Honda Odyssey 2005+

cooldad24

I live in CA but has been in WV near Pittsburg for 4.5 years with many chances to try hilly road in winter. Also got some skiing trips every year on Sierra. I never say the AWD is completely useless. I just pointed out don't think AWD will take care everything. It does, as I said, help on icy road, non pavement surface and hilly road. But it's all about acceleration! It won't help the vehicle for more grip and shorten braking distance since it's the tires especially the winter tires make the difference. If the vehicle lost control and spin, it won't prevent it. It does have less chance to lost track compare to FWD. Of cause it's better than not having it, I just don't think it will justify the extra we paid rather than investing on snow tires. The later gives you more benefit.

VSC is not helping on the slippery surface like AWD or TC. It mainly do its magic on turn with speed.

As to the 2nd row seats, all the comparison review I have read rate 99-04 Odyssey the best or among the best for its firmness and long rip comfort. I did read test drive on the 05 T&C with Stow-n-go said that the padding is thin and hard but not uncomfortable. It's all personal taste like sofa. Some like glove like soft and wrap you up but some like firm with lower back support. Wait for Edmunds and other car magazine to do the comparison to see the results in longer trip. My question is durability. For thin padding you have to make it harder to sustain heavy use. If soften it to provide more comfort, the durability suffer in theory. Of cause, thickness is not a good way to judge that and material could make all difference. But think of the cost and the grading, I don't think DC will put in costly one for that matter. My 2 cents. Go try all and see which you like the best.

rorr

I think there is a way to carry up to 8x4 sheets of plywood in the new Ody WITHOUT removing the seats. Simply fold the 2nd and 3rd row seat backs fully forward (flat) without dropping the 3rd row down into the well. You get a fairly flat load "floor" with a bit of a gap between the 2nd and 3rd rows.

I was able to put a few miles on an EX-L today. I must say I am impressed (this coming from a long-time Toyota fan). I think the Toyota dealers are going to be dealing much closer to invoice as more and more Ody's hit the Honda lots. One quibble I had; the 3rd row seat back angle wasn't terribly comfortable. This is adjustable in the Sienna; is it adjustable on the Ody or are the 3rd row seat backs locked into only one position?

cooldad24

I will be surprised if it's not adjustable. in the current model, it's adustable from 90 degree to maybe 45.

hmomex

Yes, it is adjustable, I did play with it last weekend on a Touring. Actually, I ride on the 3rd row while my wife test drive it, and it was very confortable.

laroy76

rorr wrote, "One quibble I had; the 3rd row seat back angle wasn't terribly comfortable. This is adjustable in the Sienna; is it adjustable on the Ody or are the 3rd row seat backs locked into only one position?"

The 3rd row seat back angle IS adjustable. When you sit in the third row if you look down to where your bottom rib is, there is a fabric tab that can be pulled to release the seat-back. Recline the seat to the comfortable angle and release the tab to lock in the position.

planomateo

I agree with both of you. I think they are HORRIBLE. I stopped by to look at the Odyssey last Friday about 15 mins after they got them in. They had a $3K markup. I went by later to see the Blue Touring they had and it was priced WAY TO HIGH...it had nothing in it (no RES or NAVI) and they were asking over $40K. I think they are stupid. They have an opportunity to give Lute Riley a run for there money, however they are up to there same old game like they are in Irving...so I'm officially boycotting them (except for service).

The sales manager called me back on Saturday to see if there were any questions he could answer for me and I said not until they went to MSRP or below...he said ok, call me back if you need anything else. Basically they were NOT budging. Of course I was there today and they still have the same 2 they had Friday (silver and white one) still sitting at the dealership. Wonder if they are going to cut prices soon....

hank007

Did Honda include a compass and outside thermometer in their 05 Odyssey? This kept me from buying a 04

player4

Yes from what ive read the compass and outside temperature controls are from EX models above.

