2001 Honda Odyssey: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

This strong-selling minivan offers V6 LX and uplevel EX models with standard automatic transmission, ABS, dual sliding rear doors (powered on EX), 7-passenger seating, fold-away 3rd-row seat. For 2001, both models get no-cost intermittent rear wiper, floormats, improved front stereo speakers, and 2nd/3rd-row child-seat anchors/tethers. LX also adds manual driver's-seat height adjuster and traction control (like EX). EX adds a security system integrated with its remote keyless locking. EX has a minivan exclusive in an satellite/DVD-based navigation system with in-dash color touch-screen and audible direction prompts; this option is priced as a separate model.

COMPETITION

Though the competition has heated up, we feel that the new Dodge Caravan is still one of the best minivans you can buy. It offers 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 Dodge, 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, Ford Windstar, and Toyota Sienna. Though these vans are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, we feel they can't match the road manners of our two Best Buys. Also garnering Recommended ratings are the Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler Voyager. Though they are mechanically similar to the class-leading Caravan, they don't offer the breadth of model choices.