gregtyree.com

By now I am sure you are tired of me praising the Honda Odyssey. I have been driving it for over three years now and still think it is the only thing to have for a family of four.

I just read another story on Edmunds today that put it up against the best crossover and SUV — it still won.

We’ve compared the SUV, the CUV and the MPV in every way you can with the 2008 Toyota Sequoia, 2008 GMC Acadia and 2008 Honda Odyssey, and you just can’t resist the inevitability of the result. Once you consider that the only vehicle here with sliding doors also boasts the most carlike dynamics and unmatched functionality, the minivan is once again the vehicle to beat when it comes to real-world family use.

They reference the image angle and while I still get the occasional sigh when I mention that I drive a minivan I am comfortable knowing that I will have plenty of time later to get that performance sedan.

A colleague and friend recently got the 2008 model and I think it might be getting close to trade in time for me as well. The Atlanta Auto Show is coming up next month and I have a short list to check out but I don’t see anything knocking the Honda Odyssey off the top of my list.

The only thing I have been remotely unhappy with has been the PAX system and they now treat that as an option rather than a standard feature.

Significantly, the Odyssey Touring is available without the controversial Michelin PAX run-flat tires for 2008, a move that puts $600 in your pocket and provides a more supple ride.

I had another colleague trade away an Odyssey largely over those tires. Honda may have more experience now but when I bought mine they still marketed them like they would last as long as normal tires. With just over 30k miles I have already replaced them once and you can find plenty of others with the same experience so I am happy to leave that option unchecked this next time.