Honda Odyssey 2005+

14445474950100

Comments

  • luckylouluckylou Member Posts: 308
    But when I turn the light off so did the sound. This is one of the feature my wife love on the Odyssey ,this is her wheels and she love all the safety including airbags everywhere. I am even thinking getting one for myself and selling my TLC . She got the Touring pkg. minus the Nav.

    With the Nav. option you will have camera showing the distance on the Nav. screen this is alot better than the beep.

     Lou
  • jntjnt Member Posts: 316
    Today we got our first 1K miles on the 05 Odyssey. Some observations and comments:

     

    1. Vehicle handles and rides quite well. It is way better than any minivan that I have owned or rented in the last several years (GM, Toyota, Chrysler, Ford)

     

    2. Wind and Road Noise is quite acceptable in any road or weather conditions

     

    3. Engine is strong and have sufficient reserve for oscassions when it is loaded with people and luggage

     

    4. Braking is very good. It is better than my GM minivan (with rear drum) or new Chrysler (with 4 disc around)

     

    5. Transmission shifting is very good. It does not suffer the 2-3 second delay of downshift in the case of Chrysler minivan. For those who wants to merge into high speed traffic in LA hwy, you should not worry about this situation with this new van

     

    6. Vehicle has side glass antenna for AM/FM. This is a step backward for radio reception for those who used to own the previous generation of Odyssey. I have not seen one vehicle with side glass antenna which performs well yet. BTW, I don't think any Honda vehicle has FM Diversity antenna. If it has one, the FM reception could be better. Typical problems with antenna embedded in glass: directionality, reduced reception range (40 miles vs. 55 miles for example) and sometimes Overload (drive by local FM stations). The static noise that some owners of the 05 complained about is caused by the Audio Frequency tuning. Honda probably prefers High Fidelity for FM (more treble, more stereo separation) which is good for normal listening conditions but will produce more high frequency noise. My advise: if you were to listen to weak station (40 or more miles away), turn the TREBLE setting down. It will soften the noise. Overall, I do not hear any vehicle Electrical Noise that jams radio.

     

    7. Gas mileage is about 23.5 MPG on highway and 14.5 MPG around town. So I think the Cylinder Cut-Off feature works well and we can't barely notice the difference in noise or vibration when the engine switches mode (by looking at ECO indicator)

     

    8. One noticeable nuisance for us: engine/transmission (?) has a noticeable resonant and booming sound at around 2200- 2600 RPM. We noticed this behavior the first day we took delivery of the vehicle. We came back to the local dealership to test-drive another EX or LX at the lot, and observed the same thing on this vehicle. Mostly, this is the around town speed and it spoils an otherwise wonderful drivetrain. Even my 8 year old GM minivan with old tech engine and 4 speed Transmission behaves better below 4000 RPM as far as uniformity of engine noise. This behavior is independent of the occurance of the cylinder cut-off (ECO light)

     

    9. Some interior trim piece misalignments. Plastic panel looks good but the material is too hard to the touch

     

    10. Rear hatch does not close well. We have to slam it hard to lock it. Some mechanical alignment needed

     

    11. Every time we starts this vehicle from PARK, we hear some scratchy sound (must be something engaged , solenoid may be?). It is so faint that one has to pay closed attention to hear it

     

    Overall, we are very happy with the new van. Being a first year production vehicle, we expect some level of imperfection. I have no doubt it will last us for more tham 10 years

     

    JNT
  • hansiennahansienna Member Posts: 2,312
    Agree with every comment in the article. The 1999-2004 Odyssey is MUCH more attractive than the 2005.

        After reading comments in Town Hall by owners of the new 2005 Odyssey and also my nephew's comments about the "whistling noise" in his new 2005 Odyssey EX, I now plan to keep driving my 2002 Chrysler T&C LX. I would be most upset if I sold my T&C, got a new Ody, and had spent $14,000 more to get a new van that is not as quiet as the one I own.
  • jntjnt Member Posts: 316
    Peter,

     

    That is one best kept secret of Mechanical Playback (CD, DVD,...): They have limited operating temperature range. Normal Automotive Electronic modules (radio, HVAC,...)inside passenger compartment has to work between -40C and +85C. But I doubt that you can find CD or DVD player which can tolerate the extreme temperature conditions. I was told it has to do with the limitation of the laser optic system in these playback devices (focus motor, drive motor..)

