Overview & Reviews

For most of its lifespan, the Honda Odyssey has been a favored pick among minivans. Although the vehicle had a rather humble debut, it quickly hit its stride once Honda came out with the second-generation model, which featured a spacious cabin and an innovative third-row seat that folds into the floor. Now in its fourth generation, the Odyssey is one of the top minivans currently available.

The Honda Odyssey has made a strong showing, usually earning top honors in every minivan comparison test we've held. There are other minivans that rival the Odyssey's family-friendly features, but the Honda combines those attributes with confident driving dynamics and a long-standing record of reliability, making it an all-around family favorite.

Current Honda Odyssey
The fittingly popular Honda Odyssey comes in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite. All Honda Odysseys are powered by a 248-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The entry-level LX's standard features include a power driver seat, a 60/40-split-folding third-row seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rearview camera, Pandora interface and a USB/iPod interface. The EX's additional highlights include power-sliding side doors, keyless ignition and entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, a multifunction second-row seat and an upgraded audio system. The EX-L's enhancements include a power liftgate, a sunroof, leather upholstery and heated seats. The Touring adds front and rear parking sensors, navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Touring Elite's added highlights include xenon headlights, an integrated vacuum cleaner and upgraded audio and video entertainment systems.

On the road, the Odyssey impresses thanks to its smooth V6 and relatively agile handling. Inside, Honda's minivan boasts tight build quality and spacious, comfortable seating areas. Compared to previous Odyssey generations, the current model is significantly quieter on the road, but the button-heavy cockpit remains. All things considered, the Odyssey remains a favorite of Edmunds editors.

Used Honda Odyssey Models
The fourth and latest generation of the Honda Odyssey debuted for 2011. Completely redesigned and compared to the previous generation, it has sleeker styling, a roomier interior, improved fuel economy and new features. For 2013, the LX standard features list grew with the addition of a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone/audio connectivity and a USB/iPod interface. Note that these Odysseys lack the current version's updated exterior and interior styling, six-speed automatic on LX, EX and EX-L models (they previously had a five-speed automatic) and availability of a Pandora interface, HD radio and an in-vehicle vacuum cleaner.

The previous (third-generation) Honda Odyssey was produced from 2005-'10. Trim levels included the LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. Motivation was supplied by a 244-hp 3.5-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The V6 found in the EX-L and Touring trim levels had a variable cylinder management system to improve fuel economy.

The LX featured full power accessories, cruise control, side curtain airbags, stability control and a CD player. The EX added alloy wheels, eight-passenger seating, power-sliding doors, a power driver seat, a six-disc CD changer, in-floor storage with a "lazy Susan" and second-row sunshades. The EX-L brought leather seating, heated seats, a power tailgate and a sunroof. The Touring added triple-zone climate control, power-adjustable pedals, foglights, parking sensors, a removable second-row center console and run-flat tires. A rear entertainment system and a navigation system with Bluetooth were optional on the EX-L and Touring.

In reviews, we found this Odyssey to be a top minivan thanks to its smooth V6, responsive steering and secure handling. Inside, Honda's minivan boasted tight build quality and spacious, comfortable seating areas. At the time, downsides included elevated road noise and, as the years went on, a somewhat dated interior.

There were only minor changes for the third-generation Odyssey, with 2008 bringing minor exterior styling updates and new convenience features, and 2009 seeing a standard power liftgate debut for the EX-L as well as integrated Bluetooth for the optional navigation system.

The second-generation Honda Odyssey was available from 1999-2004. It was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 initially rated at 210 hp (from 1999-2001) and later cranked up to 240 hp (2002-'04). The transmission was a four-speed automatic until '02, when a five-speed automatic debuted. This Odyssey boasted dual sliding rear doors in place of the first generation's swinging doors, and it was considerably larger overall, but it retained the original model's trick fold-flat third-row seat. In the all-important safety department, antilock brakes were standard from the get-go, though rear disc brakes only became standard across the lineup in 2002. Side curtain airbags arrived for '02 as well.

Two trim levels were available, each with seven-passenger seating: LX and EX. The LX came standard with air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, full power accessories and an AM/FM/CD stereo (earlier models had only a tape deck). The EX added traction control (not provided for the LX until '01) as well as luxuries like alloy wheels, power-sliding rear doors, automatic climate control and a multifunction steering wheel. EX options included a navigation system (not available in 1999), a rear-seat entertainment system (from '02 onward) and leather upholstery.

In reviews, our editors remarked on the second-generation Odyssey's best-in-class performance, which came courtesy of a powerful V6 and a capable all-independent suspension. We also lauded the Odyssey's large cabin, available power-sliding doors and that slick hide-away third-row seat. Throughout its six-year run, Honda's second-generation Odyssey was quite simply the one to get. It won the Editors' Most Wanted award every year from 1999-2003 for the minivan category.

The first-generation Honda Odyssey, which debuted in 1995, had a few features that, for better or worse, made it unique. Instead of sliding doors on the sides, the Odyssey had four conventional swing-open doors with roll-down windows. And although the competition offered V6 engines, the Honda didn't. An inline-4 borrowed from the Accord EX powered the Odyssey. With VTEC variable valve timing and lift, it made a respectable 140 hp. But good as it was, 140 wasn't enough power when the Odyssey was loaded up with kids or cargo. The van did, however, offer a highly functional fold-flat third-row seat. This feature has proven invaluable to -- and highly popular with -- minivan buyers over the past decade.

