Also in the 2007 Honda Odyssey Review:
5.
6.
Honda Odyssey Full Review
7.
8.
Odyssey offers LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring models. All have front-wheel drive, a 244-hp V6, and a 5-speed automatic transmission. EX-L and Touring include Honda's Variable Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows and include rollover deployment. All models have side windows that power partway down into the sliding doors, and all but the LX have power sliding side doors.
Standard are 2nd-row bucket seats and a split 3rd-row seat that folds into a floorwell. EXs have a removable jump seat that slots between the 2nd-row buckets for eight-passenger capacity. EX-L and Touring have leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, sunroof, and Honda's Active Noise Control, designed to electronically quell mechanical, road, and wind noise. Touring models also have run-flat tires, a power liftgate, front and rear obstacle detection, and power-adjustable pedals. Satellite radio is now standard on Touring and available on EX-L. Available on EX-L and Touring are navigation and DVD entertainment. The navigation system has voice recognition and comes with a rearview camera.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Long the choice as a 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 Buy is the Honda Odyssey. Our Recommended picks are the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona, and Toyota Sienna.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Entourage and Nissan Quest.
News
Only detail changes are expected for Odyssey over the next couple of years. A possible exception is a new "clean diesel" V6 being developed for U.S. sale before 2009, according to a recent Honda announcement. Though a diesel Odyssey is strictly our guess, it's not unthinkable given today's roaring gas prices and the much higher fuel efficiency of diesel power--not to mention giving Honda a minivan exclusive. We'll keep you posted.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
| EX |
Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
4.8 |
Ample around town and when merging on freeway, even with full complement of passengers. Test EX did 8.3 sec 0-60 mph. Transmission upshifts smoothly, but doesn't always downshift promptly in passing situations. Variable Cylinder Management on EX-L, Touring gives no hint of operation other than dashboard indicator light.
Fuel Economy
| EX |
Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. |
Class Average |
| 4 |
4 |
4.1 |
Test EX averaged 16.0 mpg in city/highway driving that included gas-eating performance tests. Test Tourings averaged 16.3-16.9 mpg in city/highway use. Honda recommends regular-grade fuel for all Odysseys. Note EPA ratings slightly higher with Variable Cylinder Management system. Honda should make it available on all Odysseys, not just most-expensive models.
Ride Quality
| EX |
Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. |
Class Average |
| 7 |
6 |
6 |
Taut, but comfortable over all but roughest roads, where sharp bumps, highway expansion joints sometimes jab through--especially to rear-seat riders. Touring's run-flat tires have a still-firmer ride, but aren't quite as punishing as run-flats available on Toyota Sienna.
Steering/Handling/Braking
| EX |
Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
4.7 |
Sharp, accurate steering. Firm suspension, stiff body structure combine for good roadholding. Tall build means noticeable body lean in fast turns, but grip, balance are nearly carlike. Ample stopping control even with full passenger load.
Quietness
| EX |
Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
5.9 |
No opportunity to compare under identical conditions a version with noise-cancellation system vs. one without. But overall, Odyssey among the quieter minivans. Engine noise particularly well-subdued. Road noise prevalent at highway speeds, especially with run-flat tires. Third-row passengers hear some wind whistle around tailgate that grows tiresome on long trips.
Controls
| EX |
Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
6.2 |
Large, clearly marked main gauges. Transmission shift lever sprouts from dashboard to right of steering wheel; easy to reach, but obstructs some controls when in Park. LX climate and audio controls simple, plainly identified. EX, EX-L, Touring have abundance of buttons, switches, and more complicated control design that takes time to understand. Navigation unit among easier ones to master, simplified by system's ability to recognize spoken city and street names when programming destinations. Padded interior panels at a premium, even in top-line versions, but grade of materials, assembly are top-notch, though one tester exhibited several squeaks, rattles from aft area.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
| EX |
Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. |
Class Average |
| 8 |
8 |
6.9 |
Seats comfortable, supportive. Ample room for large adults. Fine driving position enhanced on Touring by power-adjustable pedals. Steering wheel tilts but doesn't telescope; some drivers found it a long reach. Available rearview camera, front and rear park assist help in close-quarters maneuvering; otherwise, rear visibility hindered by large headrests, thick roof pillars.
Room/Comfort (rear)
| EX |
Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. |
Class Average |
| 8 |
8 |
6.9 |
Comfortable 2nd-row bucket seats have generous head, leg room. Available middle jump seat suits only children. Third row has adult-size room, but seat suffers short backrest, thin padding. Sliding doors open wide, step-in height modest. But 2nd-row seats don't slide forward enough for easy 3rd-row access, and Touring's 2nd-row console eliminates center-walk-through convenience.
Cargo Room
| EX |
Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. |
Class Average |
| 10 |
10 |
10 |
Deep well behind 3rd-row seat swallows surprising volume of cargo. Split 3rd row folds neatly into floor. Second-row seats flip, stow, and can be removed, but Odyssey doesn't match convenient fold-into-floor design available in Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan. Under-floor compartment adds extra storage, but is not readily accessible. Power tailgate, household-type power outlet nice touches, but limited to top-line Touring edition.
Value within Class
| EX |
Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. |
Class Average |
| 10 |
8 |
6.3 |
Some mainstream minivan buyers might be put off by Odyssey's taut ride and by the daunting array of buttons and switches on top-line versions. Still, this is a Best Buy benchmark for its near-perfect blend of power, road manners, room, and versatility.
Total Score
| EX |
Touring w/DVD, nav. sys. |
Class Average |
| 71 |
68 |
61.8 |
Scores for all Minivans
| Low Score |
|
56 |
| Average Score |
|
61 |
| High Score |
|
71 |
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/26/2007
|
|
| LX 4-door van |
$25,645 |
$23,234 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX 4-door van |
$28,695 |
$25,990 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX-L 4-door van |
$31,095 |
$28,159 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX-L w/DVD 4-door van |
$32,695 |
$29,604 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX-L w/DVD, navigation 4-door van |
$34,895 |
$31,592 |
$595 |
|
|
| Touring w/DVD 4-door van |
$36,895 |
$33,400 |
$595 |
|
|
| Touring w/DVD, navigation 4-door van |
$39,095 |
$35,388 |
$595 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class |
Years/Miles |
Comments |
|
|
|
| Powertrain |
5/60,000 |
8/80,000 on Civic and Accord Hybrid battery packs. |
|
|
|
| Bumper-to-bumper |
3/36,000 |
-- |
|
|
|
| Corrosion |
5/unlimited |
-- |
|
|
|
| Free roadside assistance |
None/-- |
-- |
|
|
|
| Free scheduled maintenance |
None/-- |
-- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Also in the 2007 Honda Odyssey Review:
5.
6.
Honda Odyssey Full Review
7.
8.