2009 Honda Odyssey – First Steer
More power, more style and more space – who said family motoring had to be boring?
Gathering at Honda’s Melbourne HQ on a damp Friday morning a group of Australia’s motoring media was met with a garage full of fourth generation Odysseys all prep’ed, polished and ready to embark on an odyssey all of our own.
For the most part the trip saw us pass through some of Victoria’s more challenging country back roads which, mixed with a touch of suburbia, a few freeways and some open highway cruising, put the Odyssey through just about every aspect of family motoring. If only they’d thrown some kids and a dog in the back!
The highly-awarded Odyssey has sold some 1.3 million examples globally since its introduction, and if today’s drive is any indication, Honda’s local sales target of 100 units a month is as good as done.
Now as first impressions go, and in stark contrast to Honda’s “big shed”, the Odyssey certainly makes a good one.
The car appears more Accord Euro visually, especially from the front, and though it seems more upright, is actually 5mm shorter (1550 to 1545mm) than its sexy, low-slung predecessor.
From front-on Odyssey boasts sharp lines and narrow headlamps with a chrome centre bar below the grille aperture, while a sculpted “V” line extends up from the sides of the grille and over the bonnet for a more aggressive, masculine look.
In profile the car is balanced and clean, flowing in a singular motion from more sharply raked “A” pillars, that are set back further than they were on the previous model, to a more steeply inclined tailgate which Honda says aims to provide the Odyssey with a more sporty appeal.
The rear lights are also set outboard as far as possible to add a feeling of width, an image bolstered by slightly flared rear wheel arches that work uniformly with panels whose curvature is continuously varied for a more contoured look.
In fact it almost seems too attractive to be a family hauler.
Internally the decor is quite stylish, and as you’d expect, there’s a raft of versatile storage.
Fit and finish is excellent throughout and although the combination of curves, lines, textures and shapes may seem a little dramatic in pictures, after just one sit inside it all makes sense with the practicality of the cabin’s layout quite simply ideal.
Visibility is excellent, and with the “A” pillars thickness reduced by 30 per cent from the previous model, an unhindered vantage through the wide windscreen gives a clear and panoramic view of the road ahead.
The same can’t quite be said for the dashboard however with the positioning of the stereo a little distant from comfortable reach, the glovebox rather small in size and the pale wood-grain accents a little too loud.
Blue and White self-illuminating instrumentation is futuristic but relatively concise, clear and intuitive of function. The white LCD centre display contains odometer, trip meter and trip computer functionality.
Road noise levels have also been greatly improved with wind noise now almost non-existent. A very small amount of road noise is however evident in the upper spec Luxury model on coarse chip roads due to the lower profile tyres.
The cabin also benefits from the “V” design theme with the seating being configured so that each of the seven occupants has a forward-facing view.
This has been achieved by moving the position of the two outer centre-row seats inboard by 25mm and positioning the third-row occupants directly next to one another between the rear wheel arches.
Comfort in the second row has also been improved by increasing head room by 20mm and by repositioning the belt anchor points in to the pillar.
The centre seat now also gains a three-point seat belt to offer Odyssey three-point belts in all seven seating positions.
Third row seating has also been enhanced with more footroom (+40mm) and legroom (+30mm) than before.
Easier entry/egress has also been made possible with the “C” pillar’s thickness reduced by 40mm to now allow a total of 320mm available thoroughfare area.
Additionally, all five rear seats now also feature child seat anchor points.
Up back, thanks to more compact rear suspension and an innovative under-floor structure, the Odyssey offers buyers a low, flat floor that makes loading and unloading of cargo even easier.
A thinner tailgate allows more depth in the cargo compartment meaning the new Odyssey can carry more cargo than ever before, and with a larger aperture, especially in the lower portion, bulky items can be loaded without the need for carpark Tetris.
The 50:50 split third row seat, powered in Luxury model, folds flat in to the floor to increase cargo capacity from 259 to 708-litres, a 15 and 36-litre gain over the previous model respectively.
