Skip to main content

Honda’s 2014 Odyssey sucks, thanks to an in-van vacuum

honda odyssey touring elite 2014
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The idea of Honda touting an in-car vacuum for the new Honda Odyssey at the New York Auto Show makes you wonder − what’s next?

And to think I thought the idea of in-car cup holders that can keep beverages hot or cold was groundbreaking when it was first introduced some years ago.

Recommended Videos

The HondaVac, featured as standard equipment on the new 2014 Odyssey Touring Elite and an industry first, functions much like the typical vacuum used for cleaning up your home.  It comes complete with an integrated suction hose, a replaceable filter and a canister bag.  

Developed in conjunction with Shop-Vac, the nozzle accessories for the Honda vacuum are integrated into space on the driver’s side bulkhead of the rear cargo area.  The HondaVAC is powered by an electric motor that operates continuously when the engine is running and up to eight minutes when the vehicle is turned off. 

honda odyssey van vacuum
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Of course, the HondaVac isn’t the only new feature on the new Odyssey Touring Elite minivan.

The 2014 Odyssey also sports new design cues like a more sculpted hood and new twin-bar grille, and an all-new interior center-stack.

Standard technology on the award-winning family van includes Keyless Smart Entry with push button start, HD radio, an SMS text messaging function, and HondaLink featuring the Aha Mobile interface.

HondaLink, which debuted on the 2013 Honda Accord, enables Odyssey owners to use their HondaLink smartphone app to uses their online content to create live, personalized radio stations, and hear updates and news feeds from Facebook and Twitter.

Additional technology features include an expanded view driver’s mirror, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

But the new HondaVAC makes you wonder if our desire for everything to be more convenient might pave the way for even wilder in-car features? And if so what could they be? Tell us your ideas (no matter how fanciful) below in comments.

Marcus Amick
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Marcus Amick has been writing about the world of cars for more than ten years and has covered everything from new automobiles…
Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and EVs offer big incentives as year nears its end
chrysler dodge jeep ev incentives record my24 hybrid gallery 04 exterior desktop jpg image 1440

It’s no secret that automakers and dealerships typically climb over each other to offer the best incentives before the year ends. But this year’s sales season is expected to be particularly competitive, with slowing sales translating to greater urgency to clear inventory.

According to research from Kelley Blue Book, the respected vehicle-valuation firm, overall incentives on new vehicle sales were up by 60% in October compared to the previous year.

Read more
Jeep, Ram EREVs will get 690-mile range with new Stellantis platform
A 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger sits in a vineyard.

Stellantis, the giant automotive group, is betting big on extending the range of both its hybrid and fully electric vehicles (EVs).

Last month, the company, which owns the Jeep, Dodge, and Ram brands in the U.S., invested nearly $30 million into an advanced wind tunnel at its research center in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The goal is to study airflow around a vehicle’s wheels and tires to further optimize its EVs and boost their range.

Read more
Self-driving vehicle rules set to loosen under Trump, report says
self driving looser rules trump screenshot 2024 10 at 54 56 pm 6708947b14810

Tesla “has been very clear the future is autonomous,” CEO Elon Musk said in October, shortly after unveiling the Cybercab, Tesla’s self-driving robotaxi.

It now seems that Musk, who was recently nominated to lead a newly-created "Department of Government Efficiency," is sharing his crystal ball with the incoming Trump administration.

Read more