hayneldan

The floor height on the 05 Chrysler minivans is the same as the 04. If you were to reach down in front of the second row seats you will find a bar that allows the seat to move to the rear. It must be fully forward to fold into the stow and go compartment. There is also a tilt feature on the second row seat on the door side of the seats. This must also be in the most upright position to store. I'm 6'4" and had no problem with headroom when the seat was adjusted. I had the same feeling of a lack of headroom when I first got in until i was told the person before me had just folded and stored that sear and after the adjustment it was fine. Honda makes an good minivan, and if the price/features fit your family buy it. But don't forget to check the competition.

dinky100

The 3rd row seat backa are also adjustable in the Ody---

dinky100

they do have the outside temp for sure-- I haven't found the compass yet... I bought an 05 on Sat

mikechen

Just come back from dealer! Wow! Surprise us! All of 3 cars mark up $3,999. One of them we saw was Touring even w/o Nav& Res asking for $40k ($35k + $3,999. So out of door price for Touring + Nav + Res will be around $46K. (Rather drive X5 or ML320)

05' Ody is indeed slightly better than 04' Sienna, but not much like 99' Ody at that time. Sienna is better in Hid light, AWD, Easy In/out for 3rd seats people come with sun screen in 3rd windows.

Both us think we will watch and wait for 1. price cool down (some dealers are gready for new model) or get Sienna for reasonable price 2. Benz brand new 2006 ML320 may have 7 or 8 seats (when want to spend $46k for a car)

susanp

I got a chance to see the touring model today, and although I have heard it has a compass and thermometer, I couldn't find it. Where is it? I have to say, overall it is one cool car.

Now we have another concern ..... the 04 was towable behind a motorhome. From a quick glance at the book, I think the 05 may not be towable. Anyone know? We want the touring model.

marlowe1

I read somewhere that NAV comes with a rear camera activated when backing up. Can anyone verify this? If so, is this standard with the NAV system or only on the Touring NAV?

Thanks,
Chris

planomateo

I was just on the Honda website and was able to see the 2005 Odyssey on the site. The funny thing is that the link now goes back to the 2004 link. I was able to get some numbers, so here they are for those who are curious...

Starting MSRP Trim Level
$24,995 LX
$27,995 EX
$30,295 EX with Leather
$31,895 EX with Leather and Honda DVD Entertainment System
$34,095 EX with Leather and Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation and DVD Entertainment Systems
$34,495 Touring
$38,295 Touring with Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation and DVD Rear Entertainment Systems

dinky100

Well- on the exl-res the temp is right by the odometer-- I still haven't found the compass yet (ifit has one) I'll have to read my book...

scienceman

Test drove EX-L today. The thermometer is in the center of the driver display--just under the speedometer. I would have prefered it in the center of dash. I didn't see a compass.

bamacar

From the Honda website, it appears that the compass is only on the Touring model. It probably is located on the Auto Dimming Mirror that is only standard on the Touring. Probably would have to get that accessory to get it on the other models.

wahoo752002

If I have a brand new Ody or Sienna for that matter, I will not venture out on a bad snow day simply because, I'm more worried about some idiot driver, speeding and lossing control of his/her car and smashing on my new van. I'll just stay home and sip some hot cocoa. Hey, that's why they have snow days in the first place... lol.

scienceman

Well, it appears from the updated Honda website that you can get just about anything you want on the Ody AS AN ACCESSORY--even a rear view mirror with that compass that seems to be so popular.

ceric

I read somewhere that NAV comes with a rear camera activated when backing up. Can anyone verify this? If so, is this standard with the NAV system or only on the Touring NAV?

Well, the back-up camera has been a dealer-installed accessory for 2002-2004 models of Odyssey, and Pilots. I think this would continue to be so for 2005. Yes, it activates when you shift into "R" and have the NAVI on.

samnoe

Honda have several good accessories for the Ody. The auto-dim rearview mirror features the compass (as stated above); you can get leather-wrapped steering wheel on all models; cassette or MP3 player; XM satellite radio; a cargo cover that covers the well behind the 3rd row seat, hiding your valuables and creating a flat floor; a useful storage console to replace the PlusOne seat, and more.

mybuy

Just checked out the 2005 Ody on Hondacars.com - looks like all the info (except leasing info) is there. You can build your own and get pricing right now. Does anybody have info on leasing yet?

