1996 Honda Odyssey Fuel Economy: What You Can Expect
The 1996 Honda Odyssey is EPA-rated at about 21 miles per gallon combined, with roughly 19 mpg in city driving and 24 mpg on the highway for the 2.2-liter, 4-speed automatic model. These are the U.S. EPA’s revised estimates, which better reflect real-world conditions; actual mileage varies with maintenance, driving style, load, and weather.
Contents
Official EPA Ratings and What They Mean
For clarity, here are the commonly cited, updated fuel-economy figures for the first-generation Odyssey sold in the 1996 model year. Both LX and EX trims used the same 2.2-liter inline-four and 4-speed automatic transmission, so their ratings are effectively identical.
- Combined: 21 mpg (about 11.2 L/100 km)
- City: 19 mpg (about 12.4 L/100 km)
- Highway: 24 mpg (about 9.8 L/100 km)
These numbers reflect the EPA’s post-2008 methodology and provide a more realistic estimate than the original 1990s window-sticker figures, which tended to be higher.
Why Older Ratings May Differ
In 2008, the EPA changed how it calculates fuel economy to account for factors like higher speeds, faster acceleration, air-conditioner use, and colder temperatures. That means a 1996 Odyssey’s original showroom sticker likely displayed slightly better mpg than the updated figures you see today on fueleconomy.gov. If you encounter conflicting numbers, the revised EPA estimates are considered the current standard for comparison.
Real-World Variability
Owner-reported fuel economy for the 1996 Odyssey typically clusters near the low-20s combined, but it can swing lower in heavy urban use or with deferred maintenance, and higher on steady highway trips at moderate speeds. Tire condition and pressure, roof racks, cargo weight, and ethanol-blended fuels also influence results.
How to Maximize MPG in an Older Minivan
While mechanical design sets the baseline, owners can still make meaningful improvements to day-to-day fuel economy with consistent upkeep and mindful driving.
- Maintain the engine: fresh spark plugs, clean air filter, and up-to-date fluids help efficiency.
- Keep tires properly inflated and aligned to reduce rolling resistance.
- Lighten the load by removing unnecessary cargo and roof attachments when not in use.
- Drive smoothly: gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic minimize fuel-hungry stops.
- Observe moderate highway speeds; aerodynamic drag rises quickly above 60–65 mph.
Taken together, these steps won’t change the EPA rating, but they can narrow the gap between posted estimates and your real-world results.
Summary
The 1996 Honda Odyssey, equipped with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder and 4-speed automatic, carries an EPA estimate of about 21 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway) under the EPA’s updated methodology. That figure serves as a realistic benchmark; careful maintenance and conservative driving can help owners meet or slightly exceed it.
What engine is in a 1996 Honda Odyssey?
Engine
| Base engine size | 2.2 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
How much is a 1996 Honda Odyssey worth?
The value of a used 1996 Honda Odyssey ranges from $583 to $1,854, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
What year to stay away from Honda Odyssey?
Used Honda Odyssey Model Years to Avoid
Due to possible transmission and engine issues, we’d avoid the 2011-2013 and 2018-2020 vans. If you’re looking at a third-generation or older Odyssey, we suggest you run it by a trusted mechanic first.
Do Honda Odysseys get good gas mileage?
The Honda Odyssey typically offers fuel economy ratings around 19-22 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 28-30 mpg on the highway, depending on the model year and driving conditions. For the 2023 model, for example, the EPA rates it at approximately 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
