Since the 1990s, the Honda Odyssey has been a favorite with American families and is one of the most popular minivans on the road today, showcasing Honda-s refinement and build quality. It seats up to eight passengers. For 2008 the Odyssey has received significant updates, including new styling in the front exterior. The EX-L and Touring models have an improved and more fuel-efficient version of the available variable cylinder management (VCM) i-VTEC V-6 engine. Honda has strengthened Odyssey's styling and functional advantages while adding yet more premium features, including Bluetooth, upscale interior materials, additional interior storage, power passenger seat, integrated parking camera, and tilt-down side mirrors with memory. The 2008 Honda Odyssey minivan is available in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring.

Honda Odyssey LX and EX models are equipped with a 3.5-liter, all-aluminum, SOHC VTEC engine that produces 244 horsepower at 5750 rpm, and 240 pound-feet of torque at 5000 rpm. The Odyssey EX-L and Touring models feature a 3.5-liter, all-aluminum, SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine with VCM for enhanced fuel efficiency. This engine generates 241 horsepower at 5700 rpm, and 242 pound-feet of torque at 4900 rpm. EPA fuel economy rates at 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, one of the best in the minivan segment. The Honda Odyssey has a small turning radius and car-like responsive steering. A low coefficient of drag allows for better fuel economy and high-speed stability for maneuvering.

Exterior styling focuses on a bold, six-sided grille and a front bumper fascia with crisp lines that add to the vehicle's dynamic and premium appearance. Interior styling receives updates in the form of new colors and textures for the instrument panel, along with premium fabric for LX and EX seating surfaces. All models have two sliding doors manually operated on the LX and electrically operated on other models. The top-of-the-line Touring model gets a power lift gate. The base-level LX model comes standard with a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, CD/MP3 player, power front- and second-row windows, manual-sliding rear doors, and cruise control. Further interior refinements include an additional storage bin in the second row, one additional seat (standard on Odyssey EX, EX-L and Touring), standard MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA) compatibility (CD-based), and a standard auxiliary input jack. The Touring trim is fully loaded and gets all the features along with a power lift gate, parking sensors, Bluetooth, power-adjustable pedals, driver memory positioning, and an upgraded audio system.

All Honda Odyssey models are equipped with vehicle stability assist (also known as electronic stability control). They also have as standard anti-lock brakes with brake assist; advanced dual-stage, dual-threshold driver and front passenger SRS air bags; front side air bags with passenger-side occupant protection detection system (OPDS); three-row side curtain air bags with rollover sensor; and a pedestrian safety feature in the front of the vehicle. An advanced compatibility engineering (ACE) body structure provides enhanced occupant protection in case of a frontal collision. Active front seat head restraints and daytime running lights are new for 2008.