Honda puts four multi-use vehicles in the 2005 collection of wagons and each differs in size, organization and purpose. The group includes the mid-size Pilot sport-utility vehicle, the CR-V compact crossover wagon, the boxy Element cargo-hauling van and Odyssey, a minivan with room for eight passengers.

Odyssey for 2005 is new inside and out, Pilot scores a more powerful engine, CR-V gets a face-lift plus added safety equipment, while Element upgrades standard features.

Honda's mid-size sport-utility wagon differs from a conventional truck-based SUV because it springs from a unified structure that's innately stiff and strong, and there's a smart four-wheel-drive (4WD) system permanently engaged to direct the engine's muscle to all wheels when needed to maintain tire traction and keep the vehicle moving forward. It also delivers a kick from a 3.5-liter V6 engine.

The plant uses Honda's i-VTEC (intelligent variable value timing and lift electronic control) management plus a new drive-by-wire (DBW) throttle to maximize power. This year the output climbs to 250 hp. Cabin capacity extends to eight in an arrangement with twin buckets on the first row, a bench for three on the second row and a third bench that holds three children. Safety equipment includes front and side air bags, and all '05 Pilots gain a TPMS plus Honda's VSA skid controller for the top trim. A keyless entry system has been added to the LX trim, with a new six-disc CD changer aboard the EX and EX-L (the L indicates leather upholstery). And the new palette of paint colors brings shades like Desert Rock, Steel Blue and Bullet Silver.

Honda's cubistic crate on wheels has been described as a mobile dorm room. It's stark and cubic yet fixed with seats for four plus a high-powered stereo that connects to external hardware like an MP3 player. On those flat sides, check out the double doors: The front one's hinged up front but the rear door has hinges on the tail side and both open wide in pillar-less fashion to stuff gear aboard -- trail bikes, snowboards, maybe even a sofa for that dorm room. Inside, the flat floor of the Element is covered by a urethane-coated surface that sweeps out and wipes down fast. Likewise, four flip-and-fold seats in the cabin are designed for quick cleaning.

For locomotion, Element carries a twin-cam 2.4-liter in-line-four engine that reaches 160 hp and mates with the standard manual five-speed or optional automatic four-speed transaxle for FWD traction or a version with Honda's intelligent AWD system. Two trims work on Element -- the DX and EX, and side air bags are now standard for all models, with XM satellite radio service available plus cool new body paint like Cargo Khaki.

The name explains Honda's compact SUV -- Comfortable Runabout Vehicle. It's a five-door crossover wagon built on the platform of a car. Models of 2005 show restyling for the body in front and expanded safety features, plus a new Special Edition trim. Cabin layout seems conventional with tall front buckets and a folding bench in back that holds two adults comfortably or three in a pinch. However, unconventional designs inside make creative use of the space and enhance the comfort factor.

There are four trims this year. Entry point comes with a FWD LX that piles on convenience features. LX trim also works with 4WD, as does deluxe EX trim. The new Special Edition (SE) has heated leather seats and door mirrors, leather on the steering wheel and shift knob, body-colored bumpers and side moldings, and a hard cover for the spare tire on the tailgate. All CR-Vs pull from the same engine, a 2.4-liter in-line-four that musters 160 hp. A new five-speed automatic transmission is standard, but a manual five-speed is available with 4WD. Safety items on all models increase this year to include an anti-lock brake system (ABS), VSA and side air bags.

Honda brings a redesigned Odyssey minivan to market with innovative designs and substantial on-board safety gear. The new structure maintains the same length as a previous Odyssey but gains an inch in width to expand the cabin. Inside, there are up to three tiers of seats in place with options for folding or removing the second-row seats and a 'Magic Seat' in back with single-motion folding into a well in the floor for a slick disappearing act. Odyssey's new V6 engine with variable cylinder management (VCM) generates 255 hp to create class-leading fuel efficiency as well as power.

Safety devices extend to a traction control system (TCS) and vehicle stability assist (VSA), plus curtain-style air bags above all three rows of seats. Deluxe Touring trim gets power adjustable pedals and a power tailgate, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), three zones for the automatic climate control system, removable center console for the second tier and a deluxe audio kit. Options extend to a DVD-based entertainment system with wireless infrared headphones, a satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition and a rearview camera.

Read our Review: Honda Odyssey