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"Honda's minivan is available with satellite
radio for 2006. Odyssey offers LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring models. All have
front-wheel drive, a 244-hp V6, and a 5-speed automatic transmission. EX-L
and Touring feature Honda's Variable Cylinder Management system, which deactivates
three cylinders when cruising or decelerating to save fuel. Antilock 4-wheel
disc brakes and traction/antiskid control are standard. So are front side
airbags and curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows and include
rollover deployment. All models have side windows that power partway down
into the sliding doors and all but the LX have power sliding side doors.
Standard
are 2nd-row bucket seats and a 60/40 split 3rd-row seat that folds into the
floor. EXs have a removable jump seat that slots between the 2nd-row buckets
for eight-passenger capacity. EX-L and Touring have leather upholstery, tri-zone
climate control, sunroof, and Honda's active-noise-control system designed
to electronically quell mechanical, road, and wind noise. Touring models
have run-flat tires and come with equipment that's optional on other models,
including a power liftgate, front and rear obstacle detection, and power-adjustable
pedals. Satellite radio is now standard on Touring and available on EX-L.
Available on EX-L and Touring are navigation and rear DVD entertainment.
The navigation system has voice recognition, real time traffic alerts, and
comes with a rearview camera."
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Acceleration
"Ample around town and when merging on freeway, even with full complement of
passengers. Test EX did 8.3 sec 0-60 mph. Transmission upshifts smoothly, but
doesn't always downshift promptly in passing situations. Variable Cylinder Management
on EX-L, Touring gives no hint of operation other than dashboard indicator light."
Value
"Some mainstream minivan buyers might be put off by Odyssey's taut ride and by
the daunting array of buttons and switches on top-line versions. Still, this
is a Best Buy benchmark for its near-perfect blend of power, road manners, room,
and versatility. "
Ride
"Taut, but comfortable over all but roughest roads, where sharp bumps, highway
expansion joints sometimes jab through--especially to rear-seat riders. Touring's
run-flat tires have a still-firmer ride, but aren't quite as hard riding as run-flats
available on Toyota Sienna."
Economy
"Test EX averaged 16.0 mpg in city/highway driving that included gas-eating performance
tests. Test Tourings averaged 16.3-16.9 mpg in city/highway use. Honda recommends
regular-grade fuel for all Odysseys. Note EPA ratings slightly higher with Variable
Cylinder Management system. Honda should make it available on all Odysseys, not
just most-expensive models."
Noise
"No opportunity to compare under identical conditions a version with noise-cancellation
system vs. one without. But overall, Odyssey among the quieter minivans. Engine
noise particularly well-subdued. Road noise prevalent at highway speeds, especially
with run-flat tires. Third-row passengers hear some wind whistle around tailgate
that grows tiresome on long trips."
Comfort - Front
"Seats comfortable, supportive. Ample room for large adults. Fine driving position
enhanced on Touring by power-adjustable pedals. Steering wheel tilts but doesn't
telescope; some drivers found it a long reach. Available rearview TV camera,
front and rear park assist help in close-quarters maneuvering; otherwise, rear
visibility hindered by large headrests, thick roof pillars."
Comfort - Rear
"Comfortable 2nd-row bucket seats have generous head, leg room. Available middle
jump seat suits only children. Third row has adult-size room, but seat suffers
short backrest, thin padding. Sliding doors open wide, step-in height modest.
But 2nd-row seats don't slide forward enough for easy 3rd-row access, and Touring's
2nd-row console eliminates center-walk-through convenience."
Controls
"Large, clearly marked main gauges. Transmission shift lever sprouts from dashboard
to right of steering wheel; easy to reach, but obstructs some controls when in
Park. LX climate and audio controls simple, plainly identified. EX, EX-L, Touring
have abundance of buttons, switches, and more-complicated control design that
takes time to understand. Navigation unit among easier ones to master, simplified
by system's ability to recognize spoken city and street names when programming
destinations. Padded interior panels at a premium, even in top-line versions,
but grade of materials, assembly are top-notch, though one tester exhibited several
squeaks, rattles from aft area. "
Cargo Room
"Deep well behind 3rd-row seat swallows surprising volume of cargo. Split 3rd row folds neatly into floor. Second-row seats flip, stow, and can be removed, but Odyssey doesn't match convenient fold-into-floor design available in Chrysler Town & Country,
Dodge Caravan. Under-floor compartment adds extra storage, but is not readily
accessible. Power tailgate, household-type power outlet nice touches, but limited
to top-line Touring edition."
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