2009 Honda Odyssey Consumer Reviews

First minivan and love it

Written by: Ven on 11/05/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is my first mini van and I love it. Have all the nice features. Haven't experienced anything bad. A few changes both cosmetic and technical which would cost a penny to Honda can make it even more fun. Cosmetic like: on the driver/passenger side when the seat belt is released, the hook that is retracted is making scratches on the plastic and it is looking ugly after a few months. Maybe a softer plastic can be used like Toyota. And technical, VCM. And the child seat, if that can be stowable it will be great.

Favorite Features

Back up camera, sliding doors, all windows going down at the same time just with a punch of a key...awesome.

Suggested Improvements

Just the things I mentioned above.

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Best-in-class van

Written by: FirstOdyssey on 10/18/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

New dad with rapidly-growing infant. Reliability, comfort, convenience were top considerations. Like other reviewers, compared Odyssey to Sienna, Quest, VW, as well as against large SUVs. Found Odyssey to be best combination of features/utility/design for the price and for our needs. Purchased end-of-year model with 40 miles on odometer for about $1600 under invoice. Drives more like a car (albeit a Honda, and not a BMW), surprisingly roomy, cavernous cargo space when 3rd row is folded down, intuitive/ingenious fold-down 3rd row, trouble-free through first 500 miles. Solid feel throughout. Plastic dash, but that's what you get for about $25K.

Favorite Features

Honda-reliable, comfy, easy to use fold-down seats, powered sliding doors, nice exterior look, feels solid.

Suggested Improvements

Louder-than-expected freeway noise (just slightly less than my MB E-class with sports package tires), somewhat awkward heat/AC system (where's the "on" button?), subpar speakers.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Good intro to minivan ownership

Written by: dad2be on 10/14/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

We've had this van for about 6 months now and are very satisfied with our purchase. Just got back from a 3000 mile road-trip to Florida and averaged the EPA stated 23 mpg with a full load. At purchase time, we got almost $6000 off of MSRP (when deals were good prior to cash for clunkers) which certainly influenced our decision and I still think it is a great value. No mechanical problems to date. I read through some other reviews and folks mention the road noise and the way the transmission shifts. Nothing that bothers our family, but do take a long test drive with a mix of city and highway roads before purchasing any vehicle - don't assume you'll love it just because it's a Honda...

Favorite Features

Homelink, power sliding side doors, mp3 jack, plenty of power for getting on highways and pulling a full load.

Suggested Improvements

Don't force people to upgrade to the "EX-L" model to get the power hatch. Put the cylinder deactivation feature on all models, not just the upper levels. Bumper strength isn't ideal - bumped into something at very low speed (<5 MPH) with the back bumper and was surprised to find damage.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Soccer Dad

Written by: Alan on 10/02/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

A++++ , First ever Mini in my life, looked at Sienna & others stopped once I drove this one. It's not really a van , more like a car. Dealership did an excellent price as well, no others would come this low price wise for less quality. Roomy, classy and you can still look like a cool guy...lol. My boys love it , lots of storage for sports stuff and as my oldest says "wow there are a lot of cup holders".

Favorite Features

Steering wheel controls for radio/cd player, 6 disc changer, in door sunshades, tri controls for heating/ac, electric driver seat and mirror defrost.

Suggested Improvements

Compass, more interior colors to choose from, dvd player standard for the price on all models.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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NICE but: Don't get the VCM model

Written by: George on 10/02/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Love the Odyssey BUT -- don't get the VCM model. There is a low growl/drone vibration you can feel and hear when it kicks into 3 cyl mode. Especially in cold weather. HONDA WON'T disable it and claims that the noise is normal! VCM doesn't activate when the engine is cold during the first 5 min of driving so there must be a way to disable it programmatically. There also is a loss of power that is noticeable during VCM cruise on slight inclines. This causes the mph to drop well below your cruise setting. I prefer to eat the fuel savings (if any) than put up with this annoyance. It is extremely noticeable at 40 and 70 mph and when fully loaded. Must be at just the right rpm's.

Favorite Features

Backup camera is addicting, performance is very good when the VCM isn't engaged, seating arrangements are excellent although the steering needs another inch or two of telescoping for long leg people (I feel I have to reach when the seat is set correctly for my long legs). Nice exterior style/colors.

