New Odyssey a whirlwind of innovation
This week, we’re testing the all-new 2005 Honda Odyssey minivan, a vehicle that has been re-engineered to drive like a sedan yet offer all the comforts and conveniences of a modern-day minivan. It also came with no options (destination is $515), as the EX model is equipped with everything from a moon roof to XM radio to heated seats as standard equipment. It’s true luxury all the way.
Built to provide comfort, ride quality and handling, Honda engineers developed a new chassis and body structure with increased body rigidity and an upgraded suspension system. They made the new Odyssey 1 inch wider and then stretched the vehicle’s interior a full 2 inches, yet the wheelbase and outside length stay the same as 2004. The result is more room inside while keeping maneuverability intact from the previous year. New safety features on our tester include Vehicle Stability Assist, which enhances stability by detecting oversteer or understeer.
Honda’s highly adaptable interior includes a stowable second-row PlusOne Seat that allows seating for eight (EX), and one-motion 60/40-split third-row Magic Seat that makes cargo loading even easier. You can even entertain passengers with the Honda DVD Entertainment System with remote control, 9-inch screen and personal surround-sound headsets. Everyone who rode in our EX loved this standard feature. Also noteworthy was the Three-Row Side Curtain Airbags (Odyssey was the first minivan to offer such a system).
Under the hood sits a powerful-yet-efficient 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 255 horsepower, 15 more than the ‘04 model. This engine actually delivers 12 percent better fuel economy thanks to high-tech additions like variable cylinder management, which shuts off three of the six cylinders during cruising and deceleration. The result is 20-mpg city and 28-mpg highway EPA numbers while utilizing “regular” unleaded fuel as stated in the press book.
As for the “regular” unleaded fuel, the compression ratio of the V-6 comes in at 10 to 1, so I spoke with Honda about the regular fuel recommended in the press kits. Honda now recommends medium-grade 89-octane fuel for this engine, and insists there is no need for premium unleaded. However, if it were me, I’d probably spend the extra 10 cents a gallon and use the premium 91 octane just to be safe.
A five-speed automatic is the only transmission available and works fine.
Built in Lincoln, Ala., the Odyssey minivan is popular with younger family consumers who are more affluent and have at least one child under the age of 18. Given Honda’s excellent residual value and five-star government crash-test rating, it becomes clear why this van is one of the true competitors to U.S.-brand minivans.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 118.1 inches, 4,378-pound curb weight, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, huge 21-gallon fuel tank, and cargo volume from 38.4 to 147.4 cubic inches based on seating arrangement.
In summary, there are so many new innovations in the Odyssey that we must recommend a visit to the showroom for a complete overview of this new Honda. Families shopping in this division owe it to themselves to drive the new Odyssey and compare it, dollar for dollar, against other foreign and domestic makes. It’s really a great new vehicle. We rate the Odyssey EX a strong nine on a scale of one to 10.
Likes: Great mpg, lots of high-tech wonders, good looks, very safe
Dislikes: Confusion as to what grade of fuel to use. Buy the higher octane.