2005 Honda Odyssey Program #2407

If there’s one minivan that can be called state of the art, it has to be the Honda Odyssey. Beginning with the second generation Odyssey in 1999, Honda’s people mover has been responsible for host of innovative features that quickly became benchmarks for the minivan segment. So when Honda promises that the new third generation 2005 Odyssey reaches ‘‘A new level of sophistication, refinement, and innovation,’‘we expect great things.

Designers knew that the 2005 Honda Odyssey had some serious reputation to live up to. So they started with a clean sheet of paper, and produced a vehicle aimed at improving everything from safety to seat room, and luxury, with a new Touring model added above the familiar LX, EX, and EX-with-Leather.

The new Odyssey is built on Honda’s Global Light Truck Platform. It’s stiffer than the Accord platform used on the previous Odyssey, but rides on the same 118.1-inch wheelbase. This chassis is not only stronger, but it has a new front crash structure. It diverts more crash energy away from the passenger compartment, while being more compatible in collisions with smaller vehicles. Honda’s ‘‘Safety For Everyone’’ philosophy dictates that all new Honda designed minivans and SUVs will have both side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, and electronic stability control. Thus, all Odyssey trim levels have both.

The Odyssey is well known for its comfortable, efficient interior. The 2005 model is only slightly larger, but has a new dash with a busy, but extremely user-friendly control layout. Our EX with Leather features Tri-Zone climate controls and an XM-Radio ready 6-disc in-dash CD stereo. Satellite Navigation with voice recognition and rear-view camera is available on top models.

The second row seats are accessed through twin sliding side doors, power on all but the LX. Touring adds a power rear hatch. Our van had the new PlusOne center seat for 8 passenger capacity. It can be removed and stored under the floor. Or you can use that space to store valuables, here in this rotating Lazy Susan. Honda pioneered the flat folding third row seat. It’s even better for 2005, thanks to a 60/40 split and lower effort operation. There’s 38.4 cubic-feet of space with all seats up. With the third row folded and the second row removed, the huge 147.4 cubic-foot bay will handle even the big pieces on your next trip to Ikea. Oh, and did we mention the new second row power side windows? Or the retractable sunshades? It’s all in there!

The whole package rides on a heavy duty MacPherson strut suspension up front and Honda’s independent double wishbone rear, now mounted on a new floating subframe for a quieter ride. The Touring model also adds Michelin’s PAX run-flat tires. Rather than stiff sidewalls like other run-flats, PAX uses an inner ring or wheel attached to a special rim. This allows ride and handling to be tailored to the vehicle and not to the tire.

Power for the new Odyssey comes courtesy of Honda’s latest 3.5-liter single-overhead-cam V6. Horsepower is up 15 to 255, and torque up 8 to 250 pound-feet. All engines have variable valve timing and a low restriction exhaust.

Touring and EX-with-leather models add cylinder deactivation which shuts down the rear bank of cylinders during highway cruise. Highway fuel economy jumps 3 miles per gallon over the base Odyssey. EPA ratings are 20 City and 28 Highway. Our test loop yielded 22 miles per gallon. Cylinder deactivation engines also use active mounts to control vibration during transition plus an Active Noise Control system that emits white noise from the stereo speakers to cancel out the boom of running on three cylinders.

The transmission is a 5-speed automatic, with Grade Logic Control, and a shifter now on the center stack. Our EX-with-leather mastered 0 to 60 in 8.7-seconds, and sprinted down the quarter mile in 16.8-seconds at 85 miles-per-hour. The V6 engine feels strong off the line, revving quickly and smoothly. Shifts are sharp and clean. It’s a very refined drivetrain. Honda’s goal was to make the new Odyssey handle more like a sport sedan. While a tall order, it does feel less bulky than before. Turn-ins are quicker, and front plow and body roll are also reduced. So despite vague steering feel, there is a very high level of grip.

The brakes gave up a good average stopping distance of 130 feet. The 4-wheel discs with ABS and Brake Assist deliver straight, stable stops, but like the steering, lack enough feel. On the road, the Odyssey feels solid. Ride quality is first rate and transitions between 3-and-6-cylinder operation go unnoticed.

It’s a lot more minivan for base prices that budged only a little: $25,510 for the LX. For the EX, you’ll pay $28,510. Our seriously loaded EX with Leather runs $30,810, and the new luxury Touring at $35,010. A remarkable amount of sophistication for about the same prices as many, how shall we say, less impressive competitors.

The new Odyssey is not just a makeover. It’s a giant new effort that takes the humble minivan to a whole new level. A new level of’‘sophistication, refinement and innovation,’’ that is. Just like they promised, the 2005 Honda Odyssey delivers on all counts!