Honda Odyssey 2004 Review

There is no cringe factor in wanting or driving the new Honda Odyssey – it has attitude, street cred and looks "the business."

Could we be seeing a change in the genre?

Quite possibly.

With record sales overseas, other car companies will undoubtedly copy Odyssey which introduces a new philosophy to family transportation – the sporty, sexy people mover.

The notion is underlined by a confronting TV ad showing mum and dad having a "pash" in their new Odyssey.

They should be so lucky.

On top of this is extremely keen pricing for the new model, from $38,790, which undercuts its predecessor by thousands and is infact, seven grand below the direct competitor, Mitsubishi's new Grandis.

Odyssey has been around since 1995 and this is the third generation of a vehicle that has sold in relatively small numbers here.

The new model is smaller than its predecessors but offers more interior room and seven seats as standard.

Six seats have three point seat belts but the centre middle row pew has a lap belt only.

The interior is not only spacious but is practical and well laid out with stylish and logical controls and a swag of "wow" features.

Like all people movers, Odyssey is versatile with folding seats that form a large load area.

The top line Luxury even has electrically folding back row seats.

No V6 is offered this time but the 2.4-litre four, an ultra low emission unit, passes the stringent Euro IV emissions regs. At 118kW/218Nm, it has adequate power and torque.

Fuel economy averages under 10L/100km.

Drive goes through the front wheels via a silky five speed automatic with sequential shift mode. The selector is mounted, rally-car-style on the dash.

Though constrained by its size and weight, Odyssey has a comfy and controlled ride due in part to the all- wishbone suspension. At 10.8m, the turning circle matches Accord Euro.

Brakes are ABS-equipped and resist fade under extreme use. They also have electronic brake force distribution and brake assist.

Two models are offered, standard and Luxury and both have climate control air, cruise, remote central locking and power ancillaries.

The higher spec' version scores larger alloy wheels, leather, electric sunroof and back row seat folding, heated front seats, more safety equipment and other goodies for the six and a bit grand extra.

Odyssey is good to drive or ride in. It is arguably the most comfortable people mover I have driven. The styling is sensational with an aggressive front and cute rear end. It's long and low, looking more like a big station wagon than a people mover.

Though not whip-cracking, the engine dishes out good acceleration and you can always resort to the sequential shift.

It's fun to drive and is super quiet in cruise mode – like a limo.

A reasonable size load area is provided.

Honda has been able to reduce Odyssey's price by economies of scale and currency shifts.

Though not in the same price range as the top selling Kia Carnival, Odyssey is closer this time and is a much more appealing vehicle.

Like I said, no cringe factor here.