When Honda first introduced their redesigned Odyssey minivan four years ago, we quickly made it the benchmark for this segment. And deservedly so. With a roomy cabin and flexible seating, like the second-row bucket seats that could be pushed together to form a bench, and a "magic" third row seat that folded flat into the floor, the Honda Odyssey amazingly moved from one of the least desirable to most desirable minivan. The new Odyssey was so good, most consumers forgot about the old Odyssey. In case your memory needs a little jarring, the old Odyssey was small, with four swingout doors. Oh yeah, it was underpowered, too. But, thankfully, the old Odyssey is long forgotten. Once the new incarnation hit showrooms, consumers were willing to pay premiums to get one. Several refinements over the years have kept Odyssey at the top of the list for minivan buyers. But because the competition has closed the gap, we doubt you'll see anyone paying a premium to own the current Odyssey. For 2004, Honda changed very little to its Odyssey, which is offered in two trim levels: LX and EX. The base LX model ($24,490) includes 4-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a Traction Control System (TCS) and standard front and side airbags. The LX also includes front and rear air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and door locks, a retractable 3rd-row Magic Seat and dual sliding doors. Step up to the EX model ($26,990) and you'll find features like a security system with remote entry that works the dual power sliding doors, an AM/FM/CD audio system with 6 speakers, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a driver's seat with 8-way power adjustment, automatic climate control, luggage rack and 16-inch alloy wheels. If you want more frosting on the cake, leather seating, a navigation system and an entertainment system for rear passengers are all available for EX models. However, it should be noted that the navigation system and entertainment system can't be ordered together and are only offered in EX models with a leather interior. My co-tester and I recently spent a week behind the wheel of the Odyssey EX with leather interior and rear seat DVD entertainment system. Odyssey's luxurious interior makes it easy for everyone to relax. The kids enjoyed the entertainment system so much that they wanted to go for a ride whenever I did. Rush hour traffic meant more time to play video games or watch movies. For me, it meant peace and quiet, thanks to the headphones. A strong 3.5-liter V6 engine powers Odyssey. Producing 240 horsepower, Odyssey's V6 is one of the most powerful in this class. It's also one of the cleanest burning engines as it meets Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards. A smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic transmission is mated to Odyssey's V6. Most other minivans only offer 4-speed units. Odyssey's sophisticated drivetrain is fastened to a rigid structure utilizing a four-wheel independent suspension system. The ride is very confident and smooth. Our Odyssey test model was so stable and comfortable during a trip along I-80 to Joliet, we could have easily spent much more time behind the wheel without tiring. The Odyssey just might be the perfect family vehicle. And let us not forget, if you've got building materials to haul or Holiday gifts to pickup, just fold Odyssey's rear seat flat into the floor and you've got plenty of storage space. I also like the fact that when the rear bench is up, the "well" that it folds into makes a great place to keep items from rolling around. Here's our holiday suggestion: Put a bow on Odyssey and put it under the tree. This is one present the whole family will enjoy. A strong 3.5-liter V6 engine powers Odyssey. Producing 240 horsepower, Odyssey's V6 is one of the most powerful in this class.
2004 Honda Odyssey EX w/Leather and DVD Entertainment System
Engine: 3.5-liter (240 hp) V6
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Drive Type: FWD
Fuel Economy: 18 city/25 highway
Base Price: $29,990
As Tested: $30,480 (includes $490 for destination)
Website: www.honda.com