Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2008 Honda Odyssey Full Review
Date Published: 6/17/08
Also in the 2008 Honda Odyssey Review:
5.
6.
Honda Odyssey Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Honda Odyssey Review
The 2008 Honda Odyssey gets freshened exterior styling. This minivan offers LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring models. All have front-wheel drive, a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and a 5-speed automatic transmission. LX and EX have 244 hp; EX-L and Touring have 241 hp and Honda's Variable Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. All but the LX have power sliding side doors. Standard are 2nd-row bucket seats and a split 3rd-row seat that folds into a floorwell. EX, EX-L, and Touring have a removable jump seat that slots between the 2nd-row buckets for eight-passenger capacity. EX-L and Touring have leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, sunroof, and Honda's Active Noise Control, designed to electronically quell mechanical, road, and wind noise. Touring models also have a power liftgate, front and rear obstacle detection, power-adjustable pedals, and optional run-flat tires. An available rearview camera integrates into the rearview mirror.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Long the choice as a family hauler, Minivans are easily the smartest use of space for passengers and cargo. These vehicles offer a fantastic blend of comfort, convenience, and safety features for the modern family.
Our Best Buys are the Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona, and Toyota Sienna.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan.
Our Best Buys are the Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona, and Toyota Sienna.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan.
News
Only detail changes are expected for Odyssey over the next couple of years. A possible exception is a new "clean diesel" V6 being developed for U.S. sale before 2009, according to a recent Honda announcement. Though a diesel Odyssey is strictly our guess, it's not unthinkable given today's roaring gas prices and the much higher fuel efficiency of diesel power--not to mention giving Honda a minivan exclusive. We'll keep you posted.
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Honda Odyssey Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Audio and climate control (EX, Touring) |
| Entry/exit | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Ample around town and when merging onto highways, even with a full complement of passengers. An EX did 8.3 sec 0-60 mph in our test. The transmission upshifts smoothly, but doesn't always downshift promptly in passing situations.
| EX | Touring w/DVD, navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Ample around town and when merging onto highways, even with a full complement of passengers. An EX did 8.3 sec 0-60 mph in our test. The transmission upshifts smoothly, but doesn't always downshift promptly in passing situations.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, an EX averaged 16.0 mpg in city/highway driving that included gas-eating performance tests. Test Tourings averaged 16.3-16.9 mpg in city/highway use. Honda recommends regular-grade gas for all Odysseys. Note EPA fuel-economy estimates are slightly higher with the Variable Cylinder Management system. Honda should make it available on all Odysseys, not just the most-expensive models.
| EX | Touring w/DVD, navigation | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an EX averaged 16.0 mpg in city/highway driving that included gas-eating performance tests. Test Tourings averaged 16.3-16.9 mpg in city/highway use. Honda recommends regular-grade gas for all Odysseys. Note EPA fuel-economy estimates are slightly higher with the Variable Cylinder Management system. Honda should make it available on all Odysseys, not just the most-expensive models.
Ride Quality
Taut, but comfortable over all but the roughest roads, where sharp bumps and highway expansion joints sometimes jab through--especially to rear-seat riders. Touring's optional run-flat tires have a still-firmer ride.
| EX | Touring w/DVD, navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6.4 |
Taut, but comfortable over all but the roughest roads, where sharp bumps and highway expansion joints sometimes jab through--especially to rear-seat riders. Touring's optional run-flat tires have a still-firmer ride.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Sharp, accurate steering. A firm suspension and stiff body structure combine for good road holding. Odyssey's tall build means noticeable body lean in fast turns, but grip and balance are nearly car-like. Stopping control is good even with a full passenger load.
| EX | Touring w/DVD, navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Sharp, accurate steering. A firm suspension and stiff body structure combine for good road holding. Odyssey's tall build means noticeable body lean in fast turns, but grip and balance are nearly car-like. Stopping control is good even with a full passenger load.
Quietness
No opportunity to compare under identical conditions a version with the noise-cancellation system vs. one without. But overall, Odyssey is among the quieter minivans. Engine noise is particularly well-subdued. Road noise is prevalent at highway speeds, especially with the run-flat tires. Third-row passengers hear some wind whistle around the tailgate that grows tiresome on long trips.
| EX | Touring w/DVD, navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
No opportunity to compare under identical conditions a version with the noise-cancellation system vs. one without. But overall, Odyssey is among the quieter minivans. Engine noise is particularly well-subdued. Road noise is prevalent at highway speeds, especially with the run-flat tires. Third-row passengers hear some wind whistle around the tailgate that grows tiresome on long trips.
Controls
Large, clearly marked main gauges. The transmission shift lever sprouts from the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel. It's easy to reach but obstructs some controls when in park. LX climate and audio controls are simple and plainly identified. EX, EX-L, and Touring have an abundance of buttons, switches, and more complicated control design that takes time to understand. The navigation unit is among the easier ones to master, simplified by the system's ability to recognize spoken city and street names when programming destinations.
| EX | Touring w/DVD, navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Large, clearly marked main gauges. The transmission shift lever sprouts from the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel. It's easy to reach but obstructs some controls when in park. LX climate and audio controls are simple and plainly identified. EX, EX-L, and Touring have an abundance of buttons, switches, and more complicated control design that takes time to understand. The navigation unit is among the easier ones to master, simplified by the system's ability to recognize spoken city and street names when programming destinations.
