Honda Cars of Katy Introduces the All-New 2011 Honda Odyssey

The all-new 2011 Odyssey, now available at Honda Cars of Katy, redefines the criteria of a minivan, increasing not only the amount of space inside the vehicle but also revamping the sleek and stylish outside.

The all-new 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan arrived at Honda Cars of Katy on September 27, 2010 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) ranging from $27,800 for the value-oriented Odyssey LX to $43,250 for the ultra-premium Odyssey Touring Elite, plus a destination and handling charge of $780 per vehicle, according to American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The completely redesigned Odyssey improves for 2011 with greater interior functionality, a more distinctive style and higher fuel economy. Across all available models — the Odyssey LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and now, the new Touring Elite — more than 50 standard and available features have been added for 2011 to enhance comfort, convenience, efficiency and travel fun.

“Taking the kids on a road trip in the new 2011 Honda Odyssey won’t be the same as it used to be in your old minivan,” said Chris Morrison, General Manager of Honda Cars of Katy. “The kids will have plenty of room to make themselves comfortable with eight passenger capabilities and a rear DVD entertainment system.”

With a wide range of new features adding value for economy, comfort and convenience, the increase in 2011 Odyssey pricing represents a 2.5-percent difference on a sales-weighted basis compared to the 2010 models being replaced (approximately $840 on average).

Significant enhancements to the interior include a new “3-mode” second-row seat design that is more comfortable for center passengers (Odyssey EX and above). The 2011 Odyssey is equipped with a total of five LATCH attachment points (four in the Odyssey LX), the most of any vehicle currently available on the market as of 2011 (up from three in the previous model). The one-motion, 60/40 split 3rd-row Magic Seat®, one of the Odyssey’s original concepts and most versatile features, is positioned for more legroom and is even easier to operate for 2011.

Dramatic new styling creates a more dynamic appearance unlike any other minivan with the introduction of a tapered cabin and a signature “lightning bolt” belt line. The lightning bolt belt line improves the outward view for third-row passengers. The body’s enhanced aerodynamic shape along with engineering improvements throughout the vehicle contribute to a class-leading EPA highway fuel-economy rating of 28 milesper- gallon (mpg) on Odyssey Touring models, an improvement of 3 mpg compared to the 2010 Odyssey Touring model and the most for any eight-passenger minivan.

A more powerful and efficient 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine features Variable Cylinder Management (standard on all models for 2011) and produces 248 hp (+4 hp over 2010) while delivering an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 19/28/22 mpg on Odyssey Touring models (18/27/21 mpg on Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L models). For enhanced driving refinement on Odyssey Touring models, a six-speed automatic transmission debuts as a standard feature. All other models receive the five-speed automatic transmission.

New technology available on certain models includes a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch ultrawide split-screen display and an auxiliary High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) video input, an “intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with customizable wallpaper, integration of FM traffic data on navigation models and much more. Thoughtful features have been added throughout like the available cool box, front bag hook, available flip-up trash bag ring and more. Popular features like the available back-up camera and available conversation mirror continue to be offered.

An extensive list of safety equipment comes standard on every Odyssey. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure is a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Additional standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), commonly referred to as electronic stability control; anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; driver’s and front passenger’s side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; and active front seat head restraints.

About Honda Cars of Katy:

Honda Cars of Katy is located off I-10 on Katy Freeway at the Westgreen Blvd exit. For more details please contact the dealership at 281-994-0055. Honda Cars of Katy is a new car and used car dealer that proudly provides service, parts, selection and customer service to the greater Houston area including Katy, Sugar Land, Houston Heights, Memorial, Downtown Houston, Bellaire, River Oaks, West University, Montrose, The Woodlands, Midtown, Cypress, Humble and Jersey Village.

Honda Cars of Katy is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HondaCarsOfKaty and on Twitter @HondaCarsKaty or http://www.twitter.com/HondaCarsKaty.

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Car Care Tips- Action Movie Mythbuster!

Miller writes: I have a bet with my Wife on this: In TV shows, you often see cars rolling over and bursting into flames. Does that really happen? It could cost me a month of doing dishes if they don’t!

