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2009 Honda Odyssey Review

February 21, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

subtle backlighting creates an elegant view of the instrument panel
MotherProof

Now there's a minivan we don't mind driving
Car and Driver

Honda has dressed up the Odyssey with some styling tweaks
Autoblog

For 2009, the Odyssey continues its trend of exterior and interior changes
Cars.com

For 2009, the Honda Odyssey upgrades the EX-L trim level, expands the application of Bluetooth, and adds a power tailgate to the Odyssey EX-L. The look of the Odyssey isn't startlingly good or bad, but it doesn't matter because people don't buy minivans based on looks and emotion.

Car and Driver appreciates the updates, saying, "Now there's a minivan we don't mind driving." MotherProof agrees, describing the Honda Odyssey as "elegant, poised, smooth ... [with] sleek lines and subtle accents." Autoblog says, "Honda has dressed up the Odyssey with some styling tweaks, including ... front bumper fascia." Cars.com notes that the Honda Odyssey "continues its trend of exterior and interior changes."

The interior design is clean and functional. However, the center stack of controls are scattered around and it takes some time to get accustomed to the arrangement. Cars.com, for example, points out the Odyssey's “gearshift lever sits on the instrument panel." ConsumerGuide finds "it's easy to reach but obstructs some controls when in park." Elsewhere, ConsumerGuide likes the "large, clearly marked main gauges." MotherProof says "subtle backlighting creates an elegant view of the instrument panel," and Autoblog points out the "interior has received new colors, textures and fabrics, as well."

Conclusion

On the outside, the 2009 Honda Odyssey is just a minivan, but inside it’s styled a little more than you might expect.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:subtle backlighting creates an elegant view of the instrument panelMotherProofNow there's a minivan we don't mind drivingCar and DriverHonda has dressed up the Odyssey with some styling tweaksAutoblogFor 2009, the Odyssey continues its trend of exterior and interior changesCars.com For 2009, the Honda Odyssey upgrades the EX-L trim level, expands the application of Bluetooth, and adds a power tailgate to the Odyssey EX-L. The look of the Odyssey isn't startlingly good or bad, but it doesn't matter because people don't buy minivans based on looks and emotion. Car and Driver appreciates the updates, saying, "Now there's a minivan we don't mind driving." MotherProof agrees, describing the Honda Odyssey as "elegant, poised, smooth ... [with] sleek lines and subtle accents." Autoblog says, "Honda has dressed up the Odyssey with some styling tweaks, including ... front bumper fascia." Cars.com notes that the Honda Odyssey "continues its trend of exterior and interior changes." The interior design is clean and functional. However, the center stack of controls are scattered around and it takes some time to get accustomed to the arrangement. Cars.com, for example, points out the Odyssey's “gearshift lever sits on the instrument panel." ConsumerGuide finds "it's easy to reach but obstructs some controls when in park." Elsewhere, ConsumerGuide likes the "large, clearly marked main gauges." MotherProof says "subtle backlighting creates an elegant view of the instrument panel," and Autoblog points out the "interior has received new colors, textures and fabrics, as well." ConclusionOn the outside, the 2009 Honda Odyssey is just a minivan, but inside it’s styled a little more than you might expect.  2009 HONDA ODYSSEY STYLING | [7 out of 10] MotherProof: "subtle backlighting creates an elegant view of the instrument panel" Car and Driver: "Now there's a minivan we don't mind driving" Autoblog: " Honda has dressed up the Odyssey with some styling tweaks" Cars.com: "For 2009, the ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

If maximizing value is the priority, and you’re willing to sacrifice a little refinement, TheCarConnection.com recommends the Hyundai Entourage. It does not offer every feature the Honda does, but the Entourage may have enough for you. Otherwise the closely related Kia Sedona feels slightly sportier than the Entourage. For storage and seating options, the Chrysler Town & Country (and its Dodge sibling, the Grand Caravan) are still the ones to beat; they offer in-floor storage and seating options not available on the Honda, and for keeping kids happy while on the road they’re a good choice. The Toyota Sienna doesn't drive with the same enthusiastic personality exhibited by the Honda—its ride isn’t as smooth either—but of all the minivans listed here, only the Toyota Sienna can match the 2009 Honda Odyssey in terms of refinement and polish. Finally, Ford doesn’t make a minivan anymore, but the Ford Flex, with its MINI-esque styling and seven-passenger interior, might be worth considering.

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See the Honda Odyssey in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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