Overview

The Honda Odyssey has been a bestseller ever since the second generation was introduced in 1999. When the all-new third generation was introduced as a 2005 model, Honda showed it wasn't resting on its laurels. Instead, Honda listened to Odyssey owners and adopted their suggestions in this latest model.

Odyssey boasts car-like ride and handling, a powerful and fuel-efficient 244-horsepower V6 engine, and a clever seating system that can accommodate up to eight passengers.

Odyssey comes standard with side curtain airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes, and the body structure is designed to offer improved crash protection.

Completely redesigned for 2005, the Odyssey carries on with few changes for 2006.

Model Lineup

The 2006 Honda Odyssey lineup includes three models, LX, EX, and Touring, each with its own character.

The LX ($25,345) comes with manual sliding doors, manual seat controls and manual air conditioning with an air-filtration system. Power door locks with remote keyless entry, power windows, and 60/40 split fold-down rear seats come standard.

The EX ($28,395) adds power sliding doors, tri-zone climate control, a stowable second-row PlusOne seat, in-dash CD changer, steering wheel audio controls, power driver seat controls, alloy wheels and other features. Leather upholstery is available by ordering the EX with leather ($30,000), a model that includes the iVTEC engine with variable cylinder management (VCM), a power moonroof and heated front seats.

The Touring ($36,595) is designed to be a luxury minivan. It has a slightly stiffer suspension, run-flat tires, front and rear parking sensors, automatic tri-zone climate control, a power tailgate, power-adjustable pedals, an upgraded sound system, 17 cupholders, and all the features found in the EX with leather. For 2006, the Touring model comes standard with the DVD rear entertainment system.

Walkaround

Honda says the Odyssey has a sporty Euro sedan look. That's stretching it a bit, though it looks curvy in profile and there is a similarity to the Accord in the front end.

Large headlights flank its big grille. The hood is sculptured with curves that lead naturally back to the windshield and emphasize the big fender flares. Honda has not hidden the sliding door channels at the base of the window but left them partially obscured by a crease that runs the length of the vehicle.

All models come with two sliding doors, manually operated on the LX and electrically operated on all other models. The power windows in each of the side doors can be opened in the same fashion as in a car. The tailgate is electrically operated in the top-of-the-line Touring. The power doors seemed a bit reluctant to operate at times, less responsive to key fob commands than Toyota's sliding doors.

The Odyssey boasts Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. The vehicle's crush zones have been re-engineered to provide better protection for occupants while lessening damage when hitting other smaller vehicles and pedestrians. Its body structure is rigid, a key element for crisp handling and a smooth ride. A low drag coefficient helps improve fuel economy and high-speed stability.

Interior Features

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 driver's 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 it's easier to use than a column-mounted shifter. A handy drink tray is provided between the front seats, but there's 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.

There's room for eight people with the optional PlusOne seat that fits between the two captain's chairs in the second row. If it's 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 it's 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.