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2009 Honda Odyssey Performance Review

February 21, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

V6 complements the van's likable road manners
Edmunds

VCM improves fuel economy
Autoblog

sharp, accurate steering
ConsumerGuide

The 2009 LX and EX models come standard with a 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine that delivers 244 horsepower and 16/23-mpg fuel economy. The EX-L and the Touring are fitted with a 3.5-liter engine that utilizes cylinder deactivation technology. This technology shuts down half of the cylinders at cruising speeds for added fuel efficiency. This engine is rated at 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway. This more efficient engine produces 241 horsepower, or 3 hp less than the base engine, but you'll never notice the difference—except at the fuel pump. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard with both engines.

"Engines in the LX and EX make 244 horsepower and 240 pounds-feet of torque; EX-L and Touring engines are good for 241 hp and 242 pounds-feet of torque," reports Cars.com. The 3.5-liter V-6 that moves the Honda Odyssey provides very respectable acceleration, especially in a class that isn't known for performance. Edmunds says the "V-6 complements the van's likable road manners, providing satisfying acceleration in virtually all situations." ConsumerGuide is also impressed by the Honda Odyssey’s performance, calling the acceleration "ample around town and when merging onto highways, even with a full complement of passengers."

The transmission is generally without major fault, although ConsumerGuide points out the gearbox "doesn't always downshift promptly in passing situations." Cars.com notes, "Honda's 3.5-liter V-6 teams with a five-speed automatic transmission." The more advanced engine improves fuel economy, and Autoblog corroborates the claim: "VCM improves fuel economy of the 3.5L from 16/23 to 17/25, which isn't a huge jump, but may be appreciated by parent-run chauffeur services."

Edmunds calls the Honda Odyssey "the most car-like minivan on the market today, thanks to its tight turning radius, responsive steering and athletic tuning." ConsumerGuide likes the Odyssey's "sharp, accurate steering," but cautions potential buyers about the Honda's ride over rough roads, "where sharp bumps and highway expansion joints sometimes jab through—especially to rear-seat riders." Editors from TheCarConnection.com continue to be impressed with how well the Odyssey drives, and its good handling does not come at the expense of a smooth ride.

Edmunds finds the Odyssey "easy to pilot," but warns that "its bulk can be a hindrance if you're never taking extra passengers or gear along." As for braking, ConsumerGuide notes, "stopping control is good even with a full passenger load."

Conclusion

Improved fuel economy and carlike handling are two strengths of the 2009 Honda Odyssey.

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:V6 complements the van's likable road mannersEdmundsVCM improves fuel economyAutoblogsharp, accurate steeringConsumerGuide The 2009 LX and EX models come standard with a 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine that delivers 244 horsepower and 16/23-mpg fuel economy. The EX-L and the Touring are fitted with a 3.5-liter engine that utilizes cylinder deactivation technology. This technology shuts down half of the cylinders at cruising speeds for added fuel efficiency. This engine is rated at 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway. This more efficient engine produces 241 horsepower, or 3 hp less than the base engine, but you'll never notice the difference—except at the fuel pump. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard with both engines. "Engines in the LX and EX make 244 horsepower and 240 pounds-feet of torque; EX-L and Touring engines are good for 241 hp and 242 pounds-feet of torque," reports Cars.com. The 3.5-liter V-6 that moves the Honda Odyssey provides very respectable acceleration, especially in a class that isn't known for performance. Edmunds says the "V-6 complements the van's likable road manners, providing satisfying acceleration in virtually all situations." ConsumerGuide is also impressed by the Honda Odyssey’s performance, calling the acceleration "ample around town and when merging onto highways, even with a full complement of passengers." The transmission is generally without major fault, although ConsumerGuide points out the gearbox "doesn't always downshift promptly in passing situations." Cars.com notes, "Honda's 3.5-liter V-6 teams with a five-speed automatic transmission." The more advanced engine improves fuel economy, and Autoblog corroborates the claim: "VCM improves fuel economy of the 3.5L from 16/23 to 17/25, which isn't a huge jump, but may be appreciated by parent-run chauffeur services." Edmunds calls the Honda Odyssey "the most car-like minivan on the market today, thanks to its tight turning radius, responsive steering and athletic tuning." ConsumerGuide likes the Odyssey's "sharp, accurate steering," but cautions potential buyers about the Honda's ride over rough roads, "where sharp bumps and highway expansion joints sometimes jab through—especially to rear-seat riders." Editors from TheCarConnection.com continue to be impressed with how well the Odyssey drives, and its good handling does not come at the expense of a smooth ride. Edmunds finds the Odyssey "easy to pilot," but warns that "its bulk can be a hindrance if you're never taking extra passengers or gear along." As for braking, ConsumerGuide notes, "stopping control is good even with a full passenger load." ConclusionImproved fuel economy and carlike handling are two strengths of the 2009 Honda Odyssey.  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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