Lots of possibilities inside
The interior is literally the heart and soul of a minivan. The Odyssey's is no exception, offering an amazing list of features and amenities that should answer the needs of every family.

The seats are quite up to the task, offering comfort and support even during long drives.

The instrument panel appears somewhat intimidating at first. Controls and buttons are aplenty, while the modern dashboard as a whole has an in-your-face kind of look. Having said that, I quickly got used to it. I might even say it grew on me.

Granted, my tester was the top-of-the-line Touring model, but manipulating the various controls (including those of the GPS-based navigation system and premium audio unit with 6-CD changer) became child's play after only a couple of minutes.

The seats are quite up to the task, offering comfort and support even during long drives. Even better, the same holds true for every row of seats. Can you imagine if the rear benches were uncomfortable? The kids probably wouldn't stop complaining until you've finally reached your destination.

Folding the second- and third-row seats creates a vast cargo area that's also easy to access. In this configuration, the Odyssey has no problem accommodating all the gear you need to renovate your house. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about.

Nimble or not?
The Honda Odyssey is by no means a lean vehicle, but it handles surprisingly well. Still, performance could be much better. The heavy weight and numb steering significantly limit maneuverability.

Yet, despite all this, the 2008 Honda Odyssey could easily become one of my top picks... if I were in the market for this type of vehicle. Of course, I'd have to think twice about paying that kind of money. You see, this minivan might have a lot of great qualities, but it's consistently among the most expensive out there.

True, quality comes at a price, but with the Touring model, the price feels pretty steep.

The Honda Odyssey is by no means a lean vehicle, but it handles surprisingly well.

Photo Credit : Bertrand Godin