Honda Odyssey 2005+

15455575960100

Comments

  • dulnevdulnev Member Posts: 652
    "We have 4,500 miles on our Touring Ody and overall mileage is 16.4. That is a mix of highway and around town."

     

    Lucky you! We've been getting 14-15mpg in suburban driving.

     

    " Straight highway cruising is coming in at about 23."

     

    The mpg you get on the highway is inversely related to your speed. The mpg advertise by Honda can ONLY be achieved at speeds around 55mph! I've experimented with resetting the trip computer and driving at the same speed for 4-5 miles and got 29mpg at 55mph; 26mpg at 60 mph; 22mpg at 75mph!

    L
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I would be willing to bet that there are people who don't like Volvo seats either.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    The methodology, from what I have read, is they(EPA) put vehicles on treadmills to get mpg.Now, I don't know if it is true or not...but I have read that manufactures design their vehicles to get maximum numbers on the treadmill..that does not necessarily translate to those in real world conditions.Maybe this is why EPA lowers mpg figures by 10-22%. As well as the fact most people don't travel the speed limit, many drive like idiots and with underinflated tires.
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • heywood1heywood1 Member Posts: 851
    Well, aside from those whose cans are too big to fit in them in first first place, I'll bet there are darned few. Seriously, Volvo seats are widely considered among the best. They're the reason owners like me keep putting up with maintenance costs that would give the average Accord owner a stroke.
  • dilbertzzzdilbertzzz Member Posts: 190
    As well as the fact most people don't travel the speed limit, many drive like idiots and with underinflated tires.

     

    So that was you I saw in the rearview mirror shaking your head in disgust! ;-)
  • dilbertzzzdilbertzzz Member Posts: 190
    Seriously, Volvo seats are widely considered among the best. They're the reason owners like me keep putting up with maintenance costs that would give the average Accord owner a stroke!

     

    Maybe the cost of putting Volvo seats into a Honda would be less than the difference in maintenance costs?
  • heywood1heywood1 Member Posts: 851
    Well, I don't think it would great for the re-sale value of the van. And my wife wouldn't be too happy about having to sit on the floor of her car....
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,564
    I read the CR review. One of the pluses they mentioned was the comfortable front seats, without a disclaimer.

     

    It does seem that the only solution for the (whatever) percentage of people that don't find the seats acceptable is to change them. It is a fairly simple process for an upholstery shop to modify the foam (and maybe remove the lumbar bar). That way they can be custom fit to you. A cusion might do the trick too.

     

    The worst cse scenerio is you bite the bullet and get a different car.

     

    Still, I can see how the design can bother some people (the lumbar area is always a bit pronounced). If Honda wanted to upgrade the design (at a cost), a fancier, more adjustable lumbar support should do the trick.

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

  • rorrrorr Member Posts: 3,630
    " Though I do disagree that there is nothing that Honda can do,or should do, about the situation. Investigate the complaints..."

     

    What makes you think they aren't?

     

    Just curious: from my perspective, it seams that the vast majority of individuals beating the seat comfort issue into the ground....don't own Odysseys.

     

    How many ACTUAL '05 Ody owners have complained about the seats? 3? 4?

     

    I believe Honda has sold better than 40k '05 Ody to date. Edmunds is a magnet for individuals who want to complain. If 4 individuals posting about seat complaints actually represented only 1% of all those who actually HAVE seat discomfort, that means there would be 400 people with seat discomfort. That would be only 1% of the total number of Ody owners.

     

    Meaning that 99% are NOT experiencing seat discomfort.

     

    Would that be good enough for you jipster?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    My '74 Volvo seats were great and I spent several comfortable hours in them by the side of the road waiting for my mechanic to show up and give me a tow.

     

    Check out the posts in the archived Recaro seats board too.

     

    Steve, Host
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    rorr,out of respect to our hosts and other members...naahhh...I'm above that.

      What makes me think they aren't investigating the complaints of seat discomfort?Well,I have yet to read or hear anything indicating that they were.The point being if they are not investigating then they should.

