Honda Odyssey: I Pity the Fool Who Don't Like This Powerful and Versatile Van

I'll always be grateful to Mr. T for two things:

1. His portrayal of boxer Clubber Lang in the movie Rocky III, when he replied to a reporter's question with this gem: "My prediction?" he asks before releasing a slow growl. "Pain!"
2. Driving one of the coolest vehicles on TV--the A-Team van, a 1983 GMC G-15.

Thanks to ClassicTVCars.com I know it was powered by a 350 cubic-inch V-8 with a two barrel carburetor and automatic transmission. I'm not sure what all that means except I enjoyed watching the black and gray monster with red stripe race the good-guy outlaws to their next mission.

It's been a lot of years since B.A., Faceman, Murdock and Hannibal streaked across TV screens. But seeing the A-Team van always meant help was on the way; it meant the meek would soon turn the table on the toughs that terrorized them. And it meant watching Mr. T do his thing--thrash, bash and crash. Silly? Definitely. Fun? Absolutely.

I even enjoyed the movie version of The A-Team released earlier this year. I'm a Liam Neeson fan (Taken) and fighter Quinton "Rampage" Jackson was an O.K. B.A., though he lacked the tongue-in-cheek humor and warmth of Mr. T. The van, however, still meant help was on the way.

That's why the Honda Odyssey provided an enjoyable test drive experience; it was always so helpful--with people, tons of groceries, and running errands. The handling is surprisingly good and car-like. The base model starts at around $28,500.

Busy families and business people with diverse cargo and passenger needs will appreciate the Odyssey's versatility--the Rubik's Cube seating, a cooler below the center console, and respectable telephone and audio tech.

Bottom line: It's not a cool van like the A-Team ride but provides comfortable transport for seven or eight passengers (depending on size) and plenty of power thanks to a smooth V-6 that delivers 19/28 mpg city/highway. Even Mr. T can appreciate saving money and adoring fans like me who recognize his contributions to television history. I pity the fool who don't because Mr. T and the A-Team van are part of my life in the driver's seat.