The Sports Minivan

Strengths:

I purchased the 2005 Odyssey LX about 1.5 years ago. Due to an expanding family. The fact that the Odyssey offered a lot of standard features for your money along with Honda's renowned reliability history, I was drawn to this minivan. I was very impressed by its powerful engine and excellent handling due in part to its 4-wheel independent suspension, not a common feature on most minivans. The van also features a full host of standard safety features including 4 wheel disc brakes with emergency brake assist, stability control, traction control, front seat mounted torso protecting side impact airbags as well as head protecting side curtain airbags for all 3 rows that include a rollover sensor. I also like the spacious interior and well laid out dashboard. The van also includes a very helpful maintenance minder system that takes the guess work out of when to perform routine maintenance procedures i.e. oil changes, tire rotations etc. The sliding door windows also go down which is a nice feature on a minivan.

Issues:

I previously owned a 2003 Honda CRV, when compared to this vehicle the Odyssey does not seem as well put together. My Odyssey was delivered with disconnected driver window weatherstripping as well as large gaps in interior panels. As a father of 3 young toddlers I do not like that the lower child safety seat anchors for the third row are only available in the center of the third row bench seat this blocks entry to the other sides of the rear bench. I understand that this problem was rectified in the 2006 model year. I also hear a strange grinding noise in the transmission when the van initially hits 12mph. After a couple of trips to the dealer I was advised that this noise is part of the Stability Control system's self-diagnostics. I have also had trouble with AM radio reception as well as a grinding noise from the front brakes when descending steep hills that would last for miles after my initial brake application. The brake problem was solved at my local dealer by replacing the front brake pads with an updated version. The fuel door release lever is located on the floor in an odd place that is not easily accessible. The tune knob for the radio is a far stretch for most, it is actually tilted towards the passenger, not ergonomically correct.