      I believe I clearly implied in my post that if 92% felt seats uncomfortable...then design to satisfy 96%.Knowing of course that around 4% wouldn't be satisfied no matter what.Again..that goes back to investigating the complaints to see what % is disatisfied.If it is a high enough number...which 8% clearly would be...then they should try to redesign to satisfy more people.

      And about the Edmunds comment...who would that be complaining?
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • denver5357denver5357 Member Posts: 319
    "Like it or not, we also care about style. Yes, even in minivans (for Pete's sake!)! There are entire model lines whose only selling point it style. The pursuit of style, as in haute couture, has led to some monumental ugliness."

     

    I'm with you in spirit, though when it comes to the "style" of a minivan I believe there is only so much you can do. Safety, power, ride, features, reliability ... sure. Making a minivan look like a sports car on the outside? No.
  • rorrrorr Member Posts: 3,630
    "And about the Edmunds comment...who would that be complaining?"

     

    Well, obviously those Odyssey owners experiencing seat discomfort. Who did you think I was referring to?

     

    My whole point was that if only 3 or 4 people, who own Odysseys, are here on Edmunds complaining about them, then that represents an extremely small percentage of the 40k units sold. If you feel that 4% won't be satisfied no matter what, that would equate to 1600 sore backs.

     

    Do you feel that 3-4 posters here represent more than 1600 dissatisfied owners?

     

    And just exactly WHERE do you think you would see that Honda was investigating complaints of seat discomfort? I'm sure that ALL manufacturer's track complaints they receive from owner's on ALL their models; it's how they make improvements from year to year. But I don't see how you would ever hear about specific investigations unless the numbers were significant.

     

    The very fact that you HAVEN'T heard anything could be construed as evidence that the actual numbers of people having problems is low.
  • dilbertzzzdilbertzzz Member Posts: 190
    jipster: What makes me think they aren't investigating the complaints of seat discomfort?Well,I have yet to read or hear anything indicating that they were.

     

    Actually I don't remember anybody hearing anything from Honda ever about who they were or were not listening to nor about what they might be fixing/changing. They have to be the tightest-lipped automaker on the planet! They simply present their newest offering, touting the features without any acknowledgment that they got any ideas from anywhere but their own exalted design team. So, don't hold your breath waiting for any "We hear you and we're working on it" announcements from Honda. Also don't be surprised to see things quietly improved even mid-production run.

     

    denver5357: I'm with you in spirit, though when it comes to the "style" of a minivan I believe there is only so much you can do.

     

    One last time (with feeling!): My point is that Honda already had a reasonably attractive solution to the minivan design conundrum. Then they changed it! (And I've admitted that it was probably more an engineering decision to acquire more interior room than it was a exterior styling decision.)

     

    heywood1: Probably better to get those Volvo seats somewhere other than your wife's Volvo. I was thinking junkyard, myself.... ;-)
  • dilbertzzzdilbertzzz Member Posts: 190
    Has anyone heard of the 80/20 rule? The premise includes the thoughts that it takes far more effort/cost/time to gain on the 20 percent than it did to satisfy the 80 percent. So where do you spend your resources? Pretty much on the big piece (the 80 percent) and proceed carefully on the much more costly percentage points after that. Stockholders are not too excited about throwing big bucks at ever diminishing returns.

     

    No one here has even dared to suggest that anything like 20 percent of the potential Honda Odyssey customers are unhappy about seat comfort. So, most likely Honda has more than surpassed the 80/20 rule spirit. It would seem poor business to invest much in the little return they might get from changing their seats.

     

    On the other hand, I'd be willing to bet they have considered it, weighed out the costs, and already made some decision on the point....
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Actually EPA does use 10% as well. They reduce the city number by 10%. They highway is reduced by 22%. The average speed for the highway test is 48 mph - so they do go faster and they do go slower. They run the test on a roller, but it had drag to simulate the road drag, and they factor in aerodynamics as well before they drop the 22%.

     

    Remember though - the tests are done fairly gently - no jackrabbit starts and at relatively low speeds. Manufacturers also know the test well and can design auto trannies to shift just right to do well in the test. This is why automatics may struggle to do much better than EPA numbers and manuals can soar by them.

