Clean Run Magazine - April 2006 - 76

Honda Odyssey The 2006 Honda Odyssey is a four-door minivan, available in
seven variations. It seats seven passengers, although the EX version has a
possible eighth passenger option in the form of a removable jump seat that
fits between the second row bucket seats. The potential for
eight-passenger seating is probably irrelevant for agility exhibitors, who
will most likely fold the third row 60/40 split seat into the floor, and
possibly remove the second row bucket seats entirely they do not fold flat
. The Odyssey has standard features on its base model that are optional in
the Caravan family, like curtain airbags, but the Odyssey is a more
expensive vehicle overall. Some editions have other features that agility
competitors will appreciate, like power liftgates, A/C power
SPECIFICATIONS outlets, navigation equipment, and a DVD player. Many of
these features and even the split back seat are unavailable in older
models. All data may vary based on the year and version. The Odyssey has
won various awards, including 2005 Best Van from Car and Driver, and MPG:
19-20 city and 25-28 highway 2005 All-Star for Minivan from AUTOMOBILE
Magazine. It is also a Consumer Guide DRIVE SYSTEM: Front-wheel drive Best
Buy. CARGO VOLUME: 147.4 cu ft COMMENTS OVERALL LENGTH: 201.0 Kathleen
Alles added a storage box to her '03 Honda Odyssey to more easily
transport agility equipment for her two Border Collies and says the
Odyssey is, Very comfortable, reliable, OVERALL WIDTH: 77.1 and
economical. The side doors are automatic so they are easy to open when I
have arm OVERALL HEIGHT: 68.8 loads of stuff. It has a separately
controlled A/C in the back standard equipment so I can cool the dogs as
needed. For trials, all my equipment easily fits in the back. I am also
able to PRICE RANGE: MSRP for 2006 model $25,345 fit my crates and an
entire agility course except A-frame and chute barrel in the back for to
$38,795; used vehicles $3,400 to $24,600. going to the park to practice. I
have specially made a full-size dogwalk and teeter that fit in the `box' .
Alles has two complaints about her Odyssey: I wish the rear windows rolled
down and the back hatch was automatic open. Newer versions may have these
options. Kathi Kikuyama owns a 2000 Odyssey. Asked what she likes about
her van, she responded, Decent gas mileage, sliding door on both sides,
and the van is low enough to the ground that I don't have to do a lot of
lifting to get things into it... the lower entry was great for my old
dogs. They were always able to get into the van without much help. It has
dual zone AC and heat and lots of room when the seats are out. I've
actually done a trip for a three- day trial with three adults and five
small dogs, or two adults and four small dogs and two medium-sized dogs.
It was crowded but we could still all fit in. It also has excellent safety
and repair ratings. Kikuyama also praises the fold-down rear seat. It
means that after we get to the show and unload I can put the rear seat up
and four people can ride in it to go out to dinner. Her only complaint is
that the sliding door windows don't roll down. | 76 Clean Run April 06
Clean Run Magazine - April 2006

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