Honda Odyssey 2005+

andrewtran71

"That's just RETARDED! How stupid & cheap is Honda to make such a huge mistake? Readjusting mirrors and pedals takes more time and aggravation than readjusting seats, in my opinion. There's simply no way in hell I would buy a Touring now, given this information!"

I agree. I can't believe the memory function does not remember the pedal and outside mirrors too!

The memory system I've seen, like Lexus, will remember the seats, outside mirrors, and the steering wheel.

cpstar

Stevens608,

Here is what Honda calls the coin box...
http://www.collegehillshonda.com/odyssey/interiordetail/DSC00026.- jpg

Not to be confused with a coin holder which is more like...
http://autodeadline.com/detail?source=Honda&mid=WKA2002032658- 406&mime=JPG

stevens608

Thanks,

That's a box all right. A coin holder would have been more useful.

mot

That's pretty pathetic if that's what Honda considers as enough of a coin box to list it as a feature in their brouchures. If that's the case isn't the whole darn vehicle a "coin box" since many refer to minivans as simply a box on wheels.

andrewtran71

"Here is what Honda calls the coin box...
http://www.collegehillshonda.com/odyssey/interiordetail/DSC00026.- jpg"

Really?
In the '04 Ody, the coin box is part of the front dash cup holder.
I would think they would do the same with the '05 Ody.

mot

We picked up our Slate Green EX yesterday and are all giddy like school kids. The slate green is pewter in tone but with depth and brilliance, a wonderful color. I'm very happy to say we haven't noticed any fit or wind noise issues we'd experienced with a couple other Odysseys we'd looked at. We had difficulty deciding between the Honda and a Sienna XLE. Originally I was of the opinion that the Sienna had a better looking exterior but after one day with our Odyssey I've decided they look equally nice. Ultimately we chose the Odyssey because we felt it was a slightly better value for what our wants and needs were.

scienceman

"I'm very happy to say we haven't noticed any fit or wind noise issues we'd experienced with a couple other Odysseys we'd looked at."

What was the VIN of your vehicle?

mot

5FNRL384X5B015573

stickguy

Hopefully by the time they made 15,000 of them they figured out how the pieces go together. That, plus the likeliehood of better discounts, are 2 of the reasons my wife might be waiting until mid winter to get one. Hopefully by then, any early build issues would be known (thanks to this board), and fixed at the source.

sachmo

My RES 2005 can do DVD-R, CD-R. Didn't try the
other formats other than commercial DVD and CD.

odymomof3

We received our manual when we bought the EX-L with Nav on Saturday. No shortage in northern California I guess?

Also, our van has no wind noise issues that I've noticed. Vin is in the 13,500's.

My only complaint after driving it for a few days, the radio reception is really quite lousy. My husband thinks they do that on purpose to sell the XM satellite service (reception on the free trial service sounds quite a bit better). I'm sorry, but I'm a local radio listener and I'm bummed that they can't make the radio sound at least as good as the stock radio in my 91 Civic.

I guess we wait and get an aftermarket radio installed which will also handle iPod. Any suggestions on that?

gkkim

Did not get the NAV manual when taking delivery early his week in NorCal. Was also told of "shortage."

VIN # 15,000's. Was worried but didn't find wind noise. Solid interior and exterior finish.

I've noticed that local radio is a bit crackly also, but may be stations with weak signals.

Slate green more like silver blue/gray. Olive interior more like light gray.

If you can afford to, wait. Took a while, but took one that came on the lot for $500 below MSRP - small moral victory. I suspect that they won't be distressed, but the competition (Sienna) has caught up.

Wished that the third row vented like some of the previous van models. Day time running lights would be good also. Seat memory should incorporate pedal and mirror memory but don't.

But all in all, drives very solid with a wide stance. Touring PAX tires takes a bit harsher bumps than the LX & EX/L. Good acceleration for a chubby van. No hesitation/searching of transmission. Excellent handling and a very fun driving van.

sportymonk

Personally, while the headlights are not the best feature admittedly; I problem visually is the big chrome ring around the grill. gives it a sort of buck tooth beaver look or something. Hope the chrome can be painted to match the rest of the bodywork.

