The
 |
| Comfy seating position, but layout isn't comfy for those who are long legged even with adjustable pedals.. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
front captains' chairs in my leather-laden tester were exquisite. These grand perches provided plenty of well-cushioned support, not to mention back-healing warmth at the flick of a switch. Regrettably though, I found it difficult to dial-in the perfect driving position. Yes, the optional power-adjustable pedals helped accommodate my long pegs but the lack of a telescoping steering wheel left me reaching too far forward when I slid the driver's seat backward to a position ideal for my legs. I don't think my arm-to-leg-length ratio is too far afield the norm, so what gives? The steering column tilts nicely, but Honda, add a telescoping function as well. We apparent "abnormals" will appreciate it.
The second row captains' seats were less grandiose than those
 |
| DVD, leather chairs, and armrests. All that's missing is popcorn. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
in first-class, yet they were remarkably comfortable. Moving rearward and placing a butt in the three position third row bench didn't measure up to the spoils of the fore cab, but reasonable comfort was secured nonetheless. Realistic third row seating is where full-size minivans leave SUVs in the dust, in as far as adult dimensions go, and the Odyssey reaffirms this finding. It also reaffirms that minivans are generally much gentler on the soul thanks to their car-like ride, than SUVs.
The Odyssey utilizes coil springs at all four corners to deliver a ride that is remarkably smooth and composed for a vehicle capable of carrying eight humans and plenty of gear. A lower center of gravity imbues the minivan with an inherent advantage in handling over SUVs, along with a diminished risk of roll-over, which together convey a stronger sense of security to the minivan driver. My tester also proved to be delightfully nimble in making its way through parking lots, with excellent 360-degree visibility and large side mirrors contributing to its jigsaw-wending bliss - albeit nimbleness is just the start of the delight and bliss brought forth by a mobile Odyssey.
I
 |
| VCM technology borrowed from Accord Hybrid shuts three cylinders off at low load. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
confidently rate the Odyssey as one of the most - if not the most - operationally refined minivans on the market. The primary source of such refinement is its drivetrain, which begins with a 255-horsepower, 3.5-liter (213 cu-in) 24-valve V6 VTEC engine. This mill is silky, quiet and unobtrusive unless pushed to the max, at which point it speaks its mind with audible restraint while pulling the 4,609 lb curb weight of a fully-loaded (sans occupants) Odyssey with impressive zeal. This van doesn't want for more punch, as there's plenty of it efficiently generated, with "efficiently" referring to Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology.
VCM
 |
| Odyssey doesn't have a column shift; it has a console shift. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
deactivates three of the engine's six cylinders when power demands are minimal; fewer cylinders burning liquid gold equate to better mileage, or so the science goes. Unfortunately, to reap the fuel savings buyers are forced into purchasing the pricier, leather-equipped EX model or the Touring variant of the Odyssey, such as this week's tester. The LX and non-leather clad EX trim levels are devoid of VCM technology. Non-VCM Odyssey models also don't feature Honda's Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) system, intended to further smooth-out the engine's performance. However, on the mechanical plus side, the same smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic transmission is installed across the entire Odyssey line.
Honda has placed the gearshift lever for this sophisticated autobox on the Odyssey's instrument panel, and that's convenient. What results, though, is a tendency to pull the lever from Park directly into "2," inadvertently passing Drive on the way down. A gated shift plate would prevent impatient drivers, such as yours truly, from missing Drive when madly throwing the Odyssey into gear. While picking on the little things, let me add a couple more.
