Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."
Sacramento, California -- I've said it before: Minivans get no respect.
Haters derisively call them Mommy Vans and other names dripping with ridicule.
Too bad, I say ... especially after a week in the 2024 Honda Odyssey Elite, a perfect example of the minivan evolution from boxy transporter to rolling hotel room.
My ride was priced at $51,765 and was loaded with goodies I'd expect to see on an $80,000 sport-utility vehicle. In other words, 51-grand is a steal in the current market. Plus the bonus of maximum five-star safety ratings in federal government crash tests.
Beyond safety, luxury was plentiful on my tester.
Features on the tested minivan included a premium audio system with 11 speakers, heated/ventilated front seats, heated power door mirrors, remote engine start, rain-sensing windshield wipers and the CabinWatch feature that enables you to monitor rear-seated passengers in an unobtrusive way.
Those perks and many more were all included in the standard price, by the way.
Oh, it looked good too, something you don't hear from even minivan fans. The tested Odyssey was sleek and smooth and downright alluring in a Crystal Black Pearl paint job.
Another bonus: It didn't drive like a minivan. It handled with midsize SUV ease, and the turning radius was surprisingly compact.
The 3.5-liter V-6 engine was robust at 280 horsepower, and I easily beat stragglers off the line when I wanted to. Even at full song, engine noise was minimal.
I've always considered a minivan to be the ultimate family vacation vehicle, and I've felt a bit disappointed that the modern in-cabin bells and whistles were not offered when my family was young.
Happily, 21st century travelers will find more options -- and driving enjoyment -- in the contemporary Honda Odyssey.
No comments:
Post a Comment