2014 Honda Odyssey Review

This Honda Odyssey video review includes information about fuel economy, price, available features like LaneWatch and HondaVac, interior space, cargo room and its minivan competitors. For more information, read the 2014 Honda Odyssey review.

Unlike some other vans and most big crossovers, the Honda Odyssey can seat eight (whether kids or adults) thanks to a second-row middle seat that can also be removed to create captain's chairs and a pass-through to the third row. That third row folds into the floor just like in other minivans, but you have to physically remove the second row if you're carrying something especially big.

The Odyssey can be equipped with typical minivan items like power-operated sliding doors, window shades and a rear-seat entertainment system. However, it stands apart with a refrigerated drinks compartment, Honda's LaneWatch blind-spot camera and in the top-of-the-line Touring Elite model, a vacuum cleaner that reaches throughout the cabin.

So, the kids will have enough room and should be kept entertained, but they'll be safe, too. The Odyssey received five-star crash scores from the government and the best possible scores in IIHS testing as well.

The Odyssey comes only with a 248-horsepower V6 and front-wheel drive. Acceleration is sufficient but average for a minivan, and in testing, we found that its braking distances were a few feet longer than its competitors.

The Odyssey remains one of the better minivans to drive, however, even if its steering and handling aren't as responsive as past versions. The ride is more comfortable, though, and the cabin is quieter.

If there is a downside to the Odyssey, it's that you don't get as much equipment for your money as some cheaper vans, especially in its most basic trim level. But we think the Odyssey's overall superiority is probably worth that price premium, and we think both it and the similarly impressive Toyota Sienna should be at the top of any minivan shoppers' test-drive list.