provench

Well - the wife and I have had our 2005 Odyssey Touring Res/Nav for exactly one week now. I am sure some of you are or will be in the market for a van one day and this thing will NOT disappoint. My wife and I traded in our '03 Ody EX-L RES which was a tough decision financially, but there were just two many things that stacked up!

Convenience

• 60/40 seat - I can not talk about the flexibility that this thing is going to give. For example we can now put down the 40% part and when #3 comes we have room for all three kids, but can still lay down the stroller on the flat part created by spilt seat.
• Nav - I don't have to tell you guys how awesome this is as it has the same big screen, voice commands, usability, etc. from the TSX. I think they added some things like Zagat restaurant review and some other tweaks. But the big surprise to me was ... the put the backup camera like the MDX on this thing! Wow that rocks big time. very broad view and full color. You really have to catch yourself not just staring at the screen
• RES - Continues to be awesome and now the remote is just the controls that sit in the ceiling, but can be removed. Also - the wireless headphones don't need to be turned on/off as you just flip them and they automatically do what you want - very cool.
• Lazy susan tray - This really is very cool. It is a popup space in front of 2nd row that allows you to stash all kinds of stuff like toys for kids, cheerio's, whatever.
• MID - Multi Information Display - think BMW trip computer. This thing shows oil life, MPG (average and real time), allows you to customize by driver all kinds of stuff like intermittent wipers, light delay, auto lock/unlock behavior, etc.
• Dual glove box setup - This is kinda cool ... allows you to put more frequently accessed stuff in one without getting them buried in a bottomless glove box. Note that the bottom one is still quite large (my G35 split them but they were both too small)
• Folding seats - Just when you thought it couldn't get better - it did. Not only are the seats lighter (60/40 helped here), but the folding procedure is totally one handed now - huge huge one for my wife. And the storage well when the seat is up is still the best and included grocery hooks are still there.
• Power liftgate and doors - Well the liftgate is an awesome addition, but only available on touring model (slight mistake there Honda). What is cool is when you use the door manually it still is easy to do AND you don't have to slam it, but just touch it to the bottom and the automatic mechanism closes it tight for you. The doors are about the same, but I think they improved on the mechanism and I hope it is more reliable that previous gen model.

Interior

• Roll down 2nd row windows - This is awesome.
• Sunroof - pretty big and comined with 2nd row windows you can feel like you are riding in a convertible van
• Leather is very nice on seats, steering wheel, and shifter - classy looking
• Gauges - well ... you decide for yourself
  
  
  
  
• Nice console for the 2nd row on touring with good storage, table space, and cup holder setup
• Electrochromatic mirror - nice touch
• Handle for 2nd row seats that remembers seat position and makes access to back very easy (unless you have a car seat in both 2nd row seats). This is on most coupes, but good use of it here.
• Radio/temperature controls - Radio controls are very good and you can control it via touch screen as well on the Nav. Temp controls on my model are 3-zone automatic climate control (2 in front, 1 in back) and this is NICE. Better than I expected in fact. You can sync them all or toggle them up/down individually.

Exterior

• Looks - I think it is a sharp van and the new one tends to look for "muscular" than the old which I think is a good look for it. The exterior handles are very TSX like and the touring model adds just enough chrome accent to keep it classy, but not overdone.
• PAX - Tires are runflat on the touring model using the Michelin PAX system. Great idea, but see cons below.
• Lights - Not HID, but very nice nonetheless and fog lights do a good job of light immediately in front of van and good wide and bright view.

Ride/Engine/Tranny

• Ride - Honda did their homework on this one. This thing rides quiet, smooth like the Sienna has always and then some! This is a huge move by Honda to make the van more road trip friendly.
• Handling - Tighter than the previous gen, but not so still to sacrifice ride quality. I think they have a perfect balance for those folks that want their van to ride like a sedan ... this thing rides like an Accord ... not kidding.
• Engine - VCM ... 28 MPG .... mmmmmmmmmmmmm. This was in the top 3 reasons as to why we upgraded. They use active noise cancellation and other techniques to make this smooth and so far switching from 3 to 6 cylinders it not only smooth but it it very aggressive going to the 3 cylinders (you start to realize how often you don't need full power in your car). But make no mistake ... when you stomp this thing ... all 255HP and 250ft/lb of torque lets loose. This van is heavier, but seat of pants it feels faster than my '03. You do have to be aware ... there is some minor torque steer ... Honda has contained it, but it's there - FWD is FWD.
• Tranny - please be better than last gen .... but I can tell you that the VCM model's have very aggressive gearing and I find it MUCH better. It tends to stick in 4th gear longer to maintain strong power, but when 5th kicks it + VCM ... I see instant MPG readings of 30+. We are on our 2nd tank of gas and we'll likely see 26 MPG with mixed highway/city.

Cons (not many)

• PAX - I am concerned about this because it is so new and the Touring model's wheels are PAX only wheels. So you are in it ... and in it good. My understanding is you can't even switch wheels w/o voiding warranty or some such (I need to ask). So if you blow a tire you have 120 miles to get to Mich tire or Honda dealer. If you can't ... you call them and they get you a hotel for the night while they overnight a wheel/tire setup if necessary.
• Any other 1st year issues - right now I have a whistling wind sound and the upper glove box needs tweaking, but that is it so far.

