2012 Honda Odyssey Total Car Score Analysis

The 2012 Honda Odyssey received the highest Total Car Score in the Minivan category. Generally considered the best overall minivan in the segment for many years running, the Odyssey continues to expand upon its proven formula. 
 
Reviewers cited a significant number of positive attributes for the Odyssey, including a large roster of useful amenities, the availability of tech-centric features on lower trim levels, excellent interior appointments, an abundance of passenger and cargo space, class-leading child seat integration and easy to fold third-row seats. In terms of drivability, it was noted for delivering responsive handling and a quiet ride. Ultimately, the Odyssey is defined by an extremely appealing overall package. 
 
Negatives for the Odyssey were few in number. They include a lack of precision steering and unimpressive tire grip, but both are mitigated by the Odysseys strong dynamics (mentioned above). The Odyssey was also criticized for having partially compromised lane-change visibility.  
 
The Honda Odyssey was completely redesigned in the previous model year. Changes for 2012 are limited to EX models only, which now standardize tech features like Bluetooth and a large dash-mounted, multi-function display screen.

2012 Honda Odyssey Model Line-Up

The 2012 Honda Odyssey is a seven- or eight-passenger minivan available in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite.  
 
The base LX arrives with 17-inch wheels, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver seat, cruise control, keyless entry and a five-speaker stereo with CD. 
 
The slightly uplevel EX will bring you alloy wheels, power-sliding side doors, trizone climate control, an adjustable second-row seat and an upgraded seven-speaker sound system, while the even higher-up EX-L affords leather seats, a sunroof, power liftgate, heated front seats, chilled storage and a back-up camera. Newly standard to both EX models is Bluetooth and a dash-mounted multi-function control screen. Options include either a voice-command navigation digital music storage or a rear DVD system (they are mutually exclusive on EX-L trims). 
 
The second-to-the-top Touring trim promises standard 18-inch alloy wheels, driver seat memory functions, rear window sunshades, navigation and rear DVD system. The top-level Touring Elite is loaded with all the features of the Touring trim plus xenon headlamps, widescreen video and 12-speaker audio. 
 
For safety, the 2012 Honda Odyssey gets standard ABS, stability control and a full complement of front-, side-, and three-row side curtain airbags. It earned an almost perfect score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the highest possible rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). 
 
The front-wheel drive 2012 Honda Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 248 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. The bottom three trims utilize a five-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring and Touring Elite models receive a six-speed automatic gearbox. 
 
EPA fuel economy estimates for the Odyssey with a five-speed automatic are 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway/21 mpg combined. Six-speed-equipped models rate 19/28/22. 

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