2012 & 2013 Honda Van Reviews & Ratings

Japanese auto manufacturer Honda has had several successful van and van-like models over the years, including the Honda 700 and the Honda Life Van, but one of its most memorable and popular vans is the Honda Odyssey, which has been in production from the early 1990s to the present. Though its first generation didn't really catch on, by the second generation of the vehicle (which featured a roomy cabin and fold-down third-row seating), it had a dedicated fan base. The Odyssey is the only miniv... (full review continues below)

Japanese auto manufacturer Honda has had several successful van and van-like models over the years, including the Honda 700 and the Honda Life Van, but one of its most memorable and popular vans is the Honda Odyssey, which has been in production from the early 1990s to the present. Though its first generation didn't really catch on, by the second generation of the vehicle (which featured a roomy cabin and fold-down third-row seating), it had a dedicated fan base. The Odyssey is the only minivan in Honda's 2012 model lineup, but that certainly isn't a disappointment.

The Honda Odyssey minivan is now on its fourth generation, and it's still a very strong contender against such vehicles as the Toyota Sienna, the Dodge Grand Caravan, and the Nissan Quest van models. For the 2012 year, the Odyssey van comes in five different trims and is the recipient of new features for its EX models, including Bluetooth capability, an 8-inch multi-information display, and a USB audio interface as standard. The Odyssey has been a class-leader for quite a long time, with such features as sliding-doors that became standard for van and minivan models, and family-friendly second- and third-row seating, which fits up to eight passengers.

The 2012 Odyssey comes in five trim levels this year, including the LX trim, the EX trim, the EX-L trim, and the Touring and Touring Elite trims. The LX has a starting MSRP of $28,225, and the most luxurious Odyssey, the Touring Elite trim, has a starting MSRP of $43,675. The base-level LX comes equipped with such features as keyless entry, seventeen-inch steel wheel, air-conditioning, cruise control, automatic headlights, a 5-speaker audio system, and full power accessories, as well as a split-folding 3rd-row seat. The mid-range trim, EX, adds power-sliding doors, heated exterior mirrors, automatic climate control, retractable sunshades, Bluetooth connectivity, an upgraded audio system, and second-row seats with more versatility.

The EX-L trim adds several other features, including a sunroof, leather seating, power-adjustable, heated seats, a rearview camera, a chilled storage box, an auto-dim rearview mirror, and a power liftgate. Options for the EX-L includes a choice of two audio/video systems, one with navigation and a rear camera, and the second as a rear entertainment system. The Touring model adds foglights, parking sensors, memory settings, and armrest and full-cabin sun-shades, and both an entertainment and a navigation system. Finally, the Touring Elite trim adds a blind-spot warning system, an upgraded, widescreen entertainment system and audio system, and xenon headlights.

As far as power goes, this minivan comes standard with a 3.5L V6 engine, which produces 248 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque. While the Touring and its Elite variant trims feature a six-speed automatic transmission, the EX,LX, and EX-L come standard with a five-speed automatic. The five-speed transmission models have a 21 mpg combined fuel economy, and the six-speed transmission models hit 22 mpg combined. The six-speed model hits zero-to-sixty in less than eight seconds, which is right on part with the Odyssey's competitors.