Roadbike, of _course_ I'm comparing CR's reliability reports to those of other research journals. Gathering data, reporting on it, and analyzing it is what CR purports to be doing. What else should they be compared to? I am _not_ talking about their individual product tests - I'll get to that in a minute since you brought it up - but rather these data compilations from which CR expects its readers to draw conclusions. There are literally thousands of research journals in all kinds of fields, and their processes are standardized and transparent. And there's a reason: because you can't draw conclusions about sample data or generalize such conclusions beyond the sample if the research isn't rigorous, well controlled, and transparent. The fact that CR is sampling owners of mowers is no excuse for their piss-poor work, anymore than if they were surveying patients in a research study for medication compliance. The research is only useful if it meets research standards. Such things as interrator reliability (where different-branded mowers that are the same under the paint and made in the same factory should have the same result) matter. If the reports aren't reliable or valid, then what is the point of buying the magazine!?! Why would _anyone_ buy CR if they didn't think the info in it was reliable or valid? That would just be plain stupid. But it's not, and all the advertisement of their _journalists_ in white lab coats won't change that. Speaking of their product tests, I recall one test of an Echo blower that was tested in some standardized way (ANSI? OSHA? I forget) and reported with some sort of decible rating for that lab test. CR purported to replicate the test and got a louder result, and called Echo liars in writing. Unfortunately, they didn't know all the original test procedures and therefore couldn't possibly replicate the standardized testing. But that didn't stop them from smearing the Echo product all to hell and back. Even after Echo wrote a letter protesting the incorrect procedures, CR wrote a rebuttal saying "Echo does have a choice: tell the truth about their product!" That not only shows a lack of willingness to listen, but also a fundamental misunderstanding of proper testing procedures.

Oh my. What is a passionate rose lover like you doing in that glacial hell hole? Reading about your endeavors has exhausted me and I haven't even lifted a shovel. I admire your grit and determination, but would love to see you rewarded with thousands of blooms on your rose bushes for all your hard work. I bet they could use engineers in zones 7 to 10!

Just a note. The 2005 Odyssey will be a long awaited redesign so you may want to wait until Sept. (I think) to see what it is all about. There is an Odyssey forum at the link below, and everyone there is guessing what new features it will have. Rear windows that actually go up and down, power gate, stow and go third row seating, better fuel economy, power antenna????? I bought the 2004 Odyssey, despite that the Sienna was slightly larger and slightly better equipped, because it came in the color I wanted (yeah, cuz that will make me "cool"). Anyway, I love the Odyssey but wish it had a power rear-gate. I'm a little short and it's a little heavy for me to get it down easily. I have the seven-seat configuration with the access row on the side because I have three car-seats and that was the best configuration. People go on and on about the seats that fold flat in the floor. My third row does, but you really need to think about how often you would need a completely flat long bed, before going with a van with second row fold flat. Here is a link that might be useful: 2005 Odyssey Forum

We lived in the DC area before we left to Nicaragua! CRV did very well in the snow. The AWD (All wheel drive) is automatic, you do not control it, and only comes on when it is needed. The CRV does not use any special tires. Be aware with AWD cars that all tires must have the same tread depth!! So after 15000 miles u have to replace 1 (flat tire) you have to have it within the same tread depth as the others!! They can shave a new tire down to match the other 3 for a small fee---doing that now thru tirerack for my CRV. DC was hit by a snowstorm shortly after we got our CRV--more of freezing rain than anything.....but the streets were a mess.....Was funny (and frustrating) to see people with their high end sports cars--with sports tires...going no where!!!! Made for some dangerous situations!!