Do they think we have gone back to putting chrome on everything or what?

elaine

Yep, Our EX-L Nav/DVD that we picked up last Friday came with a navigation manual.

elaine

According to the manual, the DVD player can play DVDs and CD's with the "DVD Video" or "Compact Disc Digital Audio" marks on their packages or jackets. They should also bear the designation of "1" or "All." It then states that DVD-ROMS cannot be played on the system.

In the CD player section, the manual states: 1) Use only high quality CD-R discs labeled for audio use. 2) When recording a CD-R, the recording must be closed. 3) CD-RW discs will not work. 4) Play only standard round CDs.

buxtons

We just purchased an EX-L RES and discovered after a few days the wind noise issue. Dealer service heard and called Honda techline and the issue according to them was the cowling below the windshield. Replaced the part and everything is quiet. Seems they know about it and most likely fixed it in the newer models.

fertilitydoc

It has been a Honda kind of week. We picked up my wife's 2005 Odyssey today. She really likes the Silver Pearl Color. It has a gold sheen to it in certain light. What is really attractive is the gray interior. It is a dark slate gray. This is very practical and should hold up well considering we have 3 boys. Another convenience is that you don't have to remove the head rests on the split back seat before folding it down. This was a pain on the 99 Ody.

The NAV screen is very large, bright and sharp. The RES screen is also a nice size. I arrived home late tonight and have barely had a chance to look things over.

The van drives nicely (For a minivan). I am a little spoiled. I had picked up one of the last remaining 2004 Acura TL/Navi this past Friday. Given the handling of this sedan with the 270 HP engine, makes the Odyssey seem plundering in comparison. It handles much better than the 1999 Ody it replaced. The drivers seat is definitely more comfortable. The instrument panel is functional and well laid out. The gauges are pleasing to the eye. The stereo system is a huge improvement over the 1999 which as you all know was a dog of an audio system. Even though it is not the higher end system found on the Touring model it seems adequate to me. No, it is not up to the level of the DVD audio system in the Acura nor the Mark Levinson system in my summer car, but it blows away the 99 Ody. Only point of jealousy is that the Ody takes over 600 voice commands. Way more than the Acura. I am still getting used to the commands in the Acura.

It is interesting to watch the VCM in action. Whenever you take the foot off the gas and coast at a reasonable speed, the eco light goes on. No loss of speed is noticeable....very smooth. The Navi screen flips down to expose the CD changer. I had not been expecting this. Still, it might be too much of a temptation for the kids to put something on top of it. The screen appears to be the same as the one in the current TL. My only concern is that although it was set to Auto, the screen was still on Day although the headlights were on. I was able to manually over ride this by selecting Night...but this is supposed to happen on Auto when you turn the head lamps on. I'll have to read the manual and get it checked out.

BTW, other than the Navi Screen problem, I have not noticed any fit and finish problems as described in a previous note.

These are just some random observations. I need to go hit the manuals. I'll try to post more information as put more miles on the car.

cabaiste

I have had my 05 Ody EX-L for a month. Gas mileage has been ABYSMAL. I've only been getting 13mpg combined highway and city. My dealer, Honda of Nanuet is blowing this off saying that I only have 1,000 miles on the van and its still within the break-in period. Has anyone had similar experiences

fbear

anyone figure out how to shut off the speakers when the kids are using the headphones to watch a DVD?

robr2

Hondas typically take about 8-10K miles before they start to come close to the EPA numbers. Also, there are many variables in determining MPG. Just wait a while and see if it improves over the next few months.

recfive

anyone experiencing a sore back with the 05's We took delivery on 10/25/04 and wife is having a hard time getting used to the seat. Went to the Dealer on 10/27 they removed the lumbar support but the drivers seat is still uncomfortable. She wants to return the van....
Roger

stickguy

You can trade it in, but you can't "return" it, unless the dealer never put through the paperwork and is in a real generous mood.

