2007 Honda Odyssey Overview Change Vehicle

This 2007 Honda Odyssey overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2007 Odyssey, and includes Honda Odyssey safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

The current Honda Odyssey was completely redesigned for the 2005 model year. After minor changes last year, the 2007 Honda Odyssey minivan is only slightly upgraded with a few new standard pieces of equipment. All trim levels receive a standard tilt and telescoping steering wheel and a center pocket coin holder. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has been fitted to all trim levels — this is government-mandated as of September 2007. Finally, the automaker has added two new exterior colors: Nimbus Gray Metallic and Dark Cherry Pearl.

Carried over from last year are all four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. All share the same front-wheel drive powertrain with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

The LX models are entry-level. Each is configured with standard cloth upholstery, power windows, power mirrors, power door locks with remote keyless entry, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, air conditioning, and a CD-equipped audio package. The LX models are configured with a seven-passenger cabin. The last, or third, row of seats features Honda's foldaway "Magic Seat" with an in-floor storage well. From the outside, the LX model is differentiated by its 16-inch steel wheels (with painted plastic wheel covers) and black mirrors.

The EX models build upon the LX equipment list. Standard 16-inch alloys replace steel wheels, the sliding side doors receive power-assist, there are integrated second-row sunshades, and a conversation mirror helps to keep an eye on rear seat passengers. Other features include automatic climate control for the front seat occupants while rear passengers continue to enjoy a manual air conditioning system, and this van also includes an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated side mirrors, HomeLink, headlights that automatically shut off, and more. An in-floor storage compartment is added, equipped with a Lazy Susan for added convenience. The audio system is also upgraded to include a six-disc CD changer. Most importantly, the EX adds another seating position making it an eight-passenger minivan, thanks to Honda's innovative second-row "PlusOne" jump seat.

The EX-L is best understood as an EX with leather. Along with the upgraded upholstery comes a standard power-operated glass moonroof above the driver and front passenger, who sit on heated front seats. Available options exclusive to the EX-L include a DVD-based entertainment system with a nine-inch display and a satellite-linked navigation system (with a rearview camera display). The V6 engine in the EX-L also boasts the automaker's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system. In a nutshell, it allows the engine to operate on just three cylinders to save gas while cruising on the highway (if more power is needed, the cylinders automatically fire back up again). Other innovative features on the EX-L models include Electronic Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Control Engine Mounts (ACM) — both work to help keep annoying vibration and noise from penetrating the passenger cabin.

The Touring model, the flagship of the lineup, adds even more equipment to the EX-L. The rear tailgate is power-operated and tri-zone automatic climate control is standard. Other features include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a premium sound system with satellite radio, a 115-volt power outlet, a memory seat for the driver, power adjustable pedals, an auto-dimming interior mirror, front and rear parking sensors, fog lights, automatic headlights, and more. While the EX/EX-L models feature an eight-passenger cabin, the Touring model drops the PlusOne seat and replaces it with a removable console (making the Touring model a seven-passenger minivan). Touring models also feature Michelin's PAX run-flat tire technology with unique 17.5-inch alloy wheels (specially-designed for the PAX tire).

All 2007 Honda Odyssey models feature an all-aluminum 3.5-liter V6 rated at 244 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. While the output is the same, the EX-L and Touring models are equipped with Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) to improve fuel economy — the system works, as is evident by slightly higher EPA ratings on both. All 2007 Honda Odyssey models are front-wheel drive.

The Honda Odyssey is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel. According to the EPA, the 2007 Odyssey LX and EX are rated at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The 2007 Odyssey EX-L and Touring models with VCM are rated at 19-mpg city/26-mpg highway.

All Odyssey models share identical safety equipment — and it is a long list of standard safety features. The 2007 Odyssey is equipped with dual-stage dual-threshold front airbags, front side airbags, and three-row side curtain airbags. Additional safety equipment includes antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, traction control, stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure has also been designed with both occupant and pedestrian protection in mind.

In the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), a program run by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2007 Honda Odyssey earns 5-Star ratings in the frontal- and side-impact crash test evaluations. The rollover resistance rating is 4 Stars. Together, these represent a strong showing for any vehicle. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has also tested the minivan, but with slightly less impressive results. The Odyssey receives the agency's highest rating in both the frontal offset crash test and side-impact crash test, but it gets a Marginal rating for rear crash injury protection.

Surprisingly, the 2007 Odyssey scores below average in terms of reliability and durability. Independent reporting agency Consumer Reports gives the 2007 Odyssey a below average rating for reliability (specifically citing issues with the transmission, suspension and braking systems). J.D. Power and Associates agrees, rating the Odyssey below average for dependability.

It's hard not to like the Honda Odyssey minivan. The seven- or eight-passenger vehicle drives like a really big Honda Accord — nice and stable on the road, with just a hint of sport to keep things interesting. The cabin is easy to configure (credit Honda's Magic Seat and PlusOne seat), and there are gobs of places to hide things. Of course, safety is priority with Honda — its family van has proven itself in testing by the NHTSA and IIHS. Unfortunately, both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates rate the van below average for reliability, and while we cannot verify these issues on an individual basis, we also cannot recommend the 2007 version of the Honda Odyssey.

By Michael Harley