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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  First Impressions are good, second a bit better - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By insideinvestor - August 30 - 1:04 pm

  This is my first Honda. I compared this with the 2012 Sienna, 2012 Town & Country, and large SUVs. All compared vehicles were on IIHS 2012 Top Safety list. Advantages over Sienna: Sleeker Antenna Larger Sunroof Easier to pull 3rd row seats Front row heater button easier to access Rear view camera display is larger compared to base XLE Gas mileage Variable cylinder management Disadvantages: Sienna has more leg room, cargo room, higher HP and torque Advantages over T&C: Ride quality seemed better in Odyssey Quality of materials also seemed better Gas mileage Disadvantages: Nav and rear screen DVD player standard in T&C T&C has LED lighting No movable pedal feature

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  Use to LOVE the Honda Odyssey! So sad the love affair is over - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By exhondalover - August 29 - 1:15 pm

  We have owned a 2001, 2006, 2009, and now just leased a 2012. If you are thinking Odyssey, think of other vans. Definitely do your research. The storage and plushness or the van has really cheapened through the years. I was going to explain myself more, but this forum limits your characters. I am very happy that we lesased and did not buy. Honda has gone cheap on me! The upholstery in the interior is junk. I always loved Honda for its functionality and every day conveniences of storage and comfort, but at the same time style and class. They have replaced their simple beauty with cheap plastic and less functional storage and conveniences. It is no longer a pleasure to have a Honda!

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  Best minivan on market - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By jw78732 - August 26 - 11:38 pm

  After sold our 2000 Odyssey with 130K mi, wife decided to get another Odyssey right before our summer vacation trip. After our 4000+ mi trip, it seems to be a right decision. The van is very comfortable to ride in and drives like a Honda. Although I wished it could have 50 more horse power, and have sports tires. The fit and finish are very good and we didnt experience any usually wind noise. The gas mileage is unbelievable on highway. With 3 adults and lots of stuff in the back, we get about 26.5 mpg on average and at one point, close to 29 mpg. The transmission shifts smoothly, although the van is kind of sluggish when you try to pass someone on highway due to lack of torque.

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  6 month review - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By njvtec - August 17 - 3:32 pm

  We replaced my wifes Porsche Cayenne S Titanium Edition with two VW Touaregs. Although the Touaregs are built on the same chassis they are worlds apart and we were very disappointed by the Touaregs and specifically the support or lack there of from the manufactures and dealers. With two children under the age of two we decided to look at minivans. Having owned and raced a number of Hondas over the years I didnt have to look much further then the Odyssey. We ended up leasing a new 2012 Odyssey (at a great rate thanks to Hondas great residual value). The Odyssey is a brilliant choice for anyone with children. Maybe its not as "cool" as a luxury SUV but it is way more practical.

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  Transmission denial for Honda Corp. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By amd6577 - August 9 - 12:24 pm

  Purchased 2005 Odyssey EX-L DVD in 2011 from Hendrick Honda in Easley, SC. Bad idea. 1 year later with <100K miles, trans shakes and stuck between 2nd&3rd gears. Take to trans shop (we were out of town) and they repair trans (including replacing torque conv) for $2500. 4 months later we get a letter from Honda Corp. that the issue is being covered under ext warranty and to submit documentation. Today, I got a call from "Ron" at Honda Corp. (who said he has *no supervisor* and refused to provide his last name), saying that our trans. issue is, in fact, not covered. Oh-- and no appeal process. I am 100% done with Honda. Not a quality product anymore. Buying an Odyssey is flushing $ away.

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  DONT BUY A HONDA ODYSSEY - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By bobbie67 - August 7 - 4:24 pm

  I bought a 2006 Odyssey new. Im retired and drive less than 7,000 miles a year. In less than 2 years, the battery died. Two years later, the 2nd battery died. Today, two years later, the battery died. To date, Ive spent $450 on batteries. The rear brakes wore out at only 40,000 miles. The brake sensor system did not work. Discs, pads and rotors had to be replaced. Eats batteries & tires. Master cylinder and power steering failed. Soft brake pedal dealer can fix. Lousy gas mileage: 15 city, 20 interstate. Handles like a tank. Too many blind spots. Auto-liding door problems.

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  New owner preliminary review - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By fonguy - August 5 - 5:09 pm

  I dont fit the minivan demographic as an old retired guy. Trading my 6 year-old Lexus RX for an Oddyssey was not an economic decision but I am now a Honda owner for the first time. Its only been a week, hence the word preliminary. Fit and finish excellent, interior roomy and comfortable, seats relatively easy to manipulate into many configurations. You need a little muscle to get the second row seats out, though, if the room is needed. Adequate power, handling surprisingly sedan-like, reasonably quiet. Many advanced safety features and air bags. This vehicle represents a highly evolved version of the classic minivan. The communications features-radio, CD, Bluetooth, USB, are great!

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  Transmission --> Honda odyssey = Junk - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By beaver8 - July 23 - 1:02 am

  We are Honda family with a Accord and a Odyssey. I have only but heart burn with Odyssey With only 80K miles on it - I was told my transmission is junk and I have to shell out $5k more to get it fixed. This is the last straw. I had to replace the door system, ac and you name it. Per my San Jose Honda dealer, this is extremely common in Honda odyssey - i.e transmission and other issues. The dealer replaces an average of 5 transmissions a week for Odysseys between 1999-2007. So for those Odyssey owners - watch for any sluggishness in the performance. I am not coming to Honda again.

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  Mixed feelings - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By horstradamus - July 21 - 11:58 am

  Bought it used in 2007. Steering wheel controls have started randomly switching themselves, radio went a few months ago, three separate parts of the AC system have also gone, rear wiper stopped working, passenger sliding door auto lock stopped working. Other than that, there have been no problems with the transmission or engine.

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  Touring Elite Owner - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By norcalhills - July 16 - 10:12 pm

  This is our first minivan. We traded a 2008 BMW X5 for the van and so far we love it. At the time we bought the van, we also traded a 2006 BMW 550i for a Mercedes E350. We NEVER use the Mercedes, my kids think its boring. They always want to use the van. We have put 8K miles on the van in 6 months. It handles great, rides well, has plenty of horsepower (for a van), and our kids actually like taking road trips, something we could never get them to do before. We got the Touring Elite, and the only problem so far is a warped windshield that Honda agreed to replace. The fit and finish look great. We got Black with the Truffle interior and we get a lot of compliments from others.