I need a 7-passenger vehicle that is comfortable and safe. I have three children: 14, 8, 6. My 8-year-old is disabled. We need captain seats in the second row that are comfortable for an adult/large child and third-row seats for in which three kids/car seats. I need storage to store a walker and/or a wheelchair.
My husband wants the 2009 Honda Odyssey Touring but I don't like the bad reviews about brake issues, nor do I want to drive a minivan. I prefer the Buick Enclave but find the second and third row uncomfortable and there is less storage. Is there any other vehicle that we should look at?
I require a Good rating from the Institute of Highway Safety for front, side and rear testing. Both the Odyssey and Buick have that.
Despite not wanting a minivan, the Odyssey fits your requirements and has a few features to help give it impressive passenger and cargo versatility. As far as crossover/SUVs go, the Enclave is about as big as they get, so you won’t find improvements to third-row room elsewhere.
Even the Odyssey’s third row may not be enough room for three kids, but the Odyssey does feature a configurable second row with seating for two or three. Odyssey EX, EX-L and Touring models feature a second row with captain’s chairs and a removable center seat, which also doubles as a storage compartment.
The Odyssey has numerous interior configurations with the second row’s removable middle seat plus the 60/40 split third row. If needed, you could create a clear, flat path on one side of the Odyssey from the rear hatch to the driver’s seat and still have room for four passengers in the second and third row.
As for your brake concerns, the Odyssey did have a recall related to the brakes for the 2009 model year. Honda issued recalls to fix 421 minivans because the wrong brake hoses were installed on those vehicles. Over time, the brake lines would develop a hole, resulting in fluid loss and reduced braking performance.
As you note, the Odyssey is a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, scoring their best crash test ratings in front, rear and side tests and also coming with an electronic stability system standard.
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I would personally look at a ford flex.
If you have disabled child, I would assume that a minivan would be the easiest to load and unload your precious cargo, I would go with the Odyssey.
Toyota Sienna.
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I think you would find the Enclave to be the more comfortable vehicle. I can't compare to the Odyssey but I had a 2007 KIA Sedona that is almost identical to the Odyssey in size and features. (Is there any irony in the Korean car makers copying the Japanese?). I recently ordered an Enclave for the prime reason of comfort, quietness and a degree of luxury. Before purchasing I did extensive research and concluded the Enclave is the best option. Access to the 3rd row is actually easier than the Odyssey and all reports I have read indicate that the 3rd row has sufficient space for adults. I would recommend that you browse the Enclave Forum where owners and wannabees gather to share their thoughts; you would find plenty of information to assist in making a decision. www.enclaveforum.net You can search on seating or any other attribute for which you want information. The Enclave price is right and there are incentives available. And my last point; the Enclave is a looker, the Odyssey is a box! Happy vehicle hunting!