2009 Honda Odyssey Overview

Being the last major automaker to add a product to the minivan segment, the introduction of the Odyssey in 1995 conveyed that Honda was in the game but no where near ahead of the competition. In 2009, the Honda Odyssey is one of the leading choices for growing families in large part due to affordability and Honda's reputation for quality vehicles. Entering 2009, the Honda Odyssey has already been granted the Kelly Blue Book's Best Resale Value award, reinforcing this minivan's allure when dealing with household budgets.

Planned for a design and technical facelift in 2010, much is the same with the 2009 Honda Odyssey line divided between LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels.

2009 Honda Odyssey Exterior

In 2009, it is a fact that minivans are larger than those existing in the last vehicle generation. A minivan keeping up to the times, the 2009 Honda Odyssey 202.1 inches in total length is second only to the Ridgeline for the longest vehicle currently sold by the popular Japanese automaker. Without invigorating the senses at front view, the Odyssey's design does portray the minivan's courtliness. Beside a chrome-accented grille displaying the 'H' nameplate, clear reflective headlights flow generously with the short hood On the back, a small roof spoiler on the edge of the tailgate performs merely as a mild stylistic touch. The body shell is constructed around a durable frame incorporating the ACE™ (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) Body Structure for superior front-end crash resistance.

Helpful after the busy trips to the grocery store or other shopping outlets, dual sliding doors and large rear door allows sufficient openings to loading passenger as well as cargo. The EX trim features power sliding doors while the Odyssey EX-L upgrades the rear liftgate to power operations in 2009.

2009 Honda Odyssey Interior

Assured to have a spacious interior, passenger and cargo room is abundant inside the Odyssey thanks to a total cabin volume of 209.8 cubic feet. The Honda Odyssey can offer seating for 7 in the LX model or 8 passengers on the EX and above thanks to a second row PlusOne Seat™ that doubles as a fold-down storage console. Third row seating on all Odyssey minivans are a 60/40 split seat. Called the Magic Seat®, this is Honda's version of a bench seat that folds flat into the floor. With 38.4 cubic feet of cargo room available when all three rows are in use, this expands to 91.1 cubic feet with third-row seating eliminated from the interior layout.

The trim levels of the 2009 Honda Odyssey greatly impacts the amount of passenger comfort. While the entry-level Honda Odyssey LX interior accessories include power windows, in-floor storage as well as two-zone air conditioning, stepping up EX model adds tri-zone automatic climate control and an 8-way power driver's seat. Through a $2,500 upgrade to the EX-L version of the Odyssey, leather-covered seating for regal family travels. Achieving cutting edge minivan motoring, place for the Odyssey Touring. Advancing the interior accompaniments with technology found on luxury cars and SUVs, standard features on the Touring (optional on the EX-L models) are Honda's DVD Rear Entertainment System, Bluetooth hands-free phone, and in-dash 6-disc CD changer with 360-Watt sound system plus subwoofer. While the voyage is can be conducted with the comfort of being at home, Satellite-linked navigation keeps the destination within reach.

2009 Honda Odyssey Engine and Transmission

Every 2009 Honda Odyssey is propelled by a single overhead cam 3.5-liter V6 producing 244 horsepower, differences exist in the deployment of the VTEC system. LX and EX models uses to mechanical two rocker arm approach while an intelligent VTEC engine (i-VTEC) is supplied on the EX-L and Touring-equipped minivans. Featuring Variable Cylinder Management, these i-VTEC engines can shut down 2 or 3 cylinders under certain driving conditions to save fuel. With 18 miles per gallon of combined fuel distance when the Odyssey is fitted with the conventional VTEC valvetrain, the i-VTEC hardware adds 2 miles for every gallon. In either VTEC configuration, engine emissions qualifies the Odyssey for CARB's Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) classfication.

Delivering the 3.5-liter V6's power to the front wheels, the Odyssey minivan comes fitted with five-speed automatic gearboxes. Containing two overdrive gears (minor changes are present to the fifth gear ratio between the VTEC and i-VTEC setup), highway driving is further eased with standard cruise control on all 2009 Honda Odyssey minivans.