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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  An Odyssey in Disappointment - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Karl Roembke - April 4 - 11:55 pm

  In general, I have found a lot of the plastic parts on the car to be total garbage-- broken cup holders, broken vents, broken shade holders, broken cupholder doors, etc. The under engine compartment splash shield (made of plastic of course) fell off (because of unreliable plastic fasteners). Door mouldings fell off. The power sliding doors are finicky and have been in for service multiple times. The drivers side windows safety stops the window from rolling up after ordering at the drive thru. The dashboard lights behind the overly complicated HVAC panel stopped working at about 5000 miles. The flip down seats in the back fail to reconnect to the floor when flipped back up, leading to dangerous situations where a person sitting in them can be thrown backwards during hard acceleration or a rear end impact. The rear wheel bearings went out on both sides of the car at 50,000 miles-- $300 each. The power steering pump growled from day one and would fail to power assist at inopportune times. It finally began leaking and had to be replaced. Im not a big fan of the plastic lenses over the headlights that film over and have to be restored. We ordered a cassette player a honda accessory that was installed by the dealer, but it has always looked like it didnt belong-- it works fine however when weve used it. The luggage rack didnt come with crossbars-- for the price it should have installed itself. And last but not least my beautiful blue minivan has paint flaking off all over it making it look as pathetic as it has been all of its life. I know there are a lot of satisfied Odyssey owners out there-- we must have bought the lemon. Ive owned 3 different Accords and never had these kinds of issues with them.

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  2006 Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Liz - April 3 - 3:30 pm

  Have only had this vehicle for a couple hours, but its wonderful to drive & all 4 in the family love it. Finally, a vehicle we all agree on! After all my research of almost ALL makes, Honda was the best & the Odyssey the best of the Hondas.

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  Got a good deal on Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By krispykreme - April 3 - 3:00 pm

  Bought 07 EX-L as compliment to our 08 Sienna since cost is so cheap. Things i like about Odyssey- handling and steering response is great. Excellent brakes. Audio is better than $35k Sienna. Things I hate- Rides too stiff. The power sliding door control is located on the driver side. No sliding door control on the b-pillar. Honda also cheaped out on the rear view camera and LCD screen for the navi. The rear view camera is not as clear nor as colorful as the Sienna, it is almost totally useless. The gas mileage is just horrible. At 1100 miles, Odyssey is averaging 14.3 mpg. The Sienna at 1500 miles is averaging 20.7 mpg. The old 04 Sienna i had, averaged 21.3 mpg through 70k.

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  my opinion on the oddessy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat48 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  it is to new to rate annual gas milage the hatch window should be taller, the headrests interfere with the rearview for short people the gas pedal is to far away for short poeple, and its to small. The gearshifter on the column interferes with the interior lite toggle switch when you put the car in gear and the windshield washer handle should be on the other side the map lite shines in your face when it is dark the heated seat switch is on the bottem of the door which makes it difficult to shut off when you are driving overall I GREATLY dislike the interior of the van. I probably will never buy another one the car is also to new for some of the ratings

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  Substandard Automatic Transmission - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By BPA - April 3 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this Van, I like most. Also the regular services costs less. But only problem is now and then Engine Check light goes on, even if gas cap is loose. And top of it recently at 39,000 miles Automatic Transmission was required to replaced. Thanks to dealer who help me alot. But if dealer want me pay for this I had no choice, since it was out of warranty. So for this cost of the car, need better warranty.

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  Good Desgin - Unresolved issues - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By 2nd time ody owner - April 2 - 8:10 pm

  I traded a 2004 Ody EX for the 2007 Ody LX because I was really taken by the new design. I know am of the impression that I could have kept my 2004 and been just as happy if not happier. Overall the 2007 model design is an improvement over the 2004 model, but the execution has a lot to be desired. I noticed an engine drone noise at 180 miles. Honda says its characteristic of vehicle harmonics.(What nonsense!) At 400 miles noticed whining buzzing noise from power steering pump. I took it in to the dealer and was told that they could not duplicate prob. Drove the vehicle myself and brought back to dealer while making noise. They finally acknowledge issue with 05-07 power steering pumps.

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  Most overrated and hyped car Ive owned - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By timj - April 2 - 10:00 am

  We all love what we own, but this van is simply over rated and its mostly hype. Odyssey is simply not built as well as what I thought or remembered about Honda cars. Dont trust everything you read and go test drive other brands and then maybe you wont make the same mistake as I have.

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  So far so good - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By keltnera - April 1 - 2:20 am

  Traded in our 2002 Odyseey for the 2005. We were going on our third transmission at 51K on the 02. So far so good on the 2005. The 2005 is just as great to drive. We love all the upgrades like sun roof, second row windows that go down, and the third row folds down even easier without removing the headrests. I also like how the third row is split and that there is seating for 8 now. The lazy-susan seems ackward to get to and havent really used it. The double glove-department is an intersting consept. I really like the big knobs on the dash and the shifter on the dash. The illumination of the dash is great, especially the day display, unless your headlights are on.

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  2005 Honda Odyssey EX - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Accords&Odysseys - March 31 - 10:45 pm

  This van has lots of horsepower and speed. I love this van! Its unique and doesnt look like any other van. Everyday I drive this van, I feel like drag racing. 255 HP is damn good for a minivan. No problems and I have 28,000 miles on it now. The only complaint I have is its hard to see the gas gauge with the steering controls in the way. Usually in a car youre able to drive and look at the gas gauge, in the van you wont notice the gas gauge till the last minute. Otherwise feels like your floating.

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  second time around - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By pscreech - March 30 - 1:30 am

  This is my second one. We got the 99 sight unseen and got this one same way. This thing drives very good, It puts my ML500 to shame on handling. Had a whistle type wind noise. Took 3 visits to Team Honda to get it fixed, No problem they gave me loaner car just like the MB dealers.