Road Tests - Long-Term Update
'95 Honda Odyssey LXProving to be a car for all occasions, our long-term Honda Odyssey has served as a commuter shuttle, Mom's taxi, and weekend cargo hauler. While the Odyssey's benign character hasn't elicited many passionate logbook sentiments, its adaptable nature has been useful in our staffers' varying life styles, and we've nearly doubled its mileage since the last update. One editor removed the middle-row captain's chairs, folded the rear bench, and filled the cabin with boxes of crafts to sell at a local fair. After the fair, he simply unfolded the third-row bench for transporting passengers. With all of the seats in place, access to the third row is difficult and accommodations are a bit on the tight side. Staff members who live beyond the mountains that form the Los Angeles basin continue to log commuting comments regarding the Odyssey's engine strain when under a full load and particularly on long uphill grades. The scheduled 7500-mile oil and filter change cost a wallet-thinning $79.04, including $61.60 charged for labor. Although a tad pricey, the dealership provided quick, courteous service.
| Base price | $23,625 |
| Price as tested | $24,344 |
| Body style | 4-door, 6-pass. |
| Engine size/type | 2.2-liter I-4 |
| Transmission/driveline configuration | 4-speed auto./front engine, front drive |
| 0-60 mph, sec. | 10.3 |
| EPA mpg, city/highway | 20/24 |
| Total mileage | 12,940 |
| Test mileage | 12,842 |
| Fuel consumed, gal. | 580.0 |
| Fuel cost | $693.68 |
| Average mpg | 22.0 |
| Additional oil/cost | 1 qt/$2.70 |
| Routine maint. | $79.04 |
| Additional maint. | None |
| Previous maint. | None |
| Problem areas | None |
| Total operating cost | $775.42 |
| Operating cost/mile | 6.0 |