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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  No tranny problems here. - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By weigel5 - April 16 - 1:17 pm

  I bought this vehicle new and sold it about a year ago. It was a great vehicle for the 11yrs we owned it. Only consistent problem was the passenger automatic sliding doors would get out of alignment every other year or so. It also developed a slight oil leak (very slight) as in one to five drops per week (estimate) never actually counted the droplets on a weekly basis. I only hope the new owners have as good of an experience with this vehicle as we did.

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  Always getting repairs - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By mom4girlz - April 5 - 8:03 pm

  I bought this brand new and expecte to get a long time out of a Honda with few hassels. So many recalls, so many repairs! I replaced the tires every year because of uneven wear - dealership never seems to be able to fix the problem. AC has gone, breaks have gone, bearings have gone, power doors dont open properly, radiator has gone, the list goes on and on. I figure in the last 12 mths alone I have spent 5grand in repairs. Parts are always expensive. All problems have been "out of warrenty coverage" according to dealer. Just not like my old civic or 4runner. Saving for a Subaru or Toyota!

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  Redesign not so functional - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By gmlkz - April 5 - 8:59 am

  I have been singing the praises of Honda for years and this is the 3rd that weve owned. Just got the 2012, and although theyve added some great new features, Im rather disappointed with some of the redesign. They took away a bunch of useful storage, which kept me neatly organized w/ my brew of kids & friends. their marketing materials now advertise how great it is to fit a piece of plywood in the back with the seats folded. Thats great, but it no longer neatly fits my compact single stroller in the back with the seats up like the old model did. Seems like they forgot that many people purchasing minivans have kids, use storage, and push strollers, more often than hauling wood.

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  A Very Comfortable Car to Sit in While We Wait for AAA - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By bigdaddymoho - March 28 - 8:35 pm

  With 6 occasions in 11 monthsafter purchase where the car could not be started, and 5 trips back to the dealer to try to fix the problem, (and a new battery after the first one died just one month after the car was purchased new) this car is headed for lemon law arbitration. I have owned 7 Hondas. This car shows how badly Honda has slipped. Its a shame that its such a piece of junk, because on the occasions when it decides to run, its a very comfortable vehicle.

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  2007 Odyssey transimission, brake, steering pump problem - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By unhappyowner07 - March 23 - 12:34 pm

  This is an update to my post on 07/03/10 regarding the transmission problem with my 2007 Odyssey 40k miles. The dealership I went to told me that Honda did not admit there was problem with the transmission because the warning/engine light did not turn on. Eventually the dealership did put in a new torque converter. However, the brake issue was never resolved and there is still problem with brake even after they re-rotor the disc?. I think the dealership does not know what the problem is. On one rainy day, I almost hit the car in front of mine because the odyssey glided forward even though I pressed the brake all the way. I called Honda manufacture customer service and spoke to the manager

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  BEST MINIVAN. But NOT perfect... - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By conniereddy - March 22 - 4:19 am

  So, were at 3k mi. and I LOVE our van!! OVERALL, compared to 2012 Sienna: it looks WAY better, is safer, gets better gas mileage, and has MANY more features standard. My husband ENJOYS driving it (as do I). I think it drives beautifully - not at all like my step-fathers minivan. Its controls are reachable (love the steering wheel controls), and the electronics are rather intuitive, I think! That said, it has its design flaws and neither van is worth 35k so, the value factor just isnt there. Nevertheless, its the best on the market for the money and we bought it and are VERY happy overall :)

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  Disappointed! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By mom_on_the_go - February 23 - 8:56 pm

  We purchased a new 2012 Odyssey in Dec. I traded in my 2008 Sienna with over 100,000 miles. Big mistake!!! I really enjoyed driving the Sienna. It was easy to maneuver and I had no problems getting in and out of parking spaces. It also had nice leg room in the front. The Odyssey leg space is so small my husband sits in the back with the kids even on short trips around town. The worst parts are the SLOW back doors and the fact you have to hold down on the remote key for 3 seconds before the doors begin to open. Big issue- the car pulls to the left when going over 60 mph in fast lane. Service dept said it was because of minor slant in road for drainage?!?!

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  Good Travel Vehicle - 2008 Odyssey - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By kathy68 - February 23 - 3:15 pm

  Owned a 99 Honda Odyssey and had it for 9 years. Many recalls including transmission replacement on that model year. Purchased a new 2008 Honda Odyssey and have had good luck with it so far -- over 65,000 miles on it. Soft brake issue recall was resolved. Traveled 4,000 miles last summer to Colorado through the rockies and also to the east coast and it was a great travel vehicle.

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  Great!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By kleiner - February 5 - 7:05 pm

  We bought this car used in February 2011 with 71,000 miles in it and love it. We like to sliding doors. There is a lot of cargo space. Plenty of leg room in the 3rd row. The only problem weve had is a new starter and the power-steering pump recall. We now have 88,000 miles on it and plan to drive it till it drops.

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  My Good "ol Hondi - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By zozing - January 30 - 7:05 pm

  I will never sell my car. Very reliable and dependable. Just feed her with good oil and she is ready to roll! Bought as a demo model with 5000 miles on it, never stopped rolling since then. never stalled, nada. Just changed timing belt and water pump as needed and keep oil clean. Still saving me at 22mi/gal city and 30 mi/gal highway @ ave go 65 mi/hour. My daughter grew up in that car and is now practicing with it. Love it...love it...love it.