Featuring the same 2.4-litre, DOHC, i-VTEC four-cylinder engine as the third-generation Odyssey, this new model boasts 12 per cent (or 14KW) more power to now produce 132kW at 6500rpm.
This improvement has come thanks to several revisions to the engine which include i-VTEC now being complimented by VTC (variable valve timing control), to ensure optimal response to engine load, a higher compression ratio, reconfigured coolant routing and piston oil jets to provide not only more power, but greater efficiency at the same time.
The exhaust manifold and exhaust gas collection area inside the cylinder head have been combined into a single unit, with a high-thermal resistance catalytic converter positioned directly underneath.
Fuel economy is claimed at 8.9-litres per 100km (ADR combined) and if today’s drive is anything to go by, getting near to this figure shouldn’t prove to hard an ask.
Torque output remains the same at 218Nm at 4500rpm, though with a flatter torque curve, the resulting drive is more versatile and linear than before.
The engine is tuned to run on 91RON unleaded and is coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold. The sequential shift seen on the previous generation Odyssey has now been deleted.
Honda tells us that nearly every component of this transmission has been redesigned – and it shows. Shifts are exceptionally smooth, and with the addition of G-shift control, the transmission now knows when the vehicle is being driven on winding roads and reduces any unnecessary gear shifts accordingly.
Acceleration however isn’t what I’d call brisk, and though it is sufficient for the vehicle’s intended purpose, the additional 5kg and 25kg of the Base and Luxury models respectively is a little evident.
Unfortunately we will have to be content with the four-cylinder’s output with Honda confirming there will be no V6 or diesel option made available.
Rack and pinion type Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering (MAE) is now standard across the range, as is a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column (previously tilt only).
The steering is well weighted but does lack somewhat in the feel department. Nonetheless the car points well and is very manoeuvrable at car park speeds with an improved turning circle making parking a cinch.
Double wishbone suspension and Odyssey’s acclaimed low centre of gravity have also aided handling with the people mover feeling more like a mid-size sedan when tackling demanding country roads.
Ride is slightly on the stiff side but not so much that it’s uncomfortable – controlled you might say – and despite all the lumps and bumps found on our day’s drive, not a single rattle or squeak was to be heard anywhere in the vehicle.
On the safety front, the 2009 Odyssey now features six airbags as standard across the range and, for the first time, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA – also known as ESP) on both the Base and Luxury model as standard.
Braking features ABS with EBA and EBD on 320mm front and 305mm rear solid discs. It is also equipped with a learning function that automatically adjusts the assist operation threshold in accordance with the driver’s braking habits.
Pricing starts at $43,990 for the Base model and $49,990 for the Luxury model with both models now available.
