(In Japan, vehicle exterior dimensions are invariably smaller than North America due to a scarcity of parking space and diminutive garage sizes.)
The word "minivan" takes on a different meaning with this Odyssey, which Honda claims was designed around the motif of a black panther. It sits considerably lower than similar vehicles and has a lower center of gravity than a minivan, with a wide stance and, hence, better roadholding. The load floor is at the same level as a normal passenger car but the middle seats are placed higher than the fronts, with the third row seats higher again. Headroom is greater than the previous model. So the new Honda Odyssey is more like a tall station wagon, while offering greater interior versatility and better forward vision for those sitting in the rear.
And versatile it is, too. The second and third row seats both fold flat, the latter being power-operated, a feature that most North American minivan drivers would love to have. Controls are concentrated in the center panel, the dashboard spreading out to either side and blending with the doors. The shift lever is positioned close to the steering wheel, significantly reducing the distance the driver's hand must travel to operate it: the design features a gun-grip shift knob and a ball-shaped metallic slider. Included among the options are blue LED lights that illuminate the foot areas of the 1st- and 2nd-row seats and 3rd-row cup holders.
The transmission choices are quite remarkable, especially the continuously-variable (CVT) transmission with a 7-speed mode that combines quick off-the-line acceleration with excellent passing performance. Also available is a conventional 5-speed automatic and full-time all-wheel-drive.
Safety was a obviously a priority in the Honda Odyssey's design. It is equipped with radar assist to help the driver maintain a safe space on the highway; a voice-operated navigation system; rearward-facing camera; electronic brake assist; a lighting system that works in coordination with steering wheel angle to change the direction of the headlight unit in corners; stability control to help prevent slides and spins; engine drive-by-wire control; side curtain airbags for all three rows; and crash safety design that is among the best in the world.
In Japan the Honda Odyssey gets a powerful 4-cylinder unit but North American units would probably be sold only with a V-6.
Nissan's Quest was the first to move away from the conventional minivan's tall, boxy styling, making the breed more acceptable to prospective owners put off by the somewhat stodgy image. The new Honda Odyssey takes this a step further by reducing overall vehicle height to create a vehicle that’s not only more attractive but fun to drive. It would be a shame if North America were to be denied such advanced design when the next-generation Honda Odyssey arrives here.