     

    I have a '90 Integra that was rated 28 mpg on the highway just like the Odyssey (the tests are the same as they were back then). If I drive 60-65 on a day without wind and on fairly level roads I can easily get over 40 mpg. Even driving 85 (speed limit is 75 in these parts) I can't get anything under 30 mpg.

     

    It is all available at

     

    www.fueleconomy.gov

     

    BTW what fuel economy numbers did CR get in the test of the Odyssey? I consider their mpg numbers to be the best out there as they are very consistent in their testing and it is done in the real world on real streets with regular cars that were bought from a dealer.
  • lghong67lghong67 Member Posts: 29
    I'm upset that you beat me to the punch. : )
  • w210w210 Member Posts: 188
    To answer your question about Saab and Volvo seats. I have had both cars for a few years and can tell you they also have their shortcomings.

     

    1991 & 1993 Saab 9000 Turbo - The seat while very comfortable, rocks slightly under hard acceleration which is extremely annoying. The problem only goes away when you adjust the seat cushion all the way to the bottom. But then, at that position, there is little thigh support.

     

    1996 & 1998 Volvo 850 - The seat headrest sticks out and forces your head forward which we found very uncomfortable.

     

    They all have their pros and cons, you'll notice if you have owned them for a few years.
  • w210w210 Member Posts: 188
    You won the bet, both myself and my wife hated the Volvo seats, we could not comfortably rest our head on the headrest (see above post.)
  • heywood1heywood1 Member Posts: 851
    I have read or heard this complaint before. Having owned two Volvos (a '98 and a '00), I can tell you the headrest is not for resting your head. It is a safety element that prevents whiplash injury in the event of a rear-end collision. And Volvo has been on the leading edge of whiplash prevention technology. Accordingly, all manufacturers (Honda included) have been making their headrests larger and more effective in the last five years or so. The ones in both the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey are much improved in the newest models. (Remember the dinky, one-sided headrest in the early-90's Civic, or the ones in any GM vehicle before 1990 that weren't able to be raised higher than your neck?)

     

    Another complaint I've heard about Volvo headrests is that you can't see through them! Unless you have X-ray-specs, I don't think this can be done in any car.
  • fbearfbear Member Posts: 117
    Thanks all for the replies and info regarding EPA...If true that manufacturere tune their trannies to do well on the EPA test as opposed to the real world that is sad.

     

    If we drove 55 MPH on the highway to try to get the max MPG we would cause an accident around here in NJ. Flow of traffic is generally about 75...

     

    Car and Driver October review did not have CD observed fuel econonmy- only mfr estimate.
  • djrndjrn Member Posts: 2
    I had a similar trouble with my 05 Odyssey LX. Except that the Engine check light and the VSA light came on after a short drive, a stop and a restart and only on a very cold day -25C about 0F. It took a second tow to the dealer on another cold day that stranded my wife, for the dealer to replace a possible faulty relay. I can find what the relay is called if this thread is still active if Honda haven’t replaced your relay yet.
  • scs_13scs_13 Member Posts: 6
    Hi there,

     

    being a Odyssey 05 EX-L owner I like to add the following comments:

     

     I am not certain about the seats being uncomfortable.

     

    but ...

     

    I never had a car (owned or rented) that kept me guessing so much on how to sit behind the wheel. Even after now two weeks of ownership and being the sole driver, I still play with the seat adjustment. The key reason for this is the pedal position. While I was comfortable in the touring that I test drove, I am less pleased about the overall driver position in the EX-L. This is mostly because of the distance of the steering wheel does not seam to match the one from the pedals.

     

    Any comments from other Owners test drivers? And yes, I am a very averaged sized person.

     

    SCS_13
  • sciencemanscienceman Member Posts: 80
    >BTW what fuel economy numbers did CR get in the test of the Odyssey?

