From this. . .
. . .to this
Time-tested into a fifth decade, four remaining automotive brands producing minivans are waging keen competitiveness for the shrunken market in the U.S. Most of the kinks have been straightened, many following suggestions from among the millions of “soccer moms” who’ve, since the early1980s, hauled their kids here and there in 2nd and 3rd-row seats.
The entry and exit of minivan occupants, due to lower step-in height, are much easier than today’s popular, high-riding SUVs and full-size pickups, and they’ll carry loads of luggage or groceries or a lawnmower, in addition to the youngsters.
I’ve spent the first week of the new year in the 2025 Honda Odyssey, highlighted by a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission and a relatively simple access of the 3rd row of seating.
The fancied-up Chrysler Pacifica, for the third year in a row, led the four minivan brands with 107,356 sales in 2024, followed by the Odyssey with 80,293, Toyota Sienna 66,547 and Kia Carnival 49,726.
The 303,922 minivan sales in 2024 were a slight decrease from the 310,789 in the year previous. A total of 550,000 minivans were sold 10 years ago and more than 1.1 million were sold 20 years ago in 2004.
Delivered to me was the well-finished Odyssey Elite, sticker-priced at $52,275.04 (every penny counts for Honda). Lesser-equipped trim levels are EX, EX-L, Sport and Touring. The Honda, by an inch or two, is the longest of the four minivans sold in the U.S. It is 205 inches overall on a wheelbase of 118 inches, with curb weight of 4,590 pounds.
The Odyssey performs adequately in highway passing from its 280-horsepower V-6 engine and is noticeably precise in its steering, with firm handling. Second-row seats can slide sideways, clearing a path for climbing into the 3rd row.
The Odyssey is built at Honda’s Lincoln, Ala., plant; the Toyota Sienna is assembled in Princeton, Ind., the Chrysler Pacifica in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and the Kia Carnival in Seoul, South Korea, and West Point, Ga.
Word from a reader
Bud, I hope all is going well for you and Jan. During your book-signing at Wray in September, I took from one of your comments that you perhaps were wanting to retire at the end of 2024. God knows you have earned it if you choose to fully retire. Thus, I was really tickled to find your column in today’s Post (January 4). I’m glad you’re continuing to write, and when you choose to step aside, my congratulations for a job well done. – Tim W., Wray.
Thank you, Tim, a few more columns yet.
For ordering the book The book, “2,600 Cars and a Dog Sled, Bud Wells’ 67 Years in Newspapering and Automobiles,” can be ordered through BudWellsBooks.com or [email protected] or by phoning or texting Bud at 303-549-4464.