     

    JNT
  • jntjnt Member Posts: 316
    I recent posted my first 1K mile review of my 05 EX-L.

     

    One of the item, we noticed is the booming, resonant sound the engine makes at about 2200-2500 RPM. It is rather noticable for us. We have the EX-L so this vehicle has 6 to 3 cylinder mode. But this noise is independent of the cylinder shut off feature.

     

    JNT
  • ace1000ace1000 Member Posts: 151
    "we can't barely notice the difference in noise or vibration when the engine switches mode (by looking at ECO indicator)"

     

    The ECO light does not indicate when the engine is running on 3 cylinders (VCM). It only indicates when the engine is running economically on either 3 or all 6 cylinders. The owner's manual doesn't explain this clearly but the video does.

     

    The resonance you hear is independent of the ECO light because the ECO light comes on often when the engine is running on all 6 cylinders.
  • luoluo Member Posts: 7
    JNT

     

    Thanks to your information. Do you know the operating temperature range of the automotive DVD player? No one told me about the effect of temperature on the odyssey DVD player. Does dealer need to explain it to me when I pick up the van?

     

    Thanks

     

    Peter
  • yjfuyjfu Member Posts: 18
    I am not as lucky as you are. My car stayed at dealer's for 29 days (actually it was over 30 days on 3 visits for the same problem) and American Honda still can't come up the solution. They are still testing the model in the wind tunnel before they went for vacations. To prevent it from becoming a lemon car the service department asked me to take the car back without fixing it. I noticed a gap between cowl and windshield on the passenger side. I hope American Honda treats this as an urgent issue. Several friends and colleagues couldn't wait and already went for Toyota Sienna.
  • burta10burta10 Member Posts: 28
    I think the 99-04 Odyssey's butt looks fatter. I also think the 05 looks better from the front at all angles. But that is subjective, and who cares anyway? Who ever heard of a beauty contest for minivans? Anyway, I don't feel the need to put a sack over my Ody when I go out in public.

    I'm not sure who writes "Autospies", but I'm satisfied with my purchase of an 05 Ody LX. Nothing groundbreaking, no gimmicks (though a "Touring" high-end minivan sounds a bit like a marketing gimmick, just like I think Town & Country is also a Chrysler marketing gimmick that appeals to a need for "prestige" among people that worry what their peers will think as they drive around a big box with wheels -- how else can you really describe a minivan? "Frumpy" applies to any big box with wheels).

    Okay, the Lazy Susan is a gimmick, and Honda should be flogged for it, but you can throw it out and have much more useable room.

    The van does what I need it to do, and I think it is groundbreaking in the number of standard safety features it provides on even the lowest end model. Autospies probably isn't turned on by safety. I am.
  • denver5357denver5357 Member Posts: 319
    I think I have seen you post this same message at least three times across multiple forums. Methinks you have an agenda. We get it already. You don't like the 05 Ody.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I'm glad I'm not the only one who has noticed this!

     

    As far as looks go, for crying out loud, it's a MINIVAN! How good can one of these look??

     

    Looks are so subjective it's not worth mentioning!
  • jntjnt Member Posts: 316
    Peter,

     

    You may want to talk with your Honda dealer or tech rep about this since car makers may have different spec. on the operating range of their playback mechanism. But I would suspect the operating range is narrower than -40 to +85C

     

    One thing for sure: at low temp (-25C), those tiny motors that drive CD/DVD mechanisms tends to be sluggish and that impacts the DVD operation. Other factors like himidity level which may effect the focusing function of the lens. So in the cold weather condition, you may want to let the radio warm up a bit before operating the DVD. At other extreme, one may encounter problem with >70C + (not motor in this case, but something else). That is the main reason of having a tiny DC fan in some car radio with tight internal package (primarily to make sure CD mechanism don't overheat and stop working)

     

    JNT
  • jntjnt Member Posts: 316
    ace1000,

     

    Thanks for your info. I will watch my DVD to make sure on the ECO topic.

     

    JNT
  • ace1000ace1000 Member Posts: 151
    MotorWeek tested the Accord hybrid this week, which will probably be similar to any future Odyssey hybrid. Honda's design is oriented more to performance rather than to economy. It doesn't allow the electric motor to power the car when the gas engine is off. MotorWeek obtained only a 15% increase in average mpg and a one second faster 0-60 acceleration.

