Review

The Honda Odyssey minivan lives up to Honda's reputation for refinement, convenient features and great fit and finish.

-Model Reviews

The Odyssey carries-on for 2010 with minimal changes.

The Odyssey is available in four trims: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. All trims use a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The EX-L and Touring trims carry the most recent version of Honda's variable cylinder management system (VCM), which allows the V6 engine to switch among three, four, and six cylinders to increase fuel efficiency. The interior features a third-row Magic Seat that folds into the floor. Maximum seating capacity for the Odyssey is eight passengers. Safety features such as side-impact and curtain airbags, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are standard on all models. Luxury features such as leather trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, navigation system and entertainment system are all available.

Assembled In

Lincoln, Alabama.

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Comparison

But just when the others were getting a jump, Honda again trumps the competition with the all-new 2005 Odyssey.

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Even though the old Odyssey kept its bragging rights as the most powerful minivan during its four-year reign, Honda has increased the power output in the new van by 15 horsepower.

The nav system has a nice big eight-inch screen, the biggest in a minivan, located up high in the center of the dashboard for easy viewing.

The second-row captain's chairs can't be folded into the floor a'la Dodge Caravan's Stow 'n Go, but they are removable (a relatively easy operation of flipping a couple of latches and lifting what feels like a medium-sized ahi tuna).

Turning radius is the tightest of any minivan, making it an easy to make U-turns and maneuver in parking lots.

Driving Impression

A few laps around a race track showed the Odyssey to be stable at high speeds.

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Acceleration is better than that of most other minivans.

Both versions of the engine now generate 244 horsepower.

Honda's 3.5-liter V6 engine is smooth, powerful, clean and fuel efficient.

Parking is easy.

The brakes work well.

The Odyssey belies its size on the road and handles like a sedan.

The Odyssey offered a perfectly pleasant ride during a test drive along country roads in Alabama.

We had no complaints about noise while driving any of the Odyssey models.

All in all, the Honda Odyssey is a good vehicle for a long-distance drive.

And there is some slack in the steering on-center: You can turn the steering wheel a few degrees in either direction before the vehicle starts to move.

Every Odyssey comes with anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Vehicle Stability Assist, Honda's electronic stability control system.

Further booming sounds are reduced by an active noise control system that automatically sends an out-of-phase sound through the speaker system to cancel out engine noises; it also works when the engine is idling.

Granted, there is some road vibration.

Honda claims 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is very quick indeed.

Honda's goal with Odyssey was producing a minivan with the handling of a European sedan, and it hasn't missed the mark by much.

If the vehicle starts to lose grip on a tight turn on a slippery surface, the system automatically slows the engine and gently applies brakes to help keep the vehicle from skidding out of control.

In a test on a soaking skid pad we found the system works well.

In fact, an Odyssey lapping in front of us looked remarkably stable for a tall vehicle.

In short, the Honda VTEC V6 is a great engine, and the i-VTEC version is just a little better.

It can be turned off, though we recommend against doing so.

It only works in emergency handling situations so it's not distracting during normal spirited driving.

It was neither too firm nor too soft.

It was no worse than in a Chrysler Town & Country, however, and it's a common trait of many large cars and most SUVs.

It's best compared to any of the newer crossover SUVs.

It's not as dynamic as a European sports sedan, by any means, but it handles better than a traditional SUV.

That's slightly better than the fuel economy of the standard VTEC V6 that comes on the LX and EX: 16/23 mpg.

The advantage the i-VTEC engine has is its VCM system, which deactivates two or three of the six cylinders whenever the Odyssey is cruising at a steady speed.

The base version rates 240 pound-feet of torque at 5000 rpm, while the i-VTEC version makes 245 pound-feet at 4900.

The i-VTEC V6 (intelligent Variable Timing and Electronic Control) that comes in the EX-L and Touring models gets an EPA-rated 17/25 mpg City/Highway.

The park-assist system, with beeping tones that warn the driver of other bumpers front and rear, helps considerably when parallel parking.

The Touring model and the EX-L benefit from extra high-tech noise-abatement features.

The turning radius is among the tightest of any minivan, making it an easy to make U-turns and maneuver in parking lots.

This VSA system works in conjunction with the drive-by-wire accelerator and ABS to modulate the brakes while managing the throttle and ignition.

To counteract this, the engine is mounted on special active control engine mounts that electronically adjust themselves to counteract engine vibrations.

Underway, the Odyssey delivers everything you could ask for in a minivan: a smooth ride, responsive handling, stability at speed and a smooth, powerful engine.

