I am a big fan of honda's. I already drive a 91' civic hatchback, and my parents drive the Odyssey.

We had been looking for a van to replace our Dodge which spent more time in the shop than in my driveway.

The *only* minivan we found which could be called a "driver's" vehicle was the Odyssey. The ride is firm and controlled (independent rear suspension), the engine is smooth and powerful, the steering is quick, the turning circle is really tight (nearly two feet less than DC minivans), etc. Nothing else came close.

The Ody can hold six adults in comfort and seven in a pinch. There is substantial legroom in all three seats and even the lower-priced model has attractive cloth upholstery. The disappearing third seat makes it a snap to switch from passenger mode to cargo mode. Even with the third seat up, the deep well into which it disappears provides for huge cargo area behind that third seat.

We opted for the EX model with navigation system and have been delighted. The nav has been a huge help for us in getting to know the area to which we moved for retirement last year. The system is intuitive to use and the data base of restaurants, stores, service stations, etc., has come in very handy for us.

To date the van has had no problems. Early returns show that Odys are holding their value better than the competition as do nearly all Hondas.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT:
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1. Engine Performance - although we were somewhat surprised by the fuel economy for a V6. 3.5 liter V6 is sweet. Engine is responsive and powerful, considering the odyssey’s heft acceleration is excellent. (But would you expect anything less than mechanical perfection from any Honda power plant?)

2. Handling - a big van that can be fun to drive

3. Fold down rear seats - are very convenient

4. MAGIC THIRD SEAT. What a super idea! Honda engineers come thru again, the seat truly separates the odyssey from the rest of the pack. Hmm wonder how long it will be before Chrysler copies this one.

5. L.A.T.C.H system for child seats is great as is quadruple 5 star crash ratings, I feel better knowing my wife and baby are in a very safe vehicle.

6. I know most people feel that Honda’s styling is bland, but I see Honda’s look as an understated elegance. Our van is silver and I think it looks gorgeous.

7. The Navigation system really does the trick

WHAT I DON'T LIKE ABOUT IT:
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1. Gear shift handle is in the way of radio controls when in drive.

2. The folding table between front seats seems to hide everything. I thought I had lost credit cards that were eventually found in the space between the table and front passenger seat.

3. The seat belt latchs for the second row seating seems to be to far from the edge of the seat. Trying to latch in kids that are always seating on the latch is annoying. A poorly designed seat!!!!!!!!

4. Sliding door is always sticking!!!- the biggest gripe of all- in our winter climate the door seems to freeze with the slightest bit of moisture. My friend has the same problem with his electric doors on the Ex and has been to the dealer twice in the first 8 mos. of ownership

5. The radio is terrible; turning up the volume only produces distortion. Honda needs to wake up in this department. Honda should team up with Bose or JBL. A cheap radio may save Honda a few bucks and push up profit margins but most people today are accustomed to quality sound systems. A good stereo really adds to the perception of quality in a vehicle.

6. Wind noise is louder than I expected, anything over 75mph produces the Twister soundtrack. I don't understand it, my Civic is sound tight even at speeds over 100mph Maybe the vans size makes it inherently noisier?

7. Fabric on seats seems cheap for an almost $30,000 vehicle

I would recomend this van to anyone in the market for a safe, reliable, roomy and very good looking Minivan. It is important to remember that Honda's other vehicles were not perfect from the start. The accord and civic have been refined over the last 20 years. The Odissey with it's few shortcomings may not be up to Honda's highest standards, but it is by far better than any other Minivan available.
Amount Paid (US$): 28600
Condition: New
Model Year: 2001
Model and Options: NAV, EX