2001 Honda Odyssey Review

Many people don't want a minivan because of its "soccer mom" image, but folks are standing in line to get the Honda Odyssey minivan. Other automakers sell more minivans than Honda, but the carlike Odyssey has become the minivan to beat in terms of desirability. It's Honda's first American-style minivan and has been hot since it was revamped for 1999. What gives here? The ordinary styling of the Odyssey isn't drawing crowds, and it's not cheap. The base model costs $23,900, and the higher-line EX version lists at $26,400. Add $2,000 if you add the sophisticated but hard-to-learn navigation system offered for the EX. However, the large, front-drive Odyssey offers plenty of room, power and comfort--along with the illustrious Honda nameplate and reputation for reliability. And even the base Odyssey is well equipped, with everything from front and rear air conditioning to an AM/FM/cassette and anti-lock brakes. For sure, this minivan is cleverly designed, with a third-row bench seat that folds into the floor. This is the only foldaway rear seat in a full-size minivan. It prevents the hassle of having to remove it if you want added cargo room. Archrival DaimlerChrysler missed the boat by not giving its revamped 2001 minivans such a "disappearing" third seat. That automaker said such a seat would prevent offering four-wheel drive, which is a feature the Odyssey lacks. Both 2001 Odyssey models now have a traction control system, and the EX adds a security system for its keyless remote feature. There also is an intermittent rear wiper and child safety seat tethers for second and third row seats. Powering the Odyssey is a strong, smooth 210-horsepower V-6, which allows rapid acceleration in town and fast passing times on highways. The 3.5-liter engine loafs at 2,100 rpm at 70 mph and works with a responsive four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway. Those figures are OK for a heavy, 4,248-pound minivan. A 20-gallon fuel tank assures a good cruising range on long drives with the family. An independent rear suspension--rare for a big minivan--helps provide a smooth ride. However, bad bumps cause the steering wheel to shake a bit; that's surprising, considering the Odyssey's rigid construction. The steering is fast, linear and accurate, and the Odyssey's relatively short 118.1-inch wheelbase helps give it a fairly tight turning circle. Handling is good despite the Odyssey's considerable bulk. The brake pedal feels soft and has a slightly "grabby" feel. But stopping distances are acceptable. Minivans are family vehicles, and Honda has given the Odyssey a roomy, family-friendly interior and a wide center aisle to allow a front passenger to, say, quickly reach kids in a back seat. There also are dual sliding doors, with the EX having dual power sliding doors. Cupholders are sturdy, and there are plenty of storage areas. Seven occupants easily fit in the Odyssey, and it's easy to get in and out because of a low step-in height. There are two front bucket seats, dual second-row buckets that slide together to form a bench seat--and that disappearing third seat. However, the third seat is hard for the nonathletic to reach and is suited mostly for shorter adults or children. The airy, nicely trimmed interior is quiet except for noticeable wind noise above 65 mph. Gauges can be read quickly, and controls work smoothly. The power driver's seat offers an unusually good number of comfortable driving positions, but both front seats should provide more side support. But the long column-mounted gear selector partly blocks the too-small sound system controls and easily slides into the wrong gear. Also, a driver would not have to grope for the ignition switch on the steering column if it were on the dashboard. The big rear hatch allows easy cargo loading and moves up well out of the way so heads are in no danger of being banged. While not perfect, the Odyssey is above average in most respects. No wonder its inventories have been low since 1999.