.jpg "Introduction")
.jpg "#10. It")
.jpg "#9. If you think you need one, you probably do")
.jpg "#8. There")
.jpg "#7. It has plenty of power and it")
.jpg "#6. It")
.jpg "#5. It has a flexible second-row seat...")
.jpg "#4. ... and a magic third-row seat")
.jpg "#3. It")
.jpg "#2. It gets pretty costly...")
_64_thb.jpg "#1. ...but it")
You probably need a minivan. Why not buy the best?
By Kirk Bell
|
September 9, 2010
Introduction
The Honda Odyssey has been a strong player in the minivan market since it was released in 1995. Over that time, the minivan's popularity has diminished, weeding out weaker players and leaving the bulk of the sales to Honda, Toyota and Chrysler. Along the way, the Odyssey has been the best driving minivan while also making excellent use of space. Now in its fourth generation, the 2011 Odyssey is even roomier and better handling than it has ever been. Let's take a look at what makes the new Odyssey the best minivan offered today.
#10. It's sleeker for 2011
"It's not a minivan, it's an Odyssey." So says chief designer Catalin Matei. But let's be honest, the Odyssey is a minivan and it shouldn't have to apologize for being one. To give the 2011 Odyssey more personality, Honda designers made it wider, lower and more distinctive. Compared to the 2010 model, the new Odyssey is 2.1 inches wider, and it sits 0.4 inches lower. The highlight of the new design is a side character line that Honda calls the "lightning line." It extends along the bottom of the windows and dips down at the third row. Honda says it provides better visibility for rear passengers (do they really need it?) and helps the Odyssey stand out from the crowd in a parking lot. The wheel choices are also one-inch larger at 17 and 18 inches. The whole look is a little more exciting, but the Odyssey still looks like a minivan.#9. If you think you need one, you probably do
Nobody wants to be seen in a minivan. It makes moms and dads look like they've given up on their lives and devoted all their time to shuttling the kids from soccer practice to swim lessons to birthday parties and play dates. However, when it comes to convenience, any family with more than two kids should buy a minivan and leave their egos at the dealership. The sliding side doors, usually power operated via a remote, make it easy to load up the kids with an armful of groceries. Minivans also have more cargo space than anything short of a U-Haul truck, making them useful for trips to Home Depot. With its rear cargo well, third-row "Magic" seats, and spacious environment, the Odyssey is as useful as any minivan, and it's the best driver of the bunch. If you think you need a minivan, the Odyssey is a great choice.#8. There's a wide array of model offerings
Honda's model lineup strategy is a simple one: offer a model for every taste, but no options. That means the company only has to build its vehicles in a small number of configurations while also pleasing the majority of customers. The 2011 Odyssey model lineup includes seven models, each with a distinct level of standard equipment. The range starts with the seven-passenger LX and progresses through the eight-passenger EX, EX with RES (rear entertainment system), EXL, EXL with Navi (navigation), EXL with RES, Touring and the new Touring Elite.
Most customers will want to avoid the base LX model as it lacks power sliding side doors and a second-row center seat. You have to opt for an EX model for those items. The EX also has tri-zone automatic climate control, universal garage door opener, a removable front center console, second-row sunshades, and alloy wheels. The EXL adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, XM satellite radio, USB port, sunroof, power rear liftgate, Bluetooth connectivity, and Cool Box center stack storage. The Touring model gets front and rear park assist, driver's seat memory, navigation system with voice recognition and FM traffic, rearview camera, rear DVD entertainment, fog lights and 18-inch wheels. The top-line Touring Elite adds a 650-watt, 12-speaker 5.1 surround sound audio system, ultrawide rear DVD entertainment with HDMI port, HID headlights, and a Blind Spot Information system.#7. It has plenty of power and it's now more fuel efficient
The 2011 Honda Odyssey continues with a carryover 3.5-liter V6, but it gets slightly more power this year thanks to a two-stage intake manifold and reduced internal friction. It now produces 245 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. It comes with Honda's Variable Cylinder Management system that can shut down two or three of the cylinders under light engine loads to conserve fuel. Two automatic transmissions are offered: LX and EX models get a five-speed and Tourings have a six-speed. Those internal engine improvements also improved efficiency. EPA fuel economy estimates are 18 mpg city/27 highway for models with the five-speed and 19/28 for the six-speed. Those numbers are the best in the class, even surpassing the Toyota Sienna's available four-cylinder.
