2007 Honda Odyssey Review

All Odysseys get a 3.5L V6, the same engine that's in Honda's Ridgeline. On the Odyssey, it puts out 244 horsepower and 240 lb-feet of torque, and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The Odyssey features plenty of minivan comfort features such as dual sliding doors, a retractable center tray table, and 15 beverage holders. Remote keyless entry is standard, as is a folding third-row seat, which Honda calls "Magic Seat" because it folds into the floor with one smooth motion. Safety features include anti-lock brakes and side-impact air bags with a roll-over sensor. New features for 2007 include a tire pressure monitor and a rear window wiper.

The upgraded EX model makes the dual sliding doors motorized and adds a second-row "Plus-One" removable seat to increase the passenger capacity to eight.

On the EXL and Touring models, Honda adds variable cylinder management technology, which turns off three cylinders at cruising speed. The EXL model's i-VTEC variable valve timing system doesn't increase power output, but the torque does come on slightly sooner, improving engine response and efficiency. The Odyssey is no sports car, but at 8.6 seconds to 60 mph, it merges like a smaller car.

The EXL utilizes an active noise cancellation system that uses the vehicle's stereo to cancel wind and road noise in order to create an even quieter ride. A power sunroof, leather seat trim and steering wheel, are also upgrades included on the EXL.

The Touring models gain XM satellite radio. Run-flat tires are standard, freeing up cargo space in the rear of the van where the spare tire used to be. Front and rear parking sensors, a programmable trip computer, as well as tri-zone climate control are also standard. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system with a nine-inch drop-down display and wireless headphones can be added for $2,000. Navigation runs another $2,200.
Honda completely redesigned the Odyssey in 2005, and very little has changed during the following two years. A tire pressure monitor and intermittent rear window wiper are now standard. Base prices increased $300 overall for 2007. see less