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Honda Minivans: What's New for 2008
Honda Minivans; New for 2008

by Jeff James
for About.com

2008 Honda Odyssey Limited

The 2008 Honda Odyssey Limited

(c) American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
ODYSSEY

The 2008 Odyssey continues into the new model year with four trim levels (LX, EX, EX-L and Touring) and some interior and exterior design and option changes.

Elements of the exterior design get a refresh, particularly the front fascia and rear tailights, to help bring the Odyssey in line visually with other recently-resdesigned Honda vehicles (like the 2008 Accord).

All 2008 Odyssey models equipped with leather come standard with Honda's new variable cylinder management (VCM) technology, which shuts off cylinders under light load conditions to improve fuel economy. The previous version of the system ran on either 3 or 6 cylinders; the new version can switch between 3, 4 and 6-cylinder operation as needed, slightly increasing fuel economy.

A new MP3/Aux audio port is available on all models, as are daytime running lights and active head restraints.

Other updates and improvements are on a model-by-model basis:

Odyssey EX
- 2nd Row PlusOne Seat (includes storage bin)
- Three zone climate control

Odyssey EX-L
- Next-generation VCM technology
- Rearview mirrow with camera/backup monitor
- XM radio
- Passenger seat w/power controls
- 2nd Row PlusOne Seat (includes storage bin)
- Three zone climate control

Odyssey EX-L RES (w/DVD rear seat entertainment)
- 2nd Row PlusOne Seat (includes storage bin)
- Three zone climate control

Odyssey EX-L
- Next-generation VCM technology
- Rearview mirrow with camera/backup monitor
- XM radio
- Passenger seat w/power controls
- 2nd Row PlusOne Seat (includes storage bin)
- Three zone climate control
- 115 volt outlet

Odyssey EX-L Navi/RES (w/DVD rear seat entertainment)
- Next-generation ]VCM technology
- 2nd Row PlusOne Seat (includes storage bin)
- Three zone climate control
- 115 volt outlet

Odyssey Touring Navi/Res (w/DVD rear seat entertainment)
- Next-generation ]VCM technology
- Memory side mirrors (tilt during reverse)
- Bluetooth hands free link
- 2nd Row PlusOne Seat (includes storage bin)

Beyond 2008

It's a bit of speculation on our part, but a hybrid powerplant would seem to be an obvious next-step for the Odyssey. Honda's fuel-saving variable cylinder management (VCM) technology already makes the Odyssey one of the most fuel-efficient full-size minivans available in the states, so a hybrid minivan seems plausible.

MORE 2008 HONDA INFORMATION

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