Making Memories with the 2021 Honda Odyssey

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Making Memories with the Honda Odyssey

By Erin

*This is a sponsored post with A Girls Guide to Cars. All thoughts and opinions remain my own and I would love to own the 2021 Honda Odyssey!*

2021 Honda Odyssey

Talk about California Dreaming. The other week, I had the opportunity to test drive the new 2021 Honda Odyssey thanks to my friends at A Girls Guide to Cars. Who says a minivan can’t be cool? I never thought I’d be a fan of them, but my mind is blown by this one. This one is a total dream to drive! I think I sold at least two of these while I’ve had it (to my sister and one of their family friends👍), that’s how likeable this car is! I’m used to my little Prius, that can only fit four. This beast can seat up to EIGHT! There’s so much to love about this car. The legroom, entertainment system and USB connections, the comfort and safety features. There’s really something for everyone in this car. We went on some mini adventures with the Odyssey everyday, living the California dream with this one is easy, making lots of memories to cherish forever. Apple picking, lots of beach trips, and lots more outdoor adventures!

First off, my niece had to inspect the Odyssey for us before we could go anywhere. She approved instantly and wanted mommy and daddy to buy her one to drive her around in.

I never thought much of minivans…until now. As a kid, we had a minivan and it was so boxy and bulky. It was like driving a boat, it felt like it took up the entire road and made such wide turns. I hated having to drive that thing when I finally got my drivers license! I seriously would have rather walked to school than drive that thing around. It would jerk around when you stopped and trying to park that thing was a nightmare. Well, I must say. Minivans have come a LONG way since 1989!

Our Favorite Features

There are really so many things to love about this car that it’s hard to choose our favorite features. They are all amazing and it’s hard to have to choose!

1. A Joy to Drive

Honda Odyssey

Going back to the reason I stated above on why I hated driving our old minivan around that was a total nightmare to drive. This minivan proved to be nothing like the ones I remember as a kid. It handles the road beautifully with total control, even on those tiny twisty curvy mountain roads. If you have ever driven out to Julian, CA to go apple picking, you know how curvy those roads are and The Odyssey handled them like a champ. I felt like I was driving my smaller car! NOT a larger vehicle! The Odyssey handles turns with ease, and is a super smooth ride with no abrupt feeling stops.

2. The Space

We need space, lots of it and The Odyssey has it! The Odyssey will fit three full size car seats across the second row and if you want to create captains chairs you can remove the middle seat from the second row. The innovative Magic Slide seats in the second row also allow for easy access to the third row while also making it a breeze to move the seat within reach of the front row. They also fold flat to make removal and carrying a cinch.

There was also plenty of room in the back for a stroller and all of our other gear for our day trip. And leg room? It’s got plenty. As we had four adults in the car, one of who was 6ft tall sitting in the back we need leg room! There was plenty of space for everyone.

3. Connectivity & Technology

There’s so much good stuff here, I don’t even know where to start! Everyone can stay connected with this ride! There are five easily accessible charger ports and how simply the Odyssey connects to all smart phone devices for a safer more manageable drive. USBs are located: 2 are in the center console, 2 on the back of center console for 2nd row, and 1 in the 3rd row. Plug in your phone and AppleCarPlay or Android Auto Integration pops up on the screen. Touring and Elite has an HDMI outlet and a household outlet.

The wireless phone charger is amazing too and it charges really fast! The wireless one in my other car is pretty slow so I was not expecting much here. This one blew me away with how quickly it charged up my phone to keep me going!

*Fun Fact* Honda is celebrating its 15th year as the Official Vehicle of Disneyland Resort with the “Enchanted Odyssey” campaign that features what makes Odyssey the brand’s “Ultimate Family Vehicle,” including its CabinWatch rear-seat camera, spacious interior and the Disney Hits playlist presented by the Honda Odyssey–http://disneymusic.co/EnchantedOdyssey, available through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, that plays through the minivan’s Display Audio system.

4 Cabin Watch

Have you ever wondered what in the world is going on in the backseat? Well the Cabin Watch camera feature is just that! It is a camera in the cabin that displays on the screen up front what’s going on back there! It is handy to see what’s going on with your kids or to make sure you have not left anything or anyone behind. The Cabin Watch camera works in conjunction with the Cabin Talk microphone and speaker system through out the car so you can not only see what’s going on, but HEAR what’s going on too. My 98 year old grandma loved this minivan too, and she is super picky about cars, especially with the cost of them! See liked smiling for the Cabin Watch camera. It was cute. We took her to one of our favorite places to have lunch at that has amazing ocean views. The Honda Odyssey was a breeze to drive and park through the tight squeeze of beach streets.

5 It has a VACUUM

Say WHAT??? YES! You heard me right! Something I never thought of, since I never knew it was an option before. A vacuum! With a 21 month old in the car with all of their snacks, you know this is a must have! Or if you are just a neat freak like me, then you will just want to have one. Just take the vacuum from cargo to where you want to clean up your mess and it will clean it right up!

6. A Moonroof

The one thing my current car doesn’t have that I REALLY wanted was a moonroof and of course the Honda Odyssey has one of those too! The one-touch power moonroof is a must-have for Southern California life! Whether you’re off to the beach, cruising down PCH, driving through the mountains, or exploring the city, you can get a better view and some fresh air. Life is just better with one IMHO. 🙂

Other Great Highlights

  • 22 mpg average with 19 city and 28 highway. This is super important to me when looking for a new car to purchase!
  • The redesigned Odyssey is super stylish with a new gloss-black grille, LED headlights and available 19-inch alloy wheels that give the Odyssey a more modern look
  • A rear seat reminder makes sure that you will never forget anyone or anything in the back; it remembers that you opened the doors and reminds you to check the back seats when you turn the engine off.
  • Blind Spot Information System (BSI)* with Cross Traffic Monitor 
  • 280 horsepower V6 engine gives the power to climb hills and maintain control
  • Each second-row seat can be completely removed individually
  • The third row cannot be removed but does fold down in the rear
  • Front row only and only on Elite for heating and cooling seats, Heated seats for front row starts at EX trim
  • The Odyssey is made at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (https://www.hondaalabama.com/)

What’s Not to Love?

With so many things to love about The Odyssey, this car has made me a minivan lover. If someone says they don’t love them, I can guarantee you it’s because they have not been in one of these gems! Once they do, they will be changing their minds. 😉 With all the memories you will make with one, that is worth more than anything! For more information check out the 2021 Honda Odyssey online or visit your local dealer.

Pricing

Pricing is very reasonable for families. It starts at $32,910 and tops out at $48,490 for the top of the line Elite edition. The 2021 model is about $1,000 more than 2020, but has more standard features. Totally worth it! With all the bells and whistles that the Elite comes with, it is an amazing price and everyone we talked to about that, agreed. I think some of our family friends will be buying one soon too as it was a very popular topic for conversation. 😉

Are you ready to go have some fun and make some memories with your family in the 2021 Honda Odyssey? I know we are!