Specifications:
- Engine: 2354cc DOHC four cylinder (16 valve)
- Power: 132kW @ 6500rpm
- Torque: 218Nm @ 4500rpm
- Induction: Multi-Point
- Transmission: Five Speed Automatic
- Driven Wheels: Front
- Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD
- CO2 Emissions: 212g/km
- Fuel Consumption (Urban): 12.1 litres/100km
- Fuel Consumption (Highway): 7.1 litres/100km
- Fuel Consumption (Combined): 8.9 litres/100km
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 litres
- Fuel Type: 91 RON Unleaded
- ANCAP Rating: TBC
- Airbags: Front, Side & Curtain
- Safety: ESP with Traction Control
- Spare Wheel: Space Saver
- Suspension: Independent Double Wishbone (F&R)
- Cargo Capacity: 259 litres (seats up) / 708 litres (seats down)
- Tow Capacity: 1000kg (Braked)
- Turning Circle: 5.8 metres (at body)
- Warranty: 3 year / 100,000km
- Weight: 1645kg (Base) / 1700kg (Luxury)
- Wheels (Alloy): 16-inch (Base) / 17-inch (Luxury)
Base model features:
- Alarm System
- Cloth Upholstery
- Cruise Control
- Power Windows & Mirrors
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Single CD/Tuner with Auxiliary Input
- Single Zone Climate Control
- Tilt/Telescopic Steering Column
- Trip Computer
Luxury model features (in addition to Base):
- 8-way power driver’s seat
- Electric Sunroof
- Foglamps
- Heated Front Seats
- HID Self-Levelling Headlamps
- Leather Upholstery
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Leather Wrapped Gear Knob
- Six CD/Tuner with Auxiliary Input
- Tri-Zone Climate Control
Dimensions (fourth gen vs. third gen):
- Length: 4810mm (+30mm)
- Width: 1800mm (unchanged)
- Height: 1545mm (-5mm)
- Wheel Base: 2830mm (unchanged)
- Front Track: 1560mm (unchanged)
- Rear Track: 1560mm (unchanged)
- Cabin Length: 2850mm (+60mm)
All in all sounds like a big improvement on the out going model. Looks much better. The road test is a little unrealistic as not many buyers will be using this for a casual “one occupant” trip. I’d like to know how it performs fully laden and what it’s like to be a passenger in the rear. The fuel consumption will no doubt increase with a family load which brings me to my biggest gripe. Why no diesel? The efficiency and torque available from diesel is perfectly suited to the people-mover category. How many petrol buses do you find on the roads? Sorry Honda. Despite all the givings, diesel is a prerequisite in this field and as such I’ll be looking to your competitors.
I too would have liked to know its performance / efficiency under a family load which is what it’s designed for. 132kw and 218nm seems a bit weak once you have five or more occupants and luggage for the weekend no?
Quite a good looking vehicle!I have no interest in people movers but this one certainly looks different from the usually boring ones that I see on the roads.
Simon you’re probably right in regards to the no diesel option it may happen later but Honda having sold 1.3 Million Oydessys I don’t think we will one in a hurry.
I dont like the restyled design, sorry. Too busy in the front and too, um, ‘camryish’ from the back. It looks like a messy face lift to me. Sorry Honda. Also, as others have mentioned, a diesel option may be a welcome additional option for the range. If only for the torque provided to move the car when its full of passengers and luggage. Honda’s petrol engines, whist very very efficient, and reliable, can lack the power a diesel would provide.
Typical Honda, produce a brilliant car and give it a underpowered engine.
In excess of a $4000 price jump over the previous model … Not for me thanks!
Price jump can’t be helped, that’s the exchange rate at work. Agree with the comments about styling (a big disappointment) and the outgoing model had a much classier interior. And yes, today’s buyers of this type of vehicle want a diesel engine, not a screamer that goes another 1000rpm over the old model to find the extra kilowatts. So all in all, not one of Honda’s greatest efforts.
Definetly an alternative to a SUV. Much cheaper to run as well.
This is probably the only people mover I would buy if I had the need for one. I like it.
The old one was a favourite of the Japanese young set who liked to put bodykits and 20″ rims and huge speaker systems in them.
It looks like Honda decided to pander to them by making the stance and lower dam and skirts flair out like one of those aftermarket kits. In white it looks like a Stormtrooper personnel carrier.
But again, they hobbled it with a 4 cyl. petrol. I don’t see the point when the opposition already offer diesels and sixes.
For $43,990, you can get 7 seat Toyota Kluger which is also made in Japan. Add another $1,500 you get Kluger Altitude which comes with Sunroof, 19″ Alloy Wheels, Rear DVD player, Roof Rail and full size spare wheel. And don’t forget, rear parking camera is standard fitment to all Kluger models. Wake up Honda.
I like over the model it replaces, but yes the price has gone up significantly, like most Honda’s atm. Honda’s vehicles are just too costly, ie. the 5dr Civic hatch. It will cost $38k, which is a stupidly high price for a 1.8 hatch. That’s $5k more than the AccEuro and only $3k less than the Civic Type R. Insane.
