Minivans may not be the sportiest, sleekest, or sexiest vehicles on the road, and people in the market for a vehicle to haul all of their kids, pets, and gear around may not be too preoccupied with how that vehicle looks… But the designers at Honda have decided that minivans don’t have to be clunky eyesores. In designing the 2012 Honda Odyssey, they gave it smoother, edgier lines and a more streamlined appearance. And its attractive styling isn’t all it has going for it, either. It’s also one of the most reliable vehicles in its class and has great resale value.
Key Features
If you want to keep the kids entertained on long road trips, you’ll love the widescreen rear entertainment center. The screen actually has a split-screen mode for multiple user options, and it has surround sound and an HDMI port so your kids can bring their gaming consoles along, too.
And if you need more room for cargo and less room for people, the third-row seats easily fold down flush against the floor and can be unfolded just by pulling on a strap.
Changes for 2012
In 2012, Honda expanded their hands-free Bluetooth phone connectivity, 8” display, and USB inputs to the EX trim, as well as the EX-L.
What We Like
The 2012 Honda Odyssey doesn’t look or feel like any other minivan on the market. It has more style and a better ride than most, and you get all that without losing all of the amenities you’ve come to expect in a family minivan.
What Concerns us
Because the Odyssey has such great resale values, finding a great deal on one can be a challenge. If you aren’t as concerned with buying a “cool” minivan, you may be able to get a better deal on a different model.
Available Models
All 2012 Honda Odyssey models come with the same engine, a 3.5-liter V6 with 248 HP and 250 lb-ft of torque. The LX, EX, and EX-L all come standard with a five-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring and Touring Elite trims come with a six-speed automatic. The main difference you’ll see here is that the five-speed transmission is rated at 18/27 MPG (city/highway), while the six-speed is rated at 19/28.
Major Recalls
There have been three recalls on certain 2012 Honda Odyssey models. These have been done to resolve issues with a front suspension damper bolt, potentially missing rivets in the driver-side airbag module, and an issue with the brake-shift interlock mechanism.
Common Issues
There have been some reports of loss of power or engine noise while driving the 2012 Honda Odyssey, but it is largely considered reliable and quiet.
