Wow, a lot of excellent observations on all of the items above. Only thought I had here was that sturdy is not always what you want in an accident. Certainly you do for the passenger space, but crumple zones are amazing dissipating energy over time and space, kind of like a giant cushion. So, I have the new version of the Odyssey, with basically tons of safety stuff that was not available in the 123/124 era.

My degrees are in safety. I would take the van in most situations, concerning kids in the very back. Only scenario that would be better for them in the wagon vs. the van is when you slam into something headon.

Just a tough question all the way around. I presume you are a good driver and you are not rearending others. It simply would scare me to death to have my girls facing the back.

I've thought it would be best to get them in and then pour those styrofoam peanuts up to about the shoulder level. If you get hit by something big and heavier than you going faster than you the law of physics will rule and your safety will be in peril regardless.

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raMBow

1999 E300DT Obsydian Black Metallic, Heated Full Leather Parchment options, E2, K2, 136,000+, best 36.5 mpg - GP's 12-04 & 11-12 Zero Stuck
2010 Honda Odyssey - The BrideMobile - best 26.5
(2) 2005 Honday Accord- (1 -Corporate 1 - Personal) - 110,000 4-cyl 30mpg
2000 VW Golf GLS TDI, Upsolute Chip (sold to Brother, now 300+k on it) 48.5 mpg like clock work
1987 Honda CRX HF - Sold 87,000 always over 50 mpg Max 67 mpg