On the road, the V6 has plenty of power. It's torquey enough to get this 4500-pound van moving with ease, and it can push the Odyssey from 0 to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. That's not exactly quick, but it doesn't feel like the Odyssey lacks for power. Both transmissions downshift quickly and there is enough in reserve to pass with confidence.#6. It's the driver's minivan
In a class where the vehicles can be a penalty to drive, the Odyssey is a welcome respite. It feels like a slightly raised sedan more than a cumbersome minivan. This year's structure is 22 percent stiffer, making it handle better than ever. Compared to the competition, the Odyssey is more stable and controlled. The steering is light, but quicker and more direct than any competitor. It leans less in turns and gathers itself quicker in fast changes of direction. Those attributes are important because they keep passengers from being tossed around during handling maneuvers. The ride is also less busy thanks to an independent rear suspension, the only one in the class. This advanced suspension prevents bumps affecting one wheel from transferring along an axle to the other wheel.#5. It has a flexible second-row seat...
A minivan is about usable space, and the Odyssey has it. It features a new second-row seat that can be adjusted for optimal two-passenger comfort or three-passenger room. All but the LX model have a removable center seat that is four inches wider this year, which is good because it was too narrow last year. The outboard seats move in and out up to two inches. Moved outward, they leave enough room to fit three child seats across. Move them inward and fold the center seat flat, and comfort is optimized for the outboard seats. The second-row seats also slide six inches fore and aft, leaving plenty of legroom or bringing the seats within easy reach of parents in the front row. The only drawback is the fact that the second-row seats don't fold into the floor like they do in the Chrysler minivans. To optimize cargo space, they must be removed, which can be a chore given that they weigh about 50 pounds apiece. On a positive note, though, they are more comfortable and supportive than the Chrysler seats.#4. ... and a magic third-row seat
The Odyssey's third-row seat is the best in the class. It fits three across and actually has enough head and legroom to accommodate adults. Honda refers to the 60/40 split third row as a "Magic" seat because it folds quickly and easily into a well at the back of the van. Just pull the strap on the back of each section and the seat collapses into the well.
With the second row removed and the third row folded into the floor, the Odyssey has an amazing 148.5 cubic feet of cargo volume, which is more than anything other than a box truck. It will accept 4x8 sheets of plywood, and with the front center console removed, it has enough space to fit items up to 10-feet long.#3. It'll keep the kids occupied, but not as well as a Chrysler Town & Country
The 2011 Honda Odyssey offers plenty of features to keep the kids occupied, especially higher-end models. The EX model comes with a two-gigabyte CD library that can store up to 18 complete CDs. The EXL is offered with a rear DVD entertainment system, and the Touring Elite gets two notable features: a high-end audio system with a 15-gigabyte hard drive to store thousands of music files and a rear DVD entertainment system with an ultrawide 16.2-inch screen. The wide screen allows the kids to view two programs at once. It comes with RCA jacks to plug in a video game system and an HDMI port to connect a wide array of techno-gadgets.
The problem is the fact that the Chrysler minivans offer even more family friendly entertainment features, namely two forms of in-vehicle TV (Sirius Backseat TV and FloTV) and a wireless internet router that turns the van into a mobile hotspot. Chrysler's hard-drive can also be loaded via thumb drives and even an iPod, while the Honda systems require carting all your CDs into the van.#2. It gets pretty costly...
