Quite often when you go on a trip people say things like, "Oh, I wish I had my recliner with me, it's so comfortable," or "This hotel TV is nothing like the big screen I have at home, I wish I could have brought it with me."
Although you are supposed to go on holidays or out of town trips to get a break from home, it is often nice to have the amenities, and things you are used to with you on your trip.
What if you could take the big screen with you on the road. What if you could take a recliner or two with you? What if someone built a minivan that included these and more features? It might be like taking your house with you when you go on holidays.
The new Honda Odyssey will certainly make you feel like you are in a home away from home. All the seats are leather and recline, but the second row are the best as they recline into what might be seen as a sleeping position and they slide forward and back for extra leg room. Although I didn't try it, it might be possible to recline the front seat, slide the second row seat back as far as it will go, recline that seat and sit with your legs over top of the front seat with your knees slightly raised by the front seat. Then it would be time for the big screen TV. Now as TVs go in vehicles an eight-inch screen is a good size, but Honda decided that as the saying goes, "go big or go home", so they went big. They have included a 16.2-inch wide-screen above the front seats with remote control and HDMI input.
This may all sound great, but who on earth is going to want to drive the Odyssey with luxury like that in the back?
Anyone who likes comfortable driving and gadgets, that's who. The Odyssey is chock full of options, which could take you several days to get used to. But think of this as a good thing and not a time-consuming activity.
The big 'C' is on the way and the house needs to be decorated - although Dec. 24 would be too soon for me - things on the Honey Do list need to be completed, after all, you may have guests over the Christmas and the place has to look its best. So what better way to get out of the decorating and chores than by spending your time in the Honda Odyssey learning what all the buttons, storage compartments and gadgets do. It is a safety issue after all.
If you don't know how to use the pinch-protection power-sliding doors, or learn about the side curtain airbags, or the ABS, or the vehicle stability control, or the electronic brake distribution, or the tire pressure monitoring system, the hard disk drive, the navigation system, the satellite radio, the rear temperature controls, the Bluetooth, the park assist and back up camera, power roof and back door... and on and on it goes, then who will. But, like any other chore, you need a break every now and then to watch the big screen TV, so it could take several days over the holidays to absorb all the wonderful technology.
The Odyssey's latest iteration hasn't lost any of its excellent people-mover capabilities as it is still capable of carrying eight people in comfort. There is even a cooler in the front dash with room for at least four water bottles.
The centre console between the front seats can be taken out, as can the second and third row of seats, allowing enough space for full four-by-eight sheets of plywood to lie flat on the floor.
Another really nice feature - and I only noticed it by accident while I was shoulder checking - is a signal on the A-pillar by the driver an the front seat passenger. This signal is in the shape of a full and a half vehicle, and it comes on when there is a vehicle in your blind spot. Once the vehicle passes the signal turns off. It is a wonderful little safety feature and will no doubt save a lot of horn blowing and near misses.
The Odyssey has taken the minivan to new heights with the amount of luxury, safety features and comfort for its passengers. When heading out for your next trip with the Odyssey you will be content in the knowledge that you are taking the comfort of your home with you. As for the kitchen sink, there is plenty of room in the back for it.
Honda Odyssey
5-door van
6-speed automatic
3.5 litre V6
Horsepower 248 @ 5,700
Torque 250 @ 4,800
Mileage: 10.9 l/100 km 26 mpg City 7.1 l/100km 40 mpg Hwy
Price $49,000
