Here's a Honda That Really Sucks!

By Tom Mack

OK, settle down all you Honda fans. I’m not taking a cheap shot at your favourite automaker. In fact, it’s actually a compliment. You see, I’m talking about the 2014 Odyssey minivan and a feature available on the Touring model that’s almost guaranteed to appeal to any parent or fussy grandparent ferrying the kids to and from their various activities.

Honda Canada photo

The feature in question is the Odyssey’s industry-first solution for built-in mobile clean up – the HondaVAC, the world’s first in-vehicle vacuum.

We all know that kids, from tots to teenagers, can make quite a mess of a vehicle interior, particularly when snack foods and other treats are involved. Now, with the Odyssey, they won’t have to worry about any “uh-ohs” coming from the back seat.

Honda Canada photo

Standard equipment with the Touring trim level, the powerful “picker-upper” was developed in conjunction with industry-leader Shop-Vac and is composed of a powerful vacuum, replaceable filter and canister bag, with nozzle accessories neatly integrated into a dedicated space on the driver’s side of the rear cargo area. It makes quick clean-ups a snap, never needs an outlet or recharging, can operate continuously when the engine is running, and can run for up to eight minutes even when the engine is turned off.

It’s such a novel idea that the influential Good Housekeeping publication has awarded it one of just six 2104 VIP (Very Innovative Products) Awards – picked from tests conducted on thousands of products based on their ingenuity. The Odyssey with HondaVAC was the only automotive product to receive a VIP award this year.

The magazine praised this potent “sucker” for its breakthrough solution to solving an everyday problem. Its ability to pick up crumbs, dirt, and a variety of detritus is a perfect solution for families on the go. It also noted “an easy-to-use 12-foot (3.6-metre) hose reaches every corner, then stows neatly in the cargo area. Our staff members could let their kids snack in transit for the very first time, stress-free.”

It should also make transporting hair-shedding pets, flower flats and other spring gardening needs, no to mention dirt-producing building supplies easier to clean up after. Like I said at the outset, this Odyssey really sucks!