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Honda Odyssey Review

December 2005
Filed under: HONDA Car News | HONDA Headlines

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The all-new 2005 Honda Odyssey sets a new standard for the minivan class with unprecedented levels of performance, safety, interior comfort and flexibility, and a long list of innovative new features and technologies never before seen in a minivan. Completely re-engineered from the ground up, the 2005 Odyssey breaks away from the pack by delivering class-leading utility and comfort in a more stylish and sophisticated package with the driving character of a luxury performance sedan for unmatched driving enjoyment in the minivan class.
"The new Odyssey raises the bar in every aspect of its performance, function and character," said Tom Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "It sets a new benchmark for sophistication, innovation and overall performance in the minivan class."

Honda engineers targeted a level of performance and handling more in keeping with luxury performance sedan than a minivan. Beginning with the basic platform, engineers increased the body rigidity, more powerful 255 horsepower (+15HP) all-aluminum SOHC V-6 delivering class-leading power and fuel economy with ultra-low emissions.

Innovative, Flexible and Refined Interior


The Odyssey's interior dimensions are 1-inch wider and two-inches longer than the 2004 model for greater space and comfort in all seating position, especially in the third row, which adds two-inches of leg room. The styling smartly integrates the Odyssey's high technology features into sculpted and modern architecture for a purposeful refined and sophisticated appearance. Controls are intuitive, well placed and easy to use, in typical Honda fashion.

A versatile One-Motion 60/40 Split 3rd-Row Magic Seat(R) provides a more flexible and easier-to-operate third row seat that folds flat into the floor in one easy motion without the need to remove the headrests. The 60/40 split capability allows for greater flexibility in carrying people and cargo.

Second row removable captain's chairs provide the best balance of passenger comfort and interior flexibility with 10-inches of fore-aft movement and the ability to be positioned together as a two person bench or apart as individual bucket seats for convenient walk-thru capability. An all-new Stowable 2nd-Row PlusOne(TM) seat, positioned between the two captain's chairs, provides for eight-passenger seating with the ability to be stored in the in-floor storage compartment between the first and second-row seats. The innovative in-floor storage area, standard on all models, includes a Lazy Susan rotating storage tray on EX and above models.

New comfort and convenience features include 2nd-row power windows, a walk-in function on second-row seats for improved third row ingress and egress, instrument panel-mounted shifter, available conversation mirror with sunglasses holder, standard CD player, available moonroof, Smart Maintenance Service Reminder, and standard rear-view camera on vehicles with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation system.

Positioned above the Odyssey EX with Leather version is a sophisticated new Touring model that adds premium features including a 360-watt, 7-speaker audio system, power adjustable pedals, power tailgate, automatic tri-zone climate control, multi-information display, removable 2nd-row center console, memory driver's seat, Michelin PAX System run-flat tire technology, body-colored front and rear parking sensors, and much more to create the ultimate premium-featured minivan.

Re-Engineered Body and Chassis


The 1-inch wider exterior offers new dynamic and expressive styling features reflective of the Odyssey moving to an even higher level of first-class refinement. A key safety design for the Odyssey involves the introduction of the Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) Body Structure (ACE)(TM). The structure uses a polygonal frame configuration in the front to enhance the points at which two vehicle frames may connect (vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility) while dispersing collision forces through more load paths compared to a traditional vehicle structure (collision energy management). The end result is a vehicle that is relatively safer to other vehicles of varying size classes while more of the Odyssey's mass is designed to channel collision forces away from its occupants.

Optimized with high-tensile strength steel (40 percent versus 5 percent on the 2004 model), the body's dynamic and static rigidity have been increased 20 percent to benefit ride and handling and minimize cabin noise, contributing to the Odyssey's quietest-in-class interior.

The Odyssey's MacPherson strut front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension have been further refined for luxury sedan-like ride and handling, and the rear suspension now uses a fully-isolated sub-frame to achieve an exceptionally quiet and smooth ride. New body features include tighter body panel fit, improved aerodynamics, enhanced power sliding door operation and three-stop front door operation.

Powerful, Advanced and Environmentally Friendly Powertrain


The Odyssey powertrain uses the latest innovations to achieve the highest levels of performance, fuel economy and low emissions in the minivan segment. The Odyssey's engine is an advanced 3.5-liter SOHC 24-valve 60-degree V-6 aluminum-block-and-head design that is both lightweight and powerful. Two engine configurations are available - the standard 255 horsepower VTEC SOHC V-6 in the LX and EX models and a 255 horsepower i-VTEC SOHC V-6 with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) in the EX with Leather and Touring models.

The i-VTEC engine provides both class-leading fuel economy and horsepower. Both engine configurations produce 250 lb.-ft. of torque and only require regular unleaded gasoline to achieve peak power.

The VCM system switches the V-6 engine between 6- and 3-cylinder operation to achieve maximum power and efficiency. When high output is required the engine uses all six cylinders. During cruising and low engine loads, the system can temporarily idle the rear bank of three cylinders for greater fuel economy. An Active Control Engine Mount System (ACM) and an Active Noise Control (ANC) system are used to eliminate the effects of engine vibration and noise inherent to any variable cylinder system, making the system's operation virtually transparent to the vehicle's occupants.

The front-wheel-drive Odyssey's compact 5-speed automatic transmission provides ultra-smooth and efficient operation characteristics with the adoption of a direct-control shift system that works with the drive-by-wire throttle control.

Safety and Environmental Leadership


In keeping with Honda's industry-leading 'Safety for Everyone' initiative, all models come equipped with a comprehensive list of advanced safety features including anti-lock brakes; Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control; front side airbags with an Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side curtain airbag protection (with rollover sensor) for all three rows; and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags. In addition, the Odyssey is the only minivan to come equipped with dedicated side impact sensors for all three rows and the only minivan to offer a rollover sensor that deploys the side curtain bags in the event of a rollover.

A key new Honda safety innovation is the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure. The ACE body uses a network of reinforced frontal frame structures that provides enhanced occupant protection in a frontal collision by reducing cabin intrusion and minimizing the potential for misalignment of the vehicle's energy-absorbing safety structure in an off-set collision or in a collision between vehicle's of differing size or ride height. By reducing the potential for misalignment, the ACE body helps to optimize the performance of both vehicles' safety structures - for improved vehicle crash compatibility - while dispersing collision forces through more load paths compared to a traditional front frame structure - for improved collision energy management. The end result is a vehicle that enhances protection for its occupants while reducing the potential for damage to the opposing vehicle and its occupants.

The new Odyssey also earns the highest overall EPA rating for any vehicle in its class, even though it delivers a high level of standard equipment and more performance than any other minivan in its class. In addition, the Odyssey meets California's stringent LEV-2 ULEV emission standards and Federal Tier 2- Bin 5 emission requirements and meets Honda's stringent standards for component recycleability.

Models, Options and Pricing


The 2005 Odyssey is available in four distinct and well-equipped trim levels: LX, EX, EX with Leather, and the new Touring. Additionally, EX with Leather models can be equipped with the Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES) or with RES and Honda's Satellite-Linked Navigation System. Touring models are available with DVD Rear Entertainment System and Navigation System.

The Odyssey goes on sale at Honda dealerships nationwide on September 22, 2004. Pricing will reflect Honda's continued commitment to providing class-leading value for its customers. Details will be available closer to the on-sale date.

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