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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  Excellent vehicle - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Bob Edwards - June 7 - 3:40 pm

  I bought this van in July of 07 and it has been a pleasure to drive. We have taken it on two vacations and it was very enjoyable. My wife drives it daily and she tells me this is the best van she has ever had. Wow she is happy, I am happy.

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  Great Deal - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Oddly Odyssey - June 4 - 8:13 am

  I purchased this Ody with 222k on it and is possibly best deal I have had. Have been through numerous new cars and used cars and I think this is my best deal. This Ody was a Honda fleet vehicle from Marysville and then purchased by Honda exec. driven for 7 years with 3 boys. I purchased because former owner bought a new Ody from Manufacturer. Works GREAT for me! Both Honda and owner kept EVERY maintenance record. I have all that now and keeping up the trend. Everything still works. Hopefully I can still have this feeling in a year or 2. Thanks Honda!

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  used odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Nik - June 3 - 8:48 pm

  Heard a lot about the noise in the cabin. well try changing the tires to Yokohama avid trz 235/65/16. they are really quiet. but I do agree, that since its a family van, Honda should improve on the noise damping materials.

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  200,000 miles may be the limit! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Denise - June 3 - 1:40 pm

  We bought the Odyssey new and have 197,000 on it 8 years later. I had hoped to keep the van for 4 more years (300,000 miles) but may not make it. I had ERG problems several times and was never able to get the dealer to fix it even though they identified the ERG as defective. It costs $300 each time for repairs. The sliding doors are a potential problem. Both open with a hard knock, but are still operational. Im sure a fix will be needed in the near future. I also had a $3500 transmission rebuild in Dec. 2007. Now six months later the van is back in the shop because the transmission is slipping. A Prius may be in my immediate future!

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  Not what I hoped for UPDATE - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Hammock246 - June 3 - 12:40 pm

  One more trip Illinois to FL and back on business and have to say I dont think this van will be with me for a year. Passenger side door sounds like its falling off on bumpy roads. Creaks & groans from front end all the time. Rear hatch does not always respond to keyless input to open. Now 6400 miles and will need 1st service soon. Brought in to dealer at 3500 miles but they said not to service until 15% on meter. Told them about the rattles and the guy said "well, its a van." Yeah, but at $40,450 I hoped for better.

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  Buy the Odyssey over any other minivan! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Candace - June 1 - 10:50 am

  I highly recommend the Honda Odyssey. We search and rode in every single minivan offered and by far this van has the most to offer and is the most comfortable! Not to mention the Honda reliability! I only offer up to you to not purchase from Shaefer & Strominger in Bel Air (Bel Air Honda) the sales managers there think they are too good to sell a car. I only bought there because they had the only van out there that had everything I wanted - but the experience w/ them was enough to say that I would never go back.

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  A/c not working b/c of rock - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Lisa - June 1 - 7:58 am

  My husband and I purchased a brand new Odyssey Van in June 2006. Absolutely love the van. We have had no problems until we realized our air conditioner wasnÂ’t working recently in May 2008. Our van only has 24,000 miles on it. I called Fairfield Performance Honda service and was told if it is a rock that damaged the condenser it is not covered. They already knew what was wrong with it b/c they have thousands of complaints on the same matter. Corp will not cover b/c they said it is road debris. Its not consumers fault that they poorly design the front. There is no protection on the front to protect the condenser.Honda needs take take responsibility and recall all Honda cars and vans with problem

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  Extremely impressed - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By jaw - May 29 - 11:04 pm

  Super van, very reliable, only two parts broke over 11 years of constant use: starter motor and a cast iron header pipe cracked, both rare. Our van has 322,000kms, or over 193,000miles, with super Honda v-tec 2.3 liter engine: good low end torque for its size, and great power up top if you need it (150 horse). Its much lighter than other vans so it outperforms even 3.0 liter Nissans and other vans. I get over 30 miles per gallon highway, but run hard tires and 0W-30 amsoil. With a tranny cooler Ive towed all across North America. It has lots of life left, it handles very nicely for a van too, much better than any other Ive ever driven. Like a car. Great small van, ahead of its time.

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  Good Fuel Economy - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Steve R - May 29 - 3:56 am

  Have driven the vehicle for 635 miles so far and averaged 24.2 highway and 18.3 around town. Pretty darn good for such a large vehicle. Very tight vehicle, comfortable, and handles well in snow.

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  Overall experience is ok... - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Sara - May 28 - 6:51 pm

  We purchased this van in 2007, it was used but only had 40,000 miles on it. Runs very well but needs constant maintenance. We havent had any transmission probs yet but Idle Air Control Valve needs to be replaced ($300). The doors need to be cleaned and oiled regularly. Inside is very spacious. I have four kids and it fits us very well. I can even pick up my niece and bring her with me.