We totally get it – some people (raise your hand men) cringe at the thought of owning and driving a minivan.
But if you’ve got multiple kids and carpooling is part of the weekly routine, the Odyssey is certainly a great way to go. The sliding side doors are a major plus and the cargo space is enormous. Minivans are also great for any person with an active lifestyle
Not much has changed with this popular minivan over the past three years; frankly, it didn’t need altering. The 2024 Honda Odyssey still offers lots of positives, namely tons of interior space, modern safety and technology features, nimble handling, strong V6 engine, and lots of convenience.
Despite its upside, the Odyssey’s popularity has been diminishing for years and sales have dipped for arguably the top minivan ever. It debuted in 1995 and its sizable reputation continued for more than two decades.
The Odyssey exceeded sales of 100,000 or more for 19 straight years, with a high of 177,919 in 2006. Yet sales dipped to an all-time low of 47,615 in 2022, but did jump up to 71,511 a year ago.
More than 30 minivans have departed in the past three decades. Some of the notables are the Ford Windstar, Nissan Ques, Chrysler Town & Country, and the Dodge Grand Caravan. However, that doesn’t mean it’s time to totally bury the minivan, because the remaining ones are mostly highly regarded.
One of the Odyssey’s best qualities is the seating. The front seats provide solid head and leg room, and are comfy enough for long drives. The most talked about seating is the highly adaptable second row. It’s three separate seats that can also function as a single bench.
The Odyssey still has the “magic slide” second row bench, where the seats slide side to side and forward and back into various positions. One can slide the center seating section closer to the front seats, placing a child closer to their parent or remove and store that section. Captain’s chairs are also an option.
The third-row legroom is ideal for three kids and two adults can be comfortable as well. The third row can be lifted and lowered manually with ease, creating a huge 155.8 cubic foot storage area. With the seat upright, there’s still 32.8 cubic feet that includes a deep well that’s perfect for grocery bags.
There’s only one engine with the Odyssey, an efficient 3.5-liter, V6 that generates 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. The Odyssey is sneaky fast, going 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Fuel economy is adequate at 19-28 mpg.
AT A GLANCE – 2024 HONDA ODYSSEY
- Performance: 3.5-liter, V6, 280 horsepower
- Mileage estimate range: 19-28 mpg
The Odyssey still has the “magic slide” second row bench, where the seats slide side to side and forward and back into various positions. - Price: $38,300 to $50,400
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; drivetrain 5 years/60,000 miles; corrosion 5 year/unlimited; roadside assistance: 3 years/36,000 miles
Due to the precise steering, the Odyssey is easy to drive around town and there is no problem maneuvering into parking spaces, thanks to a helpful driver’s view of the front end. The Odyssey also provides a quiet ride; not that anyone really notices due to the constant chirping of kids.
Standard driver safety features include forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure mitigation, lane centering system, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, rear seat reminder, and adaptive cruise control.
Even though current sales can’t match its glory days, the 2024 Honda Odyssey remains what it has always been – a top-notch minivan. It delivers considerable value for people looking for the ultimate family-friendly hauler.
Weidel on Wheels is featured regularly on www.tahoeskiworld.com. Auto writer Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jeffweidel.
