2005 Honda Odyssey Touring

Minivans. How come they get no respect? They're a terrific way to haul gear and people in comfort, get decent fuel economy, and do the heavy lifting. Bah! Humbug! We've heard you say. Minivans are kid-haulers and not much else. We say take a seat in the Honda Odyssey, make yourself comfortable (which will be hard to resist), and your outlook is going change--for the better.Honda redesigned the Odyssey for 2005, with improved ride and handling, restyled interior and exterior, and considerable changes to the V-6--a redesign significant enough to qualify the Odyssey for our Car of the Year competition. Your first impression will be a lot like ours: This is pretty good. Let's check it out.

Our long-termer, a topline Touring model (a trim level new for 2005) came standard with the 3.5-liter V-6 with Variable Cylinder Management cylinder shutoff, five-speed automatic transmission, leather seats, seven-speaker stereo system with XM Satellite Radio, tire-pressure monitoring and MichelinPAX run-flat tire system, three rows of seats with power windows in the first two rows, heated front seats, dual power-sliding doors, and a power tailgate--all of which were inclusive in the MSRP for the Touring model. The cream of the crop, no doubt, but the bottom line's still somewhat of a stunner: $35,010, including destination. Ouch!

It took some time, but staff anti-minivanners were won over by the Odyssey's functional capabilities. The VCM works well, smoothly shutting off cylinders when there's less demand on the engine, making the fuel needle creep at a snail's pace toward E. It also provides 255 horsepower, backed by a solid five-speed transmission, the right pair for power on the highway. The V-6 effortlessly pulls gear and people up inclines and past big-rigs, yet manages fuel economy up to the mid-20s. The transition from running on three to six cylinders is nearly imperceptible.

The interior--with terrific storage areas designed into the entire cabin, an in-floor storage area between the front and center rows, fold-into-the-floor third row, and typical Honda attention to detail--also captured the hearts of our resident cynics. Logbook comments were proof positive of this transformation: "I never thought I'd admit to liking a minivan, but I must say the Odyssey has won me over," and, "If you must have a minivan or a people-mover, then step up to the best--the Honda." Reluctant editors took the Odyssey on trips here and there, but once they realized that this minivan is a true gem, the dam broke, and the Honda hardly ever left the road.