2012 Honda Odyssey

Still the best-reviewed minivan

Reviewer concensus is that the 2012 Honda Odyssey (Base MSRP: $28,225 to $43,675) is the best minivan available. It checks all the right boxes when it comes to a minivan's most important qualities: practicality, comfort and good driving experience.

Experts praise the powerful 3.5L V6, the smooth transmission, the interior versatility, the roomy cargo capacity and good handling. Furthermore, the comfortable and well-appointed interior can accommodate up to five LATCH child seats (more than many other minivans). On top of that, fuel economy is better than most of the competition too, even though the Odyssey uses a V6 exclusively (the base Toyota Sienna uses a four-cylinder).

The Odyssey's relatively high base price may deter some buyers, and a few critics find the center console to have too many buttons. Otherwise, reviewers find little to complain about, and say the Honda minivan is excellent.

A few reviewers prefer the runner up 2012 Toyota Sienna (Base MSRP: $25,060 to $40,570) , but most select the Odyssey as their favorite. The Sienna offers all-wheel drive, which may be important to some buyers but is not available on the Honda Odyssey. The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country is another well-reviewed minivan, which reviewers like for its simple fold-flat passenger seating; still, no reviewers prefer the Town & Country over the 2012 Odyssey.

Overall, the 2012 Honda Odyssey is the benchmark for other minivans, according to reviewers.

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates

- 18 mpg city

- 27 mpg highway

- 21 mpg combined

NHTSA Safety Ratings

- Front Impact: 5 stars

- Side Impact: 5 stars

- Rollover Resistance: 4 stars

- Overall: 5 stars

IIHS Safety Ratings

- Front Offset Impact: Good

- Side Impact: Good

- Roof Strength: Good

- Named 2012 Top Safety Pick

2011 review features a detailed analysis

Other than minor trim-level equipment changes, the Honda Odyssey carries over unchanged from the 2011 model year. See our full report on the 2011 Honda Odyssey (Base MSRP: $28,075 to $43,250)  to see more details on why reviewers consider the Honda Odyssey to be the best minivan. http://www.consumersearch.com/minivan-reviews/2011-honda-odyssey