Myke:
Yes Hondas cars are going thorugh some price rises now but i dont think that the civic Si is priced too bad.
For starters `you say it is 5k more than a standard Euro however you are getting alot more standard features in the Si. Things like leather, heated seats, Dual zone climate control, iPod Connectivity and the exclutivity of having 1 of only 400 in the country.
Some of those features you dont get in the Euro until you step up to the 46,000k Euro Luxury.
As for the Type R well you are basically just paying for the motor with that car.
I like the look of the new Odyssey. And after all of this doom and gloom is finally over people will be bringing in there old Odyssey’s for an upgrade.
^Even for the amount of features it has over the AccEuro and Type R, Honda could have easily priced it $5k if not $10k cheaper. I found the Civic hatch an impressive car at MIMS, but at that price, regardless of exclusivity, it still doesn’t seem worth it.
I actually prefer the styling of the old odyssey, this one looks too sporty, too aftermarket and not elegant enough. Also the price hike is way too much, it seems Honda’s range has really gone up in price this year and some of them are way too high, prime example being as mentioned already the civic si. 38k for a small 5 door hatchback, you have got to be mad to buy one of those, especially compared to the 4 door civic sports. For the same price, you can get a decent specced VW Golf, which is without a doubt a better car.
Just had a look at honda’s website for odyssey and i think the base model without the aftermarket looking body kit is much smoother and better looking.
Thanks for the great review Matt. I think the Odyssey is great in terms of the fact that it gives other people movers something to aspire to. Being a more style and performance based that is. I don’t think we will ever see the day where people movers will have enough appeal to steal SUV’s buyers but atleast they are still trying. Hopefully the new Renault Scenic will have better success in Aus when the new model is launched. I think they are very attractive like the Odyssey, and now with the Koleos having put Renault a little more out there, there may be a new market for them. I have definitely noticed a lot more Méganes on the road since the launch of the Koleos.
Anyway, Honda build great cars, I just think they need to stop using the fake wood on the dash. Especially this light shade looks horrible! Otherwise, a sat-nav would add to the upmarket look (just cover up that wood).
Steve
“although the combination of curves, lines, textures and shapes may seem a little dramatic in pictures, after just one sit inside it all makes sense with the practicality of the cabin’s layout quite simply ideal.”
“The same can’t quite be said for the dashboard however with the positioning of the stereo a little distant from comfortable reach, the glovebox rather small in size and the pale wood-grain accents a little too loud.”
Right…
Had a look at the new Odyssey Luxury Today. Have been waiting for its release for 6 months and was considering a CX9 instead, but thought I would wait. The Old Odyssey was almost $9k cheaper than the CX9 base model to base model, so I was considering the Odyssey luxury model with the Charcoal Grey leather, as it was still cheaper.
Get to the dealership to find it has gone up $4k and you cant get the luxury in the grey leather, only ivory, well how useless is that when it is designed for a family, kids especially, which are not the best for keeping things tidy and clean, the ivory would be marked in a matter of minutes.
So I then reconsidered the base model and would spec it up to include bodykit, fog lamps and the 17″ wheels. Well, Honda doesnt allow the base to be specd up to 17″ inch wheels, as they quoted “it would void the warranty on items relating to the wheels or suspenson”, you can do it but at your own risk. The body kit will cost you around $4.5k and you would need to get the wheels from external companies, so basically on road drive away you are up for around $53.5k + the 17″ wheels, basically the same price as the Luxury drive away, but you then need to put up with the Ivory leather.
I ended up getting a CX9 for a $1K cheaper than the base Odyssey plus Tint, Mats, Front & Rear sensors and an extra years warranty, sure the fuel economy is not as good, but the CX9 gets a raft features the base Odyssey doesnt get, like 6 CD Stacker Audio, Reversing camera, auto lights on/off, Illum. Visors, 18″ Wheels, Fog lamps, Tri zone AIR etc, etc.
