2006 Honda Odyssey Review

Specifications

A Minivan of Maxi Proporsions

It may not be the longest van to be classified as a “minivan,” but at 201 inches its certainly close. I think what astounds me most about these behemoths is that in actuality, they are shorter than many full-size sedans. Take for example the Ford Crown Victoria: this favorite among police departments, taxi firms and rental agencies measures a whopping 212 inches bumper to bumper, but at 216 inches, the Lincoln Towncar is the grand daddy of them all. It takes some time to get ones head around it, but the voluminous Odyssey is just slightly longer than the sporty Dodge Charger, which mocks its full-size sedan rating, in top-level trim, with HEMI-induced sizzle and taut handling. My point in this exercise is to emphasize the unbeatable ratio of interior volume to exterior size that minivans provide. Most drivers wouldnt be intimidated about driving a sedan the size of todays Dodge Charger around town, so why be intimidated by the thought of driving todays maxi-size minivan in and through urban congestion?

Truth is, vans such as Hondas Odyssey are effortless to drive and maneuver in all manner of circumstance; and with a navigation system that doubles as a screen for a rear-mounted camera, parking a minivan has never been so safe and sweat-free, especially when combined with Hondas Park Sensor warning system. In fact to reverse into something with both of these systems in operation, one would have to be blind and deaf or completely reckless. Unfortunately all of this parking-sense comes only with Hondas top-of-the-line Touring edition of the front-wheel drive Odyssey. Thats unfortunate. The rear view camera arrangement is very effective for ensuring toddlers, and the like, havent wandered behind this family chariot before backing up. Their diminutive size can easily be concealed below the rear sightlines of vehicles such as minivans. Despite this safety concern, minivans are easily the vehicle of choice for family needs, and while little has changed for 2006, the Odyssey remains one of the benchmark-setters in minivan quality, refinement, versatility and performance.

The current generation of Odyssey came to us in 2005 with significant revision, giving it more interior room and improved safety and fuel efficiency, among many other enhancements. The alterations also included an exterior facelift softening the angles that defined the previous gen Odyssey. The van now appears more fused to the roadway thanks to a stance that projects increased aggression. While many have bemoaned both the current and former generation Odysseys as being too milquetoast in design, I perceive it as one of the more likable minivan forms. If dramatic lines and space age appeal tops the “must have” list, look toward Nissans Quest to fill the void, otherwise the Odyssey is about as pleasing as an over-sized breadbox can become. While not dropping jaws with its looks, Honda has managed to keep the Odysseys huge expanses of sheet metal and glass very tightly and accurately assembled.

That quality permeates the interior lodgings as well. Honda has undertaken to provide Odyssey owners with much flexibility in interior architecture. When using Hondas 2nd row PlusOne, stowable passenger seat, the Odyssey will accommodate 8 occupants; however the stowable PlusOne seat is best assigned to a child. This removable perch fits between the two second-row captains chairs in place of a removable center-console storage unit. The third row 60/40 split bench seat folds and tumbles into the floor providing a flat cargo surface on which to place gear. Unlike the Chrysler Town and Country minivan or Dodge Grand Caravan (so optioned), the second row seats in the Odyssey do not tumble into the floor, although they can be easily removed or flipped forward to maximize cargo space. A unique stowage feature of the Odyssey is an optional lazy-Susan rotating shelf located beneath the floor just behind the front seats. In reality this installation is awkward to access and of limited use due to its shallowness. A more accessible storage bin is situated under the front passenger seat. And while on the topic of seats, lets talk comfort, a Honda specialty.

The front captains chairs in my leather-laden tester were exquisite. These grand perches provided plenty of well-cushioned support, not to mention back-healing warmth at the flick of a switch. Regrettably though, I found it difficult to dial-in the perfect driving position. Yes, the optional power-adjustable pedals helped accommodate my long pegs but the lack of a telescoping steering wheel left me reaching too far forward when I slid the drivers seat backward to a position ideal for my legs. I dont think my arm-to-leg-length ratio is too far afield the norm, so what gives? The steering column tilts nicely, but Honda, add a telescoping function as well. We apparent “abnormals” will appreciate it.

The second row captains seats were less grandiose than those in first-class, yet they were remarkably comfortable. Moving rearward and placing a butt in the three position third row bench didnt measure up to the spoils of the fore cab, but reasonable comfort was secured nonetheless. Realistic third row seating is where full-size minivans leave SUVs in the dust, in as far as adult dimensions go, and the Odyssey reaffirms this finding. It also reaffirms that minivans are generally much gentler on the soul thanks to their car-like ride, than SUVs.

The Odyssey utilizes coil springs at all four corners to deliver a ride that is remarkably smooth and composed for a vehicle capable of carrying eight humans and plenty of gear. A lower center of gravity imbues the minivan with an inherent advantage in handling over SUVs, along with a diminished risk of roll-over, which together convey a stronger sense of security to the minivan driver. My tester also proved to be delightfully nimble in making its way through parking lots, with excellent 360-degree visibility and large side mirrors contributing to its jigsaw-wending bliss - albeit nimbleness is just the start of the delight and bliss brought forth by a mobile Odyssey.

