Executive Vice President of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The redesigned 2008 Honda Odyssey minivan comes in four available model trim levels: Odyssey LX, Odyssey EX, Odyssey EX-L, and Odyssey Touring. Honda offers two powertrain units for these models.

The 2008 Odyssey LX and Odyssey EX will be equipped with a 3.5-liter all-aluminum SOHC VTEC engine under their hood, capable of pumping out 244 horsepower at 5750 rpm and pulls out 240 lb-ft. amount of peak torque at 5000 rpm. Meanwhile, the Odyssey EX-L and Odyssey Touring models will feature the top of the line 3.5-liter all-aluminum SOHC i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) to provide additional fuel economy. This power unit delivers 241 horsepower at 5700 rpm and prduces 242 lb-ft. amount of torque at 4900 rpm. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated the 3.5-liter engine to have a fuel economy of 16/23 mpg city/highway, while the 3.5-liter V6 engine has a fuel economy of 17/25 mpg2 city / highway.

The 2008 Honda Odyssey's exterior styling focuses on a bolder and aggressive stance, according to the Japanese automaker. Changes on the exterior include a six-sided grille design and front bumper fascia with crisp lines, and Honda corner lens. Wheel and tire combinations for the 2008 Honda Odysseys include 16-inch wheels with all-season 235/65R16 tires for standard for LX, EX and EX-L, and 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season 235/60R17 tires for the Odyssey Touring. In addition, customers can also get the Michelin PAX System run-flat technology wheels and tires measuring 460 mm and 235-710R 460 A, respectively.

On the inside, the 2008 Honda Odyssey comes with a host of functional and comfortable interior, with other information and entertainment in-car systems.

Interior highlights for the model trim levels of the 2008 Honda Odyssey include new colors and textures for the instrument panel, 2nd Row PlusOne Seat, standard MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA) compatibility, standard auxiliary input jack, One-Motion 60/40 Split 3rd-Row Magic Seat, 3rd-Row Magic Seat, available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and an 8-inch screen, Zagat Survey restaurant guide information, and Honda DVD Entertainment System with a 9-inch screen, rearview camera. Other available interior features include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (available on Odyssey EX-L and Touring), 4-way power passenger seat, and memory-linked side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down, dual-zone air conditioning, tilt and telescope steering wheel, power windows and door locks, keyless entry and cruise control.

Safety is one of the most significant factors considered by Honda as stated in the company's "Safety for Everyone" program. For the 2008 Honda Odyssey, Honda equipped the vehicle with numerous active and passive safety components. These include new active front seat head restraints, new daytime running lights, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), standard anti-lock brakes with brake assist, advanced dual-stage dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's SRS airbags, front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Protection Detection System (OPDS), and three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, and three Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat attachment systems. In addition, the 2008 Odyssey is made of Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. With these safety systems, the 2008 Honda Odyssey earned the highest five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

American Honda did not release the availability and manufacturer's suggested retail price of the 2008 Honda Odyssey.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/autos-articles/honda-odyssey-redesigned-for-2008-220038.htmlAbout the Author:

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.


Source: http://pr-gb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22737&Itemid=9

2008 Honda Odyssey Gets Facelift Review

The significantly-updated-for-2008 Honda Odyssey minivan receives new exterior styling along with a more fuel-efficient version of the available Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM) i-VTEC V-6 engine. Exterior styling focuses on a bolder, six-sided grille design and a front bumper fascia with crisp lines that add to the vehicle's dynamic and premium appearance.

The Odyssey is the king of the Honda lineup when it comes to moving the maximum number of people in maximum comfort," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "For 2008, the Odyssey strengthens its styling and functional advantages while adding even more premium features."

Four new and notable available premium features include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (available Odyssey EX-L and Touring), 4-way power passenger seat (standard Odyssey EX-L and Touring), rearview camera display integrated into the rearview mirror (standard Odyssey EX-L) and memory-linked side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down (standard Odyssey Touring).

Interior styling receives updates in the form of new colors and textures for the instrument panel, along with premium fabric for Odyssey LX and EX seating surfaces. Further interior refinements include an additional storage bin in the 2nd Row PlusOne Seat (standard on Odyssey EX, EX-L and Touring), standard MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA) compatibility (CD-based) and a standard auxiliary input jack.

The Odyssey achieves the highest five-star crash safety rating by the federal government for both frontal and side impacts. In keeping with the Honda "Safety for Everyone" initiative, all Odyssey models are equipped with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), also known as electronic stability control; standard anti-lock brakes with brake assist; advanced dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's SRS airbags; front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Protection Detection System (OPDS); three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. An Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure provides enhanced occupant protection in a frontal collision. New for 2008, active front seat head restraints and daytime running lights have been added.