Suggested Improvements

NEEDS a VCM OFF SWITCH or disengage at the dealer upon customer request. Improve the interior plastics. The XM radio is one of the cheapest on the market with limited display since the text is HUGE. Road and wind noise is HONDA typical and needs soundproofing, why hasn't this been addressed yet?

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

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First Time Van Owner

Written by: bad_dog205 on 09/30/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Odyssey Touring 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

We bought this vehicle with a 2400 mile Disney World trip in mind. It practically drove itself there and had us convinced we were in a luxury sedan. Driving feel was sporty. Mileage was 23 mpg despite using a/c even while parked often and driving 65-80 mph. At home it's closer to 16 mpg. Our son runs to get in and has never mentioned the SUV (he used to love so much). My wife hated to buy a minivan but fights over who gets to drive it next.

Favorite Features

Versatile stereo/DVD system, reliable simple NAVI/Backup camera, strong A/C, comfortable seats, power doors, individual tire pressure status.

Suggested Improvements

Stereo has many ways to customize between front and rear but is neither intuitive nor superior sounding. Brakes feel too soft. Steering wheel should telescope 3 inches for long legs. Parking sensors should sense further than 1.5 feet (too close to risk damage).

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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The great debate: Sienna or Odyssey

Written by: LaFio on 09/29/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan w/Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I must have test driven each of these cars at least 3 times. In the end, I got an Odyssey because I got the better deal and more options. The Honda was fun. Downside: Honda road noise is awful and, after several weeks, I feel like I'm driving a tank with no pick up. The passenger seat feels like it teeters when you accelerate or stop. And the stitching on the steering wheel has come unraveled. The passenger doors don't open/close fast enough. I'm happy with the van (see pros below), but I wish I had gotten the Sienna, despite its boring appearance.

Favorite Features

Love the Rear DVD and rear parking camera. Seats are extremely comfortable for those with a bad back. Love new blue color. (Tired of mocha)

Suggested Improvements

Too much $$ for problems. Leather feels cheap. Road noise and car rattles. Needs more pick up. "Miles to Empty" is really, really needed.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Back to a van after years away

Written by: Allavalons on 09/13/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Odyssey Touring 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I have had 3 other vans (all Chryslers) which had turned to go to all cars back in 2000. I decided to try one more time and I have been pleasantly surprised. The Ody is really comfortable, is solid as a rock, no rattles, quiet, and with the rear camera has great visibility. The disappearing 3rd row is great and the rear well when the seat is up provides an excellent space for loads of packages, suitcases etc. The mileage is at the top end of the EPA estimate and has exceeded the estimate on several recent trips, verified by actual calculation not just the trip computer. The leather seats are the most comfortable and supportive I've had in a vehicle under $50,000.

Favorite Features

Powers rear doors and liftgate, the fold flat 3rd row seats, the touch screen Nav beats my Toyota Nav in my Avalon hands down. The RES is great, my daughter and wife loved the wireless headphones on a recent trip. 8 passenger option is great while still providing Captains seats in 2nd row.

Suggested Improvements

Timed delay on headlights shutoff when in Auto mode would be great. Rain sensing wipers should be available on a $40,000 vehicle as should Laser cruise control.

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Well, the kids love it...

Written by: ebd135 on 09/01/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan w/Nav, Rear Entertainment (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

After our third came around it was time to move up in terms of size with our vehicles. This is our second Honda product so no real surprises in build/material quality, which as been good so far. The van has been very functional and the power doors are great. The space within the van is excellent, as is the driving characteristics of the vehicle. Gas mileage is been in the middle 20's so far, but I will expect less during the winter. The children love the van and taking long trips has been a much more pleasant experience for the whole family.

Favorite Features

Rear view back up camera/monitor, DVD player controls placed in the front of the vehicle, power doors, cargo space, and general comfort level and driving characteristics.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage indicator would a nice touch. Outside temperature gauge would be better served in different location other than in the dash.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good choice!

Written by: teresa on 08/27/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Had a 2006 odyssey lease. Love the new EXL with auto tailgate. Researched many models and bought the best! Got a very fair price and good dealer experience. Also great for traveling, holds everything for a months vacation. Also like our color choice which is dark cherry. Very pleased with our purchase.

Favorite Features

Very easy to drive and park and we are both "seniors" I am using the back up mirror a lot. Our 2006 did not have the auto tailgate and it makes it easy to put items in back of van.

Suggested Improvements

None yet. I did notice that you have to be careful not to open the tailgate from a distance, in a parking lot, without accessing oncoming vehicles.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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