Two words that never meshed well are "agile" and "minivan," but what set the original Odyssey apart was that it could at least be called agile for a minivan. Honda was the first to stick a four-wheel independent suspension under a van - something that, 21 years after the minivan's invention, half the members in the class still lack.
As on its passenger cars, Honda tuned that suspension tightly. The vocal engine, decent tire grip, and busy ride quality make it feel connected to the road, and the turning radius is nearly as tight as a sedan's. Like the Accord it's based on, the Odyssey gives the feeling that it can be tossed around corners a bit. Taking it up on the offer ruins the illusion, however, mostly because the capsizing feeling that comes with any aggressive turn reminds you of how high you're perched. That, plus too-slow steering, plus the Odyssey's not-so-mini measurements, make mountain runs a nervous affair. It's probably best to be content with the Odyssey's feel in the city, and best to keep it there.
In the engine department, the Nissan Quest and Toyota Sienna finally matched the Odyssey's class-leading 240 horsepower last year, but Honda just moved the target. Less restrictive intake and exhaust systems plus a higher 10:1 compression ratio take credit for the Odyssey's 255 ponies. Entries from Chrysler, Ford, and GM are stuck way behind, maxing out at 207, 201, and 185 for their most powerful engine choices. The Odyssey never feels fast, but there's some satisfaction in being the fastest.
Not only would the Odyssey smoke the lot of them at the drag strip, it would also get the best fuel economy. Thanks to newly-added Variable Cylinder Management (on EX Leather and Touring models) that shuts off the rear bank of cylinders under light-load cruising, coasting, or braking, the Odyssey's sips 12% less fuel than it would without it (and it still accepts 87 octane). VCM-equipped models also get Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Active Control Engine Mount System (ACM) to remove any sensations of the cylinders cutting in and out. The only way to check for VCM's operation by looking for the little green "ECO" light in the dashboard. There are no hiccups or hesitations, and at even the most modest request of acceleration, VCM steps out of the way instantly. As far as the editorial eye can see, the not-too-shabby 18 MPG we witnessed came without penalty, though that average is no better than last year's Odyssey.
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