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1999 Honda Odyssey Debuts

2 October 1998

Setting a Minivan Standard: 1999 Honda Odyssey Debuts

    TORONTO, Oct. 1 -- The all-new 1999 Honda Odyssey minivan,
the biggest and most powerful Honda ever made, will have a base price of
$23,200 (U.S.) for the LX model when it goes on sale later this month,
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced here today.
    The new Odyssey is equipped with the most powerful engine in the class and
also meets stringent low emission vehicle standards.  Other Odyssey features
include dual sliding doors, a sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension,
three point seat belts and head rests for all passengers -- a minivan first --
and an exclusive third row bench seat that folds simply into the rear floor,
eliminating the cumbersome third row bench seat common to other minivans.
    "We believe this all-new Odyssey is better than the competition in every
single area," said Dick Colliver, American Honda executive vice president.
"The Odyssey is more powerful, more versatile, roomier and rides and drives
better than anything in the class, and at this price, it is a better value
than any comparably-equipped minivan.
    "There's one other area where the competition won't be able to touch the
new Odyssey," Colliver added.  "None have the reputation for dependability,
quality and reliability that have become Honda trademarks."
    The Odyssey is being manufactured exclusively on a new $200 million (U.S.)
assembly line at Honda of Canada Manufacturing's plant in Alliston, Ontario,
near Toronto.
    All Odysseys will be powered by a new 3.5-liter, V-6 VTEC engine producing
210-horsepower (using premium fuel) and at the same time meeting California's
Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standard for light trucks.  The engine will be
teamed with a 4-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control.  Other
mechanical features standard on all Odyssey models include power rack-and-
pinion steering and 16-inch wheels and tires.
    Standard safety and security equipment on all Odyssey models include dual
air bags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, a load-sensing Electronic Brake
Distribution system and an Immobilizer theft-deterrent system.
    The Odyssey LX features seating for seven with unique second row bucket
seats that can also be converted into a bench seat and the "magic" third seat
that folds easily into the floor for added cargo space.
    An extensive list of Odyssey LX standard comfort and convenience features
includes dual sliding doors, front and rear air conditioning units with a
micron air filter, individual lighting and air conditioning controls, nine cup
holders, cruise control, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, power
flip-out rear quarter windows and variable intermittent windshield wipers.
    The top-of-the line Odyssey EX is priced at $25,800 and adds a power
feature to the sliding doors, remote entry, automatic air conditioning, CD
player, steering wheel mounted audio controls, a HomeLink Remote System, alloy
wheels and traction control.
    All Odyssey models carry a standard 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper
limited warranty and 5-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty, with no major
maintenance required until 105,000 miles.
    All Honda models will carry a destination and handling charge of $415.