I am sure I missed something, but that's a start ... ask questions on whatever but this thing is fun to (only a notch below my TSX, but I have to admit wanting to steal the Ody over my TSX lately).

dom

Mother of all reviews. Very nice job provench. That interior is stunning to say the least. What kind of deal did you get (can't remember if you put that in the other thread).

The Touring is $46,xxx here in Canada, so I probly won't be getting one. The base is $32,500 so its a possibility.

PS. A race with a TSX would be an added bonus if you can make the time

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Damn...that sounds like the ultimate road trip vehicle!!

Viking

Excellent review Prov!

provench

I paid sticker ... that's the only option where I am if you want it right now. I got very lucky on availability of the color my wife wanted ... the next one comes in mid-Dec! (within NC/SC/VA). I did get about $400 of accessories for free and a very solid discount on the 100K warranty (too many gadgets to not get this IMHO).

This was the most I have ever spent on a vehicle, but it will be well spent and enjoyed

xizor

that speedometer looks awesome! I love the glowing from the center.

sauceman

Awesome review, Prov. Now let me print this out and show it to my good ole friend Pat. He has a 98, and I sure would love it if he could head the 05 way some time.


BTW, the center gauges look just about the same as those of the RL I just sat in this morning.

provench

Agree on the speedo ... I like it even more that the TSX speedo setup.

Oh - by the way ... it has a pimp light as well ... but it is amber

Junkster

On the issue of run flats...

I've heard over and over again on how stiff the tires are due to the reinforced sidewalls... can you feel it compared to your previous Ody? The MINI CooperS also runs runflats, and many reviewers have complained about the stiffness of the wheels.

Can the twins post their review of the new Ody?

Nice write up, Prov... ya domesticated sellout

Junkster, who drives a wagon so he shouldn't talk about selling out

dom

Did I miss it in the review?

Cupholders, how many? afterall whats a good minivan without 26 cupholders.

provench

17 cupholders ... for 7 passengers ... it's all about options.

P.S. About to upload the motherload of pictures of the new Odyssey with it's supporting actor ... the TSX

dom

Nice, did you race them yet?

provench

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Oooh!! Pretty pictures...

dom

Provench I think the pics are DSL Beware as well. They ain't loading for me?

dom

They load fine in IE but not in FireFox

Awesome provench. Are the steering wheel controls illuminated?

Junkster

hehe... that hidden cd changer is the shiznit!!!

That is one high-rollin minivan, ma friend.

BTW, is it just me or does the nose of the van look kinda stubby in those pics?

Junkster, who thinks the TSX and Ody should race

Dan Martin

Wow, that's one pimp van! I love all the gizmos.

TSX 'R' US

Awesome writeup and pics!!!

so...how the kids liking it?

TSX 'R' US

I think it's just you domn...loaded fine for me

I really like that background light for the speedo...

ClutchPerformer

That is a sweet vehicle.

What's the extra button on the shifter? I notice there's only D-2-1, so an O/D lockout maybe? If I was in the market for a van, I'd definitely have one of these. VCM =

So have you found a good Oddysey forum yet?

mg7726

NICE!

i'm digging the new ody.

LannyM

This place is almost as cool as A-TSX

Ody Club

My wife found it after she got her '04...........

Provench, hope your TSX is a 6MT, cuz that Ody will smoke a 5AT .......

Great review, my wife will surely be getting this model when her present lease is up.

provench

Yes yes ... 6MT TSX

And this was just posted over there:

http://members.rogers.com/odyclub/Odyssey2.avi

Low 7's

provench

Yessir - illuminated steering wheel controls ... I am gonna switch them to my TSX when the wife isn't looking

provench

The button puts it in D3 ... not sure when it isn't a D4 for towing and locking out the cruising gear, but D3 is probably good for down hills and mountains and what not.

http://www.odyclub.com/ .... that is until we have http://odyssey.hondazine.com/

Whiskers

Bunch of soccer mom snobs telling people not to get the TSX!!!!

http://www.odyclub.com/forums/showth...threadid=19377

provench

Shameless plug by provench inserted in thread

http://www.odyclub.com/forums/showth...762#post169762

Whiskers

Nice save, now maybe those rich snobs will buy our crap mobile....

dom

Low 7's eh.

I see the MT snobs getting

TSX 'R' US

I guess they don't have a :thumbsup : smiley there huh?

Whiskers

He could have linked back to our smiley page

dom

Unrelated, but does anyone know of a CR-V forum?

provench

And that's why there is a #1 forum ... with no smiley ... to ...

provench

This one looks decent (albeit quite different looking) ... http://www.hondasuv.com/

provench

Now get that CR-V junk out of my Ody thread

dom

First the MT snobs and now the Ody snob

Sorry we can't all have 05 Ody Touring's

Edit: And thanks for the link.

provench

Actually - when I was in the dealership ... I checked out the CR-V in the showroom that thing is NICE. I actually much prefer its look to the Pilot (never been a fan of that). And I bet the CR-V is a beast in the snow ... good luck on the CR-V search domn