We could drive hard enough into a sharp corner to feel the tires slip without any drama.

We found it pleasant around town or for long drives.

We were never able to discern when the engine was running on three cylinders as there is no obvious stutter or change in engine note, although a green dash light illuminates to tell you the system is working.

We were surprised how much we could chuck it into corners.

We were unable to tell much difference between the two engines.

When the i-VTEC engine with VCM is running on three cylinders there is a natural imbalance, which can produce drumming sounds and vibrations.

While the body leaned in corners, it wasn't as bad as most minivans.

Yet even when it has all 244 horsepower pulsing through its front wheels, the Odyssey is almost devoid of torque steer (a tug on the steering wheel that accompanies hard acceleration in front-wheel-drive cars), an impressive feat.

Interior

Cubby storage includes a useful storage area hidden under the middle of the floor, accessible from both the front and middle-row seats.

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Eight people can fit in the Odyssey with the available PlusOne seat that fits between the two captain's chairs in the second row.

For cargo, the third-row seats fold (a fairly easy task) and the second row can be removed (not so easy) to offer 147.4 cubic feet of cargo space, more than most minivans and any SUV.

The DVD entertainment system features a large nine-inch widescreen display that folds out of the ceiling for viewing by second-row passengers.

The navigation system is one of the easiest to operate using its on-screen menus and includes Zagat restaurant data.

The rearview camera makes parallel parking easier and also functions as a safety feature: By displaying what's behind the car on the navigation screen, it can show the driver unseen hazards such as a small child possibly preventing a tragic accident.

The second-row bucket seats are roomy and comfortable.

The third-row seat splits 60/40 and folds easily into the well provided for it, and the headrests do not need to be removed before folding.

Up front, the driver's seat is designed to hold the driver firmly and is positioned in a car-like setting.

A handy drink tray is provided between the front seats, and it can be folded down to allow walkthrough access to the second row.

A small panel in the floor between the two front seats lets front passengers access the bin while another panel is provided in front of the second-row seats.

Apart from navigation, the system can be used to operate the radio and climate controls.

Front and middle-row passengers can turn the Lazy Susan and access whatever is stored inside.

If it's not needed as a seat, it can be turned into a table or stowed in the floor in place of the Lazy Susan bin.

If the PlusOne seat is not being used, the right-hand seat can be slid across to allow easier access to the third-row seats.

Inside, the Odyssey is both comfortable and convenient.

Instead of removing the round space under the floor where the spare used to reside, they've turned it into a hidden storage compartment with a rotating compartmentalized bin, like a Lazy Susan.

It feels downright luxurious when ordered with leather trim.

It's capable of responding to more than 600 voice commands and is smart enough to understand different accents and find locations without any need for input other than by voice.

Originally it was designed to house the spare tire, but Honda engineers moved the spare tire to a location in the rear.

The large eight-inch monitor is positioned high on the dashboard for easy viewing.

The shift lever is mounted on the dashboard, and while it looks odd at first, it's easier to use than a column-mounted shifter.

The soft materials look good and the metallic-colored trim that runs across the center of the dash is attractive.

The system also responds to voice commands, and we found it responds effectively.

The tilt/telescoping wheel and the various manual/power adjustments create a comfortable driving position, which is even easier in the Touring model thanks to power-adjustable pedals.

The wireless headsets turn on and off automatically as the ear pads are rotated.

There is no center console.

This flexibility makes the Odyssey a versatile people hauler.

Two glove boxes are provided, which are more awkward for storage than one big one.

We find rearview cameras very useful in crowded shopping center parking lots where people are walking behind the car after we've shifted into Reverse.

Introduction

Four trim levels make it affordable to a wide group of buyers: The base LX starts just below $27,000 and includes most of the features that make family travel easier.

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High-tech features you can see and touch include a CD player that can play MP3 or WMA files, an auxiliary audio input jack, and an available Bluetooth cell phone link and a rearview camera display integrated into the inside mirror.

Honda Odyssey is powered by a 244-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission, and it's a good powertrain.

The current-generation Odyssey is now in its sixth year of production, and in its third season following a 2008 freshening that brought a new look up front and some new technology inside, including refinements to the VCM system described above.

Yet all Odyssey models deliver car-like ride and handling and a comprehensive set of safety features, including electronic stability control and side curtain airbags for head protection.

Changes have been minimal since then.

Even on base LX and one-step-up EX models it features Honda's efficiency-enhancing Variable valve Timing with Electronic lift Control (VTEC).

EX-L and Touring upgrade to intelligent i-VTEC with Variable Cylinder Management; VCM shuts down two or three cylinders to conserver fuel when conditions allow it.

