Likes
- Unlike many competitors, the Odyssey isn’t a van tuned into a people mover. So it’s much nicer to drive.
- Proving to be quite reliable.
- Cost of parts is reasonably cheap vs some competition.
Used Honda Odyssey review
2009 - 2013
Dislikes
- Shockingly bad infotainment system.
- Child seat anchors for the second row, compromise the thrid row experience.
- Not a sexy category of car. Not even a little bit.
Stuff you should know
- The Australian market primarily offers the 2.4L petrol engine with a CVT, while Japanese imports include a more powerful and fuel-efficient 2.0L hybrid option.
- The petrol engine can feel underpowered, especially when the car is fully loaded, and the intrusive start-stop system frustrates many owners.
- Despite being a people mover, it drives like a car with a low centre of gravity, excellent visibility, and smooth handling. It avoids the bus-like feel of some rivals.
- Infotainment systems are notoriously poor, but aftermarket upgrades can fix most issues. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto weren’t standard until 2018.
- While the Kia Carnival and European options like the VW Multivan offer competition, the Odyssey balances affordability, reliability, and practicality. Japanese imports like the Toyota Estima or Nissan Elgrand can be appealing but might come with support or insurance challenges.
- The Odyssey excels in flexibility. With the third row stowed, it offers massive cargo space, and the second row can slide or recline for added comfort. However, child seats in the third row reduce boot space, as anchor straps attach to the floor.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
Early pre-update models can experience some headlight yellowing or fading, but that’s easily fixed.
Predominantly on the pre-update cars, there are extremely sporadic reports of electronic gremlins. Things like windows being slow to respond to up or down selections, the automatic wipers or lights not immediately responding to rain or the dark, minor stuff like that but again, these issues are far from common.
Interior:
According to the owner’s groups and forums, the infotainment systems are just horrible, up there the worst you’ll find in any car. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto didn’t make an appearance until 2018, but even then, owners have complained about the native interface just being terrible, Reporting issues like Bluetooth dropping out, even in the more recent models, the actual microphone they’ve installed seems to be made from potato because anyone you’re talking to will apparently struggle to understand what you’ll be saying,
The screens can lock up or turn black or blue, the built-in navigation will at best get you lost almost immediately or at worst, will cost you in excess of $1000 to upgrade. As one owner put it, the infotainment system is just pathetic, slow, and outdated.
The next common complaint isn’t exactly a fault, just a case of the product planning department dropping the ball, many of these don’t have a memory function for the power-adjustable seats.
Mechanical:
These cars can sometimes be a bit neglected, especially if they haven’t been properly looked after. One of the main issues that tends to pop up with neglected models is oil consumption. If you own one, it’s important to keep an eye on the oil levels and top it up regularly.
If the car’s been neglected even more, you might notice some timing chain issues. This is often marked by a rattling sound. In extreme cases, there could also be problems with the valve train and camshafts, but these kinds of issues usually happen when the car’s really been ignored. When they’re maintained well, though, they’re generally pretty reliable.
Even with proper maintenance, there are a few common issues to watch out for. One of the main ones is with the VTI — that’s the variable valve timing solenoid. It’s known to leak or sometimes fail to work as it should. Another issue that comes up is with the power steering pump. Over time, it can develop leaks, but neither of these problems are usually too expensive to fix. They’re also among the more common issues people encounter.
As these cars age, oil leaks can also become a problem. The seals can harden, and that can be made worse if the PCV valve isn’t functioning properly. If you’re noticing oil
Exterior:
Early pre-update models can experience some headlight yellowing or fading, but that’s easily fixed.
Predominantly on the pre-update cars, there are extremely sporadic reports of electronic gremlins. Things like windows being slow to respond to up or down selections, the automatic wipers or lights not immediately responding to rain or the dark, minor stuff like that but again, these issues are far from common.
Interior:
According to the owner’s groups and forums, the infotainment systems are just horrible, up there the worst you’ll find in any car. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto didn’t make an appearance until 2018, but even then, owners have complained about the native interface just being terrible, Reporting issues like Bluetooth dropping out, even in the more recent models, the actual microphone they’ve installed seems to be made from potato because anyone you’re talking to will apparently struggle to understand what you’ll be saying,
The screens can lock up or turn black or blue, the built-in navigation will at best get you lost almost immediately or at worst, will cost you in excess of $1000 to upgrade. As one owner put it, the infotainment system is just pathetic, slow, and outdated.
The next common complaint isn’t exactly a fault, just a case of the product planning department dropping the ball, many of these don’t have a memory function for the power-adjustable seats.
Mechanical:
These cars can sometimes be a bit neglected, especially if they haven’t been properly looked after. One of the main issues that tends to pop up with neglected models is oil consumption. If you own one, it’s important to keep an eye on the oil levels and top it up regularly.
If the car’s been neglected even more, you might notice some timing chain issues. This is often marked by a rattling sound. In extreme cases, there could also be problems with the valve train and camshafts, but these kinds of issues usually happen when the car’s really been ignored. When they’re maintained well, though, they’re generally pretty reliable.
