AUTO TIPS
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2006 Honda Odyssey EX-L Tom Collins
Price Range: $25,345-$38,595 The new for 2005 Odyssey comes in 4 trimlines: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. The Touring can be ordered with Honda Satellite linked Navigation and rear DVD entertainment system for a grand total of $38,795. Even the base LX is nicely equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, Vehicle Stability Control and front and side-curtain airbags. The LX also includes the ‘One -motion 60/40 3rd row magic seat. In the new Odyssey it’s no longer necessary to remove the rear seat headrest to fold the seat to floor level. As in the first generation Odyssey, the main advantage of the EX model is the power sliding side doors, power driver’s seat and alloy wheels. The EX also has an upgraded stereo with a 6-disc CD changer, steering wheel controls and a stow able 2nd row plusOne seat that increases passenger seating to 8 when in use. When not in use, the seat folds into a recessed compartment to be replaced by the center console. A lazy Susan compartment is built into the floor behind the second seat. You can also order a card table. See the Honda website for more. Most people will want the EX model and it’s the one I would recommend. The EX starts at $28,395. My personal choice would be the EX-L. I’m a sucker for leather seats. The EX-L also offers a power moon roof and more importantly, the two top models come with Honda’s VCM or Variable Cylinder Management This revolutionary feature allows the rear bank of cylinders to be activated or deactivated depending upon driving demands, which as a result, saves fuel while also decreasing emissions. The switch between 3 and 6 cylinders is totally seamless. According to Honda, the VCM equipped Odyssey betters the conventional engine by 1 MPG in the city and 3 out on the highway for a rating of 20 city and 28 highway. Power ratings for the 3.5 liter SOHC V6 is unchanged across the model line with 244 hp and 240 torque. All Odysseys’ use Honda’s fine 5-speed automatic. The Touring model adds run-flat Michelin tires. My colleagues in the automotive press have pretty much come to the conclusion that the Odyssey is the king of the mini-van hill. After a week behind the wheel of the Odyssey I am not surprised. My guess is that it’s only real challenger is the Toyota Sienna. Since I almost never get new Toyota’s to drive I can’t do a head to head evaluation. I can say this; the Odyssey is one hell of a fine product. The ride is outstanding and handling is the best I’ve ever experienced in a mini-van. It’s easy to forget you are driving a van and not a car. Body roll is minimal with precise steering. Braking is smooth and sure. One thing I almost forgot to mention is the rear view shot on the Nav screen when you put the Odyssey in reverse. This is a great safety feature. The driving experience is further enhanced by the comfortable seating, excellent driving position and good outward visibility. I can think of no other vehicle I’d prefer to drive across county on that family vacation. I am always amazed by people who attach a stigma to the mini-van. These folks have not driven the Odyssey. I have long maintained that most of the SUV drivers should choose a mini-van instead. They are much nicer to drive, get better fuel economy and for the most part they are more versatile. The Odyssey is the best of the best. Excellent reliability, class-leading resale value and that unique Honda ‘feel’ of the switchgear and interior. It’s the world’s best mini-van. End of story.
Tom Collins |
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