Also, saw a full page article on the PAX tires in a recent Business Week. I was in a doctor's waiting room so only had time to scan it. If someone has access to Business Week, can you please summarize? What I got out of my couple minute scan was that Michelin is a leader in new tire technology, but only time will tell about the PAX system. They are licensing it to several other tire manufacturers inc. Toyo and GoodYear, so it looks like it will be more available. However, they said that one car company (Audi?) discontinued use of PAX after only 30,000 cars.

gjay1170

No wood stearing wheel option? There was one on the '04, not '05? My husband really wants it. I could care less. The leather stearing wrap is do able. Well, I guess I'll find out today when I speak the dealer.

rorr

Don't forget to add the destination charge to those MSRP's.

Tell me again why the base Touring is worth $4200 more than a base EX-L?

Was discussing the Touring and PAX tires with a salesman yesterday (a Touring was on the showroom floor) and was told that even though the Touring has the runflats, that it ALSO has a spare tire just like all other Ody's. Can anyone confirm this or was this salesman out to lunch? (Didn't check the spare tire space, just gave him an incredulous look).

rrshinn

Looked yesterday on a Touring and there is no spare tire. There is a jack and associated tools.

rorr

Why would there be a jack and associated tools if there is no spare???? Don't the two kinda go together?

grayghost

The Touring model/w Navi comes standard with the rear view camera that's activated when the van is put in reverse.

joyelyse

I'll double check on the spare tire issue when I go back today, but my salesman indicated the Touring didn't have one.

Rear back up system is on all Tourings, even w/o nav. Haven't checked yet to see if it's available as an option.

The compass isn't on the mirror...at least according to my salesman. It's on the dash...touring only.

Touring has some other features I really want, like adjustable pedals and memory seats. I really didn't want to go up that high, but I might just do it. I keep my cars 10+ years. I'd hate to settle, when really the cost difference will be minimal over the life of the car.

grayghost

You can check out http://www.paxsystem.com/

rorr

Rear back up SENSORS are indeed standard on the base Touring, but without the Nav (and associated screen), you don't get a back up camera. I think all you get is a series of "beeps" to indicate the presence of something behind the van.

I was more than a bit perplexed by the Touring spare tire comment from the salesman too. I was under the impression that the subwoofer (Touring only) occupied the spare tire space in the left rear. Perhaps the sub fits inside the spare?

3bebe

I believe the sub is under the front passenger seat.

grayghost

Both models have a drivers information screen on the dash that has a diagram of the car. It shows the direction of the object approaching the bumper. The rate of the series of "beeps" gets faster/slower depending on how far away the object is.

And are no speaker components in the spare tire area.

westtx

"Except that winning said President's Award for the service dept has absolutely nothing to do with how they treat you in the sales dept"

When I said "for service" I meant customer service, which includes sales. According to Honda's website, it is a prestigious award recognizing superior customer satisfaction, new car unit sales and business management. Only 20% of all Honda dealerships get this award. Does anyone know how McDavid's in Frisco service dept is? I considered taking my '03 Ody there for service instead of all the way back to Arlington.

onboost91

FYI the Honda website has the 2005 Odyssey on it now. Some of the questions I'm seeing above are answered by it (Subwoofer is under the front seat, and back up sensors are indeed an option on the non-touring models).

Its worth a look. They have all the accessories and such listed.

joyelyse

The little dinging noise back up parking sensor is standard on all Touring models. If you want the cameras, you have to get the NAV.

joyelyse

I forgot how the update on Edmunds works. I didn't see the new posts until after I posted. Still getting the hang of this.

rorr

Thanks. So I guess it is feasible that the Touring MIGHT have a spare in the left rear of the cargo area.

minyi

I happened to check where the spare tire was, and yes, it is inside the plastic panel on the driver side in the back cargo area. The 3rd row seat has to be in up position to take the panel out.