     

    Overall 19

    city/hwy 12/28

    150 mile trip 23

     

    These numbers are almost identical to what the Sienna achieved by the way except for a city/hwy rating of 13/27.
  • beaugolfsbeaugolfs Member Posts: 1
    I had the same fuel cap problem on my '05 EX-L, a week after purchase and before I ever put gas in it for the first time. I filled the tank up and it also did not go away. We had to take it back to the dealer to have a couple of minor scratches fixed and they reset the message a that time. I forgot to asked what might have caused it. We haven't had this problem again.
  • heywood1heywood1 Member Posts: 851
    It IS unfortunate that adjustable pedals are only available in the Touring model. After all, they're even available on a Ford Taurus, for crying out loud....

     

    A telescoping steering wheel would help too. A glaring omission on the EX-L, IMO.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I am not certain about the seats being uncomfortable.

     

    My wife and I sat in the EX-L and played with the NAV. We are looking for a vehicle to tour the country in. The seat comfort issue has us wondering if the Odyssey is a good choice. I would like to rent one for a week and make a long drive. I am used to the LS400 and Suburban which are both very nice on long trips. I am also your average 6'1" 200 pounder.
  • heywood1heywood1 Member Posts: 851
    If you own an LS400, why would you want to tour the country in a MINIVAN? Take you Lexus and stay in nicer hotels with the money you save!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Because it's easier to take along your canoes, mountain bikes, roller blades, backpacking gear, tennis rackets, etc. in a minivan?

     

    Not to mention having room to lug home all the souvenirs you'll pick up along the way (I wound up dragging a cedar chest home half-way through one road trip).

     

    Steve, Host
  • dulnevdulnev Member Posts: 652
    "While I was comfortable in the touring that I test drove, I am less pleased about the overall driver position in the EX-L. This is mostly because of the distance of the steering wheel does not seam to match the one from the pedals."

     

    We own the Touring and I find that the steering wheel is too far away. Power pedals don't help with this at all, I already have them as far away as possible. What would've helped is a telescoping streering wheel, but alas it's not available on the Ody.
  • cccompsoncccompson Member Posts: 2,382
    One of the (many) wonderful things about a minivan on a trip is the ability to access all your stuff (except the stuff that's buried) while you're on the road.
  • sportymonksportymonk Member Posts: 258
    As I sit here and scratch my head, it seems that back in to old days, I could never get what the EPA put on the Window of the car. Few if any could. The problem was that the govt didn't go out and drive them but instead, put the vehicle on a dynometer (sic?) and calculated various factors such as wind resistance. There were issues such as the fact not only was there no actual wind resistance but that the cooling from air flow was off.

     

    It seems the govt response was to lower the estimated mileage.

     

    Same thinking goes on today with pollution, they don't measure the pollution out of the tailpipe but rather read the computer module reading which is a problem in some cars, particularly foreign, when the battery is disconnected and the computer quits making measurements. Do Hondas have this problem?
  • heywood1heywood1 Member Posts: 851
    Well, I see your point. But I don't think any of the cargo you mentioned is on the list of hobbies typical to the LS400 owner demographic. I'm not much for roughing it when I'm on vacation, either. But I know this much: As soon as my kids are out of the house, my minivan-driving days are over. Owning a nice one like a Sienna or Ody makes it more bearable in the meantime....
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Oops, I forgot to mention the six sets of golf clubs. :-)

     

    Maybe that demographic flies and doesn't do road trips?

     

    And the Odyssey is going to be much better to sleep in than a sedan if you wind up in the boonies somewhere 100 miles from the nearest motel and your tent has blown away.

     

    Steve, Host
  • nwngnwng Member Posts: 663
    out of the house? more like when they turn 17 and have their own junk to putt around.

     

    At that point, the only car that will reside in my garage will have a stick and rwd
  • nwngnwng Member Posts: 663
    it will be a fine day when I get rid of my minivan because I no longer need it.
  • cccompsoncccompson Member Posts: 2,382
    Maybe I'm the only person in the world who always gets the mileage figures the EPA estimates.