Known for its industry trend-setting One-Motion 60/40 Split 3rd-Row Magic Seat, the Odyssey's innovative eight-passenger seating areas (seven-passenger on LX) quickly and easily adapt between passenger and cargo duties. The 3rd-Row Magic Seat can accommodate up to three passengers and still provide 38.4 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the seats, or fold completely flat into the floor for cargo duty to create 91.1 cubic feet of cargo volume while still maintaining room for five passengers (four passengers on LX). With the second row seats removed, total cargo volume expands to a voluminous 147.4 cubic feet. Total interior volume measures 209.8 cubic feet for passenger and cargo volume combined – representing a total volume greater than two Civic Sedan interior volumes combined, for comparison. The 2nd-Row PlusOneSeat integrates a new storage bin inside the seat structure and is standard equipment on the Odyssey EX and EX-L (as before). The 2nd-Row PlusOneSeat has been added as standard equipment to the Odyssey Touring, replacing the standard removable center console, while retaining similar functionality and adding a seating position to the previously seven-passenger Touring model.

Designed with families in mind, a total of three Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat attachment systems exist: two are located in the outboard second-row seating positions and one is located in the middle third-row seating position.

Standard comfort and convenience features include dual-zone air conditioning (tri-zone automatic climate control on Odyssey EX, EX-L and Touring), tilt and telescope steering wheel, power windows and door locks, keyless entry and cruise control.

Available premium features include the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition, an 8-inch screen, and Zagat Survey restaurant guide information, and a Honda DVD Entertainment System with a 9-inch screen. A rearview camera aids rear visibility on the Odyssey EX-L equipped with the available navigation system. Odyssey EX-L models without the available navigation system provide a rearview camera display via a 2.5-inch monitor embedded in the rearview mirror.

Determined by specific model, two engine variations exist. The 3.5-liter, all-aluminum, SOHC VTEC engine on the Odyssey LX and EX produces 244 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 240 lb-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm. The Odyssey LX and EX models achieve an EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 16/23 mpg.

The Odyssey EX-L and Touring models feature a 3.5-liter, all-aluminum, SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine with VCM for enhanced fuel efficiency. This engine produces 241 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 242 lb-ft. of torque at 4900 rpm.

For 2008, a new generation of VCM provides the additional capability to selectively deactivate either two or three of the engine's six cylinders during cruising and deceleration (instead of three, exclusively). Similar to the new VCM system available on the 2008 Accord, the Odyssey's new VCM engine expands the cylinder deactivation operating range, which helps to increase fuel efficiency in a wider variety of driving conditions and speeds. An "ECO" indicator light illuminates on the instrument panel when the vehicle is operating at an optimal level of fuel efficiency. The Odyssey EX-L and Touring models achieve an EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 17/25 mpg2.

Vehicles equipped with VCM use both an audio system-based Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system and a chassis-based Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) system to cancel noise and vibration that can occur during cylinder deactivation.

An independent front and rear suspension and a rigid unit body structure help provide comfortable and refined ride performance. Additional chassis components include power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes and variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L models have 16-inch wheels (alloy on EX and EX-L) with all-season 235/65R16 tires. Odyssey Touring models are equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season 235/60R17 tires (standard); Michelin PAX System run-flat technology wheels and tires are available (460 mm wheels and 235-710R 460A tires).

Source: http://www.noeman.org/gsm/cars-autos/35372-2008-honda-odyssey-gets-facelift-review.html

2008 Honda Odyssey arrives with minor upgrades

One of my buds just bought his first minivan. He traded in his Nissan Maxima for a 2005 Honda Odyssey. That transition from sports sedan to minivan can be tough pill to swallow, but most enthusiasts we know consider the Odyssey a good compromise for being more attractive than most, as well as offering a powertrain and handling package that's sportier than the minivan mean. For 2008, Honda has dressed up the Odyssey with some styling tweaks, including a new six-sided grille and front bumper fascia. The interior has received new colors, textures and fabrics, as well. Bluetooth connectivity for cell phones is now available, as is a 4-way power passenger seat, rearview camera display in the rearview mirror and side mirrors that tilt down when in reverse. There are two engines available for 2008, both 3.5L V6s. The first is a SOHC VTEC motor that produces 244 HP and 242 ft-lbs. of torque. The second is a SOHC i-VTEC with Variable Cylinder Management, similar to the system used on the new 2008 Honda Accord's V6. VCM improves fuel economy of the 3.5L from 16/23 to 17/25, which isn't a huge jump, but may be appreciated by parent-run chauffeur services. I'll be emailing this post to my friend, just so he knows the Odyssey is still going strong despite some competitors (looking at you Ford and GM) have exited the segment.

Source: http://beyondcars.blogspot.com/2007/09/2008-honda-odyssey-arrives-with-minor.html

Japans Big Threes Models Named Best Deals?

Car buyers are always in the lookout for the car offering the best value for their money. Different firms have been guiding prospective car buyers on how to choose the vehicle the suits their needs best. From performance to fuel economy to safety, all bases should be covered in choosing a vehicle.

IntelliChoice, one of the leading sources of pertinent information to car buyers, recently announced their Best Deals?list. The list contains what the online outfit thinks is the best vehicle in different classes. For the month of April, IntelliChoice announced their Best Deals?and this has been done coinciding with the ongoing New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in the Big Apple.