I confidently rate the Odyssey as one of the most - if not the most - operationally refined minivans on the market. The primary source of such refinement is its drivetrain, which begins with a 255-horsepower, 3.5-liter (213 cu-in) 24-valve V6 VTEC engine. This mill is silky, quiet and unobtrusive unless pushed to the max, at which point it speaks its mind with audible restraint while pulling the 4,609 lb curb weight of a fully-loaded (sans occupants) Odyssey with impressive zeal. This van doesnt want for more punch, as theres plenty of it efficiently generated, with “efficiently” referring to Hondas Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology.

VCM deactivates three of the engines six cylinders when power demands are minimal; fewer cylinders burning liquid gold equate to better mileage, or so the science goes. Unfortunately, to reap the fuel savings buyers are forced into purchasing the pricier, leather-equipped EX model or the Touring variant of the Odyssey, such as this weeks tester. The LX and non-leather clad EX trim levels are devoid of VCM technology. Non-VCM Odyssey models also dont feature Hondas Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) system, intended to further smooth-out the engines performance. However, on the mechanical plus side, the same smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic transmission is installed across the entire Odyssey line.

Honda has placed the gearshift lever for this sophisticated autobox on the Odysseys instrument panel, and thats convenient. What results, though, is a tendency to pull the lever from Park directly into “2,” inadvertently passing Drive on the way down. A gated shift plate would prevent impatient drivers, such as yours truly, from missing Drive when madly throwing the Odyssey into gear. While picking on the little things, let me add a couple more.

Honda situated the Odysseys foot-operated parking brake where my left foot and ankle like to migrate during long periods behind the wheel; Id rather the parking brake be located away from the precious space allotted the drivers left foot. One final functionality criticism relates to the sub-standard cupholders in the Odysseys forward cabin. The circumference of my stainless steel travel mug was too small to be held securely in either the center tray cupholders or the pullout cupholders built into the center stack of the dashboard. Although my cluster of minor utilitarian complaints isnt sufficient to stand between me and Odyssey ownership, their collective weight can be rankling. Completely complaint-free is the Odysseys braking ability, which is arguably the most important performance dynamic of a family vehicle.

The Odyssey is brought to a standstill by very effective, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, reinforced with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Pulling speed out of the Odyssey is as straightforward as it is with Honda sedans such as the Accord. With only minimal nosedive, emergency stops in the Odyssey were short and easily controlled. The electronics of its ABS program are immersed with the electronics managing Hondas Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) program and their electronic Traction Control System (TCS), both of which are standard equipment in all 2006 Odysseys. Add a comprehensive array of airbags to the electronically expanded margin of control, and Honda is entitled smugness in occupant safety.

The allotment of standard equipment airbags is comprised of dual frontal airbags; dual side airbags with passenger seat detection system and side curtain airbags extending over all three rows. Enhancing occupant protection even further is Hondas Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE), which strengthens the vehicles body structure to resist intrusion into and deformation of the cabin. Undertaking to keep occupants safe in family-oriented vehicles is an example of a business ethic deserving further transcendence within the auto industry. Many lives, particularly those of children, could be saved if all manufacturers committed to selling family haulers equipped one way: inclusive of all modern safety and occupant protection technology, period.

In addition to stocking each Odyssey, regardless of trim level, with a commendable assortment of safety and occupant protection provisions, Honda has fitted each unit with plenty of comfort and convenience components, such as steering wheel-mounted cruise control, keyless remote entry, power locks, power windows, heated side mirrors, heat rejecting tinted windows and dual sliding doors. Climbing out of the “LX” cellar leads into the luxuriously equipped EX and EX-L trim levels, the former of which is available with leather upholstery and the latter that comes with an optional rear DVD entertainment system and/or voice-activated navigation.

Capping-off the climb to Odyssey supremacy is the Touring edition, which, among the spoils of the EX-L, adds a standard DVD entertainment system with the option of navigation, and by the way that nav system comes with the rear camera arrangement discussed earlier in this report. Other nice touches in the realm of both “EX” and “Touring” include premium audio and Hondas Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology. How well does ANC work? Hard to say, as the Odyssey has never been an “unquiet” van. However, I can attest to very low levels of road and wind noise generated by my tester, making it a darling of long trips on the highway. Over and above the equipment included in the various trim levels, Honda offers an amazing variety of appearance and versatility-enhancing accessories.

Whether fully dressed or moderately attired, the 2006 Honda Odyssey is a tremendously enjoyable, easy to operate, remarkably functional minivan thats more “maxi” than “mini” in many ways. Finding criticism with this tour-de force of family chariots requires an overworked auto journalist to pick on the little things. Ive done that in an effort to maintain some journalistic balance in this review. Balance is further struck when pricing is examined. The Odyssey is on the expensive side of minivan listings. And price is where the competition from South Korea will exert pressure.

Before dropping a bigger bankroll on an Odyssey, buyers would be wise to check on what Kia is offering for less money. Their Sedona minivan is completely new for 2006 and quite deserving of comparison with the Odyssey. Perhaps even more deserving of benchmark comparisons will be Hyundais forage into the minivan market. Their full-size Entourage (a more affluent cousin to the Sedona) is due in showrooms spring of this year. If Kia and Hyundais latest sedans and SUV derivatives are any indication of the quality and performance expected in their minivans, Honda may be in for a minivan version of David and Goliath.