The 2008 Honda Odyssey EX-L is a step up from the EX, with a sunroof, leather interior, navigation touchscreen, and DVD player. It sacrifices none of the versatility and functionality of the base model and surrounds you with little touches of luxury. It handles solidly and reliably, with a real feeling of connection to the road provided by the front wheel drive. The easy-collapsing third row allows for customization of storage space for variable needs.

I like that my car was running, even though it was old and slow. You have your own independence, the ability if you feel like it to drive to wherever you like, carrying things that you would normally require a Ôman with a van' type of job (vehicle permitting). You could see family and friends more often and easier. You can get more shopping than you could carry. Getting my license and first car was a milestone. My first true step towards becoming an adult. It meant freedom, independence and provided an amount of true self determination. It also provided a sense of responsibility and pride, being able to show I was able to maintain it properly. On the con side, the costs associated with maintenance, insurance and daily operation can be quite high, especially when you're young and haven't really established yourself yet. Though honestly, they weren't really viewed so much as cons as simply the requirements for attaining that freedom. For freedom is never free, as we should all be aware. Cons- costs, many costs, depending on the vehicle you buy or lease etc., insurance costs, general running costs, the frustration that sometime comes with driving, the list is almost as long as the pro side.