Evolutionary Odyssey Redesigned 2005 Honda Minivan Is Dynamic and Desirable by Karl Ferguson Upon arriving in Washington, D.C., newly appointed embassy staff are usually met at the airport and transported to their new home or at least to some temporary accommodations to let them settle in. My arrival as press counselor for the New Zealand Embassy was no exception. However, although some may travel in a stretch Mercedes-Benz or black Lincoln Town Car, I was met late one cold winter night at Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport in a fairly inauspicious Dodge Caravanóone that had seen a few good miles and generally better days. As we made our way through the darkened streets, the embassy staff member who owned the minivan explained that she had bought it soon after her arrival in Washington for only $2,000 and swore by its reliability and general practicality. Her husbandís much newer and more expensive sedan, she confided with a chortle, was often at the shop and gave him no end of trouble. As I hauled my belongings from the commodious Dodge, the short trip served to remind me that regardless of where you are in the world and no matter how exclusive the cocktail parties you atten d, most people will choose a vehicle based on how it fits their needs rather than how it is perceived. This might explain why so many embassy car parks are filled with their share of Chrysler Voyagers, Toyota Siennas and, of course, Dodge Caravans. Of course, multi-purpose vehicles (or MPVs as they are sometimes known) offer plenty of room, comfort and immense practicality, but are they any fun to drive? They certainly havenít been in the past, but things are changing. Undoubtedly spurred on by the success of the ever-popular sport-utility vehicle (SUV), some manufacturers are taking a closer look at how they can improve the appeal and range of their minivans. Hondaís 2005 model Odyssey is an excellent case in point. Introduced in 1999 to critical acclaim, the new model has a similar profile to the one it replaces, with styling more evolutionary rather than revolutionary. In truth this is a bit disappointing given that the Japanese domestic model (also available in other parts of Asia, New Zealand and Australia) is quite a radical departure. It looks more like a cut-down American street racer developed by a California design studio than a traditional minivan. The only Odyssey that was common to both the Japanese and U.S. markets was the first-generation minivan, which was generally considered too small for U.S. consumers, so the second-generation Odysseys diverged, with the U.S. version taking on a larger platform and a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The third-generation vehicles are even more different, and not just in the styling department. The U.S. version has been completely redesigned, with the platform (basis of the vehicle) similar to the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX four-wheel drive, while the Japanese model is based on the Accord Euro (badged as an Acura TSX in the United States). So although the U.S.-market Odyssey looks ìfresh,î it is unlikely that styling alone will sway the unconverted. So how does it stack up on the handling and performance front? One of the major criticisms of minivans is how ìbus-likeî they feel, and Hondaís claim to fame is that the Odyssey now drives more like a car. It certainly does have a lower center of gravity, which means the driver sits lower than in other similar-size vans, and the structurally rigid chassis provides a solid foundation that gives the suspension better control than is typical in this market. Itís never going to handle like a Porsche, but it should save most drivers from despairing at the first corner they tackle. There are no complaints on the performance front either. Hondaís 3.5-liter SOHC (single overhead camshaft) V6 drives the Odysseyís standard power source, which comes complete with 255 horsepower. Also available is a VTEC (with variable cylinder management) engine, which, producing the same power output as the standard engine, can seamlessly switch from six- to three-cylinder operation for exceptional fuel economy that gives the car an ultra-low emission vehicle tag. Both engines use regular gas to boot. Inside, there is more space and the ergonomics are vastly better than previous models. Features of note include a console-mounted transmission lever attached to a five-speed auto box, power windows on the rear doors, and an optional power-operated rear hatch. The navigation screen is also larger and mounted higher for easier use, and EX models sport seating for eight. Three trim levels are offered across the Odyssey range: LX, EX (with or without leather) and the new premium-level Touring model. That results in a large price spread, with the entry-level model starting at $24,995 and the Touring equipped with satellite navigation and DVD rear entertainment systems costing a substantial $38,295. Of course, the competition is not standing still, with the Dodge Grand Caravanóthe market leader in 2002, selling more than 240,000 vehiclesóoffering a stylish alternative to the Honda. The Caravan is highly rated for its (comparative) good looks, quiet interior with power doors and hatch, and movable center console. Less impressive aspects of the model are previous reliability issues with the transmission and marginal fit and finish. Even so, it is less expensive as an entry-level vehicle than the Honda, starting at a competitive $23,415 for an SE 3.3-liter V6 engine model. If youíre determined to have a six-cylinder-powered minivan but your budget wonít stretch to a Dodge or a Honda, you might consider the Korean offering, the Kia Sedona. It comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, albeit one that delivers less power with a fairly modest 195 horsepower on tap. The price though is lower, starting around the $21,000 mark, and it sports good equipment levels and an excellent sound system. On the downside, ride quality is reputedly not great, and small wheels, poor mileage and low power compromise the appeal of the package. Some would argue that true style in the minivan class can only be found in European models not available in the United States. Examples that come to mind include the surprisingly impressive Volkswagen Sharan, which even comes equipped with a racing-style pseudo-manual gearbox, and the good-looking Citroen C8, which, even though it was launched in 2002, still looks ahead of its time. Although it would be overstating the facts to suggest that the 2005 Honda Odyssey has heralded a new age in minivan form and function, it does represent a considerable advance not only dynamically, but also in desirability. In most cases, midsize sedans offer better performance and drivability for less money, but you canít fit a soccer team in an average sedan. If circumstances dictate that you need space, space is what the minivan can provide, and there is no doubt the gap is narrowing in the compromise consumers have to make opting for a minivan over a car. The Honda has proven that. Of course, if practical wheels are what youíre after and the budget is limited, the used car lots also offer plenty of bargains. You might find yourself laughing all the way to the bank. Karl Ferguson is the automotive reviewer for The Washington Diplomat.