The 2009 Honda Odyssey
For the 2009 model year, the Honda Odyssey has experienced only a few minor, mostly cosmetic changes. Considering the Odyssey was significantly upgraded last year, and a complete redesign is scheduled for 2010, this is terribly surprising. The EX-L trim level was updated this year, gaining a power lift gate and an optional Bluetooth-integrated navigation system. That's about it for 2009.
The Honda Odyssey comes in four trim levels: the LX, EX, EX-L, and the Touring. The base-level LX comes with to manual sliding side doors, keyless entry, dual-zone air conditioning, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with an MP3 jack. The next step up is the EX, which features powered sliding side doors, automatic triple-zone climate control, and a six-speaker stereo system. On the higher end of the scale, the EX-L provides even more bells and whistles, including powered and heated front seats, a back-up camera, a power lift gate, satellite radio and a sunroof. Optional extras include a DVD entertainment system and a navigation system. Finally, the Touring sits at the top of the line, including run-flat tires (described below), rear parking sensors, driver memory positioning, and a top notch audio system.
All Honda Odysseys have a five-speed automatic transmission and two front-wheel drive. The standard Honda Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced a respectable 244 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. In the two higher-end Odyssey trim levels, the EX-L and the Touring, the engine features a fuel-saving capability called Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). At cruising speeds, this engine can deactivate two or three of its six cylinders, raising its fuel economy to 17 mpg (27 kpg) for city driving and 25 mpg (40 kpg) on the highway.
The Honda Odyssey has some of the best handling in the minivan market. The acceleration provided by the V6 engine is good, if a little loud. The steering is very responsive, with a surprisingly tight turning radius. The suspension is quite good, and the Honda Odyssey's ride, although not the best among minivans, is still smooth.
The basic Odyssey LX can seat up to seven passengers. The EX, EX-L, and Touring can all increase the seating capacity up to eight passengers due to a stowable center seat in the second row. When not in use as a chair, this additional seat can be turned into a tray table, or folded down into a storage area in the floor.
The third row of bench seats can hold three passengers, or be folded down to make more cargo space. When this third row of seats is removed, the Honda Odyssey can hold 91 cubic feet (28 cubic meters) of cargo. If this second row of seats is removed as well, cargo space increases to over 147 cubic feet (45 cubic meters) of storage space. In terms of passenger and cargo capacity, the Honda Odyssey is about on par with other top shelf minivans, but beats out crossover SUVs easily.
The Honda Odyssey has an impressive range of safety equipment. Standard safety features for all trim levels include full-length head curtain airbags, front seat side-impact airbags, active front head restraints, a rollover sensor, stability control, and antilock disc brakes with brake assist. The top-of-the-line trim level, the Touring, also includes Michelin run-flat tires that can be driven for over a hundred miles while punctured. In government front and side impact crash tests, the Honda Odyssey earned a perfect five stars.
Overall, the Honda Odyssey is one of the best minivans on the market. It easily beats out crossover SUVs in spaciousness and cargo capacity. As a minivan, it's a relatively fuel-efficient family vehicle that feels and handles more like a sedan.