Our test drive in the Odyssey revealed a smooth car-like ride. In day-in, day-out driving, the Odyssey offers more than adequate power. The additional horsepower from the VTEC engine is greatly appreciated. Load it full of kids and cargo, and the lack of low-speed response experienced in the earlier models has now disappeared. The four-speed transmission shifts somewhat abruptly under hard acceleration, however.The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering was neither as firm as that of imports nor as soft as that of traditional American cars. We were particularly impressed with Odyssey's composure in quick maneuvers. Thanks to its relatively low curb weight, low roofline-almost eight inches lower than Plymouth Voyager for example-and refined suspension, the Odyssey doesn't exhibit much rock and roll when the driver cranks the wheel hard to avoid a problem. Braking seemed as efficient as that of its European and American competitors. The four-wheel disc brakes with ABS provide well-controlled braking.
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