2009 Honda Odyssey Review & Road Test
May 25, 2009 by Matt Brogan
2009 Honda Odyssey Luxury Review & Road Test
The must-have family wagon
Model Tested:
- 2009 Honda Odyssey Luxury; 2.4-litre four-cylinder; five-speed automatic; wagon – $49,990 (RRP)
Options:
- None fitted
Smooth & Quiet Ride; Space Utilisation; Fuel Economy; Good Looks
Slightly Underpowered; Stereo Placement; No Sat Nav or Bluetooth
CarAdvice Rating: 
- by Matt Brogan
The Odyssey has arguably been the most trend-setting, must-have people-mover for just over 15 years, and though this latest model may not be quite as sexy as its low-slung predecessor, there’s certainly no argument from my side that it isn’t every bit as sharp.
The angular, Accord Euro-esque styling doesn’t scream boring like so many of Odyssey’s competitors. In fact I’d go so far as to say that this is the best looking car in its class.
It’s a touch lower, yet still somehow bigger, and thanks to some pretty nifty design work manages an interior that feels bigger than it should be… or maybe it is.
Inside, the modern, almost futuristic cabin, is well layed out, extremely comfortable and most of all practical. It has seven usable seats, sufficient storage and excellent visibility.
Leg and head room are remarkably generous - a true credit to Odyssey’s innovative, compact design - and with so much done to reduce cabin noise, highway cruising is simply delightful.
Functionality is typically Honda; intuitive, simple yet modern with all switchgear and controls well placed.
In fact the only qualm I have with the cabin’s presentation is the position of the stereo, which is quite a reach from either of the front seats.
I also found that although the Odyssey is well equipped, featuring; cruise-control, MP3 compatible six CD tuner with auxiliary input, multi-function trip computer, power windows, mirrors and sunroof, electrically adjustable heated (front only) leather trim, tri-zone climate control, automatic HID headlamps, foglamps and 17-inch alloy wheels, all as standard, there are a few glaring omissions such as bluetooth, a DVD player and satellite navigation. Including these features as standard could really help push more value in to this luxury variant’s price tag.
Powered by a slightly reworked variant of the same 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine as found in Accord Euro, the Odyssey manages 132kW of power at 6500rpm and 218Nm of torque at 4500rpm.
It’s not what I’d call underpowered, however, with seven people on-board on the open road, a little bit of a prodding from the right foot is required to keep the five-speed automatic awake.
That aside, the Odyssey is a very sweet ride with near perfect suspension, capable handling and easy, sedan-like driveability – even if the super light power steering lacks a little in the way of feel.
Up back, a touch of a button activates the electric powered third-row seats which fold neatly out of the way to provide additional cargo capacity; 259 litres in seven seat mode / 708 litres in five seat mode.
Roof storage and towing capability means the Odyssey can haul up to an additional 1000 kilograms (braked).
In terms of safety, Odyssey Luxury offers front, side and curtain airbags as standard, as well as ESP with Traction Control and ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist. Of note, there are also three-point belts on all seven seats.
As good as the Odyssey is, I can’t help but feel a little underwhelmed by the lack of oomph.
Perhaps a V6 (think Accord) or diesel option would fill that void. But for now we’ll just have to make do with things the way they are: smooth, practical and oh so sexy. Four-out-of-five.
CarAdvice will be testing the base-model Odyssey in a few weeks – stay tuned.
Ratings:
CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look: 
How does it Go:
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: 212 grams per kilometre
- Fuel Consumption: 8.9 litres per 100km (ADR)
- Fuel Consumption: 10.4 litres per 100km (as tested)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 litres
- Fuel Type: 91 – 98 RON Unleaded
- ANCAP Rating: TBC
- Airbags: Front, Side and Curtain
- Safety: ESP with Traction Control
- Spare Wheel: Space Saver
- Suspension: Wishbone (F) / Independent (R)
- Cargo Capacity: 259 / 708 litres
- Tow Capacity: 1000kg (Braked)
- Turning Circle: 11.6 metres
- Warranty: Three Year / 100,000km
- Weight: 1700kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Alloy 17 x 7.0-inch
Road Test the Rivals:
Print it: 
Edit required. Odyssey actually has a five-speed auto, as did the previous model.
Looks worse than the previous model, but still OK. I thought it has a 5 speed auto from the Accord Euro?
But wow, that stereo looks pathetic, it clearly has a sat-nav screen there in the Japanese models. My guess is Honda has the sat nav as an option.
EDIT: Captain beat me with the 5-speed auto.
Thanks CA I am now ready to start my day after reading a great car review. I see you are listening to the survey. More reviews please.
Apologies for that guys, all fixed.
Id have this over a Tarago in looks,but agree 132kws is pathetic in a 1700kg car! Im surprised the fuel economy is as good as that !
