With sleek styling, car-like handling, advanced safety features and high-tech interior design, Honda Odyssey is more than just an ordinary “people mover.” The Odyssey has front-wheel drive and is available in seven- or eight-passenger configurations. It has a strong V6 engine and an automatic transmission. What’s the most prominent inside Honda Odyssey is the high-tech design of the dashboard and sharp-looking instrument panel. It just doesn’t feel like “”soccer mom mobile”” inside. Front seats are supportive and comfortable on long trips. The tray between the front seats flips down for easy access to the second row. The second row captains chairs can be positioned together (bench style) or separately. In the eight-seat configurations, an additional small removable seat is installed between them. If you need to haul large cargo items, the second row seats can be removed and the third row seat can be folded into the large storage well behind it. Both sliding doors are equipped with power windows.
There are plenty of cupholders and cubbies throughout the cabin. Available features include power adjustable pedals, power tailgate, navigation, rearview camera, parking sensors and rear DVD.
Honda Odyssey interior
2007 Honda Odyssey interior. Click for larger photo
2007 Honda Odyssey cargo area
The third-row seats folds down into the floor
and the second-row seats can be removed
Engine: The Odyssey comes with a 244-hp 3.5L SOHC V6 mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The EX with Leather and Touring models offer a Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system that disables three of the six engine cylinders during cruising and deceleration to improve fuel economy. Overall, the 3.5L V6 is a strong, reliable engine. The only minus is that this engine has a timing belt that needs to be replaced at recommended intervals.
Safety: Disc brakes are standard on all four wheels. Anti-lock brakes, stability control, side and side curtain airbags are standard on all models. In the NHTSA crash tests, the 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey received five stars in both, frontal and side-impact crash tests.
Fuel Economy: The 2010 Odyssey is rated at 16/23 mpg (14.7/10.2 L/100 km) city/highway, while the VCM-equipped models get up to 17/25 mpg (13.8/9.4 L/100km). Among minivans, only Mazda 5 gets better gas mileage (21/27 mpg), but Mazda 5 is a much smaller vehicle.
Handling and Ride: On the road, the Odyssey handles very well thanks to a wide track and long wheelbase. The ride is firm, but comfortable, although you will hear some road noise. The steering is very responsive and precise. The 3.5L V6 engine is smooth and delivers enough power for any situation.
Pros: Spaciousness, upscale interior, strong V6 engine, excellent handling for a minivan, available features, crash-test ratings.
Cons: expensive compared to other minivans, low ground clearance (good for stability but easy to damage the low front end, real-world fuel economy figures could be disappointing.
