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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  1200 miles on it. - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By ICDAvi - October 1 - 2:41 pm

  Very comfortable for both commuting and hauling the family. Annoyed by all the door safety interlocks, but getting used to them. Fit and finish is average. The dash looks like it was slapped together with some of the lines and edges not matching up. The passenger air bag trim is slightly lifted causing a gap between it and the dash. So far I am happy with it. Got 24.3 mpg with 95% highway and 21.5 mpg with 75% highway (AC always on). Looks like the mpg is getting better as the engine breaks in and the computer better controls the VCM.

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  Overall Good Choice - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Kurt - September 29 - 9:37 pm

  Purchased 3 days ago. Love it, however, noticed that the drivers side power door will close, then beep 3 times, then open. It does not do this all the time. Noticed a little wind on the drivers side door with the radio off. With everything, I am pleased with the choice with Honda.

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  Not sure about this car - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Phred - September 29 - 7:47 pm

  I have owned the van for about a month and have driven 3K miles on a trip. On the positive side the van is nice to drive, looks good and has power. On the negative side the road noise is excessive. When passing a truck you can hardly hear anyone else in the car. The noise from bumps in the road is also very loud. Automatic shifting is rough. The front seats are not very comfortable compared to my 2005 Dodge van. The radio sound is very good but it has the poorest station range of any car Ive owned in the last 20 years. The little mirror on the sun glasses holder is useless. It needs a compass. At this point Im not too thrilled about this purchase.

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  Love this van! Our 2nd one! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By dmaxwellh - September 28 - 8:25 pm

  The Odyssey is fantastic. We put 50,000 miles on our 06 without any problems. We just traded it in on an 08 Touring. Paid 33186 which is 3700 below invoice. Very happy with this deal. The older one was an EX-L with Nav and DVD. The addition of movable pedals, Bluetooth, memory seats, and power rear liftgate are nice. The fog lights are a nice addition, too. This is an excellent vehicle and drives very nicely the Sienna was just too soft a ride.

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  Good Mini-Van, Poor GAS MILAGE - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Eitan - September 28 - 1:13 pm

  My Odyssey drives well, The driver seat is good and supports the drivers back (Driving a Toyota Sienna for few hours every day caused me back pain, the Odyssey is much better). Gas/mileage is poor 17 mixed city/hwy (40/60%), and 18.5 hwy. with or without Air, 70 mph, Driver only. My other vehicle is SUV with 4.5L engine, much heavier, with 340 Hp, does 14 city, and 19 Hwy. Sales sticker 19/26. Honda dealer found that the Gas/mileage is within spec. Another problem is the paint that peals of the bumpers. My 2004 Odyssey had a similar 3.5L Engine, but gas mileage was ~20 city/hwy

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  Expected More - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By klw - September 27 - 11:27 am

  I am the not so proud owner of a 1999 Honda Odyssey. At 176,000 miles we are looking at our third transmission. At $4000 a pop this is really a no brainer. Very frustrating to say the least. We have put a fairly good amount of money into the care, repair and maintenance of the van and expected more from Honda. I am wishing we had gotten rid of it after the first transmission went bad at 75,000 miles and gotten a Toyota. We also drive a Camry with over 186,000 miles and have never had a transmission problem. Comfort is nice but Id really like reliability and the ability to drive a vehicle long term without these repeated major repairs - like I though a Honda would provide.

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  What a mistake - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Susan - September 26 - 12:26 pm

  Dont get me wrong,I do enjoy my vehicle. But, the cost of maintaining it is outrageous! The tires are awful, uncomfortable ride. The maintenance cost every 6 months is a rip-off. Each time is $50 dollars more. Im now up to $325 for a "B3"and of coarse they tell me my brakes look like they need replacing (not covered under warranty). I just serviced it 5 months ago for "A something" which cost $249. What next, a "C something". Unfortunately I was told that if I dont keep up required service & specific tires - "void purchased extended warranty". What a crock. Never again. Ready to take a loss and go to TOYOTA. Ill save money in the long run.

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  Satisfied customer - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Ben from KC - September 23 - 1:47 am

  Because my wife and I are planning to have more kids, I traded my 08 Acura RDX for the 08 Odyssey EX-L DVD/NAV. It was worth it mainly because of the space, comfort, and reliability of the Honda engine.

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  Transmission Nightmare! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By liane robinson - September 22 - 6:18 pm

  Dont even need to write a review, they are all the same! On my third transmission. First one replaced by Honda at 95,000. Now at 152,000 the car will only move in reverse. Honda do a thing! Have had issues with the doors as well. Passenger side door needs new contacts. Wont close and when the door opens, it scratches up against the doors. The path the door travels is now paint free! What a nightmare. I will never own another Honda!

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  Great Van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By sueber - September 22 - 10:36 am

  Bought it new in Jan 2001, now Sept 2008 it has 102000 miles. No major problems, maintains quality impression of Honda. Around town it gets 16 MPG, on highway its 23+. Just took a 700 mile round trip from NJ to VT. Going it got 24+ MPG, returning it got 23+ MPG. Easy to drive, and very comfortable ride. After 7 years of ownership it is still a great vehicle.