Whether fully dressed or moderately attired, the 2006 Honda Odyssey

As good as the Odyssey is, its pricing is ultimately its weak point. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

is a tremendously enjoyable, easy to operate, remarkably functional minivan that's more "maxi" than "mini" in many ways. Finding criticism with this tour-de force of family chariots requires an overworked auto journalist to pick on the little things. I've done that in an effort to maintain some journalistic balance in this review. Balance is further struck when pricing is examined. The Odyssey is on the expensive side of minivan listings. And price is where the competition from South Korea will exert pressure.

Before dropping a bigger bankroll on an Odyssey, buyers would be wise to check on what Kia is offering for less money. Their Sedona minivan is completely new for 2006 and quite deserving of comparison with the Odyssey. Perhaps even more deserving of benchmark comparisons will be Hyundai's forage into the minivan market. Their full-size Entourage (a more affluent cousin to the Sedona) is due in showrooms spring of this year. If Kia and Hyundai's latest sedans and SUV derivatives are any indication of the quality and performance expected in their minivans, Honda may be in for a minivan version of 'David and Goliath.'

Specifications (Odyssey Touring):

• Price Range (Odyssey Touring MSRP): $47,600
• Price as Tested: $47,600
• Body Type: 4-door sedan
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 255-hp, 250 lb-ft of torque, 3.5L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
• Transmission: 5-spd auto
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 5,105 / 1,960 / 1,779 / 3,000 mm (200.9 / 77.2 / 70.0 / 118.11 in)
• Curb Weight: 2,095 kg (4,619 lbs)
• Tires (front/rear): 235/65R16
• Cargo Volume (3rd row/2nd row/1st row): 1,934 / 2,579 / 4,174 L (68.2 / 91.1 / 147.4 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 12.0 / 7.7 L/100 km
• Observed Fuel Economy: 12.3 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Competitors: Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, Ford Freestar, Hyundai Entourage, Mazda MPV, Mercedes-Benz R-Class Nissan Quest, Pontiac Montana, Saturn Relay, Toyota Sienna
• Web Site: www.honda.ca