Sorry I waited for months for the Odyssey, knowing that the Japanese version had all the required goods, but when it comes to Australia, we get virtually nothing included and the Radio position and styling is an absolute after thought to cover up the Hole left from the Japanese Versions 7″ Colour LCD screen, which is not even a Optional extra in Australia. Unlike the CX9 the 7″ colour LCD Touch screen is standard on the all models.
Three dealerships I spoke to today also tried to tell me the cars are going to be a lot harder to get and the price rise is justified by the exchange rate, CRAP! If they were serious about selling cars they should be reducing the price, or at worst keep it the same, so its more attractive to perspective buyers.
Again, Sorry Honda you have stuffed up big time, great car, very poor marketing team.
I would rather buy a Kia Grand Carnival..
The current TV advertising slogan says more for your money at Honda. They should change it to LESS FOR YOUR MONEY AT HONDA.
Get a mitsubishi people mover.. loads of style plus performance. dont forget the excellent warranty… in reference to honda civic interior – wasnt very convinced with quality/presentation…
I have driven both an Odyssey (not current one) and a Kia Grand Carnival… Grand Carnival is miles better…Odyssey is simply under-powered crap…Power output must be No 1 consideration when buy a people mover….Underpowered a people mover? No thanks…
I’ve always liked the styling of the odyssey since 2005+
But this one is a bit too aggressive looking, if Honda is hoping people who likes a sporty looking VAN for the family then they might be a bit optimistic, the previous styling was perfect, this one’s front end is nice and all but I think they are a bit wishful.
When people look for a family VAN, they look for convenience first, safety and pretty much none of the aggressive looks… maybe a 25 year old with 4 kids.. but if a 25 year old has 4 kids I doubt he and his wife will have the money to fork out for this thing…
Again, I really liked the previous styling, this one is a bit too aggressive looking and quiet pointless in terms of market… but I suppose it does stick to the current “look” Honda is going for.
I do like this new Odyssey, but there are a few things that I question. The rear end is very boring, and nothing like the current one. The interior is nice, but (as with all Hondas in Australia) theres always something that falls short. No sat-nav, no black colour for the seats, no electronic-folding mirrors and no reverse camera. It seems that with all the new Hondas (bar the new Civic sedan, the old one really was crap) the only improvements are the styling. Also, I get the impression with them that they try really hard with some models (Accord Euro and Accord Seppo) whilst with others, the equipment levels are way below par compared with rivals and theyy dont seem to put in as much effort to get the cars here for the best price. Honda is the just-as-reliable but more exciting version of Toyota, and they should really emphasise that by making their cars equipped to a higher level.
It’s funny how silly some of the comments sound.You have people comparing this vehicle to an AWD(Klugger),a sedan VW Golf and Mazda CX-9 which is a type of crossover.C’mon people,compare ‘apples with apples’!
@J
Then you have the biggest joke in the people mover segment,the Kia Carnival.Of course the KIA has had a fannn..tastic reliability reputation…..NOT!It looks like a mini bus for the intellectually disabled(No Offense Intended)it’s ugly and the resale value is equivalent to selling it to SIMS Metal for scrap!
I actually feel sorry for people that have bought one.
The Hyundai IMax Diesel is looking more and more attractive.
Might just wait a while till a 2nd hand one is available cheap.
Anyone bought one?
Matt- Good review, but the RB1 Odysseys also have anchoring points for all 5 rear seats, it’s not a new feature for for the Odyssey.
Just want to add that the brakes seem to have been upgraded to 4 piston callipers and bigger diameter rotors, this hopefully means that the horrible braking with heavier load is resolved.
This new RB3 Odyssey centre row seats don’t seem to fold nicely into the floor like the current RB1.
