2005 Honda Odyssey: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Honda updates its minivan for 2005, revising the styling and adding additional safety features. Odyssey offers LX, EX, EX-L, and new Touring models. All have front-wheel drive, a 255-hp 3.5-liter V6, and a 5-speed automatic transmission. EX-L and Touring feature Honda's Variable Cylinder Management system, which deactivates three cylinders when cruising or decelerating to save fuel. Standard safety features include antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and front side airbags. All models now come with an antiskid system and curtain side airbags for all three seating rows.

All but the LX come with power sliding side doors. Standard on all models are front and 2nd-row bucket seats and a fold-into-the-floor 3rd-row seat, which is now split 60/40. EXs have a removable jump seat that slots between the 2nd-row buckets for 8-passenger seating. New features include a storage compartment in the floor between the front seats and side windows that power partly down into the sliding doors. EX-L and Touring have leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, sunroof, and Honda's active noise-control system designed to electronically quell unwanted mechanical, road, and wind noise. Touring models have 17.5-inch wheels with run-flat tires, plus a tire-pressure monitor. Other Odysseys have 16-inch wheels and conventional tires. Tourings also get a 2nd-row floor console, power liftgate, front and rear obstacle detection, power-adjustable pedals, and a 115-volt AC power outlet. Available on EX-L and Touring are navigation and rear DVD entertainment. The navigation system has voice recognition, real-time traffic alerts, and comes with a rearview TV camera.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Long the choice as the family hauler, Minivans are easily the smartest use of space for passengers and cargo. These vehicles offer a fantastic blend of comfort, convenience, and safety features for the modern family.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Recommended picks are the Mazda MPV and Toyota Sienna.