2017 Honda Odyssey: A Detailed Overview
The 2017 Honda Odyssey continued its reign as a benchmark in the minivan segment, offering a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and family-friendly features. Known for its reliability and engaging driving dynamics, the Odyssey remained a top choice for families seeking a versatile and dependable mode of transportation.
Highlights
- Engine and Performance: At the heart of the 2017 Odyssey was a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a healthy 280 horsepower. This engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission (a 9-speed automatic was available on higher trims), providing smooth and responsive power delivery. The V6 offered ample acceleration for highway merging and passing, while also being reasonably fuel-efficient for its class.
- Safety Features: Honda's commitment to safety was evident in the 2017 Odyssey's comprehensive suite of features.
- Honda Sensing®: Available on certain trims, this advanced driver-assistance package included features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a set distance from the car ahead, and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), which alerts the driver to potential frontal collisions.
- LaneWatch™: This innovative system, exclusive to Honda, used a camera on the passenger side mirror to display a video feed of the passenger-side blind spot on the central display when the turn signal was activated or the driver manually pressed a button.
- Multi-Angle Rearview Camera: Provided drivers with a clear view of the area behind the vehicle.
- Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure: Designed to enhance crash protection by distributing frontal impact energy more evenly.
- Standard airbags and antilock brakes provided a strong foundation of passive safety.
- Trim Summary: The 2017 Honda Odyssey was offered in several well-equipped trims, each building upon the previous one:
- LX: The base model provided essential comfort and convenience features.
- EX: Added more premium amenities such as a power-sliding passenger door, upgraded audio system, and a second-row Magic Slide® second-row seat system for enhanced cargo and passenger flexibility.
- EX-L: Introduced leather seating, a power tailgate, and an available DVD entertainment system.
- Touring: Further enhanced with a premium audio system, Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™, and the 9-speed automatic transmission.
- Touring Elite: The top-tier trim boasted features like HID headlights, ventilated front seats, a panoramic power moonroof, and the most advanced entertainment and convenience options.
- Notable Aspects:
- Magic Slide® Second-Row Seat: A standout feature that allowed for multiple configurations of the second-row seats, making it incredibly easy to access the third row and adjust passenger/cargo space.
- Third-Row "One-Motion" Fold-Flat Seat: The third-row bench could be folded flat into the floor with a single motion, creating a large, unobstructed cargo area.
- Quiet Cabin: The Odyssey was renowned for its exceptionally quiet interior, contributing to a more comfortable and relaxed driving experience for all occupants.
- Excellent Ride Quality: The suspension was well-tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and composed ride.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Honda Odyssey typically translates to a reliable and predictable ownership experience. Honda vehicles are generally known for their longevity and minimal unscheduled repairs. Regular maintenance, as outlined in the owner's manual, is crucial for ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of the powertrain and other systems. This usually involves oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks at recommended intervals.
Insurance costs for the Odyssey are generally competitive within the minivan segment, reflecting its strong safety ratings and Honda's reputation for reliability. However, specific rates will vary based on individual factors such as driving record, location, and chosen insurance provider.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 Honda Odyssey is a highly regarded vehicle, there are a few points potential buyers might want to consider:
- Infotainment System Usability: Some reviewers noted that the touchscreen infotainment system, particularly on earlier models within this generation, could be less intuitive and responsive compared to some competitors. While functional, the user interface might not be as modern as newer systems.
- No All-Wheel Drive Option: The Odyssey was exclusively offered with front-wheel drive. For drivers in regions with frequent heavy snow or challenging terrain, an all-wheel-drive option might be a desired feature, which the Odyssey does not provide.
- Transmission Behavior: While generally smooth, some owners have reported occasional hesitations or less-than-instantaneous downshifts from the 6-speed automatic transmission, especially in earlier models. The 9-speed transmission, introduced on higher trims in later years of this generation, generally offered smoother performance.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Honda Odyssey stands out as a highly competent and family-oriented minivan that excels in practicality, comfort, and safety. Its potent V6 engine, flexible interior configurations, and renowned Honda reliability make it a strong contender for families seeking a versatile and dependable vehicle. Despite minor quibbles with infotainment usability and the absence of AWD, the Odyssey's overall package offers a compelling ownership proposition for those prioritizing a smooth ride, ample space, and peace of mind.