You’ve never seen a minivan like this before. With innovative technology inside and out, the 2009 Odyssey promises to keep driver and passengers happy. From high-end navigation and entertainment systems to folding, sliding and flattening seats, this Honda has mastered the art of stylish mechanics.

The 2009 Honda Odyssey minivan arrives in four styles: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring, all of which are powered by a 3.5-liter 244-hp SOHC VTEC^® engine. Although the base LX comes with an impressive abundance of standard features, higher trims offer a few more perks. The EX adds tri-zone automatic climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels, power sliding doors and a HomeLink remote system. Even more dressed up is the EX-L with heated front seats, a power moonroof, leather-trimmed interior and XM Satellite Radio. At the top is the Touring trim with a Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, rearview camera, Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System and a 360-watt premium audio system. Luckily, many of these extras are available as options in other models, so you can make the Odyssey your own! The 2009 Odyssey starts at $26,355 (MSRP), a competitive price that gives buyers the financial room to add a few extras and get more than what they’d pay for elsewhere.

The 2009 Odyssey is the envy of other minivans with an Ultra-Low-Emissions Vehicle-2 (ULEV-2) California Air Resources Board (CARB) Emissions Rating and i-VTEC technology, which gives you V6 power when you need it and the best fuel efficiency when you’re traveling with a light load. The LX and EX Odyssey get an estimated 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg highway while the EX-L and Touring both clock in at 17/city and 25/highway.

Although minivans are known for their practicality, the Odyssey proves that function can be fashionable as well. With a smooth, aerodynamic shape and sporty touches like the tailgate spoiler, Honda has figured out how to sharpen the image of this classic family vehicle. The power sliding doors in the EX, EX-L and Touring models can be controlled up to 50 feet away, and tools like the body-colored parking sensors blend in easily with the overall smooth exterior look of the Odyssey.

Comfort and convenience are Honda’s priorities when it comes to the Odyssey’s interior. The minivan seats seven passengers in three rows with an optional second-row jump seat adding a place for an eighth person. If you don’t need the extra seat, pack it away easily in the floor. The second row can be flipped up or removed altogether, and the third row can split-fold 60/40 flat into the floor. According to CarGurus.com, “Owners of the Odyssey heap loads of compliments on the minivan's interior passenger space and easy access to the interior through sliding side doors (powered in all but the base LX) and a reasonably low step-in height.”

While the mechanics of the 2009 Odyssey will certainly impress, Honda also gives its minivan tons of technological features as well. As StarTribune.com writes, “The Honda interior reflects an emphasis on technology and first-class accommodations.” Make and receive hands-free calls with Bluetooth, or navigate the road with the high-tech Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition. For entertainment, the Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System will keep passengers happy with a nine-inch display and video-game connectivity.

The 2009 Odyssey is equipped with all the safety features necessary to help keep everyone safe and sound. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Odyssey five stars in both front and side impact crash tests, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a “Top Safety Pick” for its safety design. Standard safety features include an antilock braking system with brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, automatic seatbelt tensioning and an Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) system that is designed to absorb impact in the event of a collision.

From its advanced safety-based structure to its convenience-based interior, the 2009 Odyssey minivan has everything to satisfy. Options and gadgets are also available to make the Odyssey integrate easily into your busy life. Arrange a test drive today and bring the toughest critics in your family – they won’t be disappointed!