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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  2008 Odyssey Touring - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Ted - July 2 - 6:30 pm

  I traded in my old 2001 Odyssey EX w/NAV for a 2008 Odyssey Touring w/o PAX. Its been about month since I purchased it and everybody loves it. The $3,000. discount off of MSRP from the dealer was a big incentive. In terms of quality, comfort, fun to drive, handling, and entertainment features, its been great for my wife and our kids. For such a complex vehicle with all of its gadgets, there has not been one defect so far; not even a rattle or squeak. The only negative I have seen so far is the mileage is not all that good. My average mpg is around 14. My old 2001 Odyssey had better average mpg at 18.

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  Two bad wheel bearings at 25,000 miles!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Not worth 30K - July 2 - 12:35 pm

  The first year of driving the van, I loved it. Not so much the second year. I have had several problems and yet the Honda dealership always claims they dont hear the noise or that there is nothing they can do i.e the squeak it makes when turning left. Hmm why hasnt Honda recalled this since the dealership claims that Honda is aware of this noise and they have received many complaints? AND now both of my wheel bearings have gone bad at 25,000 miles?! The leather is not the greatest. The passenger seat has a tear and only after two years! The controls are not well placed. Not to mention my DVD player is starting to act up. Whats next I ask? I cant wait to get rid of this over priced van!

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  Dissapointing qualitites - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By John - June 30 - 10:19 am

  I like the van but, yes, theres a big fat Honda "but". My cheaper 2002 Volkswagen Jetta has higher quality safety and practical features than the Honda. I have only 1, yes one complaint with the Jetta - placement of the cup holder. With Honda I have dozen minor annoying issues. Made and built in Alabama. When you call the dealership and Honda Customer Service - Amazing how they have a list of excuses Are they Psychic?! Its easier to deal with a Cell phone complaint, Timeshare or the IRS than Honda. "Its the winter snow", "You drove on dirt", "You drove on gravel" "You drove the Car", "Warantee? Nope, not covered! "NOT our Fault cause we monitored your poor driving skills." GPS Spyware?

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  bought the van - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By dave - June 30 - 7:39 am

  Buy it ... Its a Honda!!!

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  Extremely Disapointed - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Holly - June 28 - 12:33 pm

  Loved our old Odyssey but it started having problems. Now we get in our brand new Odyssey and the first thing I think is "I HATE THIS VAN" every time it rains all the windows fog up so bad we cant see, takes over an hour before they defog - told its a common complaint. Gas mileage is worse than horrid. Impossible to get feet warm, unless you sit on them - heated seats work. Cant put anything under the console between the two front seats. If something even lightly touches the arm, the tray goes down, has only happened when the coffee cups are full and of course hot. Cant drive with the windows down, the noise is ear piercing. Id trade it in for a different Make if I could afford it.

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  Smooth Rider - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By JERZEE - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Our 03 Odyssey EXL has been what we expected in all categories fo far. Its roomy,quiet,easy to handle & easy to get in & out off.Quality shines in this vehicle & the Honda reputation is behind it along with good ole American workers putting it together. The PRIDE shows..

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  Honda Odyssey Touring had to have it. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Winston Hawkins - June 27 - 6:43 am

  We have loved our Honda Odyssey and have taken it everywhere. Our dealer has been great with anything warranty and non-warranty related. This vehicle is like a sports car and is a blast to drive. Its hard to believe that this vehicle averages for us around 24 MPH while packed down with two children and all our gear for vacation. We will buy another one.

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  Honda Quality? Whatever. - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By yojg - June 26 - 8:17 am

  Paid 30K for the van. MULTIPLE problems with it and Im not exactly a Whiner. 1. Steering pump at 5000 mi. Took it in and they said there was a TSB. They said the wrong fluid was added at the factory. They changed the fluid reservoir? Cured the problem for about 10k. I got the bulletin. They miss read it. the entire pump and the reservoir was to be replaced. Like every thing else with this car, the steering problem is "intermittent" they couldnt recreate the issue bla bla bla. 2. Front wheel bearings. 20k Car was in the shop 2 weeks with them trying to figure this out. Another tsb bla bla bla 3. Front brake grinding and warped rotors. 4. retaining clips in front lower bumper are falling out

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  Disappointing can find better - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By mickey - June 24 - 11:59 am

  This is truly the most disappointing car that I have ever owned. First we got the sage green and the bumpers do not match the rest of the car, they are a totally different shade and color. Honda states that this is normal due to the type of material. I have never seen this before. Called several times on this matter with the same explanation. No other cars in my area seem to have this problem. Several makes and colors. The bumpers also keep falling off been to dealer 4 times. This car is very noisy inside while driving, cannot hold a conversation at normal voice. This is also the same for my friends 05 Ody with different tires. The car also is getting lots of rattles. MPG poor 15/1 6city 24 hwy

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  Transmission Woes - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dissatisfied - June 23 - 2:21 pm

  Just got an estimate from the dealer for a new transmission in the amount of $ 5000 and thats with the old PCM (the computer module that dictates how the transmission shifts). Its another $1200 for a new PCM that will supposedly increase the life of these transmissions. This car is only 6 years old. The transmission should last longer in my opinion. I bought Honda because I thought they built reliable cars. This was a disappointment and I will no doubt look to other makes.