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:

• 

  Someone should have warned me!! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Janice - September 24 - 11:36 pm

  If I had known prior to purchase this vehicle "runs rich" I would never have purchased. I cannot not afford 13 mpg in the city. And until I hit the magic of 6500 miles on the van--that is the best I can expect. It does about 21 on the interstate. I gave up some nice features in my Pontiac Montana for the privilege of paying more in payments, insurance, and gas!!! not a good thing!

• 

  05 Ody = Love it, Hate it - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By bbug1 - September 24 - 12:50 pm

  Ive owned this van now for just over a year. Initial ownership was bliss. However, at 6k miles, the joy turned to frustration with the grinding brakes. Being told there is a "fix" in the works and here we are almost a year later with no fix. This brake problem has limited our excursions. No big road trips for us. Mountain trips? Not! As if that isnt bad enough, the transmission is acting up. The low droning and slipping is telling me that a rental car is in our future. Yesterday it stalled on us and I wont drive it until I can call American Honda tomorrow (I know itll need to be towed). I really wish that this van held up to what I thought it could be. It would have been great.

• 

  Gas Guzzler - Excessive Wind Noise - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By LOU CAPIZZO - September 19 - 5:20 pm

  We turned in our 2004 Odyssey LX expecting to get better performance from the re-designed 2007 LX. *It turned out to be one of the worst vehicles Ive ever owned over the last 43 years behind the wheel!It seems like we visit the gas stations every time we take it out! And as you can see,we only travel an average of 7500 miles per year!I would estimate the true MPG to be around 10 MPG CITY and about 18 MPG highway! Pathetic! I should have opted to keep the 2004 LX! Another factor to stay with the Odyssey was the convenience of the side door windows that can be opened. We hardly use them because of the excessive pounding, thumping wind noise that occurs when youre going over 15 MPH!

• 

  It was a great run...Until it wasnt! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Howard - September 18 - 9:13 pm

  We bought our Odyssey new and have loved it and had no problems with it...until three weeks ago. We have maintained it very regularly in necessary ways. Other than the excessive road noise (so much noise!), we have been exceedingly happy with it. Until three weeks ago when an odd noise started happening. After ruling out the transmission and engine problems, it has been determined that we have an internal problem with a rod. The only answer is total engine overhaul or a total engine replacement. We were told by Honda "Tough Luck!" with no further explanation. I called Honda Americas service line and was essentially told the same thing. I have sworn by Honda...Until now. The service guy at the dealership said that he had never seen this on a car this well maintained. Great...I guess I won the lottery where I loss $6,000 of my money instead of winning.

• 

  Gas Guzzler - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Rose - September 16 - 12:46 pm

  We recently purchased a 2007 Odyssey to replace our 2002 Odyssey which was totalled in an accident. We have not been as happy with the 2007 as we were with the 2002. The 2007 is bulkier to drive, harder to park, shifts rough between 20-30 km/h, and uses way more gas! 14-17 mpg in city driving is what we are getting and we were told it would be better than that. We are truly disappointed with the gas mileage of the 07. How can a vehicle be fun to drive when you can literally see the gas gauge moving towards empty as you are driving?

• 

  Im actually excited to drive a minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By mikeandemily - September 16 - 9:03 am

  I never thought I would be excited to drive a minivan, but after comparing the Odyssey to other family vehicles (SUVs), the decision was easy. It drives like a car, is very comfortable and has loads of storage features.

• 

  Bottom Line on the Ody - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By lawnboy - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Researched extensively then bought 02 model in late 01. Overrated. Left us stranded twice. Problems with American Honda honoring warranty. Good fuel mpg, smooth engine, fold down seat, but...big wind noise, transmission hunts excessively (reliability issues are real) controls not backlit, sliding doors slow and unreliable, shifter has unnatural throw-hits wiper stalk, drivers seat uncomfortable for long rides, front Power point located on floor difficult to use with no auto- off, fuel sloshes in tank excessively, re-sale not as advertised-

• 

  I Love my Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Mr.Coleman - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned and I really cried when I traded my VW Jetta Trek in for it, but the tears werent for long. This van drives better then most cars and is just great... Theres plenty of room for me and the 3 kids and we all LOVE It. Weve travelled out of town 3 times already and have only had it for 2 months... It handles GREAT and has a very smooth ride... Of cource my wife drives it more than I do, but everytime I get behind the wheel I have the biggest smile. This is truly the best van out on the market...

• 

  Awesome Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By HappyMom - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Had this van for several weeks and really love it!! The DVD system is wonderful to keep kids entertained and the wireless headphones are great for them to listen to a movie while you are listening to the radio or a CD up front. We owned a Plymouth Grand Voyager and what a piece of junk!!! One problem after another. This is the 3rd Honda we have owned and so far we have never been disappointed. Decided to get rid of the Plymouth and return back to a Honda for dependability.

• 

  Fuel Economy Nonexistent - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Greg - September 13 - 7:36 pm

  Overall the van is OK, but the mileage is awful! Nowhere near the EPA posted rating even with the +/- 3mpg. We found this shocking having owned a Honda Accord in the past and the gas mileage was one of the things we were happy about. Honda needs to investigate this issue and correct and not have the dealers tell the customer "its hot in the summer" or "it must be the way you drive." Spring, summer, fall or winter and irrespective of how you drive, the gas mileage in the city will barely crack 14 mpg.