One reason it is important to take a decent test drive. Only problem is sometimes seats feel great for a while, but make your back ache after a couple of hours.

Maybe you could try a back pillow? There is a store i have seen (something clever like "the back store") that has all kinds of supports, etc.

dudleyr

Put in an aftermarket seat. Recaro has a huge selection.

jim1462

Has anyone had a Cassette Player installed in your 05 Ody. I am confused regarding the exact location in the pedestal/console for the player. The Honda istallation instructions show the player going in the pocket/drawer below the AC/heating controls(you lose the pocket/drawer)
,while the Honda Accessory booklet shows the player just below the pullout cupholder and just above the heated seat controls.Which location is correct?

stickguy

What's a cassette player?

Just kidding. I'm old enough to remember 8 tracks, although I never owned one myself.

dulnev

You have to give it 2-3 weeks. EVERY SINGLE car that I ever bought felt uncomfortable for the first few weeks and these were all great cars.

blackexv6

I live in the Philadelphia suburbs and have not seen one '05 Ody on the road yet.

I also travel quite a bit and not one Ody to be found.

What's the deal? Glad I'm waiting till spring for my van. Me thinks the Ody's are not selling well.

I am starting to think that the Ody's price is a tough range to market. 18.5k for a Caravan or 38k for a Sienna have not seen many people buying in between.

Just my 2 cents.

drwilsc

Has anyone noticed that the Honda Odyssey is just about always involved in 3 of the top 10 discussions of the day? That's pretty impressive for a minivan!

ladge

Our 05 touring with 500 miles is getting 19.8mpg. Mainly city driving

sportymonk

What is the Wind Noise problem, what do I look for?

pka

I'm interested in the 2005 ODy EX-L. ocean mist color. Any body have purchace experience in VA, NY, or NJ? Does it make sense to purchase a car in a state with lower sales tax rate? what about no tax--Delaware? Does the tax rate at dealerships vary from the sales tax in the state? What is the procedure of purchasing a car in a differenty state and then registering it in your state of residence? Anybody buying the Extended warranty from Honda dealers these days? if so...what is the cost and terms? Is it not better to negotiate the Out the Door cost rather than the intial cost of the van? Please help....

samnoe

"Has anyone noticed that the Honda Odyssey is just about always involved in 3 of the top 10 discussions of the day? That's pretty impressive for a minivan!"

Yeah, because it's new, and the "people" are still hot for it. Same thing was with Sienna and Quest when released.

Just give it a few weeks, and everything will cool down!

stickguy

tax - you pay where you register, not where you buy. Otherwise, Delaware would be nmothing but car dealers.

I have seen plenty on the lots (near me dealers seem to have 10+ in stock), but also have not seen one on the road, and I pay attention.

This also lends validation to the idea that it isn't fall 1998 anymore. 6 weeks after the intro of the '99s, I don't think there were any vans sitting on the lots pining away for a new owner.

I'm thinking of a nice new van for Christmas, if the supply and pricing are looking favorable in mid-december. How many people are actually buying cars the week before Christmas?

cabaiste

Ladge - glad you're getting good mileage. Unfortunately my 2005 Odyssey EXL experience to date of 13MPG is horrific. And the dealer, Honda of Nanuet, NY has not been helpful (other than to say its in a break-in period). Plus Honda Customer Service have not returned repeated phone calls.

Honestly, I could accept a variation of a few mpg, but 13mpg in mixed driving is a full 7mpg below the city rating. And my wife is a very steady conservative driver who keeps the revs below 3000.

In a time of high gas prices we chose the Odyssey because it had better than average mileage. Looks like a mistake thus far.

urmez

I know there have been prior posts about AWD but my question is that can Odyssey owners give me some of your experiences in how the van handles in the snow.

isellhondas

IT makes no sense to bother checking your mileage until you have driven several thousand miles.

I can't explain it but I have experienced this for myself. For some reason, with Hondas anyway, the mileage improves with time.

Some people even check their mileage with the FIRST TANK of gas! Heck, during the Pre-Delivery inspection, it probably idled for 20 minutes!

