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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  Will not buy another Odyssey ever again - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul - May 5 - 10:43 am

  Since I purchased this vehicle, all I had is problems. First, the battery, then a sensor on the automatic doors, then the transmission, which in this vehicles IS MORE EXPENSIVE because is complicated to work on. After 4 months and a lot of money spent, I just traded in for a Quest. I definitely will not buy any Honda SUV or Van ever again. Read the reviews and you will know why.

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  My oh my - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By JAN - May 3 - 10:43 pm

  Well, I wish Honda had been a little more truthful in their mpg est.the sticker said 16-22 mpg. real life= 14-16. just awful. I also tow a pop-up trailer w/this van and even though it is rated at 3500 lbs. w/the tow pkg,it still has a difficult time pulling 1400 lbs. Am currently looking for a different vehicle. But for someone who doesnt care about gas efficiency - this van would do fine. It is comfortable w/a car like ride. However, the handling is a bit sloppy.

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  Great Honda but Stinky Dealership - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Fan 02 - May 3 - 10:00 am

  01 Oddy is an upgrade from a 95 Quest. Handling is excellant due to lower profiling. Power is pretty good but it feels a little sluggist. This is no race car. No problem with the engine, tran or gas milage. The kids love it. One minor complaint is that the driver seat (electrical) seems to moved out of adjustment by itself. The biggest complaint is the dealership in Cerritos. I wrote a letter to the Honda Corporation and they have forwarded the complaint to the dealership but never heard from them. Norm Reeve Honda is too big and they feel that they can affort to neglect a few customers. Be careful with them and dont be the next victim.

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  Good van, but crooked seats. - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By dontspam - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This van rides well, drives well, and works well. But I have had a terrible time getting Honda Motor Corp to resolve the crooked front seat problem with their design. Both the driver- side and passenger-side front seats lean and angle into the center of the van making for a very uncomfortable ride. I contacted the 800 customer service number, but all they would do is say (very nicely) they could not do anything about it. The Service Manager of the Honda dealer admits the seats are crooked, but after contacting Honda Engineering, says that all of the Odyssey seats are like that. Doesnt anybody notice this about the seats besides me?

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  Not Hooked On Honda Yet - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Steph - May 3 - 12:53 am

  I drove my van off the lot once, after the papers were signed.. Big mistake.. Bad vibration in the steering wheel. Service Director is great, but after 7 service visits Im a little irritated. Oil leak, still trying to determine from where. Engine backfired today. The tires and wheels have been replaced once working on the second time. I wish I had better things to say.. OH, my gas mileage finally improved when I hit 5,000 miles, I average 19 in the city! I think the steering is a little to sensitive so I seem to oversteer a lot. It does great in the snow. The seats are very comfy. The interior plastic scratches really easy, so I tell the kids dont kick it or let the seat belt hit it.

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  Built to Last - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Rusty - May 1 - 8:38 pm

  We bought the vehicle new, and have had it for 5 years, and have 100K miles on it. Its very dependable, as expected. And we dont plan on trading it in any time soon. Not many cars these last last long enough to get them paid off. This one does. Weve had it in the shop once to do most of the recommended service on it. A quality vehicle all around.

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  Thank Goodness for Warranties - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Tiaa - April 30 - 10:30 pm

  I love the look of the van and the way it handles like a car. We bought the van new and have had several problems. First within the first year the power steering pump had to be replaced. I was told by the dealer they had to replace a lot of them but no recalls were issued. Next the emergency brake was leaking inside the van all over the floorboard and had to be fixed. The latest problems have been the struts and the transmission. The back struts have blown and had to be replaced. I am now waiting for a call from the dealer to have the transmission case replaced because it is leaking. I have 31,000 miles on the van and am still under warranty, thank goodness.

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  First Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Joe/jhkwrogers - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I never thought Id be caught dead in a mini-van but I love this Odyssey! It has space, comfort, power and gets good mileage. Its ideal for retirement travel, including picking up the grandkids from the airport. Drove it VA to Texas and back, 3200 miles, first week, 28 mpg. Traded a BMW 352 for this car but Im satisfied with its handling and performance, given its size and weight. So far, 11000 trouble free miles.

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  Odyssey MPG - Very Poor - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul - April 27 - 3:53 am

  The 2007 Odyssey with the variable cylinder engine, sacrifices city mpg for hwy mpg. As we use our vehicle predominately for city driving the average mileage of 14 mpg is significantly worse than our 2003 Odyssey average of 19 mpg. If we had known, we wouldnt have bought the vehicle. Sorry in CT with 2 1/2 years to go.

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  Odyssey - Positive and Negatives - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Deborah - April 26 - 11:59 pm

  The Odyssey was a wonderful touring van when I traveled over 8500 miles during the first summer I had it. The gas mileage was good on the trip and it performed perfectly. Ive always felt very secure on the highway while passing trucks and in inclement weather. My only complaint is with one of the sliding doors. In Florida, it wouldnt open and on a trip to Kentucky, it failed to open. Its frightening especially if there was an accident. I definitely feel I got a lemon on the door. This is the only problem Ive had with the van and when it happens, it is very annoying.