Dashboard is a big backward step from the previous one and the extra kilowatts come courtesy of another 1000rpm (questionable logic in this type of car). Desperately needs a diesel engine to effectively shift the sort of passenger load it’s designed for.
Oh and Id definitely have this over the also under powered Avensis ;) …………….
Sorry BM but for once I have to question your judgement?
Realisticaly, you and I are roughly the same era so both can remember when the 4.1 faclon didn’t have much more power than that in X series sedans and wagons without complaint!
Given that this is the family truckster and not a sports car, I don’t have issue with the power, it’s the small amount of torque at the dissy area of the Tacho that concerns me. Have driven this model with 6 adults on board and found it was lethargic in the hills. Otherwise a nice car (although I prefer the looks of the pre face lift)
It doesn’t really push the boundaries much compared to the previous model but still easily the best car in it’s class & a much smarter choice for a family truckster then a softroader. It’s a shame the rest of the Honda range is so middle of the road these days.
Good family vehicle to do road trips. Nice sporty design.\
Always a first I guess Frontman.
My concern always in underpowered vehicles that carry people is the open road. Nothing more dangerous than a lack of power with people on board ,passing things like B-doubles and triple road trains in underpowered vehicles is a scary and dangerous thing.Im sure you will agree with that babe.
For around town stuff with mum and the kids its probable ok ;)
I think its better looking then the older model
shame honda, as usual, gives it an underpowered engine
Is it just me or does a 279 litre boot sound really, really small.
The VW Golf’s boot is often mentioned in tests as being “rather small” at 350 litres. I even read a report on Saturday saying the VW Multivan’s boot is “quite limited” when carrying 7 people.
So why is 279 litres considered “sufficient storage”?
Why has the massive price increase over the previous model not been mentioned in this review?
JJ
To be honest, I wouldn’t be worried about the engine. At 132kW, its got more power than our old 3.3L Chrysler voyager. Sure, it may need to kick-down to go, but thats why its got a 5spd auto. The fuel economy they got testing it also looks very good. 10.4L/100km.
Only things which would make me think twice is the space-saver tyre and the price ($50k). I’d like some more kit for that money.
youd be better off goin for the Mitsubishi Grandis. Although it may not look as good as this it certainly has more oomph and trunk space.
Look, for 50k, if you need 7 seats, I’d be looking at a Mazda CX-9. Its got acres of space, heaps of grunt, looks good, and offers VALUE FOR MONEY.
This is something Honda is fast forgetting about. The Accord Euro was 33,990 and 40-42 for the lux, now they’re asking between 45 and 49 for luxury or lux navi options.
Dont even get me started on the pricing of the Civic Hatch…!!!
The Oddy is a good car dont get me wrong, I like it.
But its price range is realistically 36900 for the base model and 42990 for the leathery tarted version. 49k plus on roads is highway robbery.
The bottom line – right now this is a BUYERS MARKET. Dont reward car companies who are trying to be cheeky. Go in and be a total hard nut. Dont negotiate. Name your price. If they dont like it, take your money elsewhere. Someone who really wants to sell you a car will come to your price, or at least very close.
Oh and to finish on a positive note for Honda, the Euro is an excellent car. I just wish the steering had more feel.
JBO
I don’t see the point of this car. Like so many who have tried in the past i will acknowledge Honda have stuck in their with the Odyssey as others have come and gone. Make it stand taller and give it an AWD system.
Jimmy James
If these are indeed Hard Times and its a buyers market then why would a dealer let you leave with your cash if ther is a deal to be had?
How can you not get the point of this car Salesman lol? Whats the point of the Soul?
I still havent seen one on the road.
Tim,
The Soul is a hero car. It’s not about high volume but brand recognition. Getting people talking about Kia. Like you are now. Thanks Tim, on behalf of Kia
There must be a lot of hero cars in the Kia range Mr Salesman. I heard a whisper you have the monthly sales record of any Kia salesperson in the world.
6 cars in one month is going to be hard to knock off….
If I had the money. i could make this into the ultimate surf wagon.
Jimmy James says “if you need 7 seats, I’d be looking at a Mazda CX-9. Its got acres of space, heaps of …”
I don’t think a 267 litre boot can be considered “acres of space”.
My point with most “7 seat people movers” is the lack of space. If you put 7 people (not midgets, babies, etc) into most of these vehicles there is no room for anything else.
Well Peter, there’s always the Kia Grand Carnival or Hyundai iLoad.
But I was talking about cars you’d actually be caught dead in.
Have a great day!
JJ
Looks like a bad fridge magnet…
It doesn’t need more power, but rather more torque. Hauling seven people with a gutless engine is quite laborious. They should start employing the Acura RDX turbo engine to this and the Euro. Economy is a surprise though.
Love the styling and fuel economy. Perhaps Honda decided to stick with a gutless engine because these things will mostly be used on school and shopping trips. Usually only see one person (driver) in these cars too, so maybe that’s another reason.