windshield, affording excellent forward sightlines, a standard Honda design

priority. And since the hood is relatively short, you don't have to worry

about some long, invisible proboscis ramming the vehicle ahead during parking

maneuvers.

The Odyssey seems to strike the perfect balance between a minivan and

a practical station wagon. It's large enough to carry family members and

family things, but small enough to garage, even in garages crammed with

bikes, trikes and other family detritus.

At the rear is a one-piece hatch, offering a large access port along

with a low liftover height. Not only does the lower ride height of a sedan

platform allow passengers easier entry and exit, it's also a blessing when

loading cargo.

Unlike truck-based minivans, the Odyssey was built up from a much-modified

and strengthened Accord sedan chassis. Honda engineers were able to use

the Accord's front-wheel-drive layout and sophisticated double wishbone

suspension system to give the Odyssey superior stability and ride comfort.

The net result is a unique blend of minivan usefulness and sedan maneuverability.