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Minivan; Built in USA
  • 4-door van
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $8,200 – $29,000*


2005 Honda Odyssey


2005 Honda Odyssey


2005 Honda Odyssey


2006 Honda Odyssey

Pros:
  • Entry/exit
  • Passenger and cargo room
Cons:
  • Audio and climate controls (EX, Touring)

Some mainstream minivan buyers might be put off by Odyssey’s taut ride and by the daunting array of buttons and switches on the top-line versions. But this is a Best Buy benchmark for its near-perfect blend of power, road manners, room, and versatility. Honda’s solid reputation for long-term reliability is another plus.

Overview

Honda updated its minivan for 2005, revising the styling and adding additional safety features. The ’05 Odyssey offered LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring models. All had front-wheel drive, a 255-hp 3.5-liter V6, and a 5-speed automatic transmission. EX-L and Touring featured Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management system, which deactivated three cylinders when cruising or decelerating to save fuel. Standard safety features included antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and front side airbags. All models came with an antiskid system and curtain side airbags for all three seating rows.

All but the LX came with power sliding side doors. Standard on all models were front and 2nd-row bucket seats and a fold-into-the-floor 3rd-row seat, which was split 60/40. EXs had a removable jump seat that slotted between the 2nd-row buckets for 8-passenger seating. New-for-’05 features included a storage compartment in the floor between the front seats and side windows that powered partly down into the sliding doors.

EX-L and Touring had 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 had 17.5-inch wheels with run-flat tires, plus a tire-pressure monitor. Other Odysseys had 16-inch wheels and conventional tires. Tourings also got 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 were navigation and DVD entertainment. The navigation system had voice recognition, real-time traffic alerts, and came with a rearview TV camera.

Yearly Updates

2006 Odyssey
For 2006, satellite radio became available and the engine’s horsepower rating dropped eleven, to 244.
2007 Odyssey
For 2007, satellite radio became standard on Touring and available on EX-L.
2008 Odyssey
The 2008 Honda Odyssey got freshened exterior styling.
2009 Odyssey
Odyssey was largely unchanged for 2009.
2010 Odyssey
The 2010 Honda Odyssey was largely unchanged.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

The 2005-06 Odysseys’ 3.5-liter V6 was rated at 255 HP for 2005, and 244 for 2006. The sole transmission was a 5-speed automatic. EX-L and Touring models came with Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management system, which increased EPA mpg figures to 20 city/28 highway.

ohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/212
Engine HP 250
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 245
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

 18/26

 16.6

Road Test

The Odyssey’s acceleration is ample around town and when merging on freeways, even with a full complement of passengers. A test EX did 8.3 sec 0-60 mph. The transmission upshifts smoothly, but doesn’t always downshift promptly in passing situations. Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management on EX-L and Touring is laudably undetectable–it gives no hint of its operation other than a dashboard indicator light. A test EX averaged 16.0 mpg in mixed driving that included gas-eating performance tests. A test Touring averaged 16.3 mpg in mixed city/highway use. Honda recommends regular-grade fuel. Note that EPA ratings are slightly higher with Variable Cylinder Management system.

The Odyssey’s ride is taut, but comfortable over all but the roughest roads. Sharp bumps and highway expansion joints sometimes jab through–especially to rear-seat riders. The Touring model’s original-equipment run-flat tires have a still-firmer ride. Steering is sharp and accurate. The firm suspension and stiff body structure combine for good roadholding. The Odyssey’s tall build means noticeable body lean in fast turns, but its grip and balance are nearly carlike. Brakes provide ample stopping power even with a full passenger load.

Inside there are large, clearly marked main gauges. The transmission shift lever sprouts from the dashboard, to the right of the steering wheel–it’s easy to reach, but obstructs some controls when in Park. The LX model’s climate and audio controls are simple and plainly identified. But the EX, EX-L, and Touring models have an abundance of buttons, switches, and more-complicated control design that takes time to understand. The navigation unit is among the easier ones to master, and is simplified by the system’s ability to recognize spoken city and street names. The DVD entertainment system has a large 9-inch screen. There are few padded interior panels, even in top-line versions, but assembly is top notch. Overall, Odyssey is among the quieter minivans. Engine noise is particularly well-subdued. Road noise is prevalent at highway speeds, especially with the available run-flat tires. Third-row passengers hear some wind whistle around the tailgate that grows tiresome on long trips.

Odyssey has ample room up front for large adults, with comfortable and supportive seats. The fine driving position is enhanced on Touring models by power-adjustable pedals. The steering wheel tilts but doesn’t telescope; some drivers found it a long reach. The available rearview camera and front/rear park assist help in close-quarters maneuvering; otherwise, rear visibility is hindered by the large headrests and thick roof pillars. The comfortable 2nd-row bucket seats have generous head- and leg room. The available middle jump seat suits only children. The third row has adult-size room, but its seat suffers from a short backrest and thin padding. The sliding doors open wide, and step-in height is modest. But the 2nd-row seats don’t slide forward enough for easy 3rd-row access, and the Touring model’s 2nd-row console eliminates center walk-through convenience.