The perfect car for the mum who doesn’t want to look like she drives a people mover. Sleek and s3xy Honda has succeeded in making a people mover look like a Euro sports car. But is it functional? NO! Hinged doors and kids in a supermarket car park don’t make for a good mix. Room for the dog in the back? Not if you plan on caring anything else with you. No diesel? What the? How can you claim to have euro styling and not have diesel as an option? This car is about as functional as a family bus than super model is as a date at a work function. She looks good but no good at intelligent conversation.
DON Says:
April 4th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
“For $43,990, you can get 7 seat Toyota Kluger ..”
But the Kluger has truck like handling and drinks fuel at an alarming rate. Try at least 30% more fuel usage and it quickly doesn’t add up.
Salesman, i think that is the point of this car though, it’s for the soccer mum who doesn’t want to drive a bus (MPV) or a truck (SUV). It’s a small market, but then again there is no direct competitor to the Odyssey.
Is this new Odyssey made in Japan? If it is, then the price rise can be somewhat justified as all Japanese cars have had a price rise recently due to the exchange rate, what i can’t accept is the audio console in the middle, it clearly looks like an after thought as the JDM Odyssey has a large screen for sat nav. Honda Australia should’ve done what they did with the Accord, fitting a non colour screen for audio and air con controls for cars without sat nav option. Honda has being good at integrating the audio unit into the centre console, especially on the Civic, and both Accords, but this looks poorly executed and reminds me of what Toyota does, not Honda.
Where’s the touch screen satnav & parking assist like they have in the overseas version? Will Australia be getting this?
Definitely like the new styling – but exterior seems to have gained more than the interior and I think they should call the Luxury a ‘Sports Luxury’ – and offer grey/black leather.
Great that base model now has the full airbags. Disappointed with no reverse camera for a people mover that boasts safety. No MP3 capability or CD or iPOD dock, and no sat nav option also a little disappointing – but there are other ways of achieving this.
Back to reality and practicality. We own a 07 Luxury and have two fixed kids seats in the centre row and can still fold down the other for access to the third row – couldn’t achieve this with the Kluger which we also really liked and considered (and even tried to get these seats into the centre row). In the Kluger the centre kids seat also covers the seat belt latches for the other centre row seats, and in the Kluger you must have both of the seats in the third row either up or down.
I know I’m comparing apples with oranges but for us we were simply looking for a 7 seater without preference and the Odyssey nailed it – for now. It has awesome fuel economy. We often have 4 adults and 3 kids and it’s fine climbing hills (and mountains), highway acceleration and overtaking. The engine can handle it and you never hear boo. Wouldn’t want to load it with 7 adults though – although they do fit comfortably in the third row.
This is a slight improvement on an already brilliant car, although after almost 6 years you would have expected more from Honda (Australia).
I currently drive the 2001 model with the beautiful 154kW V6 which performs well and deliver excellent fuel economy. When you are lugging the whole family around this is considerably underpowered for us (and yes we have all been for a drive).
Stereo is also very “tinny” compared to all of the oposition (and the 2001 model) and SatNav is not an option in fact the salesmen said “not even possible aftermarket” but I find that hard to believe. How SatNav can not be an option in 2009 has got me beat as in many cars like the Tribeca they are standard. I was talking to an Audi salesman who had sold 15 Q7s on which SatNav was an option and all 15 customers ordered it. Apparently its an option on the Odyssey in just about any other country in the world but some ratbag at Honda Australia decided to skip it. Go figure?
If you throw the family out and drive its a completely different car and is quite decent (if a little underpowered) but hey Honda know that all car reviewers drive the car by themselves so what’s the point putting a decent engine in it?
$5000 price hike with the Aussie $ at a six month high against the Yen. Wake up Honda! Can’t imagine them selling even one of theses myself.
POWER OF DREAMS
Customers dream to have reasonable price Honda – Honda jacks up the price.
Customers dream to have SatNav in Honda car – Honda does not make it available as an option.
