2009 Honda Odyssey Overview Change Vehicle

This 2009 Honda Odyssey overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2009 Odyssey, and includes Honda Odyssey safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

After a year of significant upgrades, the 2009 Honda Odyssey enters the new model year with only minor changes. In a nutshell, the Odyssey EX-L is now fitted with a power tailgate as standard equipment. Additionally, the Odyssey’s optional navigation system is now equipped with Bluetooth phone connectivity.

Carried forward from last year are four Odyssey models: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. Each boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine, front-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic transmission.

The entry-level models are fitted with the LX badge. These Odysseys are configured with cloth upholstery, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, power windows, power door locks with keyless entry, power side mirrors, front and rear air conditioning, and a stereo with an auxiliary input jack and CD/MP3/Windows Media Audio compatibility. All LX models are configured to hold seven occupants, and they all feature Honda’s folding "Magic Seat" third row, which drops into an in-floor storage well. Black mirrors and 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers identify the LX model visually.

The most popular model is the EX, which adds power sliding side doors, a conversation mirror that allows the driver to see what’s going on in all rear seating locations, and sunshades for the second-row passengers. An eight-way power driver’s seat, automatic front climate control, heated side mirrors, and a HomeLink remote also come standard. The EX offers additional in-floor storage with a Lazy Susan to ease accessibility to items stored there. The audio package is upgraded with a six-disc CD changer, auto-off headlights are included, and there are standard 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels at all four corners. The EX trim level is attractive to families as it adds another seating position — the automaker's innovative second-row "PlusOne" jump seat — making the Odyssey an eight-passenger minivan.

Building upon the EX model’s equipment is the EX-L trim line. It upgrades the Odyssey with leather, and adds a standard power moonroof, power tailgate (new for 2009), heated front seats, power four-way adjustable front passenger seat, satellite radio, and a rearview camera display in the auto-dimming rearview mirror. The EX-L is also available with several exclusive options including a DVD-based rear seat entertainment system with a nine-inch display, and a satellite-linked navigation system with Bluetooth hands-free calling. The EX-L’s engine is equipped with Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system which allows the V6 engine to operate on fewer cylinders if needed, thus saving fuel. As VCM may increase the likelihood of noise and vibration inside the cabin, it is bundled with Electronic Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Control Engine Mounts (ACM).

The flagship Touring model adds even more equipment to the EX-L. Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard and there are memory seat and mirror settings for the driver. Other enhancements include a premium sound system, power adjustable pedals, front and rear parking sensors, a trip computer, automatic headlights, fog lights, and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Lastly, and touted as a safety feature, the Touring model may be optioned with Michelin's PAX system — run-flat tire technology which unique 17.5-inch alloy wheels wearing specially designed PAX tires.

Every Honda Odyssey is equipped with an all-aluminum 3.5-liter V6. Under the hood of the LX and EX, it is rated at 244 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. The EX-L and Touring models are equipped with Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology to improve fuel economy. This engine receives minor tweaks again this year — for 2009, it is now rated at 244 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque. All 2009 Honda Odyssey models are front-wheel drive.

The Honda Odyssey is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel. According to the EPA, the 2009 Odyssey LX and EX are rated at 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The 2009 Odyssey EX-L and Touring models with VCM are rated at 17-mpg city and 25-mpg highway.

All 2009 Odyssey models are configured with an extensive list of standard safety equipment including dual-stage dual-threshold front airbags, front side airbags, three-row side curtain airbags, and active front seat head restraints. Other standard safety equipment on the minivan includes antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, traction control, and stability control. As often touted by the automaker, Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure is designed to deflect crash energy away from occupants while softening the blow for pedestrians the van might hit.

In the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), the 2009 Honda Odyssey earned 5-Star ratings in the frontal- and side-impact crash test evaluations, and 4 Stars in the rollover resistance test. It doesn’t get much better than this. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has also tested the 2009 Honda Odyssey, and the van earns the agency's highest rating in all three categories: Good for its performance in the frontal-offset crash test, Good for its performance in side-impact crash testing, and Good scores for rear crash injury protection. These impressive scores earned the 2009 Honda Odyssey an IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

The 2009 Honda Odyssey scores above average in terms of reliability according to Consumer Reports, an improvement over last year. However, based on the Odyssey’s recent performance in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, the market research firm predicts the Odyssey will deliver slightly below average reliability.

A year after significant upgrades, the 2009 Honda Odyssey is mostly a carryover — but we continue to heap praise on this family-oriented minivan. With a seven- or eight-passenger cabin, a dependable and fuel-efficient V6 under the hood, and enough infotainment options to keep the kids occupied, the Odyssey remains one of our top minivans. Throw in the improved reliability reports and the impressive safety accolades, and we are smitten with the Odyssey.

By Michael Harley