2008 Honda Odyssey: DX lowers entry price

Recognizing the unique demands of the Canadian marketplace – we like minivans almost as much as we like bargain-priced minivans – Honda created a new, less expensive base model just for us.

At $31,490, it would be a stretch to call the new Odyssey DX "cheap," but it is $2,100 less expensive than this year's LX model, the trim level that previously held the entry position. So "more affordable" or "a good deal" could certainly apply.

To garner savings, the DX sacrifices the LX's roof rack rails, privacy tinted rear glass (it's still lightly tinted), "Plus One" stowable eighth seat, and conversation mirror.

You likely wouldn't miss most of these items in the real world (well, maybe the roof rack), and I appreciated the better visibility the lighter tint provides anyhow.

As it turns out, even in base form the Odyssey is quite comprehensively equipped – this would be at least part of the reason why one of the least expensive minivans, Dodge's Grand Caravan (which starts at $26,495), substantially undercuts the Honda's price.

Unlike the least expensive Dodge, cruise and rear climate controls are standard; all four doors have power windows (the driver's featuring auto up and down); and the exterior mirrors are both powered and heated. On top of that there's the Honda's extra transmission ratio and a 69 horsepower advantage.

The DX's interior is certainly plainer than the Touring – no Nav screen, far simpler audio and climate controls, and a few empty switch blanks – but that's not to say it's stark.

Fit and finish remain excellent, the materials used are generally of good quality (though some of the rearmost interior plastic in my tester already bore battle scars), and the attention to detail includes rubber liners in the interior door handles that hide the fasteners.

Both Dodge and Honda have second-row in-floor storage bins, though the Dodge's are larger; large enough to accommodate that van's optional stowable seats (all but DX trim Odysseys have a small, stowable second-row "eighth seat"). The downside for the Dodge is that its second row seats are sized and padded to fit within the bins.

Even in base form, the Oddy's overall look is pleasant, with a contrasting, darker grey upper instrument panel, which is bisected by the brushed silver panel that houses the shifter and climate controls, and forms the upper glovebox lid.

It's unfortunate the interior colour palette doesn't include darker, more young-family friendly tones though, such as the Dodge's available charcoal scheme. I have my doubts as to how long the Honda's pale grey will stay that colour; I'd be slightly less concerned about it with the EX-L or Touring models' leather seating surfaces.

So while the DX didn't disappoint me – it still has all of the Odyssey's core goodness; a robust driveline, composed handling, and a pleasant interior that is flexible, comfortable, and user-friendly – I do feel that the well-executed Touring makes a better argument for itself amongst its fully-loaded peers than the DX does in the entry-level fracas.

Freelance auto reviewer Brian Early can be reached at bandb.early@sympatico.ca

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