This months list includes several models from Japans three biggest car manufacturers. These vehicles are seen as the measuring stick for future production vehicles unveiled and showcased at the New York Auto Show. James Bell, the publisher of IntelliChoice.com, has this to say with regards to the list and the vehicles showcased at the event: Even more than recent auto shows, the New York show offered a look at some very compelling future competition to many of the mainstays on our monthly Best Deals?list.?br />
The Honda Civic hybrid is rated as the best deal for the Compact Car over $16,000 class by IntelliChoice.com. For the Compact Car under $16,000 class, the best deal is touted to be the Honda Civic DX with an automatic transmission.

Aside from these two models, another Honda produced vehicle was named as a best deal in its class - the Honda Civic Si. The said model is named as the best deal in the Base Sport Car class. The Honda Odyssey is once again named as the best deal for the Minivan class. The Honda Odyssey has been dominating that class in recent history but will face strong competition in the form of the Ford Flex recently unveiled at the New York International Auto Show.

A Nissan model is also named as one of the best deals for the month of April. The Nissan Frontier King Cab XE 2WD with a manual transmission is named as the best deal for the Compact Pickup Truck 2WD class. The King Cab is the first crew cab body style compact pickup truck in North America and since its inception in the U.S. auto market has been popular among car buyers. With its trademark dependability, the Nissan Frontier is not a surprise choice as the best deal for its class. Its high performance construction and components such as the Nissan spark plug wires are one of the reasons why the Frontier sits at the top of its class.

Toyota, the surging Japanese car manufacturer, also landed several of its models at the Best Deals?list. The popular Toyota Prius is named as the best deal for the Midsize Car under $21,000 while the Prius Touring is named as the best deal for the Midsize Car over $21,000 class.

For the Large Car class, IntelliChoice picked the Toyota Avalon Touring as the best deal for consumers. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid with a third row seating and 2WD configuration is named as the best deal for the Midsize Crossover class. The Toyota Matrix Standard with manual transmission is also named as the best deal for the Small Wagon class.

For the Compact Pickup Truck 4WD class, IntelliChoice picked the Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 4WD as the best deal. The Toyota Tundra Regular Cab V6 2WD Short Bed is named as the best deal for the Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD 1/2 Ton class.

Source: http://learnqfpkkyn.blogspot.com/2007/08/japans-big-threes-models-named-best.html

2008 Honda Accord Full Details and Photos

Honda has released details and full product images of the new 2008 Honda Accord sedan and coupe, but let's look at the Accord sedan first as it is more relevant to our local market. The Honda Accord sedan in the US comes with 3 engine options - two 2.4 liter inline-4 i-VTEC units as well as a 3.5 liter V6 engine for the top of the line model.
The 2.4 liter engine is available in two stages of tune - a 177hp @ 6,500rpm, 218Nm @ 4,300rpm basic unit that has 7 more horsepower than the 2.4 liter in the current Accord as well as a tuned up 190hp at 7,000rpm variant with 220Nm of torque at 4,400rpm thanks to a reprogrammed ECU and a high-flow muffler with a variable valve silencer.
The V6 unit grows from 3.0 liter in the current Accord up to 3.5 liters and makes 268 horsepower at 6,200rpm and 336Nm of torque at 5,000rpm. This SOHC V6 engine is equipped with Variable Cylinder Management which allows the engine to operate on three, four or all six cylinders to help boost fuel economy or power as needed. The coupe has this same engine without the VCM - the reduced valvetrain weight improves low to mid-range power.
Once again the 2008 Honda Accord rides on a double wishbone front suspension at the front, enhancing the driving experience. In the US market, this new Honda Accord marks a few firsts for a USDM Accord - disc brakes on all wheels for all models, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) on all models, power lumbar support, auto-dimming inside mirror, compass, multi-line display CD/MP3 player, auxiliary-input jack and subwoofer. I sincerely hope the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) as standard on all models make it to Malaysia - when you pay over RM130,000 for a car I think safety features such as traction control are very important.

The interior space of the new 2008 Honda Accord has been improved so much that it is now classified as an EPA Large Sedan in the US market. Honda says the interior offers "equal" front and rear seating comfort for four adults - the rear passenger comfort level is no longer a hit and miss thing if the front passengers move the seats too far rearward. If you measure the growth in size from the exterior, the new 2008 Accord is 76mm longer than the previous model, 28mm wider and 22mm taller. Torsional rigidity has been improved by 20% thanks to the usage of 48% high-tensile steel, the highest by volume of any Honda Accord to date.
Aerodynamics have also been improved thanks to a new frame rail system which positions the frame rails inside the Accord's body structure instead of underneath it, creating a nearly flat bottom to ruduce under-floor turbulence. The car is also more balance now in terms of weight distribution as the fuel tank has been moved lower and further forward.
It is not known at the moment when the new 2008 Honda Accord will be introduced in Malaysia, or whether these engine enhancements will be brought here or not as we usually carry the same engine specs as Thailand Accords, and one of the ways the new engine makes more power is because it has a higher compression ratio. Thailand fuel might not be able to handle that. A new Accord also usually means a new Honda Odyssey is coming soon, which is a lovely MPV.

Source: http://honda-accord-car.blogspot.com/2007/08/comment-on-2008-honda-accord-full.html