2004 Honda Odyssey: Honda's minivan was safe, dependable family hauler

By Neal White, Motor News Media Corporation

Last update: November 19, 2009 - 3:52 PM

For those who struggle for ideas when it comes to selecting gifts, here is an opportunity to be a hero this holiday season. When considering what to give, think about something for the entire family - like a minivan. Few gifts have the opportunity to make such a long-lasting impression on the entire family, a gift they will put into use every day for years to come. I'm serious.

One vehicle worth considering is the highly acclaimed 2004 Honda Odyssey. Winner of numerous awards for quality, dependability, safety and customer satisfaction, the seven-passenger, front-wheel drive Odyssey is a gift every member of the family can get excited about.

Produced in three trim lines for the 2004 model year - LX, EX and EX-L - the Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6, 240-horsepower engine and mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The Honda minivan had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 city/25 highway using regular unleaded gasoline. It also featured four-wheel, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and traction control as standard equipment. With the ability to tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, it was well suited for towing a boat or camper to those weekend family getaways.

Standard equipment on the LX included dual sliding doors, intermittent rear wiper with washer, dual power mirrors, rear privacy glass, immobilizer theft deterrent system, dual front airbags with front seat side impact airbags, front bucket seats with armrests, power windows with auto down for driver's side, power rear-quarter windows, power door and tailgate locks, front and rear air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette audio system, retractable center tray table with sliding extension, adjustable steering column, second row bucket seats, third row Magic Seat, child-proof rear door locks and front seat illuminated vanity mirrors.

The EX added power dual sliding doors, vehicle security system, remote keyless entry, heat-rejecting glass, automatic headlights, eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support, automatic climate control system, six-speaker audio system with CD player and steering wheel mounted audio controls and HomeLink remote system. EX-L added heated leather seats. Several models were sold with the optional satellite navigation system and rear seat entertainment system.

EPA fuel economy:

City: 18, Highway: 25

Kelley Blue Book:

$10,100 to $11,450

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