Cars Service

2006 Honda Odyssey review

Which minivan has the best fuel economy rating for 2006?

Hint: Its the same van that led all others in fuel economy for 2005 in government ratings.

Its also the minivan that was a Consumer Guides Best Buy for 2005, Money magazines Best Minivan for 2005 and one of only five "Best Trucks" for 2005 by Car and Driver magazine.

The answer is the 2006 Honda Odyssey.

Interior

Inside, the Honda Odyssey is comfortable and convenient. It feels downright luxurious when ordered with leather trim. The materials are nice and the metallic-colored trim that runs across the center dash is attractive.

The drivers seat is designed to hold the driver more firmly and is positioned in a car-like setting. Power-adjustable pedals are available in the Touring model. The shift lever is mounted on the dashboard; it looks odd at first, but its easier to use than a column-mounted shifter. A handy drink tray is provided between the front seats, but theres no center console.

The second-row bucket seats are comfortable.

The third-row seat is split 60/40 and folds easily into the well provided for it, and the headrests do not need to be removed before folding.

Theres room for eight people with the optional PlusOne seat that fits between the two captains chairs in the second row. If its not needed as a seat it can be turned into a table or stowed in the floor in place of the Lazy Susan bin. If the PlusOne seat is not being used, the right-hand seat can be slid across to allow easier access to the third-row seats. This flexibility makes the Odyssey a versatile people hauler, but its not the best in the class for hauling cargo.

The optional voice-activated DVD navigation system includes Zagat restaurant data. The large eight-inch monitor is positioned high on the dashboard for easy viewing. The voice-activated system responds to 637 commands and is smart enough to understand different accents and find locations without any need for input other than by voice. Apart from navigation, the system can be used to operate the radio and climate controls. We found the system responds effectively to voice commands.

The available DVD entertainment system features a large nine-inch widescreen display that folds out of the ceiling. For 2006, the DVD system comes standard on Touring models (previously it was only available with the navigation system). The wireless headsets turn on and off automatically as the ear pads are rotated. For 2006, XM Satellite Radio is standard on Touring models.

Whod ever think of putting a Lazy Susan in a minivan? Honda has. No, its not for serving food, but for adding an incredibly useful hidden storage area. The previous Odyssey had a storage well under the floor of the front seats for the spare tire. Honda engineers have moved the spare to a location in the rear. Instead of removing the round space under the floor where the spare used to reside theyve turned it into a hidden storage compartment with a rotating compartmentalized bin. Theres a small access panel in the floor between the two front seats for front passengers to get access and another bigger one in front of the center-row seats for access. So whatever stuff is stowed in the Lazy Susan, front or middle-row passengers can turn it for access. Ingenious!

Not as ingenious are the two glove boxes, which are more awkward for storage than one big one.

For power, the Honda Odyssey relies on a 244-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. One special feature for this V6 on top trim levels is Variable Cylinder Management, or VCM. VCM improves the Odysseys fuel efficiency by "shutting off" three of the engines six cylinders during cruising and deceleration. When power is needed for acceleration, the engine seamlessly switches back to all six cylinders.

On the road, the Odyssey impresses thanks to its powerful engine and stable handling. Cornering is flat, the steering is direct and acceleration and braking are linear and sure. All of these qualities have made this Honda van a favorite of Edmunds editors, and it has won the Edmunds.com Editors Most WantedSM minivan award more than any other minivan on the market.

Pros: Great ride, look, and performance. Its a beauty!!!!!!!
Cons: None


This mini van rules!!!!!! Ride, comfort, and most of all safety features. This is our fourth minivan but first Odyssey. If only we had known what we were missing out on with our first three mini vans. This van has it all. Nicer than the Sienna (side by side the Odyssey blows away the Sienna) and dont even bother looking at a Chrysler/Dodge unless you want an inferior cheap product.