The deep well behind the 3rd-row seat swallows surprising volume of cargo. The split 3rd row folds neatly into floor. Second-row seats flip, stow, and can be removed, but the’05-06 Odyssey doesn’t match the convenient fold-into-floor design available in comparable Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan models. Odyssey’s under-floor compartment adds extra storage, but is not readily accessible. The power tailgate and household-type power outlet are nice touches, but are limited to the top-line Touring edition.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Honda Odyssey EX

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 8
80%
Room/Comfort Rear - 8
80%
Cargo Room - 10
100%

Other

Value - 10
100%

Total: 71

Specifications

4-door van
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
118.1 201.0 77.1 68.8
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
147.4 21.0 8
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.9 40.0 40.8 39.6
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Odyssey 4-door van

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Air conditioner
Description: The air conditioning may not cool well at idle because engine fan(s) do not switch to high speed. (2007)
Brakes
Description: Front brakes make groaning noise and brake pads with a reformulated friction compound are available. (2005-06)
Door handles
Description: Door handle freezes in cold weather because water gets into release cable and there was a voluntary recall to correct. Electrical connector in between door and body can get wet and corrode and there was a voluntary recall to pack it with grease. Both repairs were to be done together. (2005)
Doors
Description: The power sliding doors may not work in freezing weather because water gets into the door position switch and freezes. (2005)
Engine noise
Description: What sounds like engine pinging during acceleration is likely a loose heat shield under the vehicle. (2007)
Seat
Description: The center seat may not move because the release cable(s) disengage. (2005)
Seat
Description: The driver’s seat may not move fore and aft due to release cable falling off or the memory seat may not work due to a bad electrical connector. (2006-07)
Transmission noise
Description: Banging noises when the transmission shifts are caused by failure of the liquid filled motor mounts. (1999-2007)
Headlights
Description: The headlights may dim on some vehicles due to a faulty electronic load detector, requiring replacement of the fuse box in the engine compartment. (2005)
Electrical problem
Description: The speedometer, tach, or temperature gauge may quit or work intermittently due to a loose connection at the fuse panel inside the vehicle. (2005)
Electrical problem
Description: The Homelink garage door opener may not learn the code on some early build models. (2005)
Check-engine light
Description: The check engine light may come on in freezing weather because water gets into the throttle control relay, freezes and ruins it. (2005)

Recall History

2005 Odyssey
Description: On certain minivans, a loose terminal in the main fuse box may cause the fuel pump to malfunction.
2005 Odyssey
Description: On certain minivans, the ABS brake sensors were incorrectly installed, causing a potential loss in braking force.
2005 Odyssey
Description: On certain minivans, the front airbag impact sensors were insufficiently sealed. If water enters the sensor, corrosion could occur, disabling the sensor.
2005 Odyssey
Description: On certain minivans, the steering column may be incorrectly assembled, leading to a loss of steering control. Owners were notified by telephone, and arrangements were made to have their vehicles towed to their dealers to have the repairs performed.
2005 Odyssey
Description: A coil wire inside the fuel pump relay may break, causing the fuel pump to lose power and the engine not to start. Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump relay free of charge.
2005 Odyssey with power-operated liftgate
Description: The power lift-gate gas struts may deteriorate unexpectedly early. Struts that have worn out prematurely may fail to hold the power lift-gate in the fully open position, causing the power lift-gate to close unexpectedly.
2005-2007 Odyssey
Description: If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain certain polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry, and a small amount of brake fluid could slowly leak from the seal into the brake booster.
2006 Odyssey
Description: On certain vehicles, the owner’s manual contains incorrect contact information for the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline.
2007-08 Odyssey
Description: Air can enter the VSA modular pump during an initial self-check process that occurs shortly after each time the engine is started. It’s possible for enough air to enter the system to result in a brake pedal that feels soft or lower to the floor. If the owner does not have any brake service or maintenance performed over a period of months or years, the system can continue to accumulate enough air to affect braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
2008-2009 Odyssey with power lift gate
Description: The power lift-gate gas struts may deteriorate unexpectedly early. Struts that have worn out prematurely may fail to hold the power lift-gate in the fully open position, causing the power lift-gate to close unexpectedly.
2009 Odyssey
Description: During assembly, incorrect front brake hoses were installed. The brake hose can contact the caliper bolt and over time a hole may develop which will allow brake fluid to leak. This would eventually result in reduced brake system performance.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 15, 2014.
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