The 2011 Honda Odyssey isn't cheap. It starts at $27,800 (plus $780 destination fee) and ranges up to $43,250 for the new Touring Elite model. But families need to watch their budgets, so they should choose a model with the features they truly need and avoid models slathered with extras. Our recommendation would be an EX model or an EXL with Rear Entertainment System if you really want the DVD player, leather, power liftgate and Bluetooth connectivity. That will put your purchase in the $31,000 to $36,000 range. It's still not cheap, but you have to pay for quality.#1. ...but it's the best minivan money can buy
With its combination of space for people and cargo, controlled dynamics, useful power, and frugal fuel economy, the 2011 Honda Odyssey is the best minivan on the market. Others offer more entertainment features, but they don't have as many thoughtful touches to make families comfortable. Others are also cheaper, but Honda reliability and resale make up for the higher initial price. If you have a growing family, you should consider an Odyssey.
"It's not a minivan, it's an Odyssey." So says chief designer Catalin Matei. But let's be honest, the Odyssey is a minivan and it shouldn't have to apologize for being one. To give the 2011 Odyssey more personality, Honda designers made it wider, lower and more distinctive. Compared to the 2010 model, the new Odyssey is 2.1 inches wider, and it sits 0.4 inches lower. The highlight of the new design is a side character line that Honda calls the "lightning line." It extends along the bottom of the windows and dips down at the third row. Honda says it provides better visibility for rear passengers (do they really need it?) and helps the Odyssey stand out from the crowd in a parking lot. The wheel choices are also one-inch larger at 17 and 18 inches. The whole look is a little more exciting, but the Odyssey still looks like a minivan.#9. If you think you need one, you probably do
Nobody wants to be seen in a minivan. It makes moms and dads look like they've given up on their lives and devoted all their time to shuttling the kids from soccer practice to swim lessons to birthday parties and play dates. However, when it comes to convenience, any family with more than two kids should buy a minivan and leave their egos at the dealership. The sliding side doors, usually power operated via a remote, make it easy to load up the kids with an armful of groceries. Minivans also have more cargo space than anything short of a U-Haul truck, making them useful for trips to Home Depot. With its rear cargo well, third-row "Magic" seats, and spacious environment, the Odyssey is as useful as any minivan, and it's the best driver of the bunch. If you think you need a minivan, the Odyssey is a great choice.#8. There's a wide array of model offerings
Honda's model lineup strategy is a simple one: offer a model for every taste, but no options. That means the company only has to build its vehicles in a small number of configurations while also pleasing the majority of customers. The 2011 Odyssey model lineup includes seven models, each with a distinct level of standard equipment. The range starts with the seven-passenger LX and progresses through the eight-passenger EX, EX with RES (rear entertainment system), EXL, EXL with Navi (navigation), EXL with RES, Touring and the new Touring Elite.
Most customers will want to avoid the base LX model as it lacks power sliding side doors and a second-row center seat. You have to opt for an EX model for those items. The EX also has tri-zone automatic climate control, universal garage door opener, a removable front center console, second-row sunshades, and alloy wheels. The EXL adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, XM satellite radio, USB port, sunroof, power rear liftgate, Bluetooth connectivity, and Cool Box center stack storage. The Touring model gets front and rear park assist, driver's seat memory, navigation system with voice recognition and FM traffic, rearview camera, rear DVD entertainment, fog lights and 18-inch wheels. The top-line Touring Elite adds a 650-watt, 12-speaker 5.1 surround sound audio system, ultrawide rear DVD entertainment with HDMI port, HID headlights, and a Blind Spot Information system.#7. It has plenty of power and it's now more fuel efficient
The 2011 Honda Odyssey continues with a carryover 3.5-liter V6, but it gets slightly more power this year thanks to a two-stage intake manifold and reduced internal friction. It now produces 245 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. It comes with Honda's Variable Cylinder Management system that can shut down two or three of the cylinders under light engine loads to conserve fuel. Two automatic transmissions are offered: LX and EX models get a five-speed and Tourings have a six-speed. Those internal engine improvements also improved efficiency. EPA fuel economy estimates are 18 mpg city/27 highway for models with the five-speed and 19/28 for the six-speed. Those numbers are the best in the class, even surpassing the Toyota Sienna's available four-cylinder.