Mike: Better get some rubber gloves buddy! Car companies put in several safeguards to keep the fuel in the tank on rollovers and not allow it to ignite. From check valves in fuel tank filler necks, to automatic cutoffs on fuel pumps, cars are harder and harder to ignite. Engineers take data from thousands of accidents every year and use that knowledge to make their cars safer. Explosions rarely happen outside of Hollywood.

Here is a tip: Here is one of my biggest pet peeves! Don’t ignore your tires!  It could cost you a tire if you run it low and possibly a lot more if it blows out. Every day I sit in traffic and look at the tires of the vehicle in front of me and I usually see a low tire that the driver is unaware of. I usually try to catch up and tell them, but it doesn’t always work out. Here is what you do: Get a good tire gauge and check the tires once a week, but more importantly, learn how they are supposed to look and when you get in your car each day, give them a quick glance just to make sure you haven’t picked up a nail and have a low tire. If you have a low tire, and can catch it before you drive too far, then a little air will get you to the tire shop. Now that I’ve told you what to do, try it this evening or in the morning when you go out to the car. It’s a good habit to have.

Mike The Car Guy University: Listen to The Automotive Reporter radio program with Mike Herzing and Harold Gunn Sunday mornings from 8:00-9:00 on KGOW 1560AM “The Game” or go online www.1560thegame.com

Mike was an ASE Certified Master Tech and auto shop owner for 31 years. If you have questions or comments, E mail me: mikeh@letstalkwheels.com or go to www.letstalkwheels.com to read more articles. -MH

Honda Cars of Katy is located off I-10 on Katy Freeway at the Westgreen Blvd exit. For more details please contact the dealership at 281-994-0055. Honda Cars of Katy is a new car and used car dealer that proudly provides service, parts, selection and customer service to the greater Houston area including Katy, Sugar Land, Houston Heights, Memorial, Downtown Houston, Bellaire, River Oaks, West University, Montrose, The Woodlands, Midtown, Cypress, Humble and Jersey Village.

Car Care Tips- Too Hot Ridgeline

2011 Honda Ridgeline RT

Leann writes: My V6 Honda Ridgeline has a 115k miles and a strange overheating problem. It seems that the farther I drive the hotter it gets until it overheats. If I am stuck in traffic, the temp gauge shows halfway and will never run hot. Not until I drive on the freeway 4-5 miles, then it starts creeping up until it boils over. If I drive on the feeder road, it starts to cool down. I have tried a thermostat and a water pump with no success. My Dad thinks that the head gaskets are leaking. Could that be the problem?

Mike: I have seen this problem several times over the years. What you have is a restricted radiator. It can keep the coolant temperature at a normal level at lower speeds, but can’t keep up with the thermal load at higher speeds. If you have your technician check  for “cold” spots in the radiator’s core, he will be able to locate the places where the coolant isn’t circulating. Then you will find the problem. I would recommend replacing the radiator before you overheat the engine so many times you do end up with a head gasket problem, or worse.

Here is a tip: If your windows seem to go up and down a little slower than they used to, let me tell you a good fix for this.  Get a can of silicone spray at the parts store and spray the window run channel to keep it slippery. This way the window slides easier and takes some of the pressure off of the window motor and window regulator. The silicone also helps keep the rubber soft and pliable. If your car is a little older, you can use silicone spray on all of the door seals to help them last a little longer and work a little better.

Mike the Car Guy University: In response to all of the great e mails I get every week, I am planning a series of classes on understanding your vehicle, and using that knowledge to extend its useful life. Details are still being worked out, but the classes will be in a series and hosted by some of the outstanding dealers in our area. If you would like to be notified when I am teaching in your area, just e-mail me and I’ll let you know. MH

Listen to The Automotive Reporter radio program with Mike Herzing and Harold Gunn Sunday mornings from 8:00-9:00 on KGOW 1560AM “The Game” or go online www.1560thegame.com.

Mike was an ASE Certified Master Tech and auto shop owner for 31 years. If you have questions or comments, E-mail me: mikeh@letstalkwheels.com -MH
This announcement was brought to you by Honda Cars of Katy, please call with any questions at 281-994-0055.