User Reviews:

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  Sorry I bought it. - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Hannah Lechenstien - March 10 - 1:43 am

  I have only driven this van about 3000 miles and I have to say that I am VERY DISSAPOINTED in HONDA PRODUCTS!. I have been to the dealership a total of twelve times for an array of problems. The sliding door fell of its track onto my 7 year olds foot. The DVD player keeps skipping. The lights on the dash will go out with no warning. The brakes are starting to squeek when they are hot. It has terrrible gas miledge (13 city/16 hwy). I had traded a Dodge Durango that got better gas mpg than this thing. And it never broke down or sent me to the dealership for any repairs. I have almost three years left on the lease of this scary creature. I dont think Im going to make it.

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  Total Garbage - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Sunil Marolia - January 11 - 12:52 pm

  I had a great experience with my 2009 Odyssey and made the mistake of purchasing my 2012. This van has had one problem after another and the dealer (Norm Reeves Irvine) uses every opportunity to try and rip me off. A noise complaint turned into a $650 power steering pump replacement that did not fix the noise. The sliding door has always had an intermittent grinding sound and was finally recognized by the dealer after the warranty was up. The car broke down and left us stranded with the main computer completely malfunctioning. The brakes are too weak and constant require maintenance. Im absolutely done with buying any Honda in my lifetime.

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  Dont!!!!! Just run the other way! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Ralph666 - November 29 - 1:14 pm

  Like everyone else here, the doors stuck, the seats were uncomfortable, the rear washer quit working and finally the transmission went out. We bought it new. It had 76,000 miles when the transmission went. The second transmission lasted less than two months. The third is starting to go. I will be leaving Honda soon. I wont be back.

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  Transmission is faulty - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Never again. - November 23 - 4:45 pm

  The automatic transmissions in the 97- 03 hondas are defective. Honda has issued warnings and extended the warranty to 10 years or 100,000. And they dont tell you this on the front end.

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  Got a Honda and Got a Dud - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Chris Stoker - October 1 - 5:25 am

  We purchased this car used at 46K miles in 2012 with after market warranty and Car Fax clean record. Im just going to list the issues weve had with this car instead of explain all of the instances of failure because that would require more time than I have. After the first week or two we were notified a recall and had to take it back in to get it repaired. A week later the transmission began failing and had to force the dealership to replace it under warranty. The steering column has a continuous pop whether driving or turning or turning the wheel while sitting still, still have yet to get it diagnosed or fixed. Already had to have the bearings replaced on one of the back tires. One of the shocks in the back is also now leaking oil everywhere. The driver side sliding door middle bracket fell to pieces, the dealership admitted that this was a very well known issue. The auto window module went bad and made it so we could only roll down the driver side window. Multiple burned out lights. Terrible paint that falls to pieces off of the body with any contact. Another active recall, where the fuel pump overheats and can cause fires. The driver side sliding door motor is going bad and cant fully open or close the door properly even after repair. There are other issues, but Ive grown tired trying to remember everything. Genuinely, this is by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I will NEVER purchase another Honda for the rest of my life. 30K miles that weve driven this car, mostly on highways in the country where the roads are very well maintained, and all of these things have occurred within that time frame...absolutely appalling.

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  Windstar Rules - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Coolperson - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Gave me a ton of problems.

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  Disappotined - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Raguu - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I thought Id love the Honda. My last minivan was a Dodge and boy was I wrong. The biggest selling point is the fold down 3rd row and I think the reason is its the only thing better than the dodge!

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  Riddled with problems, do your research! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Cathy - December 6 - 9:47 am

  In the last year I have been in the shop 7 times for failed mechanics. The spark plugs have been replaced 3 times due to failure (this is a known Odyssey issue), leaving me stranded. Both sliding doors have failed mechanically. The brakes stopped engaging a few months ago. An engine mount broke. And the transmission has had problem after problem, transmission was flushed, had a software update, replaced the torque converter and still there is a loud vibration from the engine.....the dealership will not acknowledge an issue but there is a class action lawsuit out there (google "Honda transmission vibration problems"). I will never buy a Honda ever again after owning this vehicle.

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  Honda Odyssey Trans Probs. rated POOR! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By TELL THE TRUTH - May 30 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS FOR ALL OF YOU WHO ARE Intending to purchase the Honda Odyssey van. GO TO a search engine and type in "HONDA PROBLEMS". THE ODYSSEY HAS HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FROM 1999 TO 2003,AND THEY WILL NOT FIX THEM.YOU MUST PAY OVER $6.000 to have them repaired when they go out of warrenty at about 36,000 miles/3 years,so dont listen to all these reports how great these van are. There are several sites with true comsumer comments. Like I would tell anyone buying a new car..take a little time and...Due some checking before your purchase!

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  TERRIBLE QUALITY - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Kathy Oscoe - March 14 - 1:26 am

  We have had this van for almost nine moths and the transmission has had to be rebuilt. The lights in the dash go out evry once in a while when you hit a bump. It rattles. Doesnt want to start when its cold. We were going to buy a Chrysler Town And Country. Wish we did.