2000 Honda Odyssey: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A strong seller in its first year as a traditional minivan, Odyssey returns for its second season with a class exclusive: an optional navigation system.
Odyssey is among the biggest minivans and its 210-horsepower V6 is one of the most powerful minivan engines. LX and uplevel EX models are offered, both with standard automatic transmission, antilock brakes, and dual sliding rear side doors; the EX adds traction control and dual power sliding doors. Both models seat seven with front buckets, a pair of removable second-row buckets that can slide together to make a bench seat, and a third-row bench that folds away into the floor.
Odyssey's navigator is available only on the EX and uses a 6-inch-wide in-dash color touch screen to display a map or driving directions; the latter can also be provided as audio prompts. The $2000 system employs satellite positioning and DVD mapping, and is similar to that available in models from Honda's upscale Acura division.

COMPETITION

Chrysler started the minivan trend back in 1984, and they remain one of our Best Buys today. Though the competition has heated up, we still feel that the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Voyager are two of the best you can buy. They offer all of the creature comforts in a pleasing package at a fair price. Our other Best Buy is the Honda Odyssey. It's a little bit smaller than the Chryslers, but more sporty to drive, and it has a super-convenient flip-and-fold-away rear seat. Trailing at a close second are the Recommended Chevy Venture and Ford Windstar. Though these vans are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, we feel they can't match the road manners of our Best Buys.