Automobile, Car and Driver and Motor Trend magazines declared the Odyssey to be the new leader in the minivan class. Meanwhile, in Strategic Vision's Total Quality Index- a survey of satisfaction with both vehicle quality and the ownership experience - owners ranked the Odyssey first. The Odyssey also became the 1999 winner of the Good Housekeeping Institute Women's Automotive Satisfaction Award.

.     In tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Odyssey earned the governments highest (five-Star) rating for occupant protection in frontal collisions.

     For the 2000 model year, Honda makes available the first factory installed satellite-linked navigation system in the minivan class as an option in the Odyssey EX.

     This state-of-the-art Honda Navigation System uses Global Positioning System (GPS) data from satellites together with the Odyssey's inertial guidance system - gyroscope and vehicle speed sensors - to accurately pinpoint the location and velocity of the car .

     The DVD-based system takes this information and generates the appropriate map and route to the driver's destination, within major cities in the 48 states it covers. Whether navigating around town or on the family vacation, carlike ride and handling make driving the Odyssey enjoyable. Large 16-inch wheels and tires, front independent and rear double wishbone suspension give this minivan a tight, sure feel.

     The Odyssey's 3.5-liter, 210-horsepower V-6 is the most powerful engine in its class and is matched with a smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic transmission. This 24-valve powerplant produces exceptional low-rpm torque (229 foot-pounds at 4300 rpm) for improved off-line and around-town acceleration. The Odyssey delivers EPA fuel economy ratings of 18 city/26 highway and also meets California's Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standard for light trucks.

     The Odyssey is a capable tow vehicle with a standard towing capacity of 2000 pounds, or up to 3500 pounds when equipped with recommended towing options. The largest Honda ever built, the Odyssey features dual sliding doors and is capable of accommodating seven passengers comfortably. Yet it features a low step-in height and a remarkably tight turning diameter of 37. 7 feet.

     To convert the Odyssey from people moving to cargo hauling, the second row seats can be folded or completely removed. The third-row Magic Seat(tm) folds down to create a flat floor wide enough to accommodate 4' x 8' sheets of building material.

     Even in the upright position, skis or lumber slide underneath the seat for easy storage. A large well in the floor behind the third-row seat provides a convenient place to securely transport items such as shopping bags, boxes or athletic equipment.

     Inside the passenger cabin, individual air vent and lighting controls along with rear controls for heat and air conditioning provide maximum personal comfort.

     The well-appointed Odyssey EX is equipped with dual power sliding doors; eight-way adjustable power driver's seat; AM/FM stereo with CD player and six speakers; steering-wheel mounted audio controls; auto-off headlights; remote keyless entry; automatic climate control; rear cargo net; roof rails; alloy wheels and body-colored door handles, side moldings and mirrors. Honda's HomeLink remote system, which is programmable to operate garage doors, home security systems or lighting is also standard on the EX.

     The 2000 Odyssey comes equipped with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and the EX is equipped with Honda's Traction Control System (TCS) to help maintain adhesion and stability on slippery road surfaces. Dual airbags, three-point safety belts for all seven seating positions and Immobilizer theft-deterrent system are standard. Passenger safety is enhanced by Honda's 4-ring shell design which ties together the A, B, C and D pillars with the underfloor and ceiling crossmembers. Two rings completely encircle each row of seats, resulting in a high degree of protection from impacts from any direction.

     The Odyssey is assembled at Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario. Manufacturing capacity is being expanded to meet the strong demand for the standard-setting Honda Odyssey.