Honda dreams that people will still buy Honda after they jack up the price – People swith to Mazda, Subaru which offer better value.
I have just seen the new Odyssey.
Disappointed with:
(a) Dash – looks cheap compared to Japanese model, in particular where radio is – looks like this is where Japanese model had a rear camera screen/sat nav. These would have been useful.
(b) Anchor points for child seats in the roof for middle row. How will this work with 2 kids in child restraint seats (1 yr old and 6 yr old) and 1 in H harness (8 yr old) and still allow the rear seat to be used when 7 seats are required. Interested to hear from current Odyssey owners.
Still considering buying, but because of anchor points in particular – may look elsewhere.
For those who compares the odyssey build quality to mazda, toyota and OMG KIA should be shot dead…Honda has simply the best build quality out of all japanese cars there is no way that their dashboards are made of cheap materials…don’t believe me? CIVIC vs LANCER anyone? or maybe CIVIC VS SUBARU? CIVIC vs COROLLA perhaps. The build quality of honda is top notch. About the power…all parents in their right mind with their kids sitting at the back shouldn’t really overtake and step up on the gas all that often. Underpower argument is just silly since it’s not the issue here..if you want power get a sports car not a people mover. About the looks, the styling is very stylish fresh and modern for people movers. If you think the looks are too out there and dissapointing..really you have a really2 old mind suitable for people in their 60-80s. For those who still have that cheerfulness within them they should love the styling….set them apart from all the boring people movers. Then again styling is a matter of preference so dun attack me on this. Mazda cx9 btw is heavy fuel guzzler and it’s massive more like an suv so you can;t compare that to the odyssey. About the dollar…if you can’t buy it then tough luck you suck don’t whine about it..not gonna change anything, you guys are old enough to realize that. Go work harder if you have time to spend whining…honda won’t force you to buy odysseys you get to choose..
People who submt comments nowadays always have bones to pick with any cars even supercars. Most of the time “don’t like styling” is always mentioned, too this too that…styling is preference so i dun see why you want to mention that. Then there is the stupid comment like comparing this to obviously inferior car like KIA carnival…or comparing subaru WRX to daewoo lanos with daewoo no longer in production and never achevieved anything in the area of motoring. Then there will be an owner of a rival vehicle frankly saying “my grandis (or my cx9, or kluger or other cars..) is better than this car”, well truthfully not really better but since you bought it will be forced to like it and be bitter about rivalling cars like the odyssey. Then there will be people like (although rare) that really got sick and tired of stupid comments. What I said will definitely strike a chord in some people due to the truth uncovered. I will love to battle…..if it needs be but think about what I have said first.
some yous and mes were missing. Corrections:
*well truthfully not really better but since you bought it you*** will be forced to like it*
*Then there will be people like me***(although rare) that really got sick and tired of stupid comments.*
BTW klugers are also massive fuel guzzlers with shitty handling to boot..and crappy interior quality and boring look (nope i’m not biased go ask other people, ur collegues perhaps and ask them)
Hayzel,
I like the Odyssey and have waited 1 yr to look at the new model as a vehicle to purchase to serve my family for the next 10 yrs.
I don’t want to hear about which car is better than another. Most cars you have mentioned have pros and cons – none is ideal in every aspect – believe me I have done over 12 months research.
In regards to the Odyssey though I have 1 major issue that I need address before buying otherwise i will look elsewhere. If anyone out there can help I would appreciate. refer to my comments above re-child anchor points i.e. how I fit 1 yr old in child seat, 6 year old in full booster seat and 8 yr old in H harness in middle row, and still use third row of seats when required.
No sat nav option is a deal killer for me. I’d buy the Luxury model in a heart beat had it included a sat nav option. Now I’m gonna check out the Tarago instead.
This is perfect for family trip. I just wonder if this car is fuel efficiency. Appearance is good but I’m more on performance.