     

    But I do - sometimes bettering the highway figure.
  • w210w210 Member Posts: 188
    I much prefer Saab's solution of creating an 'active' headrest that moves forward in an accident, over Volvo's uncomfortable approach forcing your head forward, creating driver fatigue.

     

    The Saab headrests still achieve the same safety protection but are far more comfortable.
  • heywood1heywood1 Member Posts: 851
    Volvo's headrest technology is also 'active' (See their website for description of WHIPS system). And I'm referring to Volvo cars made within the last five years-- not relics from the '70's.

     

    I don't believe Sienna or Odyssey offer this, or any Japanese brand for that matter (MAYBE high-end Lexus or Acura models, but I haven't been shopping $50,000+ cars lately).

     

    Enjoy Saab seats while you can-- the company is circling the bowl.

     
  • collincollin Member Posts: 4
    i have an '02 odyssey van, and my wife wanted sheepskins put on it, best thing i ever did! the leather seats were a little hard but the $250 a set sheepskins helped out ALOT! it is so much more comfortable, they are real nice ones, about an inch thick, and its like sitting on a pillow now, try them, it should fix the uncomfortable seat problems people are complaining about.
  • denver5357denver5357 Member Posts: 319
    "A telescoping steering wheel would help too. A glaring omission on the EX-L, IMO."

     

    Agreed. I am 6' 1", and when the seat is back far enough for my legs to be comfortable, my arms have to reach out for the steering wheel. The seat is fine. It is the ergonomics here that causes me a small problem. I sort of split the difference and move the seat up a little and hold the lower half of the wheel a lot on longer drives. Not all that different from our other cars, but still could have been addressed easily with a telescopic wheel.
  • cccompsoncccompson Member Posts: 2,382
    Agreed - the lack of a telescopic wheel is the most glaring (and inexcusable) omission in the new Odyssey.
  • cccompsoncccompson Member Posts: 2,382
    The lack of a telescopic wheel is the most glaring (and inexcusable) omission in the new Odyssey.

     

    I'm 6-4 and when I put the seat back into the position most comfortable for my legs, I'm forced to grip the wheel with my (37 inch sleeve) arms almost straight out.
  • sciencemanscienceman Member Posts: 80
    Interesting: The lack of a telescopic steering wheel was the one thing I remember CR complaining about in the Odyssey.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    The Odyssey really ought to have a telescopic wheel. I haven't really had any complaints but, still, if they can put one in an Accord, they Odyssey should have one too.

     

    Honda...are you listening? People want it all these days! :)
  • manjaap sidhumanjaap sidhu Member Posts: 1
    In Nov 95, I bought a 1996 Town and Country LXi (top of the line at the time) and I have been extremely satisfied with it. It run smooth, has great features, and is very big. I am now looking for a new van and I saw both the 2005 Ody w/ NAV/RES and also the 2005 Chrysler Town and Country with NAV/RES and I liked both of them. Many people have recommended the Ody to me but I still want to get the T & C since I have had such good experience with it. What edge does the the Touring NAV/RES have over the Chrysler?
  • heywood1heywood1 Member Posts: 851
    The Odyssey has a definite edge when it comes to re-sale value. But if you're going to keep this van ten years, that benefit is mitigated somewhat. The Ody Touring model's dubious feature of PAX tires might neutralize the re-sale benefit a decade from now, as well.

     

    That being said, if you had a good experience with your first T&C, I could make a good argument for buying another. You should be able to beat a dealer into absolute submission on the price, and get one for at least $3,000 under invoice (very possible with the current $2,500 rebates), And unlike Honda dealers with short inventories, a Chrysler salesperson will be falling all over you. But I'd get the extended warranty on any D-C van.
  • rduelrduel Member Posts: 39
    Thanks for increasing the font size.It is much easier to read now. The smaller text in the revamped site was very difficult to read.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Glad to hear it; I understand that it's been tweaked for Firefox users too.

     

    Steve, Host
  • w210w210 Member Posts: 188
    Sold both the Volvo and the Saab, keeping the MB for speed, Audi for traction, Odyssey for space and first class navigation (here in Canada, Siennas don't have nav can you believe it.)
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