2005 Honda Odyssey

Faced with increased pressure from import and domestic automakers in the minivan segment, Honda is on the verge of announcing a new, larger and more sophisticated 2005 Honda Odyssey.

Specifically, the remade Odyssey will, Honda executives hope, provide an answer to the Sienna -- which has given minivan customers a strong alternative to the older and less available 2004 Odyssey. In addition to the Sienna, Honda has seen the emergence of a stylishly redesigned Nissan Quest, the improved Ford Freestar, and DaimlerChrysler's innovative Stow 'n Go cargo and seating configuration - the first of what promises to be several upgrades to minivan interior flexibility.

So surely, the Honda answer will be something special. But wait --- before you go down to your local Honda dealership and place an order, the Odyssey is not quite ready. Due out in August or September, Honda executives are mum about features on the new version. This much, however, is known: the new Odyssey will be larger, and will offer significant interior upgrades. No word on styling, but if the redesigned minivan is similar to its Japanese counterpart, it will be upgraded - yet still conservative. Unconfirmed reports on 2005 Odyssey features include: