Charlotte, NC - July 29, 2004 -- Seen here is the upcoming 3rd generation 2005 Honda Odyssey, due in showrooms this fall. The new Odyssey will probably not break as much ground as the 2nd generation did back in 1999, but it should once again push it to the front of the class. Expected on the new Odyssey is an ACE body structure which uses lighter and stronger materials for a safer and more compliant ride, 3-zone climate control (an industry first), and roll down rear windows like the new Sienna. Side curtain airbags are expected to be standard on the model, and Navigation and the Rear Entertainment System will be able to be ordered together.

The powertrain of the new Odyssey will most likely not be much different from the outgoing model. It is expected to retain the stellar 250 or so horsepower J35 3.5L V6 engine, but add the Honda ‘VCM’ system. VCM stands for Variable Cylinder Management, and will shut off a bank of cylinders when the cruising load is on the light side, such as highway driving. The technology should have the Odyssey’s highway MPG flirting with 30. Honda’s hybrid system, IMA, is not expected for 2005, but may appear in 2006 or so. The Accord Sedan V6 will have an IMA option coming in Fall 2004.

With the addition of more features, a plusher interior and a more advanced powertrain, the 2005 Odyssey should once again put the Sienna and Town and Country in their places for standard features and value. With the 2004 Odyssey still performing stellar in two magazine comparisons (it finished #1 in a Car and Driver test and #2 in an Edmunds.com test), we can only imagine how the 3rd generation will destroy the competition.

-Chris Hall

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Is Honda imprementing the "VMC" system on all V6 models?

Does that look like a roll-down 2nd side window to you?

 

Looks like the second window should roll down. That divider tells me it should go relatively far down into the door, as opposed to the Sienna and MPV which both have the whole window roll down but only so far.

Siennas are selling insanely well for the time being, and once this new Odyssey comes out we'll have a real dogfight on our hands the likes of the Accord versus the Camry.

 

Uh yes and yes, read the story.

 

Updated thread with new interior image.

 

kinda thick.

 

Yeah we know, it's definetly going to have a roll down rear window.

 

i think they should have made it so the cup holder with cups in it.. didnt block all those controls... kinda weird IMO..

 

does it look like the cupholder assembly in the picture slides into the dash to anyone else? I sure hope so...being able to get to the back is pretty important in a van

 

the whole thing slides forward into the dash.... and the center tray folds down