The only thing harder than getting to the top is staying there—at least, that's what common wisdom would have you believe. But this year, the Honda Odyssey brushes off that particular cliche as it garners our All-Star award for the fourth year running.
Since the second-generation Odyssey made its debut in 1999, we've been impressed by its thoughtful passenger layout, its ingenious third-row tumble-down seat, and a driving experience second to none in the minivan category. But, not content to rest on its laurels, Honda has continued to upgrade its brilliant minivan.
To satisfy those with a craving for more power, the 2002 Odyssey's output has been raised to 240 horsepower. The transmission also has been upgraded, from a four- to a five-speed automatic, enabling it to maintain last year's fuel efficiency despite the 30 extra horses on tap. For the safety-conscious—and we're pretty sure that would describe most minivan buyers—there are side air bags and four-wheel disc brakes. And for those who like their minivans a little more on the luxurious side (not to mention easier to clean), leather seats are now available, as is a factory-installed DVD entertainment system.
Of course, all these improvements only serve to make what was already the best minivan on the market even better. No other minivan manufacturer has managed to match the ergonomic superiority, mechanical reliability, and all-around quality found in the Honda Odyssey. This king-of-the-hill minivan obviously has never heard the saying "It's all downhill from here."