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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  Cheap - Junk - Bad Buy - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Kelly Fredericks Wag - August 29 - 7:16 am

  This is my first Japanese brand vehicle and I am very disappointed. I had a 2006 Town & Country that I really loved. No issues ever in 30,000 miles. Then I get talked into this Honda Odyssey. Well 19 trips to the dealer in 10 months for repairs to the brakes, transmission, seat heaters, oil leaks, electrical system and door motors makes me not recommend this, or any other Japanese nameplate.

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  Honda quality not what it used to be? - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Brenda - August 28 - 12:36 am

  We have bought only Honda and Toyota since 1976. This Odyssey makes a loud noise after driving on the highway for a few hours. Maybe power steering? Dont know and the dealer says they would not be able to find it till it is happening which is never when I am in town or when they are open. I am thinking to trade it for a sienna. Never heard of not finding a problem like that. Dont they have computerized systems that find problems? Not happy with service at Springfield Honda so may trade. If I do, I will never buy another Honda. Want this dealt with before my warranty is up.

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  Proud New "Mini Van" Owner - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Griswalds - August 27 - 8:52 pm

  We are new to the mini van world coming from the large suv gas guzzling world. After 3 months of research and 6 months of ownership, we are very glad of our purchase of the Honda Odyssey. This is truly the vehicle that honestly is the best way to travel with children from ages 7 to 11. The RES is a savior on the highway and the Navi is an argument saver between me and the wife. Fuel mileage is a best of 27.6 on hwy and 19.8 in town. I was hesitant on the PAX tires but a local retailer will sell them for $160/tire. (whew) Recently went on a "Vegas Vacation" to see the in-laws and loved the trip because of this van.

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Traveler7 - August 27 - 6:03 pm

  We bought a 2008 EX-L just over 4 months ago and my wife (and I) couldnt be more pleased. We compared this vs. the Toyota Sienna, and while my wife liked the "softer/smoother" freeway ride of the Sienna, the Odyssey handled better than the Sienna when making any turns over 15 MPH. Around-town fuel economy averages about 19 MPG). The big test came last week when our family of 4 took a trip from So. Cal to the Bay Area. The Odyssey was *extremely* comfortable over the entire trip. The kicker was that I calculated that the van got **27.9 MPG** on the freeway. Avg speed: 75 MPH cruise control on when possible A/C on about 80% of the time. The variable-cylinder technology really works well!

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  Ready for something new - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Amadna - August 27 - 3:51 pm

  I have owned my van for almost 3 years.I am now over 40,000 miles. I have had 2 motor mounts break. The gas mileage is approx. 13/city 21/hwy. The transmission makes a grunting noise. My brakes squeak even though 2 mechanics have told me they are fine. The leather on the driver seat is wearing, and yes I condition it. I am a little disappointed.

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  5,000 Mile Update - Not Good! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By fiend_bear - August 27 - 12:27 am

  OK - I have to agree with another reviewer that said many folks will take back their great ratings after putting some miles on the Ody. This is a follow up to an earlier review. The 2008 Ody drives and handles well, but thats where it all stops. Our problems to date include: steering spline knock, faulty wheel alignment, engine ping/knock, oil leak, rattling front windows, and Air Conditioning that currently works only on the passenger side. None of these issues were of course apparent when the car was purchased, but it did not take very long for them to surface. We are bringing the Ody in for service tomorrow, so well see how things go. But for now, its two big thumbs down!

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  Great Minivan - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Razorthunder - August 24 - 10:25 pm

  I have read some of the reviews one side more outlets, however my Touring edition has four, I dont understand complaining about more outlets if Honda already offers a model with more. As far gas mileage, I get about 22 on the highway, not the 13-15 people state here. Of course I am careful to keep the "ECO" light on. I like the versatility the Odyssey offers and it is a great vehicle for the family especially with my little boy, and getting his car seat in and out and hauling the sttoller. Plus I like the roof rack on the touring so I could mount my roof box and haul some additional stuff.

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  Honda Odyssey vs. Seinna MiniVan - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By eyedoc - August 24 - 3:19 pm

  My wife and I looked at these two vehicles when deciding to purchase a mini van. Others in the market did not have the build, drive, and quality of these two manufacturers. Comparing the odyssey touring edition without pax tires (do not recommend pax tires) vs. the sienna limited edition here are the pros and cons of each: Odyssey: Pros: Front load dvd player, good storage, middle seat in second row, better layout of buttons for opening side doors, power rear lift button (not a strap that needs to be pulled) Cons: Seats are not very comfortable, brakes not as responsive and strong, fuel economy

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  Creaking, Squeaking, & Rattling - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By kp - August 20 - 6:57 pm

  The first 3 months, this van was in the dealership off and on for 7 weeks. The rattling noises in the windows and doors were so loud that my 5 year old son thought it was hailing outside on a sunny day. Overall, space is awesome. Dvd & Nav function w/o any issues. Rear view camera is strange & deceiving. Almost out of car seats and will definitely switch out to a less noisy SUV.

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  Love it! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Lynn - August 20 - 7:33 am

  I love my Odessey. I traded from a Chrysler Town & Country. The Oddessey is so much more versatile as far as seating goes. I have a 4 and 7 year old. The DVD is great! Easy to use and the remote is priceless! The dual auto sliding doors make entry and exit for my children effortless.