For 2009, Honda added some more content at the EX-L level.

For 2010, the DVD entertainment system is now available on the EX as well as the EX-L and Touring.

In short, it's a good choice for families.

It includes a 9-inch screen an a 115-volt AC power outlet.

It's one of the most enjoyable to drive and lives up to Honda's reputation for refinement, convenience, and great fit and finish.

Its flexible seating system can accommodate up to eight passengers and it has plenty of room.

The Honda Odyssey might be the best minivan on the market.

The line-topping Touring has as many bells and whistles as a good luxury sedan and offers Acura handling and Acura pricing.

The Odyssey has won numerous awards and critical acclaim.

Lineup

Odyssey EX ($29,905) adds power sliding doors, tri-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar support, a storable second-row PlusOne seat, six-speaker stereo with in-dash six-disc CD changer and steering wheel audio controls, heated exterior mirrors, automatic headlights, outside temperature display, universal garage door opener, conversation mirror, second-row sunshades, 17 cupholders, roof rails, and alloy wheels.

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Odyssey EX-L ($33,405) adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power moonroof, XM satellite radio, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Honda's active noise reduction, and the i-VTEC engine with Variable Cylinder Management.

Odyssey LX ($26,805) comes with cloth upholstery and seating for seven with second-row caption's chairs and a 60/40 split fold-down third seat.

Odyssey Touring ($40,755) is what Honda's Acura luxury division would sell if it sold a minivan.

Safety equipment that comes standard on all models includes dual-stage front airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain-style head-protection airbags for all three rows of seats that also deploy in case of a rollover, active front head restraints, a tire-pressure monitor, antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, traction control, and electronic stability control.

Also standard are a 360-watt audio system with six-disc CD changer and seven speakers (including a subwoofer), the navigation system (including rearview camera and Bluetooth), front and rear park assist, power tailgate, memory for the driver's seat and mirrors, power-adjustable pedals, outside mirror tilt-down backup aid, trip computer, compass, fog lights, and the DVD rear-seat entertainment system.

It also has manual sliding side doors, manual seat controls, front and rear air conditioning, air-filtration system, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power windows, power exterior mirrors, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, AM/FM/CD four-speaker stereo with MP3/WMA playback and auxiliary input jack, 15 cupholders, rear roof spoiler, and P235/65R16 tires on steel wheels with hubcaps.

It has a slightly stiffer suspension for improved handling and rides on P235/60R17 tires.

Optional on the EX is a rear-seat DVD system, and when so equipped it is priced as a separate model ($31,505).

The 2010 Honda Odyssey lineup comprises four models, LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring.

The EX-L is available with the DVD rear-seat entertainment system ($35,005), and the navigation system with rearview camera and Bluetooth can be added to that ($37,205).

Model Lineup

Honda Odyssey LX ($26,805); EX ($29,455); EX-L ($33,405); Touring ($40,755).

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Model Tested

Honda Odyssey Touring ($40,755).

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Options As Tested

none.

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Summary

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent John Rettie filed this report after his test drive of various models in Alabama; Kirk Bell contributed to this report from Chicago after his test of the i-VTEC engine.

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Honda Odyssey has it all: great road manners, easy passenger and cargo flexibility, a full array of safety equipment and better fuel economy than most SUVs.

The Touring model in particular will appeal to buyers seeking the versatility of a minivan with the accommodations and features of a luxury sedan.

Tag Line

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Walkaround

All models come with two sliding doors, manually operated on the LX and electrically operated on all other models.

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The Odyssey boasts Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure.

A low drag coefficient helps improve fuel economy and high-speed stability.

Honda has not hidden the sliding door channels at the base of the window but left them partially obscured by a crease that runs the length of the vehicle.

Its body structure is rigid, which contributes to crisp handling and a smooth ride.

Large headlights flank its big, angular grille.

The air intake in the lower front fascia departs from the Accord look by being wider, and wide-open, rather than grilled.

The Honda Odyssey cuts a curvy profile, with a front end that looks similar to the Accord sedan.

The Odyssey's hood is sculpted with curves that lead naturally back to the windshield and emphasize the big fender flares.

The power windows in each of the side doors can be opened in the same fashion as in a car.

The tailgate is electrically operated in the top-of-the-line Touring.

The vehicle's crush zones have been engineered to provide good protection for occupants while minimizing damage in a collision with smaller vehicles and pedestrians.

We found the power doors seemed a bit reluctant to operate at times and were less responsive to key fob commands than were the sliding doors on the Toyota Sienna.