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. (CONTINUED...)