3bebe

minyi when you looked for the spare was it on a touring model, because my understanding was the touring would not have one, but when we test drove it( the touring model), I did not actually open the panel and look.

stever

Please read the Member Agreement before posting. That will save the hosts a lot of work deleting your posts.... thanks,

Odysseys must not be flying off the lots - we've deleted 6 posts and banned one member just this morning.

Steve, Host

badgerfan

They are just trying to push those initial 05's off at MSRP or higher to the gottahavitfirstcostdoesn'tmatter customers. Probably great commissions available when you start talking MSRP+!

cchilders

Is there something that I did wrong. I apologize for any problems .

Chris

stever

No soliciting is permitted on Town Hall. I have a note to you sitting in my outbox but my email pop is down at the moment.

Steve, Host

shellymeister2

I've owned both a '99 Ody and a '02 Ody & have really enjoyed them.
     I visited my local dealer today and saw the '05 in the flesh and realized how conservative the makeover really is.
     Of course the design was no surprise after having seen photos for almost 2 months now.
     As much as I've always felt the '99-'04 Ody was a pleasantly styled vehicle- the '05 is a bit of a curiosity. The lines of the vehicle don't flow in any coherent way-it's roundish and jelly beany up front and as square as a telephone booth towards the rear.
     The front seems to try to appear SUV-ish, but doesn't succeed. The rear is so uninspired that I had to hold back the yawns while viewing.
     The flanks of the vehicle are now so upright and flat looking that it resembles a Chevy full size van.
     Don't get me wrong, I don't think the new Ody is ugly. I'm just disappointed that when Honda had an opprtunity to really rethink the exterior they went the typical "let's not rock the boat" way.
     Yes, I am aware that the Quest has not fared well in the marketplace despite its more radical styling. I think the sales problem there has more to do with the PREVIOUS model Quest than the current one.
     Honda was already selling bushells of Odys (at least until the last few months). Taking a more radical approach to its re-design was not such a big gamble.
     By the way, the interior on the new Ody is an improvement, but again, not all that interesting or different.
     The previous generation Ody design was aging somewhat gracefully. I don't think the current re-design will stand up as well in 6 years- in fact I'm already bored.
     Honda needed to drum up some phonyish excitement by keeping the new van under wraps for so long, because I think they knew that the new 'Ody was hardly going to generate a lot of excitement when the public finally saw it.
     Summing up, to all fellow Ody posters, I still think the Ody is the best minivan out there, and I think the mechanical improvements are a positive development, but did it have to be sooooooooooo boooooooring ?

stever

hmmm, I haven't seen one, but square in the back sounds good. The best bodied minivan I've had was our '89 Voyager - nice big box and the ceiling didn't curve in much at the back.

After all, you never know when you may have occasion to toss a telephone booth in the back!

Steve, Host

bamapt

Anyone know how long it will take to get the invoice pricing up on edmunds for the new Odyssey, or if it can be found elsewhere now

beemer4me

After seeing a picture on the honda website of the 8th seat, all I can say is, what a joke! It looks like Honda was trying to save money by keeping the second row captain's chairs the same size as those in the 7 passenger configuration. Why not make them a little smaller so the middle seat could be a little bigger? All I can say now is if the boss of the family ever asks me to trade our 01 Ody for an 8 passenger minivan, the Sienna and its 8 passenger seating now have the edge.

ezucker

I've contacted three Honda dealers in San Diego, and all three are marking up the '05 Odyssey above MSRP. At two of them the mark-up is $2,995. At the other it's $2,000, which includes splash guards, door edge guards, and a cargo tray.

What really amazed me is that the dealer with the $2,000 mark-up is not giving any break to customers buying through the Costco program. Two weeks ago that dealer told me that Costco customers could be at MSRP even if the dealer decided to mark it up, but now they say that Costco customers will have to pay the same price as everybody else.

Anybody know any dealers in southern California who are selling at MSRP?

Evan Zucker
San Diego, California

jayhondadj

Did anyone post the official MSRPs???
They came out today!!!