- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 7 seats
- Engine
2.4i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
132kW, 218Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 8.9L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Crown Victoria LX and Honda Odyssey
Crown Victoria LX
RRP/As tested $US27,330 ($36,000).
Why we're driving it: Curiosity got the better of me, so I rented one in Los Angeles for a day to get to the LA motor show, en route to the Detroit motor show. It's the US equivalent of a Ford Falcon; it's what the cops and cabbies drive.
Likes: Roomy cabin, h-u-g-e trunk (sorry, boot), quiet and cushioned ride. Anonymity in a look-at-me world.
Dislikes: Despite a boot so big that you could fit three bodies in it, the Crown Vic still has a space-saver spare wheel. Seats have little or no support. The steering-column-mounted auto gearshift. The coarse and powerless 4.6-litre V8. Nervous handling in the wet. The suspension doesn't like corners. It feels like it's at sea.
Would I buy one? No. With so many new cars to choose from, you can see why only US cops and cabbies drive these.
Joshua Dowling
Honda Odyssey
RRP/As tested $38,790.
Why we're driving it: Our six-month long-term test is drawing to a close and it's time for an update.
Likes: Styling, inside and out. Roomy, well-laid-out cabin. Tall driving position. Good visibility. Good fuel economy. Quiet, supple ride. Good headlights (low and high beam) for a Japanese car.
Dislikes: Lack of grunt when fully loaded. Middle rear seat has a lap-only belt. For a company that claims to take safety so seriously, this is a big no-no.
Would I buy one? Yes, if I had a 400 per cent increase in the number of people I had to carry about.
Bob Jennings
Prices and details correct at publication.