Even with proper maintenance, there are a few common issues to watch out for. One of the main ones is with the VTI — that’s the variable valve timing solenoid. It’s known to leak or sometimes fail to work as it should. Another issue that comes up is with the power steering pump. Over time, it can develop leaks, but neither of these problems are usually too expensive to fix. They’re also among the more common issues people encounter.
As these cars age, oil leaks can also become a problem. The seals can harden, and that can be made worse if the PCV valve isn’t functioning properly. If you’re noticing oil leaks, it’s worth checking that the PCV valve is working. It’s an easy fix and not too costly.
The transmissions in these cars are generally pretty solid, but it’s not unheard of to run into some valve body or solenoid issues that cause harsh shifting. Keeping up with regular servicing can really help avoid these issues, though they’re not something that comes up all the time.
When it comes to the hybrids, Honda hybrids have a reputation for being fairly reliable, but here in Australia, there aren’t enough of them on the road to really get a solid picture of their long-term reliability.
As long as you keep up with maintenance, both of these engines should last long enough to get you through the years, maybe even long enough to stop being the family’s personal taxi service. Once your kids are old enough to manage on their own, you can trade it in for something you actually like.
Exterior:
Early pre-update models can experience some headlight yellowing or fading, but that’s easily fixed.
Predominantly on the pre-update cars, there are extremely sporadic reports of electronic gremlins. Things like windows being slow to respond to up or down selections, the automatic wipers or lights not immediately responding to rain or the dark, minor stuff like that but again, these issues are far from common.
Interior:
According to the owner’s groups and forums, the infotainment systems are just horrible, up there the worst you’ll find in any car. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto didn’t make an appearance until 2018, but even then, owners have complained about the native interface just being terrible, Reporting issues like Bluetooth dropping out, even in the more recent models, the actual microphone they’ve installed seems to be made from potato because anyone you’re talking to will apparently struggle to understand what you’ll be saying,
The screens can lock up or turn black or blue, the built-in navigation will at best get you lost almost immediately or at worst, will cost you in excess of $1000 to upgrade. As one owner put it, the infotainment system is just pathetic, slow, and outdated.
The next common complaint isn’t exactly a fault, just a case of the product planning department dropping the ball, many of these don’t have a memory function for the power-adjustable seats.
Mechanical:
These cars can sometimes be a bit neglected, especially if they haven’t been properly looked after. One of the main issues that tends to pop up with neglected models is oil consumption. If you own one, it’s important to keep an eye on the oil levels and top it up regularly.
If the car’s been neglected even more, you might notice some timing chain issues. This is often marked by a rattling sound. In extreme cases, there could also be problems with the valve train and camshafts, but these kinds of issues usually happen when the car’s really been ignored. When they’re maintained well, though, they’re generally pretty reliable.
Even with proper maintenance, there are a few common issues to watch out for. One of the main ones is with the VTI — that’s the variable valve timing solenoid. It’s known to leak or sometimes fail to work as it should. Another issue that comes up is with the power steering pump. Over time, it can develop leaks, but neither of these problems are usually too expensive to fix. They’re also among the more common issues people encounter.
As these cars age, oil leaks can also become a problem. The seals can harden, and that can be made worse if the PCV valve isn’t functioning properly. If you’re noticing oil leaks, it’s worth checking that the PCV valve is working. It’s an easy fix and not too costly.
The transmissions in these cars are generally pretty solid, but it’s not unheard of to run into some valve body or solenoid issues that cause harsh shifting. Keeping up with regular servicing can really help avoid these issues, though they’re not something that comes up all the time.
When it comes to the hybrids, Honda hybrids have a reputation for being fairly reliable, but here in Australia, there aren’t enough of them on the road to really get a solid picture of their long-term reliability.
As long as you keep up with maintenance, both of these engines should last long enough to get you through the years, maybe even long enough to stop being the family’s personal taxi service. Once your kids are old enough to manage on their own, you can trade it in for something you actually like.
Should you buy it?
First, you need to consider what else you could buy for Honda Odyssey money instead.
The Odyssey’s direct competitor in Australia is the Kia Carnival and it can be a very good thing. You also have Hyundai’s van-based iMax and Staria or the LDV G10. From Europe, there’s the Mercedes Benz V-Class and Viano and the Volkswagen Multivan and Caravelle.
If you’re open to the world of Japanese imports, this opens up the possibilities of the off-road capable Mitsubishi Delica, the hugely popular Toyota Estima, not to mention its Aussie cousin the Toyota Tarago or the Nissan Elgrand or Serena which, like the Odyssey, can also be had with a hybrid powertrain.
The thing is, the Kia will most likely ask a premium over the Odyssey, the Hyundai, LDV G10, Mercedes, and Volkswagen are all delivery vans turned into people movers, plus it’s important to consider depreciation and cost of parts and maintenance with the Euro options,
The Japanese alternatives can be excellent but the grey imports can mean to struggles accessing certain spare parts and support, let alone potentially higher insurance premiums.
