Interior

2006 Honda Odyssey EX (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

I was supposed to get a Touring model from Honda, but there was a change at the last minute, so I ended up with an EX. You know what? I'm glad that happened. Most people will probably choose this version within the Odyssey's five trim levels, which includes cloth seats instead of leather. Just like the Quest, the front seats disappointed me by lacking support for the lower back region. The rear seats also draw complaints after a few hours of driving. However, the rest of the cabin compensated a bit by offering good quality fabric, and rich-feeling switchgear and controls.

The driving position is good, and all controls are within reach, although the fan speed buttons are located at the extreme right of the instrument panel; they should be closer to the driver. The Odyssey has rear heating and A/C that can also be controlled by those who are sitting back there. The sound system sports a 6-CD changer and sounds pretty good, but lacks text display and MP3 compatibility.

2006 Honda Odyssey EX (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

Aside from the lack of comfort, the rear section of the Odyssey provides plenty of room for everybody. The EX is the only version to come with Honda's PlusOne seating configuration, which offers seat belts for 8 people. Fine, except that there should be at least one child among those, because the 8th seat is tiny and wedged in the middle of the 2nd row.

Under the floor, in front of the 2nd row, you'll find a place to store some stuff, and that space includes a Lazy Susan rotating storage bin. I guess the wife of this contraption's inventor must have been thrilled to be the inspiration behind it. It's practical though, so thank you Susan for your laziness. It allows us to hide valuable items away from malicious eyes. Back or front, the Odyssey has many, many storage bins, pockets and cup holders.

2006 Honda Odyssey EX (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

The 3rd row seat is stowable, which creates a flat load floor, but not the 2nd row. I might sound like a broken record, but the Stow n'Go system in the Chrysler minivans is the best so far. Still, you get plenty of room in back of the Honda. The Quest's rear skylights were nice, as they gave an airy feel to the 3rd row. The Odyssey feels a little claustrophobic by comparison.

Safety features abound in this minivan: front airbags, side airbags, side curtains, knee bolsters, the aforementioned VSA with traction control and ABS brakes, are standard equipment on all Odysseys.