Long shift lever.ĭan Jedlicka joined the Chicago Sun-Times in February 1968 as a business news reporter and was named auto editor later that year. While not perfect, the solidly built 2002 Odyssey promises to be more popular than ever with all its improvements. You can slide the two removable second-row bucket seats together to make a bench seat, and cargo room is good even with the third seat up. However, that seat can be hard for the non athletic to reach and is mainly for shorter adults or kids. The generally quiet interior seats seven and has a cleverly designed third-row seat that folds into the floor. However, the shortened steering column-mounted transmission shift lever still is too long and needs a more positive action to prevent the wrong gear from being selected. Gauges can be read quickly and there are large, conveniently placed controls. The Odyssey has a huge windshield and the typical no-nonsense interior of all Hondas. But the brake pedal needs to be firmer to allow easier modulation of the standard anti-lock brake system, which now has rear discs for better stopping. But the ride occasionally gets jerky on wavy pavement above 60 mph.Ī standard traction control system provides better road grip. Its car like all-independent suspension-unusual for a large minivan-has been retuned for a better ride. The Odyssey has a short turning circle and good handling. All Odyssey models have dual sliding doors that are powered, except for the LX, but the doors move slowly. DaimlerChrysler continues to offer the best-looking minivans. But the new Odyssey still is no thing of beauty and unattractive exposed sliding side door tracks remain along the bottom edges of the rear side windows. Standard interior refinements include such things as new cup holders, bag hooks and grab rails.įront and rear styling has been revised, and the LX and EX get new wheels. The rear seat entertainment system has the industry's first factory-installed DVD player in a minivan. Standard front side air bags are a minivan first, and there is a new dual-stage driver's air bag to accompany the front passenger dual-stage bag. It delivers a decent, estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 on highways-thanks partly to a new five-speed automatic transmission that replaces a less responsive four-speed unit. The smooth engine loafs at 2,000 rpm at 70 mph. The single-overhead-camshaft 3.5-liter V-6 also has more torque for snappier performance, but runs on regular-grade gasoline. It's more fun, thanks to such things as a horsepower increase from 210 to 240. The refined 2002 Odyssey has key improvements that make its predecessor look dated. Honda sells the EX-L with the entertainment system as a separate $29,750 model and also as a distinct EX-L model with the navigation system for $30,250. Actually, the EX-L, which even comes with leather upholstery and heated front seats, only costs $28,250 if you don't want it with navigation or rear-seat entertainment systems. The Odyssey is reasonably priced, with base prices ranging from $24,250 to $30,250. All models are so well equipped that there are no notable free-standing factory options. The 2002 Odyssey comes in LX, mid-range EX and top-line EX-L trim. For instance, Honda's wildly popular Odyssey minivan has plenty of room, but also is fun to drive-thanks to quick steering, a suspension that allows agile handling and brakes that provide swift stops.ĭemand for the built-in-Canada Odyssey has been so strong since its 1999 redesign, with 2001 sales of about 130,000 units, that Honda has built a new Alabama plant to increase production. After all, they're essentially just big boxes in which to haul lots of people and cargo. Minivans really aren't supposed to look pretty or be much fun to drive.
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