Give it some time.

stever

I start from the first tank - it's fun to watch the mpg creep up in my little book. My Nissan's mileage didn't plateau until ~10,000 miles.

Steve, Host

icecream

There must be a problem, the engine and drivetrain can't be that tight. I got 25.8 mpg on my trip home from Bedard Bros Honda in Mass. to Ohio first tank full. Some hilly backroads, mostly highway miles. icecream

jchan2

It isn't fall 1998. There's much tougher competition. The Chrysler vans, the Sienna and the Quest, for those seeking a funkier ride.

bepete

Purchased an Odyssey Touring NAV/RES two weeks ago. I must say this is an amazing van. If you are trying to decide between the EXL and Touring trim levels, I wanted to pass along my observations about the Touring features.

(Just as a fyi if you are interested...I have also posted messages in two other Odyssey forums.. "Pricing - Tips and Observations" (10 things you may need to know about pricing your Odyssey) in the Odyssey Prices Paid forum and "Top of the Line Comparison" (20 reasons why we purchased the Touring NAV/RES over the Sienna LTD NAV/RES). This is in the Odyssey vs Sienna - 2005 discussion).

As for the Touring, here are my observations and opinions about each feature:

1. Power Tailgate - This is a very nice to have and I am honestly surprised it is not offered on the EXL model. Picture walking to your van in the rain or snow with a handful of shopping bags or kids, and you get the idea why you'll love this feature.

2. Auto On/Off Headlights - Another very nice to have and a great safety feature at dusk. If you are used to having it on other vehicles you have owned, you will miss it dearly on the non-Touring models.

3. Body-Colored Front and Rear Parking Sensors - The sensors are a huge safety feature considering the size of minivans today. You can't see what is directly in front of or behind your van! They work great in parking lots and driveways. Our dog is already thankful we have them.

4. 360 Watt AM/FM/XM audio system with 6-Disc In-Dash CD Changer - This stereo rocks! Standard Honda radios have always disappointed us. This is worth owning. Classical music piped through this XM satellite radio leaves you breathless.

5. PAX Run-Flat Tire System - If the Mrs. has a flat somewhere at night, you'll be glad you have this feature. Enough said.

6. Tire Pressure Monitoring System - If you ever have a flat, you won't need some person at the stoplight to tell you.

7. Tri-Zone Auto Climate Control - Works with ease with one button to control the temperature throughout all three rows.

8. Power Adjustable Pedals - Nice to see Honda picked up this feature from the DC vans. Provides extra leg room for tall passengers in the second row because it allows the driver to move his seat up without sacrificing comfort.

9. Programmable Multi-Information Display - The display below the speedometer provides computerized data on MPG, Gallons to Empty, Trip Miles, Compass, etc. It also allows Driver 1 and Driver 2 to set their own preferences for interior lighting, auto locking, auto unlocking, etc. Very cool.

10. Automatic Day/Night Rearview Mirror - Another great safety feature especially when driving at night.

11. Removable 2-Row Center Console - This item I love! This is literally a traveling toy box. It is huge and is great for storing DVDs and headphones if you have the RES. The two extra cup holders on top are very nice.

12. 115-Volt Power Outlet - This will definitely come in handy. This AC outlet in the third row allows you to plug in anything without a typical car adapter.

13. Leather Wrapped Sterring Wheel and Shift Knob - Very classy looking, comfortable, and durable.

14. Fog Lamps - Huge safety feature. Another item I am surprised is not offered on the other trim levels.

15. Memory Seats - This is a very nice to have if your have two drivers. The memory settings are also activated by which keyless remote is used to unlock the vehicle. How cool is that.

16. Chrome Tailgate Accent - Chrome bar below the Honda emblem looks great with the the chrome Touring inscription on the tailgate.

And finally...

17. Black Leather Seats! A Honda exclusive in the minivan market, available on the Touring only with Silver Pearl, Slate Green, Ocean Mist, or Nighthawk Black Pearl. IMHO, the black leather not only looks the most opulent, it is the most durable. It is also a great match with the standard silver/black dash in all models.