On the road, the V6 has plenty of power. It's torquey enough to get this 4500-pound van moving with ease, and it can push the Odyssey from 0 to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. That's not exactly quick, but it doesn't feel like the Odyssey lacks for power. Both transmissions downshift quickly and there is enough in reserve to pass with confidence.#6. It's the driver's minivan
In a class where the vehicles can be a penalty to drive, the Odyssey is a welcome respite. It feels like a slightly raised sedan more than a cumbersome minivan. This year's structure is 22 percent stiffer, making it handle better than ever. Compared to the competition, the Odyssey is more stable and controlled. The steering is light, but quicker and more direct than any competitor. It leans less in turns and gathers itself quicker in fast changes of direction. Those attributes are important because they keep passengers from being tossed around during handling maneuvers. The ride is also less busy thanks to an independent rear suspension, the only one in the class. This advanced suspension prevents bumps affecting one wheel from transferring along an axle to the other wheel.#5. It has a flexible second-row seat...
A minivan is about usable space, and the Odyssey has it. It features a new second-row seat that can be adjusted for optimal two-passenger comfort or three-passenger room. All but the LX model have a removable center seat that is four inches wider this year, which is good because it was too narrow last year. The outboard seats move in and out up to two inches. Moved outward, they leave enough room to fit three child seats across. Move them inward and fold the center seat flat, and comfort is optimized for the outboard seats. The second-row seats also slide six inches fore and aft, leaving plenty of legroom or bringing the seats within easy reach of parents in the front row. The only drawback is the fact that the second-row seats don't fold into the floor like they do in the Chrysler minivans. To optimize cargo space, they must be removed, which can be a chore given that they weigh about 50 pounds apiece. On a positive note, though, they are more comfortable and supportive than the Chrysler seats.#4. ... and a magic third-row seat
The Odyssey's third-row seat is the best in the class. It fits three across and actually has enough head and legroom to accommodate adults. Honda refers to the 60/40 split third row as a "Magic" seat because it folds quickly and easily into a well at the back of the van. Just pull the strap on the back of each section and the seat collapses into the well.
With the second row removed and the third row folded into the floor, the Odyssey has an amazing 148.5 cubic feet of cargo volume, which is more than anything other than a box truck. It will accept 4x8 sheets of plywood, and with the front center console removed, it has enough space to fit items up to 10-feet long.#3. It'll keep the kids occupied, but not as well as a Chrysler Town & Country
The 2011 Honda Odyssey offers plenty of features to keep the kids occupied, especially higher-end models. The EX model comes with a two-gigabyte CD library that can store up to 18 complete CDs. The EXL is offered with a rear DVD entertainment system, and the Touring Elite gets two notable features: a high-end audio system with a 15-gigabyte hard drive to store thousands of music files and a rear DVD entertainment system with an ultrawide 16.2-inch screen. The wide screen allows the kids to view two programs at once. It comes with RCA jacks to plug in a video game system and an HDMI port to connect a wide array of techno-gadgets.
The problem is the fact that the Chrysler minivans offer even more family friendly entertainment features, namely two forms of in-vehicle TV (Sirius Backseat TV and FloTV) and a wireless internet router that turns the van into a mobile hotspot. Chrysler's hard-drive can also be loaded via thumb drives and even an iPod, while the Honda systems require carting all your CDs into the van.#2. It gets pretty costly...
The 2011 Honda Odyssey isn't cheap. It starts at $27,800 (plus $780 destination fee) and ranges up to $43,250 for the new Touring Elite model. But families need to watch their budgets, so they should choose a model with the features they truly need and avoid models slathered with extras. Our recommendation would be an EX model or an EXL with Rear Entertainment System if you really want the DVD player, leather, power liftgate and Bluetooth connectivity. That will put your purchase in the $31,000 to $36,000 range. It's still not cheap, but you have to pay for quality.#1. ...but it's the best minivan money can buy
With its combination of space for people and cargo, controlled dynamics, useful power, and frugal fuel economy, the 2011 Honda Odyssey is the best minivan on the market. Others offer more entertainment features, but they don't have as many thoughtful touches to make families comfortable. Others are also cheaper, but Honda reliability and resale make up for the higher initial price. If you have a growing family, you should consider an Odyssey.