Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Entry/exit
Cons
- Audio and climate control (EX, Touring)
Acceleration
6/10
Ample around town and when merging onto highways, even with a full complement of passengers. An EX did 8.3 seconds 0-60 mph in our test. The transmission upshifts smoothly, but doesn't always downshift promptly in passing situations.
Fuel Economy
4/10
In Consumer Guide testing, an EX averaged 16.0 mpg in city/highway driving. Test Tourings averaged 16.3-16.9 mpg in city/highway use. Odyssey uses regular-grade gas. Note EPA ratings are slightly higher with the Variable Cylinder Management system. Honda should make it standard on all Odysseys, not just the most-expensive models.
Ride Quality
7/10
Taut, but comfortable over all but the roughest roads, where sharp bumps and highway expansion joints sometimes jab through--especially to rear-seat riders.
Steering/Handling/Braking
6/10
Sharp, accurate steering. A firm suspension and stiff body structure combine for good roadholding. Odyssey's tall build means noticeable body lean in fast turns, but grip and balance are nearly car-like. Stopping control is good even with a full passenger load.
Quietness
6/10
No opportunity to directly compare a version with the noise-cancellation system versus one without. Overall, Odyssey is among the quieter minivans. Engine noise is particularly well-subdued. Road noise is prevalent at highway speeds, especially with the run-flat tires. Third-row passengers hear some wind whistle around the tailgate.
Controls
6/10
Large, clearly marked main gauges. The transmission shift lever sprouts from the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel. It's easy to reach, but obstructs some controls when in park. LX climate and audio controls are simple and plainly identified. EX, EX-L, and Touring have an abundance of buttons, switches, and more complicated control design that takes time to understand. The navigation unit is among the easier ones to master, simplified by the system's ability to recognize spoken city and street names when programming destinations.
Details
6/10
Padded interior panels are at a premium, even in top-line versions. The grade of materials and assembly quality are top-notch, though one test van exhibited several squeaks and rattles from near the 3rd-row seats.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (Front)
8/10
Odyssey's seats are comfortable and supportive. Room is ample for large adults. A fine driving position is enhanced on Tourings by power-adjustable pedals. The available rearview camera and front and rear park assist help in close-quarters maneuvering. Otherwise, rear visibility is hindered by large headrests and thick roof pillars.
Room/Comfort (Rear)
8/10
Comfortable 2nd-row bucket seats have generous headroom and legroom. Available middle jump seat suits only children. The 3rd row has adult-size room, but its seat suffers a short backrest and thin padding. Sliding doors open wide, and step-in height is modest. The 2nd-row seats don't slide forward enough for easy 3rd-row access, and Touring's 2nd-row console eliminates center-walk-through convenience.
Cargo Room
10/10
A deep well behind the 3rd-row seat swallows a surprising volume of cargo. Split 3rd row folds neatly into the floor. The 2nd-row seats flip, stow, and can be removed, but Odyssey doesn't match the convenient fold-into-floor design available in the Chrysler Town & Country or Dodge Caravan. An under-floor compartment adds extra storage, but it's not readily accessible. The power tailgate is useful but only offered on the top-end EX-L and Touring models.
Value Within Class
9/10
Some mainstream minivan buyers might be put off by Odyssey's taut ride and by the daunting array of buttons and switches on top-line versions. Still, this minivan is a Best Buy for its blend of power, road manners, and versatility.
Highlights
The 2010 Honda Odyssey is largely unchanged. This minivan comes in LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring models. Front-wheel drive, a 244-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, and a 5-speed automatic transmission are standard across the board. EX-L and Touring versions have Honda's Variable Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Power sliding rear side doors are standard on all but the LX. Second-row bucket seats and a split 3rd-row seat that folds into a well in the cargo floor are standard. EX, EX-L, and Touring have a removable jump seat that slots between the 2nd-row buckets for eight-passenger capacity. EX-L and Touring have leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, sunroof, and Honda's Active Noise Control, designed to electronically quell mechanical, road, and wind noise. Power-adjustable pedals and front- and rear-obstacle detection are Touring-exclusive standard features. Run-flat tires are no longer available.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Long the choice as a family hauler, Minivans are easily the smartest use of space for passengers and cargo. These vehicles offer a fantastic blend of comfort, convenience, and safety features for the modern family.
Our Best Buys are the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Our Recommended picks are the Toyota Sienna and Volkswagen Routan.
New for 2010 is the Ford Transit Connect.