Teresa’s View
The 2005 Odyssey had a tough act to follow – the previous Odyssey.
Although it would have been a no-brainer to limit the latest redesign to a few upgrades, the overachievers at Honda decided to set a new benchmark for sophistication, innovation and overall performance in the minivan class.
The all-new Odyssey is more spacious and features a flexible interior with three rows and available eight-passenger seating. The expansive features list now includes a new navigation system with expanded voice recognition capabilities, including the ability to accept full street addresses via voice input – replacing those horrible little touch screen key pads. For the wee ones, a DVD entertainment system provides the largest-in-class screen and new personal surround-sound headsets. Both systems are only available on top-of-the-line models.
Top-of-the-line Odysseys also benefit from innovative variable cylinder management technology that deactivates three of the vehicle’s six cylinders while cruising to increase fuel efficiency. The result is best-in-class EPA ratings from an engine that’s more powerful than the previous iteration.
The biggest deterrent to minivan purchases, of course, is the dreaded, “Minivan Mom” moniker. Rather than trying to hide what it is, the Odyssey continues to be the best at what it does. The result is as classic as a Ked and just as handsomely practical.
What Is It?: The completely redesigned Honda Odyssey comes in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX with Leather and the ultimate in premium minivan-ness, the new Touring model. Prices start at $25K.
Gadget Rating: 8 out of 10. The flat dash becomes more cluttered as buyers move up the trim-level food chain. I don’t care for the shifter located on the dash, but it clears space on the floor for a passageway between the front seats.
Safety: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2005 Odyssey “Best Pick” among minivans. The Odyssey also earned the federal government’s top rating of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Safety features include anti-lock brakes; vehicle stability assist with traction control; side curtain airbag protection (with rollover sensor) for all three rows; and dual-stage airbags for front-seaters.
The Back Seat: Dual, power sliding doors assist loading and unloading precious cargo, but you’ll find few kids who like to wait for the doors to slowly open. On the plus side, the windows on the doors roll down. The easy-to-operate third-row seat now splits as well as folds into the floor. Second-row seats can be removed, but don’t stow in the floor.
The Grocery Sack Test: A deep well behind the third-row seats swallows paper or plastic grocery bags and keeps them in place on the ride home.
Favorite Feature: Forethought. With almost eerie timing, Honda offers several hybrids and plans to sell advanced fuel cell vehicles this year.