2010 Honda Odyssey Overview Change Vehicle

This 2010 Honda Odyssey overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2010 Odyssey, and includes Honda Odyssey safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

The 2010 Honda Odyssey, now in the sixth and final year of the current third-generation body style, is a carryover for the new model year.

Honda sells the Odyssey in LX, EX, EX-L and Touring trim levels. Each is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission delivering power to the front wheels.

The Odyssey LX is the lowest in price, but not highest in popularity. The entry-level model comes standard with cloth upholstery, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, manual front and rear air conditioning, an auxiliary audio input jack, a CD player and standard MP3/Windows Media Audio compatibility. Unlike the other Odyssey models, the LX is configured to hold seven occupants. Honda’s third-row "Magic Seat" drops into an in-floor storage well to expand cargo carrying capability. Visually, its black mirrors and 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers differentiate the LX model.

Consumers are much more likely to opt for the Odyssey EX for its standard dual power-operated sliding doors, power driver’s seat, conversation mirror (to keep an eye on second- and third-row occupants), and second-row sunshades for the windows. Adding to this model's appeal is a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a HomeLink programmable remote, heated side mirrors, additional in-floor storage bin with a Lazy Susan for easy compartmentalizing, an upgraded audio system with a six-disc CD changer, and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Most importantly, the EX gains Honda's second-row "PlusOne" jump seat — making the Odyssey an eight-passenger vehicle.

For leather and heated front seats, upgrade to the EX-L trim level. Other changes include a standard power moonroof, power tailgate, power four-way front passenger’s seat, satellite radio, and a rearview camera with a display embedded in the auto-dimming rearview mirror. When it comes to options, the EX-L is available with exclusive features including a DVD-based entertainment system with a nine-inch display and a satellite-linked navigation system with Bluetooth phone connectivity. Honda also upgrades the engine in the EX-L with its Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system. The VCM system is completely automatic in operation, shutting down up to three cylinders to conserve fuel under low-load conditions, such as when cruising on the highway. As VCM may increase noise and vibration, Honda bundles it with Electronic Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Control Engine Mounts (ACM).

The top-of-the-line Odyssey is the Touring model. Building upon the EX-L, it adds the DVD entertainment and navigation system, plus tri-zone automatic climate control, a premium sound system, front and rear parking sensors, and memory setting for the driver’s seat and mirror positions. Other improvements power adjustable pedals, a trip computer, automatic headlights, fog lights, and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The Touring model may also be optioned with Michelin's PAX system. The run-flat tire technology utilizes special tires that are specifically designed for the system's 17.5-inch alloy wheels.

All Honda Odyssey models are fitted with an all-aluminum 3.5-liter V6 — but there are two variants. The LX and EX share a powerplant rated at 244 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, while the EX-L and Touring models are equipped with the aforementioned Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) to improve fuel economy. The VCM-equipped engine is rated at 244 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque. All 2010 Honda Odyssey models are front-wheel drive.

The Honda Odyssey is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel. According to the EPA, the 2010 Odyssey LX and EX are rated at 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The 2010 Odyssey EX-L and Touring models with VCM are rated at 17-mpg city and 25-mpg highway.

Standard safety equipment on the 2010 Honda Odyssey includes dual front airbags, front side airbags, three-row side curtain airbags with rollover deployment, and active front seat head restraints. In addition, the minivan is equipped with traction control, stability control, and antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist. Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure is designed to protect occupants within the vehicle, while better cushioning the blow for unlucky pedestrians.

When it comes to crash testing, the Odyssey does very well. In the federal government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), the 2010 Honda Odyssey earns 5-Star ratings in the frontal- and side-impact crash test evaluations and a 4-Star rating for rollover resistance. The privately-owned Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has also tested the 2010 Honda Odyssey, and it receives the agency's highest rating in all three categories: Good for its performance in the frontal offset crash test, Good for its performance in side-impact crash testing, and Good scores for rear crash injury protection.

Both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates are bullish about the 2010 Honda Odyssey’s potential for long-term reliability. The Odyssey has struggled to perform well in owner surveys in this regard, but both market research companies predict that the 2010 Odyssey will provide better-than-average dependability over time.

The 2010 Honda Odyssey is virtually identical to last year's model. Now in its sixth year of production, that's a telltale sign that an all-new model is just around the corner. That said, if you like current Odyssey minivan body style, and don't enjoy change, march down to your local Honda dealer and pick one up soon. We'll be in line right behind you, as we've been fans of this third-generation Honda Odyssey since its launch.

By Michael Harley