Honda Odyssey 2.4L 2004 review

No, it's not also amphibious.

There was a 40-minute ferry crossing thrown in there as well.

Odyssey was released in 1995 and won the Wheels COTY and several other major awards to become the most awarded Honda product yet.

Then it got a V6.

Now the third-generation Odyssey redefines what people moving is all about. Although there is now no V6.

Gone are the days of vans with a third row of bench seats and a bit of carpet on the floor. Modern people movers are car-like in their dynamics, refinement and driving characteristics.

The Odyssey and new Mitsuibishi Grandis seem to take this to a new level.

Honda has introduced its new model at a lower price, undercutting much of the opposition, including the Grandis by almost $7000, while maintaining a high level of specifications and engineering refinement.

Honda Australia director Lindsay Smalley described it as a people mover you want to be seen in.

This is a subtle dig at the many consumers, mostly male, who see a people mover as an admission that they have had a vasectomy and given up on the sexy side of life.

The new ads for the Odyssey try to turn this around with a kissing and cuddling couple forgetting they have four children watching from the back rows.

One glance at the third-generation model reveals a far sleeker and sexier design. In fact, it looks more like a European wagon than a people mover, with its low, low roof height.

And one drive reveals a vehicle that is, well, not quite a joy to drive, but certainly no longer a mini-bus.

The stubby sequential gear shift just a few fingers to the left of the steering wheel yields a bundle of fun for the keen driver. And the transmission is quite responsive. It no longer hunts for gears thanks to grade logic control and has one of the smoothest changes around.

The ubiquitous 2.4 litre engine oozes refinement, but is still a dozen or so kilowatts off being anything more than simply effective. There is no rush and no punch out of corners. It's a shame it will no longer be imported with the V6.

Handling characteristics are also not exactly rally standard, but again nothing like a mini-bus. Swerve sharply and the Odyssey's sophisticated suspension keeps all wheels on the ground with only a hint of slow understeer and no sudden weight transfer.

Aerodynamics have been improved all round and the vehicle sits lower with underbody fairings pulling it to the road.

Variable steering gear ratio senses friction between the wheels and the road in corners, keeping the vehicle stable at speed, but giving more assistance at slow speeds and allowing a 10.8m turning circle – same as the Euro Accord.

Primary safety features include ABS, EBD and brake assist, while secondary safety features include front, side and curtain airbags, front seat belt tensioner, and a maximum Japanese NCAP crash test score of six stars.

With just 119mm of clearance, it is lower than a Euro Accord. And with a 65-litre flat plastic fuel tank under the boot floor, it is advisable to tackle shopping centre speed bumps with care, especially when loaded with a full tank, shopping bags and kids.

The ride in the back is smooth with no seesawing, so no vomiting kids to worry about. Space in the second and third rows is ample for big kids and adults, with the third row even getting room for feet.

While there is 1056 litres of luggage space with rows two and three folded flat, there is room for only one large suitcase with all three rows upright.

The base model has a lengthy list of standard features including climate control, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, steering wheel audio controls, outside temperature display and economy meter.

Odyssey Luxury costs an extra $6500 for alloy wheels, leather trim, auto headlights, powered driver's seat, heated front seats, six-CD stacker, electric sunroof and curtain airbags for all three seating rows.