I love the look of the new Oddy…but the price is too high…try looking at the Mitsubishi Grandis, $42K drive away, compared to $53 for the Honda…ok the Honda is a brand new model and a bit nicer…but the Grandis is still pretty well equipped to match…if $11000 fell out of your back pocket while walking down the street, would you turn around and go pick it up…yep, thought so.
Tom,
It may be a little late, but in reference to your query re. anchor points, I have an 06 Luxury which i love, but also have a 2 year old in a child seat, 3year old and 5 year old, both in full booster seats with H harness. It is pretty much impossible to use the 3rd row, we have done so occasionally, with an adult, but its rather awkward. We were told by our local child restraint fitting station that it did meet Australian safety standards to do so, but wasnt ideal. We are thinking about having a 4th child and are having no luck finding a suitable car (one that has sufficient anchor points, side curtain airbags, good safety rating, NOT UGLY and room). The odyssey ticks all of these boxes except for where the anchor points are positioned! I couldnt believe they didnt change it in the 09 model! Just lost a sale there Honda, but god knows what our alternative will be? The Chrysler Voyager doesn’t have a good safety rating, the Tarago only has anchor points in the 2nd row, and forget about Kia! My mechanic said after 5 years of owning a Kia, drive it straight to the tip, only place for it.
I just bought a luxury 3 weeks ago for my wife. Got it for 49K with some extra options and all ORC.
She loves it.
Its comfortable enough to drive but I hate the fact that there are NO sat nav options available at all.
Also its due for its first 1000km service which i hope will sort out the fuel consumption issue, i am getting a crazy 14L/100km at the moment and I am driving it as smoothly as i can.
Take a look at the Japanese model and see its technology list and its sure to impress, plus anchor point are behind the rear seats, why did’nt we get that option here?
Unfortunately we in Australia always seem to be the poor second cousins to the rest of the world.
My cons are:
Technology lacking (unlike overseas model)
Anchor point in stupid spots (unlike overseas model)
Fuel consumption (14L/100km CRAZY)
Cream leather ONLY (ummm we have kids!)
we looked at all the other options and decided we didnt want to drive a bus and shes not into the techie stuff, still compared with the Japanese model the Aussie version certainly lacks in a number of areas.
As a footnote i found this company in Japan, dont know anything about them but they will import one with ALL the mod cons for about A$40K, plus import taxes here. did you know you can get them as 4×4 there!
wish I had know this before!
http://www.batfa.com/new_car_honda_odyssey.htm
Just had a look at the Japanese Honda site http://www.honda.co.jp/ODYSSEY/naviaudio/
If the interior came in black leather (Like it does in Japan) and had the radio/sat Nav (As it does in Japan) I would happile spend another $5k and upgrade from my 2006 luxury model to this.
The australian version interior styling is a big let down.
I wonder if i import it, will the dash info be all in Japanese ?
My thoughts for Tom would be 1 year old in Middle row in fixed chair, and move teh H harness and booster chair to 3rd row when required. The new model has anchor points for all 5 rear seats, so i figure you make use of them all. Middle row strap goes over the head of child in booster (I think they would be low enough not to cause any issues.
Hi Mauro,
You mentioned you got the Odyssey Luxury for $49K drive away with extra options.
Can you tell me where did you buy it from and what extra options are included?
Thanks
Patrick
I had a look at a website and you can import the Honda Odyssey for $32,000 from Japan. Would it be easy to import cars from overseas ? Has anybody imported cars from Japan before, please feel free to comment. Your help will be much appreciated. Tariff should be drop to 5 per cent in the next few months. Why not just import the Odyssey directly from Japan ? Freight is about $1500 and compliance plate is not sure.
Having first look at 2011 Honda Odyssey is quiet impressive as it seems they have ingeniously redesigned interior as well as exterior of the car giving it astonishing look. You can say it has newly designed minivan which can comfortably carry around eight people at a time. 2011 Honda Odyssey is the complete package of style and is also fuel economical car.