Anyway, hope this information helps if you are trying to decide if the extra cost of the Touring model is worth it. These 17 features should help you decide.

Good luck!

jmatthews

I have had my 05 Touring about a month. I must confess, the black leather interior alone makes it worth it for me (I know, I'm weird, but you take joy where you find it).

This van is awesome in every way, and I'm glad we got it. With the options we would have had to have, there was no way we were going to be able to get below 30k. So for a little extra each month, we get the works. That's how I look at it.

jchan2

Some people value the Touring's equipment more so than others. I personally think the Odyssey EX-L RES/NAV is the best bang for the buck. You get the RES and the NAV, but you don't have to pony up nearly $40,000 for the Touring and its features. I'm not a huge fan of dark interiors- makes me feel like the cabin is a lot smaller. I prefer the more open, airy feeling of the tan and light gray interiors.

mwaltjr

Picked up 05 EX-L on 10/19. The sliding door on the driver side has a malfunctioning hinge that has rendered the door inoperable. Dealer (Honda Cars of Meadville, PA) has been aware of the problem since delivery but parts are "back ordered". We are very disappointed in both the dealer and Honda. Having only one working door greatly limits the functionality of the van.

potts_92

I have an EXL-RES. I am not sure what you mean but if the kids are watching a DVD with headphones just lower the volume or you can listen to the radio/cd/aux, this will not disrupt their movie.

If your asking how to turn on rear speakers on while DVD is playing and kids using headphones, only the front four speakers turn on, then hold the rear power button for about 2-3 seconds and all speakers will be on. Kids can enjoy the DVD with headsets

tcsubwoofer

Just wanted to post a quick message that we received our Odyssey last Friday and have made every excuse to drive the van somewhere over the weekend. The NAV is truly amazing and fun to play with.

Cool commands like "Find Chinese Food Restaurant"
or
"Find ATM"
"Passenger Temperature 70 degrees"
"What Time is It"
--and the car just repeats your commands to you in a pleasant female voice and then adjusts settings or routes for you. Cool.

Last night we were driving late and my son had to go to the bathroom. We quickly hit the Nav console and found the nearest gas station in a blink of an eye. This NAV must be seen and used to be appreciated. I would take it over the DVD system.

Drive is amazing and the van feels very stable on the road. I will post more soon on my overall impressions after 3 days of driving.

stever

Heh, what happens when you get behind a semi going uphill and say something like "I wish I could pass that jerk"?

I got lost three times going to vote early a couple of weeks ago (voting was at the DMV, where I've been three times before). I'm jealous :-)

Enjoy the ride!

Steve, Host

ric345

I just got an EXL NAV/RES 10/29. I'm from chicagoland and had to pay MSRP . No problem getting a navigation manual though, got it with the car. Quite detailed thank god. The system is pretty complex, especially trying to figure out the voice commands.

Say I noticed that my NAV doesn't automatically change to darker colors when I turn on the headlights. Has anyone else noticed that?

According to the manual if you place the screen on auto in the setup menu it should automatically switch to night when headlight are on-mine doesn't. Don't know if that is isolated to my vehicle or production defect.

ric345

Ijust read your thread, see my recent post. I have the same problem with my NAV system with the auto screen mode!

Interestingly I noticed the auto dimming of NAV only seems to work with the car in accessories mode. Check it out and see if you have the same problem, if so may be a production glitch!

user777

Someday, we'll be surprised when the system responds to your comment:
...Steve, are you wishing to know about passing a driver in front of you, or are you inquiring about some gastro-intestinal ailement due to the food you ate last night? Didn't I recommend Chinese?... The closest drug store is .4mi on the right.

chuckels

Buy a car out of state, you will pay your state tax where vehicle is registered in, not where you buy it.

I am traveling 10 hours to buy my Odyssey, since it is by far the best price I found.

Extended Warranty is nothing more than profit for the dealer.

Save your money!

After all, isn't Honda supposed to be reliable?