NEW HONDA ODYSSEY MINIVAN ADDS STRENGTH TO RECORD-SETTING MODEL LINEUP FOR 1999

TORRANCE, Calif. - Honda's 1999 lineup looks to be even stronger than last years, which set an all-time record for model year sales of 891,541, up 10.9 percent, paced by three segment-leading vehicles. This year, the all-new Odyssey debuts as the new standard in the minivan segment.

In the 1998 model year, the Accord continued as the best-selling car in America, with sales of 413,628, and the Honda Civic was once again the best selling small car in America, recording sales of 328,748. The Honda CRV, in just its second model year, captured almost 25% of the entry-level SUV market with sales of 91,700.

"The 1998 model year was a milestone for Honda," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of Honda Division. "Not only did we set a new record overall, but we saw our light truck sales reach new levels. The 1999 Odyssey will become the new benchmark in the minivan class, strengthening Honda's presence in the light truck market."

At the heart of each of Honda's vehicles is the company's spirit of innovation. While continuing to fan the spark of ingenuity that is reflected in the design, development and execution of all its products, Honda constantly offers new products and strives to improve existing vehicles.

1999 Honda Division Highlights

* All-New Odyssey: Setting A New Standard
The 1999 Odyssey minivan is all-new and aimed straight at the heart of this domestic stronghold. It is as large or larger than the competition, features the most powerful V-6 engine in its class and has innovative features like the retractable third-row "magic seat."

Honda designers achieved a remarkable level of passenger comfort with dual sliding doors, individual climate control and personal reading lamps at every seating position. It is the first minivan to feature head restraints and 3-point seat belts at all seven seating positions.

With its wide track - the widest in its class - and tight turning radius, drivers will enjoy its car-like ride and handling. The Odyssey's body structure delivers a high degree of omnidirectional collision safety, while its environmental attributes include meeting California LEV certification for light trucks.

* Civic: Fresh New Look
America's best-selling small car gets a freshened look, easier-to-use electronic controls for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, and amber instrument panel illumination for easier night driving. The Civic is available in sedan, coupe and hatchback models to suit the needs of a diverse family of buyers. A consistent fuel economy leader, the Civic HX hatchback with continuously variable transmission is the only automatic among EPA's top ten rated cars.

The Accord: The Number One Choice of American Consumers
Honda's flagship, the 1999 Accord, gets modest refinements for the new model year, including folding door mirrors on all LX and EX models and new seat fabric on the Sedan. Automatic transmission equipped LX Sedans and Coupes sold in California will now meet ULEV (Ultra Low-Emission Vehicle) standards.

Prelude: More Power
Honda's sporty Prelude gets horsepower boost for the 1999 model year, to 200-hp with manual transmission and 195-hp with automatic. Styling changes include a new grille and new interior fabric. A keyless entry system is now standard along with micron air-filtration system. There are five new colors for'99, all with sporty black interior.

CR-V.- More Horses for Best-Selling Entry-Level SUV
Having taken over the entry-level SUV market in just two short years, the innovative CR-V gets 20 more horsepower for 1999. Additional ergonomic features include illuminated power window switches and a column shifter with overdrive switch for automatic transmission models.

Passport
Following a significant redesign for the 1998 model year, the 1999 Passport gets minor touchups including new rear cupholders and new interior door fabric on LX models. Automatic transmission equipped LX models sold in California will meet LEV standards for light trucks, part of Honda's overall expansion of LEV and ULEV availability.

EVPLUS
The first practical four-passenger electric vehicle, Honda's EV PLUS continues in 1999 with expanded availability in California and New York. Featuring advanced nickel metal hydride batteries, automatic climate control, and peppy acceleration, the EV PLUS is helping Honda engineers and product planners learn how consumers use electric vehicles in everyday driving.