Details
Padded interior panels are at a premium, even in top-line versions. The grade of materials and assembly quality are top-notch, though one tester exhibited several squeaks and rattles from aft area.
| EX | Touring w/DVD, navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Padded interior panels are at a premium, even in top-line versions. The grade of materials and assembly quality are top-notch, though one tester exhibited several squeaks and rattles from aft area.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Odyssey's seats are comfortable and supportive. Room is ample for large adults. A fine driving position is enhanced on Tourings by power-adjustable pedals. The available rearview camera and front and rear park assist help in close-quarters maneuvering. Otherwise, rear visibility is hindered by large headrests and thick roof pillars.
| EX | Touring w/DVD, navigation | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.5 |
Odyssey's seats are comfortable and supportive. Room is ample for large adults. A fine driving position is enhanced on Tourings by power-adjustable pedals. The available rearview camera and front and rear park assist help in close-quarters maneuvering. Otherwise, rear visibility is hindered by large headrests and thick roof pillars.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Comfortable 2nd-row bucket seats have generous headroom and legroom. Available middle jump seat suits only children. The 3rd row has adult-size room, but seat suffers a short backrest and thin padding. Sliding doors open wide, and step-in height is modest. The 2nd-row seats don't slide forward enough for easy 3rd-row access, and the Touring's 2nd-row console eliminates center-walk-through convenience.
| EX | Touring w/DVD, navigation | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.6 |
Comfortable 2nd-row bucket seats have generous headroom and legroom. Available middle jump seat suits only children. The 3rd row has adult-size room, but seat suffers a short backrest and thin padding. Sliding doors open wide, and step-in height is modest. The 2nd-row seats don't slide forward enough for easy 3rd-row access, and the Touring's 2nd-row console eliminates center-walk-through convenience.
Cargo Room
A deep well behind the 3rd-row seat swallows a surprising volume of cargo. Split 3rd row folds neatly into the floor. The 2nd-row seats flip, stow, and can be removed, but Odyssey doesn't match convenient fold-into-floor design available in the Chrysler Town & Country or Dodge Grand Caravan. Under-floor compartment adds extra storage but is not readily accessible. A power tailgate and household-type power outlet are nice touches but are limited to the top-line editions.
| EX | Touring w/DVD, navigation | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 10 |
A deep well behind the 3rd-row seat swallows a surprising volume of cargo. Split 3rd row folds neatly into the floor. The 2nd-row seats flip, stow, and can be removed, but Odyssey doesn't match convenient fold-into-floor design available in the Chrysler Town & Country or Dodge Grand Caravan. Under-floor compartment adds extra storage but is not readily accessible. A power tailgate and household-type power outlet are nice touches but are limited to the top-line editions.
Value within Class
Some mainstream minivan buyers might be put off by Odyssey's taut ride and by the daunting array of buttons and switches on top-line versions. Still, this minivan is a Best Buy for its blend of power, road manners, and versatility.
| EX | Touring w/DVD, navigation | Class Average |
| 9 | 7 | 7.1 |
Some mainstream minivan buyers might be put off by Odyssey's taut ride and by the daunting array of buttons and switches on top-line versions. Still, this minivan is a Best Buy for its blend of power, road manners, and versatility.
Total Score
| EX | Touring w/DVD, navigation | Class Average |
| 76 | 73 | 71.2 |
Scores for all Minivans
| Low Score | 62 | |
| Average Score | 71 | |
| High Score | 78 |
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Honda Odyssey Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/16/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| LX 4-door van | $25,860 | $23,248 | $670 |
|
|
|||
| EX 4-door van | $28,960 | $26,229 | $670 |
|
|
|||
| EX-L 4-door van | $32,210 | $29,166 | $670 |
|
|
|||
| EX-L w/DVD 4-door van | $33,810 | $30,612 | $670 |
|
|
|||
| EX-L w/DVD, navigation 4-door van | $35,810 | $32,419 | $670 |
|
|
|||
| Touring 4-door van | $40,010 | $36,214 | $670 |
|
|
|||
| Touring w/run-flat tires, 4-door van | $40,610 | $36,757 | $670 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LX
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, front-seat active head restraints, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front and rear air conditioning w/rear controls, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, 7-passenger seating, front bucket seats, two 2nd-row bucket seats, removable center tray, 3rd-row stowable split bench seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, 235/65R16 tires, wheel covers.
EX adds to LX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, 8-passenger seating, 2nd-row stowable seat, power sliding rear doors, heated power mirrors, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering wheel radio controls, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, conversation mirror, 2nd-row sunshades, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails, rear spoiler, alloy wheels.
EX-L adds to EX:
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine w/cylinder deactivation.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, satellite radio, power sunroof, active noise reduction, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
EX-L w/DVD adds to EX-L:
Comfort and Convenience Features
DVD entertainment system, 115-volt power outlet.
EX-L w/DVD, navigation adds to EX-L w/DVD:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system w/voice recognition, rearview camera.
Touring adds to EX-L w/DVD, navigation:
Safety
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Memory system (driver seat, mirrors), power-adjustable pedals, outside mirror tilt-down back-up aid, upgraded sound system, wireless cell phone link, trip computer, compass, power liftgate, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, 235/60R17 tires.
Touring w/run-flat tires adds to Touring:
Appearance and Miscellaneous
235/70R17.5 run-flat tires.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Honda Odyssey Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Honda Odyssey 4-door van |
| Wheelbase, in. | 118.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 202.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 77.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4385 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 147.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 8 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 40.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /212 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 244 @ 5750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 240 @ 5000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed automatic | 16/23 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Honda Odyssey 4-door van |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Honda Odyssey Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Honda Odyssey Full Review
7.
8.
9.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Locate a Dealer
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Acura
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Roush
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