     

    15% improvement in mpg is not worth the $3300 additional cost plus the lower resale value as hybrids age. Some of the improvement in mpg comes from VCM that is already on the Odyssey, so an Odyssey hybrid may not get much improvement in gas mileage without sacrificing performance.

     

    When Honda surveyed me about how much I would be willing to pay for an Odyssey hybrid, I asked what the mpg improvement was expected to be. When the person doing the survey said he didn't know, I chose the less than $1000 answer. I'm glad I did. It may help to convince Honda that an Odyssey hybrid needs more than a 15% improvement in mpg to justify the cost and complexity of a hybrid engine.
  • aveave Member Posts: 4
    I just bought an 05 odyssey EX 2 days ago. The VSA light comes on quite often and stays on, even while parking. It doesn't blink as the manual stays, but has "VSA" and "!" in yellow with no blinking. The only way to get it off is to turn the ignition off and restart the car. I always have the VSA button to default, i.e, "On". Please help with any feedback. Thanks so much in advance
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    15% improvement in mpg is not worth the $3300 additional cost plus the lower resale value as hybrids age.

     

    Remember that Hybrid isn't all about improved economy. It's also about increased power. The Lexus RX400H is being touted with increased performance with better economy - performance is the leading selling point.
  • pkapka Member Posts: 56
    As per the manual, you should have it professionally looked at by the service/dealer because the VSA indicator - if it remains on continuously -indicates problem with VSA system. Although, "!" indicator remains if you turn the VSA OFF. "!" serves to remind you that VSA is off.
  • mybuymybuy Member Posts: 42
    I bought 2 converters for $20 for both at Sam's Club and they worked fine for an X-box on a trip over Christmas. The $50 one might be for something that needs more power than just a video game.
  • ace1000ace1000 Member Posts: 151
    One second off of the 0-60 acceleration is no great performance improvement. I should have said that one second faster acceleration and a 15% improvement in mpg is not worth $3300 plus the lower resale value or maintenance expense as hybrids age.

     

    Toyota's approach to hybrid operation may provide a better compromise between economy and performance. Toyota hybrids can run on electricity only in stop-and-go city or congested freeway traffic, giving a big increase in gas mileage and eliminating the frequent on-and-off of the gas engine.
  • jeffinrtpjeffinrtp Member Posts: 21
    If you plan to make toast in the van, you may wish you had the $50 model.
  • kgardoniakgardonia Member Posts: 7
    He claims he checked in a 10 state area. I think I will wait for some 04's to come in on trade and snap up one of those. I just can't do the 05.

    Problem with the California units is you pay for California emmisions equipment you don't need in Missouri.
  • kgardoniakgardonia Member Posts: 7
    You have a problem if 14.5 mpg is all you get around town. My 01 has 105,000 on it and still gets 20.5 around town and 25 highway. Granted the engine has not been run in yet, but you should be seeing better fuel economy than that! You are in SUV territory with that kind of fuel economy.
  • kgardoniakgardonia Member Posts: 7
    Easy to say when its not your money being spent and it doesnt sit in your driveway! Time will tell, but I think Honda has a turkey on its hands. As for me, I will wait and get an 04 that comes in on trade.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Hondas are 50 state vehicles - so you don't have a choice on the emmissions equipment.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,569
    recently put about 600 miles on our EX-L, travelling over the holidays. When we left on the trip, it had about 90 miles (in just less than a week, we got it on the 18th of dec.)

     

    Anyway, performed very well. It does have what I would call a "firm" ride, but not uncomfortable, and I prefer it that way. Much smoother than our '99 Quest in any case.

     

    Seat comfort was fine, even with a 5 hour stint in the saddle. The lower lumbar area could be designed a bit better (it's not quite a Volvo), but I was OK, and I have a bad back. It also makes a big difference how you adjust the seat.

     

    Very quite. no noiticable wind/road noise (at least nothing objectionable). The nise level overall is very muted, so and remaining tire/wind noise seems magnified. Just a smidge of noise that I think was wind around the mirrors (but may have also been tire related), but even at 75mph, was barely audible.

     

    Radio seemed fine (mostly just CDs). Plenty loud, even with luggage piled up over the rear speakers. Maybe not Mark Levinson quality, but certainly OK.

     

    Seemed prety rattle free, but may have heard the passenger side slider rattle a few times over large sharp bumps, but only when it was very cold outside (10F ish).

     

    Amazing amount of room. I wasy overpacked, and still had room for more.

