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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  Like the newer style , but liked interior of 07 - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By MarieB. - June 23 - 5:40 am

  I have been driving a 2012 (bought used) for almost a year. I traded in my 07 Odyssey for the 2012. I like the updated style of the exterior, but I miss some of the features of the 07. It drives/handles just fine, no complaints. There is quite a bit of road noise, for the $$$ a quieter interior would be expected. I like the way the 3rd row seats fold so easily. The center console is a poor design, once you put stuff on top, its a hassle to get to anything that may have been put inside. Drawers would be a good idea. We miss the cup holders on the sides of the 2nd row seats. There is a center fold down with cup holders, but that isnt always down if there is an extra passenger or if the kids want to spread out. It is comfy, both the 07 and the 12 are super comfy and roomy. Weve taken road trips with 4 adults and 2 kids with plenty of room for everyone and their stuff. I wish the power lift hatch was available on the lower models, I paid more because that is one feature I really wanted; but the other features arent used often. All in all, were pleased, but it is expensive.

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  Fully Satisfied - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Good Choice - June 22 - 4:36 pm

  My wife and I shopped only Honda and Toyota to ensure highest quality and reliability. We drove them back-to- back within 15 minutes of each other. Toyota has slightly better fit/finish and materials, is quieter, slower, and rolls more in turns. Honda is more powerful, rides slightly firmer, and handles much better. Ergonomics in both are great excepts that the Honda does not have a telescoping wheel like the Toyota; sounds picky, but it makes a difference for driving comfort. Over 1200 miles, gas mileage averages only 21 mpg, but I expect that to pick up once the engine is broken (5k miles or so). For the same features in Honda, we needed to get Toyota Limited at 5k more; not worth it

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  Cant match it! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Perlette - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had MANY cars through the years, Im in my 60s. I thoroughly enjoy this one.I LOVE the disappearing back seat and also the well where I can put my groceries etc..The seats are very comfortable too. I also like The 2nd set of seats( behind driver).One can move against the other to make a bench seat or separated as bucket seats.And It is extremely easy to remove the seat if you need to. I can haul a lot of things and fairly large ones.I dont know anything about under the hood however my husband does and is VERY satisfied.NO problems whatsoever!!!I LOVE IT and wouldnt think twice about getting another one!!!!!

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  my 3rd oddssey - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeffrey Williams - June 22 - 7:13 am

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  First impressions - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Off A Cough - June 21 - 9:54 pm

  We lost our 2007 Caravan Special Edition to another driver who didnt understand the word "stop". While Ive always felt Chrysler wins hands-down in the innovation department, I was leery of purchasing a 2008 model due to this being the first year of a major overhaul. The 2008 also lost some aesthetic points that it once had over the Ody (IMHO). The Ody wins hands-down in interior quality. The leather is nicer, the seats are more comfortable, and the fit and finish is better (but still not perfect). The Ody is still breaking in, so too early to tell on mileage. Acceleration is smooth. The vehicle is larger inside and out compared to Chrysler, so watch your parking/garage issues.

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  From Accord to Odyssey - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Andrew.M.Tillcock - June 21 - 7:17 pm

  Just traded in my 2008 Honda Accord EXl 4cyl . Needed more room and wanted dvd and nav so i went for the big enchilada. Boy am i happy with this van,Its everything i had heard and read and more. The leather is of high grade and the seats are so comfortable.Having DVD made our trip to Asheville NC quiet with two teenagers and a 6 year old in the back. And without nav i would not have attempted as much of the exploring i did in Asheville.I read some of the complaints on here about being given strange routes but it does give options to route by easiest,direct,hwy . I found the nav very user friendly and powerful. The new Odyssey is a technological wonder and why Honda rules minivan market!!

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  The Best Minivan for its Class - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By yodpad - June 19 - 4:05 am

  So far since I purchased this car has been terrific. Drive very smooth. I have put 3000 miles on the already. Has a great acceleration. and Good on gas mileage compare to other van.

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  Mad Beyond Words - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By twins97 - June 18 - 6:10 pm

  At 60,000, the air conditioning went completely out. Were not talking a simple adjustment - the entire air conditioning had to be replaced to the tune of $2500.00. The bearings ground themselves to splinters of metal and shot through the lines, into the evaporator. No one at the dealership had ever seen anything like it. My warranty company sent 3 adjusters in just to see something they had never heard of before. At 68,000 miles, the entire transmission had to be replaced. Though Honda covered that, they didnt cover the engine mounts that had to be replaced as well. Thank goodness for the warranty company who picked up the $350.00 tab on that one. The only problem is that the "new" trans

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  Transmission Problems - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By DogDazeLee - June 17 - 9:48 pm

  I bought a certified, pre-owned 1999 Honda Odyssey from Piazza Honda in Drexel Hill, PA, 11 months ago. Engine light just went on at 77,000 miles and Im being told by (3) transmission specialists and Honda Service that transmission needs to be replaced. Honda dealer refuses to cover any of the repairs. I now understand via the Internet that this has been well documented problem with this vehicle.

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  Anyone else with transmission issues? - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By stressedoutdad - June 17 - 7:01 pm

  After several years of owning Toyotas, )95 Camry, 01 4Runner, 04 Matrix), we traded in the Matrix after we realized we couldnt get three car seats in the Matrix. We found a certified 02 Odyssey w/ very low miles. (my wife cried, knowing that she was driving a damned van). Other than being drab gray, its been a good vehicle. Having a bunch of work to do on my 4runner, I traded it in, and we leased a new 08 Odyssey EX. Weve had it for 4 months, and have had it in the shop three times for a transmission issue: it CLUNKS, then the "D" light starts blinking, and the van continues to shift rough. To be fair, the dealership has given a rental (this one a Sienna! I might trade)