Description: Minivan
Base MSRP Range: $24,490 - $30,490
Invoice Price Range: $22,038 -Â $27,429
Honda's minivan packs a powerful engine and long list of equipment for safety and comfort.
Odyssey's extended chassis, derived from Honda's popular Accord sedan, carries car-like independent suspension and steering mechanisms. The platform sets up a smooth and stable ride quality, while also forging a passenger compartment of generous dimensions. The 3.5-liter V6 generates 240 hp and links to a five-speed automatic transmission.
Odyssey has two sliding side doors set behind front hinged doors. Top trim EX uses power controls to open and close the sliders. Inside, there are three rows of seats in place. Honda provides two individual captain-style chairs up front in a cockpit outfitted with all of the convenient features you would expect in a luxury sedan.
Odyssey's second-row seats move around to several positions for flexibility in hauling people and gear. The two captain's chairs slide together into a bench when more floor area is needed on the right side. These seats also can be removed easily by simply flipping a latch or two -- and one person can do that job, thanks to lightweight frames. Reaching the second-row seats is also easy: Just open a door, slip aboard and buckle up. Access comes from either side due to the dual sliding doors, and without bending and scooting or crawling. Reaching the third tier's two-person bench requires more work, but not so to fold it flat into the floor because this thing flips and tucks in a clever vanishing act. As a secondary trick, the third bench also flips down and back to the floor so the seatback becomes the seat and the seat is the back, all facing rearward as a handy perch at a tailgate party. Then the top-hinged gate swings up so you can stand beneath it in shelter.
All aspects of Odyssey's interior orient toward comfort -- from power windows and door locks along with other power-assisted controls such as cruise control to assets like front and rear air conditioning with controls at each seat, even rear heat ducts. Deluxe options extend to a navigation system with leather package and DVD-based entertainment system. Latest paint shades for Odyssey are Evergreen Pearl and Redrock Pearl.
