2005 - 2007 Honda Odyssey review
 2007 Honda Odyssey |
 2007 Honda Odyssey EX interior, click for larger view |
 2007 Honda Odyssey EX |
 2007 Honda Odyssey EX |
Completely redesigned for 2005, Honda Odyssey remains one of the top choices in the minivan market. With sleek styling, car-like handling, advanced safety features and high-tech interior design, Honda Odyssey is more than just an ordinary "people mover".
Available in seven- or eight-passenger configuration.
Front-wheel drive only. Transversely mounted 3.5L V6 engine mated with 5-Speed Automatic Transmission.
Independent suspension with MacPherson struts in the front, Double wishbone in the back. Disk brakes all-around, Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control are standard on all models.
What's the most prominent inside Honda Odyssey is the high-tech design of the dashboard and sharp-looking instrument panel. It doesn't feel like "soccer mom mobile" inside.
Driver's seat is comfortable, foldable table between front seats provides easy access to the second row. Split third row seat folds down into the floor and when it is in upright position you get a large storage well. The second-row captains chair seats can be positioned together (bench style) or separately. In case you need more cargo room, the second-row seats can be removed (wouldn't it be great if they could be stowed into the floor as in Dodge Grand Caravan?). In eight-seat configurations, additional small seat can be installed between the two second-row captain's chairs. When not needed, the additional seat can be stored in the in-floor storage compartment between the first and second-row seats. Both sliding doors are equipped with power windows. Lots of cup holders and storage compartments, including a "Lazy Susan" circular storage between the front and second rows. More high-tech toys available on EX-L and Touring models: the Navigation system with Rearview camera, Rear DVD, and a lot more.
On the road, the Odyssey drives like a heavy car. Ride is a bit firm and not exceptionally quiet, but still comfortable. The 3.5L engine is smooth and delivers enough power for any road situation. Overall, very good handling for a minivan, with precise steering and minimal body roll in cornering - thanks to rear suspension design, wide wheel tracks, long wheelbase and low ground clearance.
All Odyssey models come equipped with driver's and front passenger's airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and three-row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor.
In NHTSA crash tests, the 2005-2008 Honda Odyssey received five stars in both, frontal and side-impact crash tests.
In frontal offset crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2005-2008 Honda Odyssey received "Good" overall rating.
Strengths
- Stylish look, high-tech interior design
- Powerful, responsive engine
- Good handling for a minivan
- Good safety ratings
- Second row windows can be rolled down
Weaknesses
- Expensive compared to other minivans
- Low ground clearance (good for stability but easy to damage lower front end)
- Real world fuel economy figures could be disappointing
- No MP3
Problems are mostly minor such as various noises and vibrations - nothing major so far, we will update on this later.
Overall
Honda Odyssey remains one of the top-choices in minivan market despite high price. Excellent styling in and out, comfortable and roomy interior, very good handling for a minivan, powerful engine, good safety ratings, lots of available features. Overall, very good vehicle, however, with this amount of complex technology, don't expect it to be completely trouble-free; consider good extended warranty - learn more about Extended Warranty.
You may want to consider a model without run-flat tires unless you really need this feature, they could be very expensive to repair.
What to look for buying a used Honda Odyssey
Definitely check the used car history records to protect yourself from hidden problems,
follow this link: How to check used car history
- Check the service records if available - it's important to verify that the vehicle was properly maintained.
- If the "check engine" light is on, have the problem assessed with your mechanic or a dealer before buying a car; in worst cases repair might be quite expensive.
- Make sure to test the air conditioner.
Learn more what to look for when buying a used car
- Prior purchase have the car inspected by a mechanic of your choice.
Shop wisely, check few vehicles to compare; it's worth to pay a little extra for a well-maintained vehicle in good condition.
Check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.
Some models may be costly to insure. Get the insurance quotes first.
Consider an extended warranty to protect from unexpected repair costs.
Few maintenance tips
- Wash and wax your car regularly to protect the paint.
- If you live in the area with high humidity, rustproofing will help to protect the vehicle body and chassis from corrosion.
- Regular oil changes are very important to keep your engine in a good shape.
- Synthetic oil can offer extra protection for the engine.
- Change transmission fluid regularly using only original Honda transmission fluid.
- Stick with original Honda parts.
- Follow recommended maintenance schedule and keep all the fluids clean and topped up.
- At least once a year have your car inspected in the garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g. brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection at one of those fast lube places; the vehicle must be on the lift.
Check more Car maintenance tips
2007 Honda Odyssey short specifications
| Dimensions: | |
|
Overall length: Wheelbase: Overall width: Overall height: -without roof rails: -with roof rails |
201.0 in (5105 mm) 118.1 in (3000 mm) 77.1 in (1960 mm) 68.8 in (1749 mm) 70.0 in (1779 mm) |
| Seating capacity: |
7/8 |
| Cargo capacity: | |
|
Behind 3rd row Behind 2nd row Behind 1st row |
38.4 cu. ft (1087 L) 91.1 cu. ft (2579 L) 147.4 cu. ft (4173 L) |
| Towing Capacity: | 3500 lbs. (1587 kg) /additional equipment required/ |
| Engines: | |
|
LX, EX EX-L, Touring |
3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve VTEC Aluminum-Alloy V6
244 hp @ 5,750 rpm, 240 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve i-VTEC Aluminum-Alloy V6 with Variable Cylinder Management ™ 244 hp @ 5,750 rpm, 240 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| EPA Fuel Economy: | |
|
Odyssey LX, EX Odyssey EX-L, Touring with Variable Cylinder Management ™ (VCM) |
city: 16 MPG (14.7 L/100km) hwy: 23 MPG (10.2 L/100km) city: 17 MPG (13.8 L/100km) hwy: 24 MPG (9.8 L/100km) |
| Recommended Fuel: |
Regular Unleaded
|
| Fuel Tank Capacity: | 21.0 US gallons (79.5 liters)
|
Links
American Honda Motor Co. - find information about current models.
Hondas Ownerlink website- maintenance tips, recalls, maintenance schedule and a lot more - registration required.
SaferCar.gov - compare crash test ratings.
Fueleconomy.gov - compare fuel economy ratings.
Insurance quotes - compare insurance quotes before buying a car.
Used car history - check used car history records before buying a car.
Extended warranty - find out more about an extended warranty for your car
If you are looking for more detailed technical information
If you want to find technical information about you car such as repair manual, check engine codes description, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, fluid type, maintenance schedule, component location, technical service bulletins, recalls, etc. follow this link:
by Vlad Samarin
