Before starting a family, we bet at one point you thought, “I’ll NEVER drive a mini-van. No way!”
Fast forward a few years, when you’re towing kids around PLUS all their stuff they require. You find yourself looking for more space, more storage, and probably your sanity.
Oh, not to mention trying to squeeze them in their car seat in tight parking spaces without dinging the car next to you (or making sure your kids don’t hit the car next to you).
Currently, I drive a third row SUV. However, after driving the 2014 Honda Odyssey at Airport Honda, I can see why so many families love it and know there’s a possibility of a van in my future.
#1 Reason-Safety. I guess I had never really thought about the third row of a SUV and the dangers that could happen if we were to be in an accident. The third row in an SUV is basically by the bumper, whereas the back seat of the Odyssey is an extension of the vehicle and safer. Honda is consistently ranked at the top in safety, and you can tell by the design of the vehicle that safety is priority #1.
#2 Reason-Structural Integrity. Kevin at Airport Honda told us if you stack four Honda Odysseys on each other the Odyssey would be able to withstand it and keep its structural integrity. He also shared the story of a scary accident his wife had and how she was hit on her side and the vehicle flipped. Not only was she ok, but the steel beams across the top of the Odyssey remained strong and in place.
#3 Reason-User-friendly. The Honda Odyssey is just logical and everything serves a purpose and was well thought out. Have you been in a vehicle and wondered why the vehicle was designed a certain way…basically opposite of common sense? Well if you’ve driven a Honda before you can tell that someone has thought it out and that it just makes sense. Sun shades available on back windows, the ability to use the back as a van as a seat to watch your kid’s soccer game or to tail gate, and the ability to use doors in automatic or manual. What if your car battery dies? Well then you would need to use your doors in manual. It’s just GENIUS and PRACTICAL!
#4 Reason-SPACE! The Odyssey has tons of room, and you can even fit a 4 x 8 piece of plywood flat in the back. Is that not crazy? You can take out seats to make more storage room. It’s really made for a family driving on vacation.
#5 Reason-Technology. Of course any year Honda Odyssey is a great buy with safety always being #1. The 2014 model comes with all kinds of updated technology integration. From the HUGE rear view camera, the right side camera when switching lanes, and the visibility you have while driving a larger vehicle. The Bluetooth technology is very impressive; it can integrate with up to 6 PHONES, stream Pandora, iTunes music, make phone calls, and the list goes on and on. They pretty much thought of everything!
#6 Reason-Appearance. Most people do care about the outside appearance of their vehicle. The Honda Odyssey has a sporty look while also having some power to keep you going in the fast lane.
I could go on and on about the wonderful features of the Honda Odyssey, but you should really test-drive it yourself. We recommend seeing Kevin at Airport Honda. He knows this vehicle inside and out, and can answer any questions.
Our very own Managing Editor, Francesca, wasn’t a mini-van type of gal. But now she’s driving a Honda Odyssey and she loves it!
“We knew we would love it. We had checked out its specks and had admired it’s updated sleek, elegant look (for a mini-van) for a while. We knew it was one of the safest vehicles for our family, and really liked that it easily accommodated three spacious rows of seats, without sacrificing leg room.
You can check out Airport Honda online at their website and on Facebook. Contact by phone at 865-970-2300.
I have a friend who is a certified carseat tech, and she says that this vehicle is hands-down the best and safest for almost ALL carseats. One more reason I’m considering joining the Minivan Mamas gang.