Anyone using a Honda Odyssey (2005 or 2006) for family/bikes etc ?

Ditto the inside advice, we take the middle seats out, put the two bikes in that space and the three kids in the back seat.

Of the two options you presented, the hitch carrier is preferable to me, the small chance of getting rear-ended is insurable, while the damage from bugs, rocks, dust, low-hanging trees incurred on the roof rack is not.

Primitive, but we cover 'em with a blanket and shock cord 'em in.

I don't know where you are located but for us we have to consider where we live and what we do as far as trips go.  It cost's more to put bikes on top and the hitch for ferry rides to the islands but not more if it's attached to the back of the car.  The hitch sticks out much further but I think they hold the bikes better and save the car.

 

I like the bike in the inside idea but I refuse to drive a minivan.  So when we have all the kids together we drive a durango gas guzzler and with only a couple of kids we use the jetta.  (I just did not want to be viewed as some sort of "soccor mom" but I'm getting off the subject) 

We have a hitch and are looking to get the jetta fitted for a hitch too.  My LBS said it's not much to have that done.

I'll take a picture and post it.  Yes the third row is down.  I don't anchor them down since the bikes and the rack are stable. 

I make more room front to back by putting the bikes in the back end in diagonally.  The bottom picture shows a close up of the rack.  My clamp wouldn't stay stationary on the bar without the alluminum wheel trays attached.  I didn't want them on there so I cut off the back of the trays saving an inch long piece that I cut down to the little black rectangular piece with the shiny edges seen in the second photo.  This thing doesn't move at all in the back.  I drape towels over the back wheels to keep black off the back of the second row seats.  The rack is a salvaged yakima for a subcompact car.  Tools: A hack saw and metal file.  They cut alluminum like butter.

Hope this helps...