If you need to haul kids, grandparents, and all of their stuff in comfort, the Honda Odyssey should be on your must-test-drive list.
There are four different Odyssey models available, ranging from the entry-level LX to the top-of-the-line Touring. All feature a 244-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine under the hood, mated to a smooth five-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This powertrain, combined with the Odyssey’s quick steering and nimble handling, make this one of the few eight-passenger vehicles that’s actually somewhat fun to drive.
Things only get better inside, with an interior that takes everything we love about minivans and improves on it. There’s comfortable seating for both the driver and passengers in all three rows, and a third-row seat that folds into the floor to make room for bulky cargo. There are also loads of well-thought-out convenience features like the nifty under-floor storage bins behind the front seats and enough options to transform the Odyssey into a rolling living room. Unfortunately some of the latest gee-whiz features available in competitive models—live satellite TV with kids programming, for example—aren’t available here.
Ultimately though, there’s no denying the fact that the Odyssey remains one of the best ways we can think of for families looking to transport lots of people, stuff, or both.
Strengths:
Reasonably fun to drive
Multitude of convenience features
Immensely practical
Weaknesses:
Still suffers from minivan stigma
Desirable options can cause price to soar
Cutting-edge features found on competing models not available here.
Bottom Line:
While there are more eight-passenger vehicles to choose from than ever before, the Odyssey still ranks among the best.
16-in. steel with full wheelcovers|16-in. alloy|17-in. alloy
Options
GPS navigation system|Rearview back-up camera|Rear-seat DVD video entertainment system|XM® satellite radio|Bluetooth hands-free cell phone connectivity|
Safety features
/*Antilock Brakes:*/|Standard|/*Electronic Stability Control:*/|Standard|/*Traction Control:*/|Standard|/*Multi-Stage front airbags:*/|Standard|/*Side-Impact Airbags:*/|Standard|/*Side-Curtain Airbags:*/|Standard|/*Active Head Restraints:*/|Standard|/*Tire Pressure Monitor:*/|Standard
Standard features
/*LX:*/ |Halogen headlights|Daytime running lights|Manual sliding side doors|Deep-tinted rear privacy glass|Variable intermittent windshield wipers|Intermittent rear window wiper/washer|Rear window defogger|Power-adjustable outside mirrors|Air conditioning|Cloth upholstery|Cruise control|Power windows (first- and second-rows)|Power door locks |Adjustable second-row seats w/ armrests|60/40 split-folding third-row seat|Tilt/telescopic steering column|Overhead console with storage|In-floor rear storage (second-row)|Floor mats|120-watt AM/FM/CD stereo with 4 speakers|120-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with 4 speakers|Auxiliary audio input jack|/*EX adds:*/|16-inch alloy wheels|Halogen headlights w/ auto-on/off|Roof rack rails|Dual power-operated sliding side doors|Power-adjustable, heated outside mirrors|Three-zone automatic climate control with filter|Power-adjustable driver's seat|40/20/40-split second-row seat|Universal garage door opener|Sunshades for rear side windows|Power-opening rear quarter windows|Overhead "onversation" mirror|Outside temperature display|Steering wheel-mounted audio controls|120-watt AM/FM/CD/XM®-ready stereo with 6 speakers|Six-disc, in-dash CD changer|/*EX-L adds:*/|3.5-liter V6 engine w/ cylinder deactivation|Power sunroof|Leather upholstery|Heated front seats|Power-adjustable front passenger seat|Leather-wrapped steering wheel/shift knob|Rearview backup camera|Security system|/*Touring adds:*/|17-inch alloy wheels|Power-operated rear liftgate|Front fog lights|Memory settings for driver's seat|Power-adjustable foot pedals|Removable center storage console|Second-row captain's chairs|In-floor rear storage w/ "Lazy Susan"|Auto-dimming rearview mirror|Compass display|Trip computer|115-volt AC power outlet|Rear-seat DVD video entertainment system|Premium 360-watt audio system with 7 speakers|XM® satellite radio|Rear-seat audio controls
Warranty
/*Bumper-to-bumper:*/|3 Years/36,000 miles|/*Powertrain:*/|5 Years/60,000 miles|/*Corrosion:*/|5 years/Unlimited miles
