2008 vs 2009 vs 2010?

[TheTregos]

I know there are very few (if any) notable changes in the 3.5 gen vehicle, but regarding, reliability, cost, and years on the road, what should a new buyer be looking for regarding year?

Looking at the 2008-10 Odyssey Touring exclusively.

Also, what interiors stand up best? Ivory or Charcoal? We'd do WeatherTech mats with either color.

Blessings, Matthew Trego

[msavy11]

I'm also looking at a late model Ody, but not sure of the typical problems across the years (2008-2011). I'm not quite in your price-range of a Touring. Instead, I'm looking at the EX and EX-L trims.
I was driving a 2000 EX until recently when the tranny went at 207,151mi. I'ce decided to cut my lossess and update to this decade.

The research I've done has shown that the quality has gone down regarding the interior, i.e., outdated, poor fitting buttons, trim, sloppy workmanship, issues with the upper glovebox, airbag, etc.). Also some issues regarding paint. I've also read that there were some issues about the engine in the Touring model, but not sure what exactly.

I would appreciate some guidance as well...

Good luck in your search

[dvpatel]

2009+ EX-Ls have power lift gate standard. Apart from that, I believe all three are identical in parts and what not and hence should have the same reliability.

[msavy11]

What about typical "known" issues or problems between the years? For instance, my 2000 EX had known tranny issues (although, mine didn't die until 200k+mi), it regularly lost air pressure in the tires due to the rims, which I had to check at least 1x/mo to maintain. I'm sure there are other things that aren't coming to mind right now that were common issues that I dealt with.

I have read that the gas mileage has gone down since the 2000 model and that the cabin noise level is still an issue. After drving a few 2010s I have to agree that it is still an issue that no other manufacturer shares.

I've read that the VSA system can be an issue in the newer Odys as well.

I'm trying to do an much research as I possibly can in the very short time I have to buy a newer Ody. I am driving a Chrysler/Dodge minivan rental currently and the money clock is ticking away.
(BTW-the Chrysler steering handles much tigher than the Ody. It corners great and doesn't feel like I'm driving a bus. I'm just not interested in replacing my vehicle after 100k of driving.)

I do a lot of highway driving and can put 300-500mi/day on and tend to be an aggressive driver. I know that reflects on my brakes, rotors and gas consumption.

Any help or direction would be wonderful as I value the opinions shared on this site. I plan to keep it for the long haul and don't want to inherit anyone's nightmare of unresolved/ unrecognized by Honda "common" problems.

Recently turned in leases seem to be the only option currently.

Thanking you

[pkrface]

Just try to remember that rarely do vehicle owners go in search of a forum unless they are having a problem and looking for the solution, or ammunition to use at the dealer. Hence the high rate of complainers here and I believe it is not really a true representation of the Ody. I have 160K on my '06 with a grand total of $275 spent on non-maint. repairs since the end of factory warranty at 36K. I had the front brake pads replaced per the TSB at 30K and they are still on the van with 130K on them with the original rotors. The PS pump was replaced, as many in that era were, and got noisy again around 90K, but by then I discovered the PS reservoir issue and replaced it myself for $35 including the fluid to do a full flush. We pull a pop up camper over GCVWR and have made trips to Yellowstone and the west coast with nary a transmission issue in sight. I did switch to Mobil 1 synthetic @ 120K when we got the bigger camper, but it has towed 2000 lbs frequently since new. Yes, I wish I had a 2007 or newer for the heavier trans, but we drive what we have until it dies, which I am expecting to be at least another 100K. We bought new, but if I had to buy right now I would look for an '09 or '10 as I am not real fond of the new body nor the reduced cargo capacity, as well as several other things that have changed. JMO of course. Good luck to both of you!

[cebu 888]

I have 09 EXL RES and this is the 1st time when powered liftgate was offered outside the Touring trim.

[heelpack]

Though this might provide a little assistance for you in your search.

Compare 2008 Honda Odyssey vs 2009 Honda Odyssey vs 2010 Honda Odyssey - Kelley Blue Book

In May 2012, I purchased a 2010 EXL-RES (Alabaster Silver / Grey leather) for a price comparable to the 2008 Touring. I simply couldn't justify the price difference for the few upgrades. Good luck and hope you find exactly what you want.

BTW - I much prefer grey / black interior over ivory.

[cebu 888]

KBB got the 2008 Touring as 7 passenger instead of 8. I believe starting gen 3.5 all Touring seats 8 passenger.

[heelpack]

KBB got the 2008 Touring as 7 passenger instead of 8. I believe starting gen 3.5 all Touring seats 8 passenger.

I did not realize that but you are correct. Honda brochure for 2008 show 8 passenger.

[GeoOdyZantac]

I've read that the VSA system can be an issue in the newer Odys as well.

Any help or direction would be wonderful as I value the opinions shared on this site. I plan to keep it for the long haul and don't want to inherit anyone's nightmare of unresolved/ unrecognized by Honda "common" problems.

Recently turned in leases seem to be the only option currently.

Thanking you

I believe you mean the VCM system not the VSA system

VCM= Variable Cylinder Managment-system where cylinders are shut down while vehicle is cruising at certain speeds-see seperate thread on this subject elsewhere in this forum

VSA=Vehicle Stability Assist ie., Honda's name for Electronic Stability Control in the streering systems on their vehicles.

I bought a 2008 EX (not EX-L or Touring, so no VCM) from someone I knew who wanted to get out of having a car payment. Has been fine for me in the 1.5 years that I have owned it, no problems at all. I would suggest looking for a private party sale and have it inspected by an independent mechanic, which is what I did. Save a lot of $ over buying from a dealer. I would do that only if you can get one as a Honda Certified Used Car. I doubt if you could get Honda Care on one,though. (you have to buy it before 3 yr 36 K warranty expires) That's how I got my Accord-it just came off a 2yr lease and was on a local dealer's used car lot.

[GeoOdyZantac]

I did not realize that but you are correct. Honda brochure for 2008 show 8 passenger.

Well, technically it is an 8 passenger vehicle but keep in mind that the 8th seat is the infamous Plus One seat that fits in between the two 2nd row seats. My now teenage son rode in one on the way back home from summer camp a couple of years ago when the previous owner had my Ody and he said it was a VERY tight squeeze and a hard, uncomfortable seat. He was stuck in between two large boys in the seats on either side of him. It is best saved for either small children, a very small adult or, to torture someone you don't like.

[megatron]

As far as Touring trim goes... there is not much difference between the 3 years. The only thing I can think of is the placement and look of the "Touring" badge on the rear and that's only different on the 2008. LOL

If you go down to the EX-Ls... then as said above, the 2009 and 2010 got power liftgate AND they also got backup cam in the rearview mirror if you DON'T have NAV. Otherwise, it's in the NAV.

Other than that, everything else is the same.

[Acura Sensei]

I am also seeking a late model Ody in the NJ area... and currently debating between the EX-L with RES, EX-L with RES/NAV and Touring. I'd like to stick with 2010 models with low miles if possible... under 45,000 miles preferably.

There are not that many available around this area... maybe the majority of the leases have not returned?

There is a very clean silver 2010 Ody Touring model down in Lawrence Lexus... 50k miles... I was about to jump on it until the carfax revealed an accident on the back left. I prefer to go after a vehicle with a clean history.