This leaves us with the Honda Odyssey, which conveniently sidesteps many of those concerns while also arguably matching the competition’s compelling qualities.
Should you buy a Honda Odyssey, as long as it checks out with a pre-purchase inspection, yes, yes you should.
First, you need to consider what else you could buy for Honda Odyssey money instead.
The Odyssey’s direct competitor in Australia is the Kia Carnival and it can be a very good thing. You also have Hyundai’s van-based iMax and Staria or the LDV G10. From Europe, there’s the Mercedes Benz V-Class and Viano and the Volkswagen Multivan and Caravelle.
If you’re open to the world of Japanese imports, this opens up the possibilities of the off-road capable Mitsubishi Delica, the hugely popular Toyota Estima, not to mention its Aussie cousin the Toyota Tarago or the Nissan Elgrand or Serena which, like the Odyssey, can also be had with a hybrid powertrain.
The thing is, the Kia will most likely ask a premium over the Odyssey, the Hyundai, LDV G10, Mercedes, and Volkswagen are all delivery vans turned into people movers, plus it’s important to consider depreciation and cost of parts and maintenance with the Euro options,
The Japanese alternatives can be excellent but the grey imports can mean to struggles accessing certain spare parts and support, let alone potentially higher insurance premiums.
This leaves us with the Honda Odyssey, which conveniently sidesteps many of those concerns while also arguably matching the competition’s compelling qualities.
Should you buy a Honda Odyssey, as long as it checks out with a pre-purchase inspection, yes, yes you should.
Should you buy it?
First, you need to consider what else you could buy for Honda Odyssey money instead.
The Odyssey’s direct competitor in Australia is the Kia Carnival and it can be a very good thing. You also have Hyundai’s van-based iMax and Staria or the LDV G10. From Europe, there’s the Mercedes Benz V-Class and Viano and the Volkswagen Multivan and Caravelle.
If you’re open to the world of Japanese imports, this opens up the possibilities of the off-road capable Mitsubishi Delica, the hugely popular Toyota Estima, not to mention its Aussie cousin the Toyota Tarago or the Nissan Elgrand or Serena which, like the Odyssey, can also be had with a hybrid powertrain.
The thing is, the Kia will most likely ask a premium over the Odyssey, the Hyundai, LDV G10, Mercedes, and Volkswagen are all delivery vans turned into people movers, plus it’s important to consider depreciation and cost of parts and maintenance with the Euro options,
The Japanese alternatives can be excellent but the grey imports can mean to struggles accessing certain spare parts and support, let alone potentially higher insurance premiums.
This leaves us with the Honda Odyssey, which conveniently sidesteps many of those concerns while also arguably matching the competition’s compelling qualities.
Should you buy a Honda Odyssey, as long as it checks out with a pre-purchase inspection, yes, yes you should.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 2.4 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 129kW / 225Nm (All Models)
Transmission
- 7-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (All Models)
Fuel Consumption
- 6.6 – 9.4 / 100km (VTi)
- 6.8 – 9.6 / 100km (VTi-L)
- 6.8 – 10.2 / 100km (Vi L7, Vi LX7)
Length
- 4840mm – 4855mm (All Models)
Width
- 1800mm – 1820mm (All Models)
Height
- 1695mm – 1710mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2900mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- Unknown kg – 1819kg (All Models)
Towing
- Unknown kg (unbraked) – 1000kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 5 stars, tested 2014 (All Models)
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 2.4 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 129kW / 225Nm (All Models)
Transmission
- 7-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (All Models)
Fuel Consumption
- 6.6 – 9.4 / 100km (VTi)
- 6.8 – 9.6 / 100km (VTi-L)
- 6.8 – 10.2 / 100km (Vi L7, Vi LX7)
Length
- 4840mm – 4855mm (All Models)
Width
- 1800mm – 1820mm (All Models)
Height
- 1695mm – 1710mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2900mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- Unknown kg – 1819kg (All Models)
Towing
- Unknown kg (unbraked) – 1000kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 5 stars, tested 2014 (All Models)
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 2.4 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 129kW / 225Nm (All Models)
Transmission
- 7-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (All Models)
Fuel Consumption
- 6.6 – 9.4 / 100km (VTi)
- 6.8 – 9.6 / 100km (VTi-L)
- 6.8 – 10.2 / 100km (Vi L7, Vi LX7)
Length
- 4840mm – 4855mm (All Models)
Width
- 1800mm – 1820mm (All Models)
Height
- 1695mm – 1710mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2900mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- Unknown kg – 1819kg (All Models)
Towing
- Unknown kg (unbraked) – 1000kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 5 stars, tested 2014 (All Models)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
- 3 years / 100,000 km (VTi, VTi-L)
- 5 years / unlimited km (VTi, VTi-L, Vi L7, Vi LX7)
Servicing
- 10,000 km / 6 months (All Models)
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Dec 04, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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