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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  Safest Car Ever! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By mangel - June 17 - 12:14 pm

  My car is so great because there it has rear air conditioning for the back for my kids.

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  Me, in a minivan??? You bet. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By stevek - June 16 - 2:56 pm

  Never thought wed be caught dead in a minivan, but took the plunge after wagons and big sedans. Looked at Toyota, Dodge, Nissan, and Mazda. Only the Toyota came close in features and perceived build quality. Van feels and drives like a car. Handles minor bumps in the road like a dream. Excellent power, absolutely no reservation needed to merge into traffic or the highway. Very comfortable in all rows. Lots of room to store and haul stuff.

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  I Still love it but and doubting it - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Wanda - June 15 - 11:53 pm

  This is my first minivan and I love it. It is also my first new car. I did a lot of research before I decided on this car wanted 8 passenger and roll down windows. I have been across the country and back yet in the last year i have also had 2 power steering pumps replaced, an O2 sensor and now its in for an odd noise around 40 mph. They have no idea what it is. I still love the inside features. Could use more outlets and compartments. But I think it still beats the Toyota out on interior feature.

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  I Came, I Saw, I Honda(ed) - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By tjs3 - June 14 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding Vehicle. It is, what it is! An exremely comfortable, well designed mini-van PLUS! And with style, also, ours has the Enhanced Entertainment Center with Concern for the Driver as well as passengers. Excellent performance from upgraded V6, 4 wheel Disc brakes, very good outward vision with the exception of front nose. The Sliding Power doors are very welcome, smooth and not too slow, as some reviewing "experts" have tried to decry. It is a smart purchase for smart shoppers. We(the entire family, 2 adults, 3 children) hartily reccommend it. Overall a fine combination of functionality,high value and Safety. 2nd Place means First LOSER.

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  2006 Honda Odyssey worst than any car i have owned - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul Emerson - June 14 - 6:40 am

  Do not buy a 2006 Honda Odyssey. Read the reviews and purchase a different vehicle. We purchased our 2006 EX-L new from our local delership in Dec 2005. THe first few years we enjoyed car with good handling, comfortable, reasonable gas mileage. As the car became 4 or 5 years old we started having reliability problems such as rear motor mount, power door motors, AC compressor and Evaporator, Brake Master cylinder, Power seteering pump. Also from the first set of tire till today, we average about 25k miles per set of tires, regardless of brand, treadwear warranty, having them rotated, and periodically having alignment checked. Fast forward to today at 160k miles and we have replaced the 2nd power steering pump, 1st alternator (not too bad), 2 starteres (the first remanufactured starter failed quickly). During our thanksgiving road trip Nov 2016 our transmission decided it had had enough. The tansmission was taken care of much bettern than most with transmission fluid change by the dealership a every 30k miles. THis service apparently allowd us to drive 168k miles before its days are through (and stuck out of state). Quotes for replacement used transmission and rebuilt transmissions from H&A or Jasper will essentially equal the market value of the odyssey today. Most likely we will be offering it for part....

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  Pleased with our decision - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Verdell Fulton Jr - June 11 - 10:00 am

  We are pleased on our decision. We waited several years and this year was the year to make our move.

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  Good Minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ppp - June 11 - 2:40 am

  Have put 10000 on so far, had no complaints. We use our van hard and it has held up very well. Removeable/stowable seats are wonderful, easy to drive, lots of power for a minivan. OK mileage (22) for a large van. Nice to have a million cup holders, too. It is not outstanding in any particular category, but does everything well, probably the most "easy to live with on a daily basis vehicle" I have owned. Kinda like a favorite hat, you grab it on the way out the door and it gets the job done.

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  2006 Honda Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By frank b. - June 10 - 9:04 pm

  Excellent van overall. Have not experienced any significant mechanical problems to date. Front brake pads made noise and were replaced/upgraded by dealership in response to Honda service bulletin. I agree with other reviewers that the climate controls are poorly laid out and cumbersome to operate. The radio controls are also clumsy. Van lacks automatic headlights and door locks. Very annoying considering the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette that it replaced had this technology.

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  Losing Reliability Status - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By g - June 10 - 4:58 pm

  Have had the car less than 2 years and engine makes noise, needed new battery, and A/C does not get cold enough, and A/C not covered by warranty.

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  Best Ever - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Rick D - June 10 - 12:50 am

  Just bought the new Touring model after owning a 2003 Odyssey. Loved the 2003, but this one is amazing. Too many features and all are great. Navigation system is too good to be true, more room and I still feel like Im driving my Accord. Thought about the Sienna for a day or two due to the AWD, but made the right choice with nthe Honda.