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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  2007 Odyssey w/ RES - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By lc - October 15 - 10:26 am

  Have had my van over 2 years and I love it. On interstate trips, I have gotten 30 mpg - I was impressed. Around town, I get almost 20 mpg. (And I tell you I live in a hilly part of western PA) This is the most comfy vehicle I have ever driven and my friends have no complaints with the RES. So far, everything has worked fine. Ive only had it to the garage for oil changes and routine maintenance. Perhaps those complaining of the poor gas mileage on trips (going 70-75 mph) should obey the speed limit a little more closely.

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  This is a Keeper - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By amyo - October 13 - 10:33 pm

  Researched and researched minivans. I flip flopped between this, the Sienna and the Kia. I only considered Kia b/c of editors reviews, but it wound up being the same price as the Honda. No way on that choice. I opted for Honda b/c I got a great deal from the dealer. I couldnt love this car more. I plan on keeping it for quite a while. Its just such a pleasure to have. So far servicing is very reasonable (compared to out Volvo!) and the car continues to drive smoothly.

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  This van had 2 recalls. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda lover - October 12 - 4:52 am

  Has any one had tranny problems after the recall was done ? They added a oil cooler line to 2nd gear, Honda told me this stopped the transmission problem, I have my doubts.

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  Honest Review - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By HondaLoyalist - October 10 - 8:57 pm

  This is our sixth Honda, and third Honda minivan. The 2008 van is impressive in every way but one. The brakes are - (and I am not stretching the truth here) - the brakes are the worst brakes Ive ever had on any vehicle be it car, van, truck, or bicycle! Took it back to the dealer and was told this was normal? Now if it were a faulty cup holder or other trivial item, I would have some tolerance, however I am almost afraid to drive this vehicle. It seems the vehicle quality from the Georgia factory is way below par for the Honda that I know (My 2002 van was built there too and had a huge list of problems).

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  Miss My Suburban! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Shelly - October 10 - 1:38 pm

  While my husband recently came home bearing gifts. He left with my Suburban and came home with a Odyssey. I was expecting to notice a huge increase in gas mileage. Only about 18 in the city w/air. Not at all pleased with the quality of the interior it barely gets touched by something and scratches horribly! Some pieces are not put together well and they dont match up. The carpet seems to stain really easy and not the best of quality. Seems to change gears at times a bit rough when slowing down quickly. STILL cannot figure out the concept or design with the middle seat belt. TOTALLY useless! The space is so little for a small child but then the seatbelt cuts them across the throat!

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  Great Mini, - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Gerry - October 9 - 12:53 pm

  Prior Toyota Sienna owner. Sienna was good but like the Honda better, due to the handling ease, space utilization. A lot of whining about the fuel consumption. We get just about what EPA states. If you want fuel economy buy a Honda Civic or Fit. You cannot expect great fuel economy in a 4500 LB vehicle.

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  Love It But - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Love It But - October 8 - 10:03 pm

  Bought Van from dealer used with 110,000 miles, bought used Japanese before with over 40000 in the past. Excellent mpg on hwy of 27 mpg. Im big, fits me well, tons of room for passengers and stuff. CD went out, a/c went out, remote doors to not work all the time, sliding driver door will not lock automatically, transmission went out 170,000. 2 friends Odyssey trans went out at 99,000. Rubber timing belts in Van changed at 115,000, had 2 Toyota vans, only changed oil, never any problems drove to 220,000 miles, this one at 215,000 no a/c toime to change timing belts, wonder if transmission will last still like handling, roominess, but can trust Honda, new vans seem worst.

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  SUV Convert & 1st Time Foreign car owner - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Darren Buck - October 7 - 11:50 pm

  My wife and I drove a Chevy Tahoe before we bought this van and loved our Tahoe. We said we would never own a minivan. So far, eating those words has been sweet! We decided to look at minivans since we have two kids. We drove the Toyota, Chrysler, and the Honda. The Chrysler guys did NOT want us to leave and after 5 minutes at the Honda dealership, we knew why. The Honda is hands down the winner. We have driven 1,000 miles and I am amazed at the comfort, performance, and handling. This van will move! Dont pay sticker. We waited 6 weeks, but Western Motor treated us well and discounted over $2,000. We bought the subwoofer, front nose mask, and HD floormats at dealer cost, no install charge

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  My racing days are over... - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Di - October 7 - 2:00 am

  After 6 months of hints from my husband I finally took the Odyssey for a test drive. I was reluctant to be seen in a mini van after owning several Accords, Civics, CRXs and Integras. But I wanted more room for the tax deduction (aka new baby) so I kissed my youth goodbye and took it for a spin. Very impressed when compared to other minis I tested. After owning so many Honda products I guess you have to "dance with the one that brung ya". Hondas have always been reliable, never ever been left stranded for any reason.

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  Breat Van ISO Better Breaks - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By k9chita - October 6 - 12:34 pm

  The Honda Odyssey EX-L is a great buy. I love the DVD, CD Changer, Wireless Head Phones, Heated Leather Seats, etc. The only thing i would add to this impressive vehicle in better stopping power. The breaks are adequate at best.