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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  TPMS Light will not go off - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By DeeBee - July 16 - 8:13 pm

  We resisted a minivan for a while, but after another baby, took the plunge. The Ody test drove better than Sienna and my older son liked the look, so we traded in our Toyota Avalon. So far, we have returned to the dealer twice (a long drive and missing work) due to the TPMS light coming on. Each time they reset it/initialized it and then an hour later as I drove it home, it popped on again. VERY annoying and the stability control wont work when its on, so also a safety issue. I do like how it drives and the looks of it, but didnt expect to be annoyed by Honda already.

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  2003 Honda Odyssey transmission - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Audrey - July 14 - 5:24 pm

  Purchased used Honda certified Gold from dealership in Feb 2007. In June 2008, noticed that the van seemed to hesitate when I hit the gas. Took it to local repair shop and computer said transmission problems. Sent to dealership. Tech said tranny fluid was old and flushed twice and got no codes. They drove it and said it was better. Took it home and the next day it did the same thing. Felt like not catching between 2nd and 3rd gears. Made an appt to take it back in. Later that day, had major problems getting up a highway hill. Major revving and burning smell. Dashboard totally lit up. Transmission needs replaced. Fortunately warranty runs out in Oct 08. Why on a 5 year 100,000km.

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  Good bad and ugly - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By param - July 14 - 12:59 pm

  Based on several reviews I bought Odyssey without much thoughts. It is a good van for family. But, now I have 900 miles in the car with an awful 10-11 miles/gallon city + fwy. I saw some others also complains about low mileage of odyssey. while my friends 2008 odyssey gives 21 mpg city + fwy in my driving. I took it to the dealer and they asked to leave the car for 3 days for fuel test with out any compensation for replacement car. In general the odyssey makes lot of noise.

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  As expected - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Kevin - July 13 - 11:17 pm

  This car is a horse. No problems to speak of. Battery might need replacing by winter. Rides smooth and quiet and has plenty of power. Tons of room and everything is laid out properly. Excellent ergonomics from front to back. Too bad no LX RES package offered anymore.

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  Problem Every Year - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 2005 Honda Odyssey - July 13 - 10:02 am

  Well, lets just say Im a bit disappointed with my 2005 Odyssey EX. Looks like a good mini-van (Im a Honda fan), but since I bought this 2005 new model seems like every year I have some kind of problem with it. First year I had to replace brakes (twice), had whistling noise from the windshield (dealer replaced rubber gasket in 2006), in 2007 had to replace steering fluid pump (was making noise) and now in 2008 I just started to notice strange noises from fuel tank (taking it to a dealer next week), but out of warranty now. Cant wait to see whats the problem this time. I have learned a hard way never to buy a new model the first year it comes out. Hope that nothing happens next year.

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  Mixed feelings?! Glove box came with gap - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 2005 Odessey family - July 13 - 3:06 am

  First of all the EPG is totally off! Although I am not sure if this is because of the type of gas you are using. When I use Stop $hop Gas I only get 15 MPG, use Mobile and I get maybe 20. The other thing is the glove box had gap in it.There was after spray on the moldings my van is white. My CD changer stopped working in December. Took a month to order and I wont get my CDs back until who knows when).I am dissapointed to buy a new car and have so many things wrong with it. They are minor and hopefully will not create more problems. Althought the CD player has been fixed I have to return to the dealer to get the side pannels fixed and now my dome lights are not working at all?!

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  Odyssey Rocks! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Farid Hossain - July 9 - 11:43 pm

  My 2005 Odyssey has been a true travel companion. I just got back after a 2300 mile round trip and it worked great. Drove through the Lombard St (Crooked street) in San Francisco, along the S Lake Tahoe and in the desert heat of 110 degrees for hours. Next trip up is Banff, Canada. I love this van and I am keeping it till it quits on me.

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  Love my Minivan - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Christe - July 9 - 6:22 pm

  I love my van. I tried the Toyota and was not impressed. Although you can get more for your money. The quality was not superb as mine. Id rather get basic model and get the right choice! However Hondas basic does come with a lot. Toyota offers some of my basics as options. The gas mileage is great as well. I am getting 19/20 mpg. We all need that with the gas prices. Id rather drive a van than any suv too.

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  Front face got ugly, mis-located control - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By drtrismo - July 8 - 7:29 pm

  1. Additional KARR security system (cost $599, it raise your month payment $10 more) was a big/unwanted surprise on financial sign time. I almost walked out. 2.Front face got ugly. 2007s were much prettier. That ugly look made me hesitate till last moment. Accord is accord, Odyssey is odyssey. Real reason accord sell less than Camry is the look. Honda messed up with CR-V and accord, then odyssey. This is not a family look, it is a group-dummy look. Please leave civic and fit as are.

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  No problems yet - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Debra - July 8 - 11:50 am

  I have owned the 2006 EX-L since Dec. 2005. I just took it in for its first maintenance check and there were no problems found. I have just been doing regular oil changes up to now. I noticed a buzzing in the power steering - there is a service bulletin to replace the power steering reservoir which will be done at no cost. I call this my comfortron - it is easy to drive and a smooth ride. I love the turning radius which means great maneuverability. My best gas mileage has been 20 mpg and worst 16 with an average of 18. I suspect the "ECO" is a scam. I have had no trouble with my air conditioning. I bought and live in Canada. I also love being able to open the doors with the remote