History/Description: Honda’s Odyssey minivan has just entered its latest generation for the 2011 model year—which means the last-generation Japanese family hauler has now moved fully into used-vehicle territory.
Competing with the Nissan Quests, Hyundai Entourages and, of course, the sales-leading Chrysler ‘magic wagons’ of its era, Honda’s last Odyssey was a 5-door, 7-seat machine with V6 power, front-wheel drive and over 4,170 litres of maximum cargo space.
Translation? If you need room for the family and their stuff, vehicles like this make a great alternative to an SUV.
Odyssey was available in numerous trim levels to suit a variety of budgets. More basic units were badged ‘DX’ or ‘LX’, while ‘EX’, ‘EX-L’ or ‘Touring’ models were available. Look for feature content like navigation, a sunroof, heated leather, fog lamps, Bluetooth, power sliding doors, satellite radio, automatic climate control, cabin air filtration and plenty more—depending on the model selected.
Power came from a proven 3.5 litre V6 engine with between 240 and 255 horsepower, depending on the year. A five-speed automatic was standard equipment on all models.
What Owners Like: Most Odyssey owners report satisfaction with overall comfort, ride, handling, power output and even fuel mileage. Styling, spaciousness and the remote-activated sliding doors were also favourites with many owners. Owners of models with the navigation system also say it’s easy to use and helpful on trips to unfamiliar cities.
What Owners Dislike: Common complaints of the Odyssey include higher-than-expected wind and road noise at speed, some low-budget interior trim and small arm rests for front-seat passengers. Some owners also comment on the Odyssey’s low front end, which could get crunched on curbs and steep driveways. Some owners do find the Odyssey’s ride stiff, and several have noted that since the Odyssey used a run-flat tire system from the factory, there’s no way to carry a spare tire without using up trunk space.
Common Issues: When test-driving an Odyssey in this generation, be sure to start with a full check of the power sliding doors (if equipped) and tailgate for proper operation. Power sliding doors should open fully and smoothly, and the tailgate should remain open without any help. If that’s not the case, the gas struts could be in need of replacement.
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| 2005 Honda Odyssey (Photo: Honda) |
Competing with the Nissan Quests, Hyundai Entourages and, of course, the sales-leading Chrysler ‘magic wagons’ of its era, Honda’s last Odyssey was a 5-door, 7-seat machine with V6 power, front-wheel drive and over 4,170 litres of maximum cargo space.
Translation? If you need room for the family and their stuff, vehicles like this make a great alternative to an SUV.
Odyssey was available in numerous trim levels to suit a variety of budgets. More basic units were badged ‘DX’ or ‘LX’, while ‘EX’, ‘EX-L’ or ‘Touring’ models were available. Look for feature content like navigation, a sunroof, heated leather, fog lamps, Bluetooth, power sliding doors, satellite radio, automatic climate control, cabin air filtration and plenty more—depending on the model selected.
Power came from a proven 3.5 litre V6 engine with between 240 and 255 horsepower, depending on the year. A five-speed automatic was standard equipment on all models.
What Owners Like: Most Odyssey owners report satisfaction with overall comfort, ride, handling, power output and even fuel mileage. Styling, spaciousness and the remote-activated sliding doors were also favourites with many owners. Owners of models with the navigation system also say it’s easy to use and helpful on trips to unfamiliar cities.
What Owners Dislike: Common complaints of the Odyssey include higher-than-expected wind and road noise at speed, some low-budget interior trim and small arm rests for front-seat passengers. Some owners also comment on the Odyssey’s low front end, which could get crunched on curbs and steep driveways. Some owners do find the Odyssey’s ride stiff, and several have noted that since the Odyssey used a run-flat tire system from the factory, there’s no way to carry a spare tire without using up trunk space.
Common Issues: When test-driving an Odyssey in this generation, be sure to start with a full check of the power sliding doors (if equipped) and tailgate for proper operation. Power sliding doors should open fully and smoothly, and the tailgate should remain open without any help. If that’s not the case, the gas struts could be in need of replacement.
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| 2007 Honda Odyssey (Photo:Honda) |