2005 Honda Odyssey LX | Review | Buying Guide
Honda wanted to improve upon the success of their Odyssey minivan after another good year, and 2005 reveals that they have certainly reached that goal. This year sees nothing short of an entire redesign, resulting in better performance and safety, a new and more comfortable design and the addition of a new Touring model (covered separately).
The redesign begins in a logical place, the underbody. The 2005 Odyssey has an all-new chassis with greatly enhanced body rigidity, new fully-isolated front and rear sub-frames and an improved suspension design for best-in-class handling and ride comfort.
The result is a more comfortable ride that is also safer than before. Safety features now include Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Brake Assist, front side airbags, three-row side curtain airbags with rollover sensors and a four-ring safety structure with side impact protection beams.
Under the Hood
The front-wheel drive Odyssey is a minivan that leads the class in fuel efficiency and emission levels. The engine responsible for this is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 255 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm.
Practically everything is new this year. The 5-speed automatic transmission mated to the new 3.5-liter V6 is smooth and responsive, getting the minivan up to speed without hitches or searching.
Owners of previous Odyssey models will notice an improved road feel this year. Major refinements were made to reduce road noise, increase steering linearity and firmness with a better on-center feel, improved ride comfort and better overall rigidity.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The new Odyssey is also improved on the inside—what a surprise. For 2005, interior space grows an inch in width, two inches in length. Standard on all models are front and second-row bucket seats and a fold-into-the floor third-row seat, which is now split 60/40.
New features this year include a storage compartment in the floor between the front seats and side windows that power down into the sliding doors. EX models add a removable second-row jump seat for occasional eight-passenger seating, power sliding side doors and a conversation mirror.
Even as a mid-level trim, the EX is loaded. Additional standard features include front dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated power mirrors, an AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD changer and steering-wheel radio controls.
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