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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  The best minivan - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By nstar - August 5 - 2:56 am

  Recently traded in my old mazda minivan for the new EX-L model. Love this car so far. Much better than Mazda MPV. Very stable, fun to drive. Feel much safer with 10 airbags installed. The rear entertainment is a must-have. Playing the movie keeps all my kids quiet even in a long drive. The sliding door however did not function well. It wont latch completely. Went to the dealer three times to fix it. Make sure check all your features and fix them right away. Overall, very happy with this purchase.

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  LEMON: 5 Transmissions in 56,000 miles - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Fis - August 5 - 2:00 am

  You read it correctly. 1st transmission lasted only a few months. The replacement lasted about a year. You read it correctly. 1st transmission lasted only a few months. The replacement lasted about a year. The 3rd transmission lasted the longest -- from 2001 to 2004. The 4th transmission lasted only 3,000 miles and just died on the highway while on a family trip. My automatic doors have also been repaired/adjusted 5 times (sudden door buzzing when hitting bumps in the road). If you want an Odyssey, wait for the all-new 2005 model.

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  Problems!!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By aab4 - August 4 - 6:53 am

  Been in Shop a few times, power door motors replaced, heating problem in winter not yet resolved, sad to say, not as nice as my neighbors AWD Sienna. If I had to do it all over, I would have gone with AWD Sienna. In my opinion, Honda quality has slipped, and when I think of quality, I think of Honda service, and Im sorry, Toyota simply blows them away. There was a time not too long ago when that wasnÂ’t the case.

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  Love it! - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By hijman - August 4 - 2:00 am

  The most reliable of the Oddys, really (best overall reliability ratings for ANY Oddy, Consumer Reports, and they are right). More cargo room than the Pilot. If you can stand the 4 cyls, its worth the buzz. Rotors do tend to rust easily, and brakes are noisy. Driver door armrest is very hard, needs more padding. Overall, though, worth every penny I paid. I live in rural winterland, and reliability is key factor.

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  2004 Honda Odyseyy EXL-DVD - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By 2004 EXL Ody owner - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Cold weather:60mph,no airconditioning,flat road,30mpg. Summer, flat road with airconditioning, 26mpg. 75 mph in the summer 24mpg. Summer city driving 18mpg Comfort: Long trips not acceptable. example:the brake pedal is in the way of your left leg, uncomfortable on an extended trip. The seats widths are too small by approximately 2" The right seat does not have power or adequate adjustment. The ride is HARD, after the 2nd day of driving, visions of an army truck.Interior finish is utilitarian. Staples are used to hold down the carpet over the spare! Body dents easily. BAD road noise! Easy access/egress Would not buy again.

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  Goodbye Honda, I - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By Chet Bower - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I am getting rid of my Honda Oddesey tommorow not because it was bad because I live in the mountains of Randolph, New Jersey and need AWD. This car was great to me. The car had 104,000 miles on it with no problems. The Honda was pretty fun to drive and took the bumbs better then my 2004 Honda Pilot. The Oddesey and the Accord are the two best Hondas ever.

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  Noisy Cluncker! Not happy. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By AndrexP - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Our van has been making clunking noise from the rear train since the day we bought it last year. The dealer explained that it is a characteristic of the rear brakes, and has no solution. Someting about the rear brake pads being free to move. Hondas solution is that the customer has to live with it. The service supervisor even xeroxed the page from the Honda service bulletin that said that you can make the customer go away by inserting a cut-up business card in the brake caliper. (e-mail me for a copy) They figure that this will silence the noise long enough for the customer to drive away! My 120,000+ mile Chrysler van never made any such noise.

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  Terrible reliability - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Sad Buyer - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. My van has had the following things replaced or repaired; Trasmission(2), rotors, window mechinism, radio, door sliding motor, compressor, and power seat swithch(2). It has left me stranded many times because the transmission will not switch out of first gear. The second time I was on vacation in Florida. It ruined my whole trip. I would tell everyone to stay away from Hondas. I have seen many of the new Pilots and CRV in for service also. I know all of this becuase Im am, at this moment, sitting in the waiting room AGAIN while they fix this LEMON!

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  Surprised - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By DrJ - July 31 - 10:00 am

  We really like the room and versatility, but frankly were surprised at the many features lacking for this price point. For example, it does not have the following: trip computer, outside temperature gauge, compass, auto lights, leather wrapped steering wheel, seat memory, backup sensors, CD changer, or good stereo system. On top of this, it comes with a rather skimpy warranty (3yr/36k miles). Many vehicles we looked at came with these features and others, but in the end, it was Hondas reputation for quality that sold us. I guest Ill just have to wait and see if this reputation is deserved. So far so good.

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  Honda Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By julie - July 28 - 11:36 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned! I feel like for the first time I am in a vehicle that was truly researched for what a driver would want - I cant find anything I do not like about the van. I wish I hadnt gotten one sooner.