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2009 Honda Odyssey Features Review

February 21, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

EX, EX-L, and Touring have an abundance of buttons, switches, and more complicated control design that takes time to understand
ConsumerGuide

Four new premium options have also been made available
Motor Trend

The more expensive Odyssey EX-L provides a leather-trimmed interior
Edmunds

The four trim levels available on the 2009 Honda Odyssey are the seven-passenger LX, and eight-passenger versions of the EX, EX-L, and Touring. Honda groups options by trim level, so while the base LX is well equipped, more equipment becomes standard as you move up in price. The 2009 Honda Odyssey Touring is downright luxurious, trimmed in leather and fitted with a navigation system and rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The quality of the interior is high in terms of fit, finish, and materials.

Standard on all models are "the disappearing third-row seat, in-floor storage, CD player, dual-zone air conditioning (tri-zone in EX-L and Touring), power windows, keyless entry and cruise control,” says Kelley Blue Book,

"The more expensive Odyssey EX-L provides a leather-trimmed interior, heated front seats, a power front passenger seat, a rearview-mirror-mounted backup camera, satellite radio and a sunroof," says Edmunds

Cars.com notes that the high-end Touring model "has standard DVD entertainment and navigation systems; those systems are also available in EX-L models, though navigation can only be had in combination with the entertainment system." ConsumerGuide is not necessarily a fan of the gadgets on the high-end Honda Odyssey models: "EX, EX-L, and Touring have an abundance of buttons, switches, and more complicated control design that takes time to understand."

According to Kelley Blue Book, options exclusive to the "premium Touring model are a power tailgate, memory driver's seat, power-adjustable pedals, front and rear parking sensors and a run-flat tire system." Motor Trend reports that "four new premium options have also been made available, including a Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, four-way power passenger seat, rearview camera display, and memory-linked side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down. DVD entertainment and voice-activated navigation units also are available." XM Satellite Radio is optional on most Odysseys.

Conclusion

Because Honda bundles convenience features with upgraded trim levels of the 2009 Honda Odyssey, consumers are forced to step up to more expensive models in order to get the vehicle they want.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:EX, EX-L, and Touring have an abundance of buttons, switches, and more complicated control design that takes time to understandConsumerGuideFour new premium options have also been made availableMotor TrendThe more expensive Odyssey EX-L provides a leather-trimmed interiorEdmunds The four trim levels available on the 2009 Honda Odyssey are the seven-passenger LX, and eight-passenger versions of the EX, EX-L, and Touring. Honda groups options by trim level, so while the base LX is well equipped, more equipment becomes standard as you move up in price. The 2009 Honda Odyssey Touring is downright luxurious, trimmed in leather and fitted with a navigation system and rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The quality of the interior is high in terms of fit, finish, and materials. Standard on all models are "the disappearing third-row seat, in-floor storage, CD player, dual-zone air conditioning (tri-zone in EX-L and Touring), power windows, keyless entry and cruise control,” says Kelley Blue Book, "The more expensive Odyssey EX-L provides a leather-trimmed interior, heated front seats, a power front passenger seat, a rearview-mirror-mounted backup camera, satellite radio and a sunroof," says Edmunds Cars.com notes that the high-end Touring model "has standard DVD entertainment and navigation systems; those systems are also available in EX-L models, though navigation can only be had in combination with the entertainment system." ConsumerGuide is not necessarily a fan of the gadgets on the high-end Honda Odyssey models: "EX, EX-L, and Touring have an abundance of buttons, switches, and more complicated control design that takes time to understand." According to Kelley Blue Book, options exclusive to the "premium Touring model are a power tailgate, memory driver's seat, power-adjustable pedals, front and rear parking sensors and a run-flat tire system." Motor Trend reports that "four new premium options have also been made available, including a Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, four-way power passenger seat, rearview camera display, and memory-linked side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down. DVD entertainment and voice-activated navigation units also are available." XM Satellite Radio is optional on most Odysseys. ConclusionBecause Honda bundles convenience features with upgraded trim levels of the 2009 Honda Odyssey, consumers are forced to step up to more expensive models in order to get the vehicle they want.  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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