2006 Honda Odyssey: Road Test
Archived Review
2006 Honda Odyssey Touring with DVD Rear Entertainment System
2006 Honda Odyssey ▼
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- MSRP: $25,345 -$38,795
- Invoice: $22,811 -$34,897
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Our road test for the 2006 Honda Odyssey includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Honda Odyssey from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Honda Odyssey, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Honda Odyssey help you decide if a 2006 Honda Odyssey is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| EX | Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.2 |
Ample around town and when merging on freeway, even with full complement of passengers. Test EX did 8.3 sec 0-60 mph. Transmission upshifts smoothly, but doesn't always downshift promptly in passing situations. Variable Cylinder Management on EX-L, Touring gives no hint of operation other than dashboard indicator light.
FUEL ECONOMY
| EX | Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Test EX averaged 16.0 mpg in city/highway driving that included gas-eating performance tests. Test Tourings averaged 16.3-16.9 mpg in city/highway use. Honda recommends regular-grade fuel for all Odysseys. Note EPA ratings slightly higher with Variable Cylinder Management system. Honda should make it available on all Odysseys, not just most-expensive models.
RIDE QUALITY
| EX | Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 5.8 |
Taut, but comfortable over all but roughest roads, where sharp bumps, highway expansion joints sometimes jab through--especially to rear-seat riders. Touring's run-flat tires have a still-firmer ride, but aren't quite as hard riding as run-flats available on Toyota Sienna.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| EX | Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.7 |
Sharp, accurate steering. Firm suspension, stiff body structure combine for good roadholding. Tall build means noticeable body lean in fast turns, but grip, balance are nearly carlike. Ample stopping power even with full passenger load.
QUIETNESS
| EX | Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
No opportunity to compare under identical conditions a version with noise-cancellation system vs. one without. But overall, Odyssey among the quieter minivans. Engine noise particularly well-subdued. Road noise prevalent at highway speeds, especially with run-flat tires. Third-row passengers hear some wind whistle around tailgate that grows tiresome on long trips.
CONTROLS
| EX | Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
Large, clearly marked main gauges. Transmission shift lever sprouts from dashboard to right of steering wheel; easy to reach, but obstructs some controls when in Park. LX climate and audio controls simple, plainly identified. EX, EX-L, Touring have abundance of buttons, switches, and more complicated control design that takes time to understand. Navigation unit among easier ones to master, simplified by system's ability to recognize spoken city and street names when programming destinations. Padded interior panels at a premium, even in top-line versions, but grade of materials, assembly are top-notch, though one tester exhibited several squeaks, rattles from aft area.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| EX | Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.7 |
Seats comfortable, supportive. Ample room for large adults. Fine driving position enhanced on Touring by power-adjustable pedals. Steering wheel tilts but doesn't telescope; some drivers found it a long reach. Available rearview camera, front and rear park assist help in close-quarters maneuvering; otherwise, rear visibility hindered by large headrests, thick roof pillars.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| EX | Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.8 |
Comfortable 2nd-row bucket seats have generous head, leg room. Available middle jump seat suits only children. Third row has adult-size room, but seat suffers short backrest, thin padding. Sliding doors open wide, step-in height modest. But 2nd-row seats don't slide forward enough for easy 3rd-row access, and Touring's 2nd-row console eliminates center-walk-through convenience.
CARGO ROOM
| EX | Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 9.9 |
Deep well behind 3rd-row seat swallows surprising volume of cargo. Split 3rd row folds neatly into floor. Second-row seats flip, stow, and can be removed, but Odyssey doesn't match convenient fold-into-floor design available in Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan. Under-floor compartment adds extra storage, but is not readily accessible. Power tailgate, household-type power outlet nice touches, but limited to top-line Touring edition.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| EX | Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 8 | 6.3 |
Some mainstream minivan buyers might be put off by Odyssey's taut ride and by the daunting array of buttons and switches on top-line versions. Still, this is a Best Buy benchmark for its near-perfect blend of power, road manners, room, and versatility.
Total Score
| EX | Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 71 | 68 | 60.3 |
Total Score: 70
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