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Was 2008 a good year for the Honda Odyssey?

The Honda Odyssey, a popular minivan, had a solid year in 2008 with positive reviews and strong sales. The Odyssey continued to be a top choice for families thanks to its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reliable performance.


Overview of the 2008 Honda Odyssey


The 2008 Honda Odyssey was the fourth model year of the vehicle's third generation, which was introduced in 2005. The Odyssey received a few minor updates for 2008, including revised exterior styling and additional standard features. The 2008 Odyssey was available in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Touring Elite.


Key Highlights of the 2008 Honda Odyssey



  • Spacious and versatile interior with seating for up to eight passengers

  • Smooth and powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine with good fuel economy

  • Comfortable ride quality and responsive handling for a minivan

  • Extensive list of standard and available features, including power sliding doors and a rear entertainment system

  • Earned a top safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)


The 2008 Honda Odyssey was well-received by automotive critics, who praised its family-friendly features, refined driving dynamics, and overall quality. The Odyssey continued to be one of the top-selling minivans in the United States that year.


Sales Performance and Market Positioning


In 2008, the Honda Odyssey remained a strong competitor in the minivan segment, which was dominated by models like the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Toyota Sienna. The Odyssey's sales in 2008 were over 150,000 units, making it one of the best-selling minivans that year.


The Odyssey's combination of practicality, reliability, and driving enjoyment helped it maintain its position as a top choice for families. Its reputation for quality and safety also contributed to its continued success in the market.

What issues does the 2008 Honda Odyssey have?


AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.



How reliable is Honda Odyssey 2008?


Is the 2008 Honda Odyssey a Good Used Van? Yes, 2008 is a good year. Owner reviews praise the comfortable seats, affordable maintenance, and interior space. Reliability ratings are great.



What years did Honda have bad transmissions?


The issues persisted from 1999-2004 or so, but some 2005 and 2006 cars still had failures, it just wasn't as widespread. Anything after that, and once they moved to 6 speed or more ATs, you're fine. If you MUST have an auto Honda from that generation, the 4 cylinder is the one to get.



Which year Honda Odyssey to avoid?


The models from 1999 to 2001 had serious issues like transmission failures, engine fires, and using too much oil. These problems made these Honda Odyssey years ones to avoid. The 2002 and 2003 models also had big problems. They were recalled for critical safety concerns and were known for bad safety scores.



Should I buy a 2008 Honda Odyssey?


Among the 775 owners who provided feedback on the 2008 Honda Odyssey for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with 88% recommending the vehicle.



How long will a 2008 Honda Odyssey last?


On average, a well-maintained Honda Odyssey can last for 200,000 miles or more. Some Odyssey owners have reported achieving even higher mileage, with their vehicles still running smoothly. However, this is not a guarantee for every vehicle, as individual experiences may vary.



Does 2008 Honda Odyssey have timing belt or chain?


All Honda Odyssey models are built with timing belts in the engine, so you don't need to worry that you've got them mixed up. Because your minivan has a timing belt instead of a chain, there are a few things that you'll need to keep in mind about your Odyssey's upkeep, like when you should replace your timing belt.



Which year is the Honda Odyssey best?


In general, if you were to ask which Honda Odyssey years are the most reliable, the statistics show the first (1995-1998) and fourth (2011-2017) generation models have the best records.



What year Honda Odyssey has bad transmission problems?


One significant recall affected around 50,000 Odyssey minivans from the 2018 and 2019 model years. The recall addressed a problem with the transmission control unit (TCU), which could lead to the vehicle shifting into Park while in motion if the battery terminal was loose or the battery was degraded.



What is the best engine for the 2008 Honda Odyssey?


Acceleration and Power
Kelley Blue Book reports, "Until someone drops a V8 into a minivan, the Odyssey's 244-horsepower V6 is the most powerful engine in the class." Automotive.com adds, "In short, the Honda VTEC V6 is a great engine, and the iVTEC version is just a little bit better."


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.