     

    Extremely powerful. Seemed to be loafing at 70mph, and would pull hard if you needed it to. Solid as a rock at 80 also.

     

    Also has an amazing turning radius for something this big!

     

    I think on my last leg we got about 23mpg, this was a highway run (70-75, with lots of hills) and some local roads (lots of stop-go).

     

    Anyway, I seem to not have many of the common(?) issues some others have. Maybe because of when it was built (early-Dec., vin of 42K+).

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,569
    forgot to mention, IMO, this is hard to compare. Some people's around town is really city, and others more rural.

     

    Our normal use is lots of 1-3 mile short hops, stop/go with lights and being stuck in traffic. We are in the burbs, but really have more like a city auto-usage lifestyle!

     

    Anyway, this driving kills the mileage on anything, so 15ish isn't unexpected on a large, heavy, powerful vehicle.

     

    I would expect better mileage if I lived in a more remote area, and lots of my trips were 15+ miles w/o frequent stops.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • mr_tmr_t Member Posts: 5
    We have the same issue with the driver door -- it does not happen on any other doors. The sales rep said (BS alert) that the seal was so tight on the doors that it would take a while for the rubber seals to "wear in" at which point the door would be easier to close. So why is it only the driver's side door then?

     

    I think it's a defect and we'll ask the dealer about it soon enough. If you find out anything else about this, please post!

     

    mr_t
  • al b.al b. Member Posts: 6
    05 ODY EX-L -----I am noticing an intermittent rattle behind the drivers seat and it seems to be coming from the pillar where the seat belt attaches. At first I thought it was the side door but I don't think so. Colder temps seem to cause the rattle (below 40 deg). Today its about 50 deg here and I've only heard it a couple of times. Other than that the van is very quiet.

     Does anyone else have this type of rattle.

     

    Thanks
  • mikeo1mikeo1 Member Posts: 53
    One second off 0-60 is a very significant

    performance gain in a mini-van.
  • mikeo1mikeo1 Member Posts: 53
    Or any vehicle for that matter.
  • denver5357denver5357 Member Posts: 319
    al b, is it a rattle or more of a crinkling sound? Because that is about where we have an intermittant crinkling noise, which is usually quiet until we hit a few bumps, then comes back off and on. If I reach my hand up and push on the ceiling just behind the drive seat and to the inside of the van from the seatbelt, it seems to stop the crinkling noise for a while. I assume this is soundproofing of some kind.
  • al b.al b. Member Posts: 6
    Denve5357,

     

    It's more of a rattle, and intermittent. Hoping I can isolate it before I take it to the dealer. Figures, the only rattle in the van has to be right behind my head. It's probably something in the pillar to do with the seatbelt. the side air bag, or the DVD system.

     

    Thanks
  • macakavamacakava Member Posts: 775
    Your right!

     

    60mph is 88 feet/sec.
  • macakavamacakava Member Posts: 775
    Maybe the rattle is inside our heads! LOL

     

    Devil's advocate
  • burta10burta10 Member Posts: 28
    Preach on brother! (Or, in other words, I agree with everything you said there). My VIN is 6,000+, but I only had the whistle for a few days, and no other problems to speak of. I would also say the ride is on the firm side, but a small price to pay for the handling and stability at speed. The turn circle is surprisingly small and has come in handy a number of times in only the past week. I like this car more every day.
  • hansiennahansienna Member Posts: 2,312
    Tell my nephew you think I have an agenda against the 05 Ody since my recommendation of the 05 Ody to him was one big factor in his decision to buy one.
  • burta10burta10 Member Posts: 28
    What can't you "do" about an '05? It looks different, and it's had some teething troubles, but look below the skin at the improvements, and you may reconsider your fondness for the '04. The side curtain airbags could keep YOUR looks intact when put to the test, and the stability assist might prevent both you and the car from some nasty physical alterations. Beauty is only skin deep, but the '05 technology shines bright from within...sort of like a good personality.

    Besides, what do you care about what people think of the sheet metal and rubber parked in your driveway? Educate the neighbors if you're concerned about what they think...or buy sports car (better be at least 800 horsepower or some folks in this forum won't be impressed. THEY need a bit of education too!)
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    EXACTLY! If a person is that concerned about the looks of a car sitting in their driveway, they should buy something else.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Well, to each his/her own. I don't understand why the looks of a minivan would be THAT important but, like you said, it's your money.

