Posted on 10.7.2014 12:00 by Justin Cupler
Tom Webster, Content editor
Oct 7,
2014
The Honda Odyssey began its life way back in 1995 when Honda leaped
into the minivan realm with its Accord-powered family hauler. The Odyssey hit
its second generation in 1999 when Honda completely redesigned the body,
replaced the swinging rear doors with more minivan -like sliding doors, and installed a class-leading,
3.5-liter V-6. The 2005 model year marked the debut of the third-gen Honda
people carrier, as the automaker redesigned the van yet again and retuned its
V-6 to produce 244 ponies. In 2011, Honda redesigned the Odyssey once again,
ushering in the fourth generation, giving it a fuel-economy boost, smoothing
out the body and adding in a few extra optional goodies, like an available
chill box and rear-entertainment system. As we head into 2015, little has
changed with the fourth-generation Odyssey.
I
recently spent a week lumbering around in the range-topping Touring Elite trim
of this massive minivan, and I found some good things and some not-so-good
things about it. Being a sports car guy, testing the Odyssey required me to forget all
the things I love about cars and focus on whether this big Honda was a great
appliance for those who have more than 2.5 children or not?
It’s a minivan guys; how much more can I
really say? A lot, to be honest. The days of rolling cubes making up the
minivan segment are over, as are the days of over-styled minivans (read: Toyota
Previa).The 2015 Odyssey has some stylish cues, but it refrains from going overboard. Up front it hosts the Honda family fascia that includes a headlight design that is mighty similar to what you’ll find on the Civic or Accord. The grille features two chrome bars that have a slight upward swing at each end, and it is outlined in a gloss-black surround for a nice contrast. The lower grille also features some chrome bars, plus there is chrome surrounding the small, blink-and-you’ll-miss-`em fog lights.
Surprisingly, the side-profile view is my favorite angle for the Odyssey. It’s roofline swoops ever so slightly, and the side windows feature a similar, albeit more dramatic, swoop. The B- and C-pillars are painted gloss-black, giving the tinted side glass almost a one-piece appearance that adds to the dramatic swoop. Adding a touch of sportiness to this Brady Bunch hauler are scallops on the bottom of the doors. Sure, it’s a small touch, but one that I can appreciate.
Rolling
stock comes in the form of 18-inch alloy wheels shod in 235/60R18 tires. The
wheels are a good match for a van, as they are slightly sporty, but not too
overdone. Additionally, the polished aluminum wheel with polished black inserts
match the Modern Steel and gloss-black exterior well.
Around
back is where the Odyssey is best described as "meh, it’s a minivan."
It’s got a set of taillights, a bumper, a tailgate and a wiper. That’s about
it...
Technology-wise,
the Odyssey is excellent in the Touring Elite trim. It features power-opening
and closing rear doors and liftgate. What’s more, I could also open these doors
using buttons on the keyfob, so I could open three of the Odyssey’s five doors
without ever touching the van. Also included are auto-leveling HID headlights
with auto on/off, front and rear parking sensors, and smart entry, which unlocks
the doors once I grab the front door handle with the keyfob in my pocket.
Ultimately,
the Odyssey’s exterior really hits all the basics you need from a van. First,
it is stylish enough to avoid embarrassing run-ins with buddies. Second, the
power doors are a godsend when your hands are full. Third, the HID lights make
you forget that you even have high-beam headlights.
Exterior
Dimensions
|
Wheelbase
(in)
|
118.1
|
|
Length
(in)
|
202.9
|
|
Height
(in)
|
68.4
|
|
Width
(in)
|
79.2
|
|
Track
(in) front / rear
|
68.1 / 68.2
|
|
Curb
Weight (lbs)
|
4,613
|
|
Weight
Distribution (%, front/rear)
|
57 / 43
|
|
Towing
Capacity (lbs)
|
3,500
|
Interior
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