     

    I would think the increased safety and performance would outweigh it's looks but, hey, that's me!

     

    As far as a "turkey"? Well, we can't keep these "turkeys" on our lot. Most are presold before they arrive and every other phone call, it seems is an Odyssey call.

     

    It's just frustrating we can't get more "turkeys" out of the oven!
  • skiyaladerskiyalader Member Posts: 4
    The tailgate on my 2005 EX is terribly difficult to actually get shut. I saw a similar post in message #2134.

     

    Like the person in #2134, I am a big enough dude to get the gate closed. I have to slam it so hard that I think the thing is gonna fall off or break the glass. Even after slamming it, it appears not to be fully latched and the dome light stays on and/or the indicator on the dash is activated.

     

    I took it to the dealer to have them look at it and of course got the response that everything is fine and that is the way all the 2005s are. I HATE this! It is NOT right.

     

    Is anyone else having this problem???
  • denver5357denver5357 Member Posts: 319
    VIN numbers .... OK, sorry for the dumb question, but I need to understand these references. I see people say a Vin is 6,000+ or 35K. Our VIN has a number, some letters, then numbers, and letters again and maybe even a few more numbers. Are you getting the 6,000+ and 35K off the first string of numbers after the letters? So a VIN that starts (and I am making this up) 7HJK28767OP ... would be in the 28Ks?
  • li_285li_285 Member Posts: 29
    Mine does not. I checked the owner's manual and did not find anything either. So I guess the answer is NO but I would like to confirm with others.
  • jeffinrtpjeffinrtp Member Posts: 21
    The last six digits indicate the production number. 006000 = Odyssey number 6,000, 035000 = Odyssey number 35,000.
  • jntjnt Member Posts: 316
    kgardonia,

     

    On the 14.5MPG city mileage, there is no problem with my 05 EX-L. It has to do with the driving condition (stop and go traffic, less than 40 MPH) and probably my driving habit. Even with 4 cylinder vehicle (Geo Prism, 5 speed stick), I rarely got more than 22MPG in the same area.

     

    JNT
  • macakavamacakava Member Posts: 775
    Maybe your nephew is secretly telling you that a generation gap exists between you both - a gap that allows him to appreciate a firmer ride with better, sportier handling since his behind does not need a softer ride at his stage in life! LOL
  • macakavamacakava Member Posts: 775
    I wish my Ody EX had it also like the POS Windstar I got rid of after only 54K miles.

     

    The dealers do not offer it as an after-purchase installation either. I suspect that there may be complications/conflicts with the electric sliding doors. Or maybe even product proprietary concerns.
  • jracinejracine Member Posts: 28
    Well, I happen to have the same problem on the same door. Will see my dealer later this week to get it fixed.
  • hansiennahansienna Member Posts: 2,312
    What does generation gap have to do with my nephew telling me his 2005 Odyssey EX has a "whistling noise" at 35 MPH and faster?

         I had planned to get a 2005 Odyssey and in fact recommended the Odyssey to him as my #1 choice. His concern about the "whistling noise" at 35 MPH and above has nothing to do with a firm or softer ride.

         I prefer a firm ride with firm seats and have written many times that in my opinion the Odyssey has THE most comfortable seats of any minivan starting with the 1999 model. I have NOT ridden in his 2005 Odyssey but I have driven my son's 2001 Odyssey EX and it is not as quiet as my 2002 T&C LX nor another son's 2002 GC Sport.

         I feel that the Odyssey is THE best minivan but just like anything else in life, it is still not perfect and I wish it had the heating coils at the base of the windshield and overhead console with outside temp/compass and accurate Trip Computer that are on my 2002 Chrysler T&C LX. My T&C LX could be better than it is if it had the 8 passenger seating of the 05 Ody EX and 60/40 split "Magic Seat", the extra power and 5 speed AT of the Odyssey.

         FYI, I still plan to buy an Odyssey for my next vehicle.
  • denver5357denver5357 Member Posts: 319
    OK, thanks. So ours apparently is one of the earlier ones, as the number seems to be in the 17000s? Weird since it just showed up at a dealer in mid-November and only had 11 miles on it.
  • jeffinrtpjeffinrtp Member Posts: 21
    My EXL-RES arrived at the dealer on Nov. 18 and the VIN is in the 29,000's. Not sure why the big difference between our VIN's when they were delivered at roughly the same time?
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.