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:

• 

  Bad Piston Rings (known issue) 54K miles - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Josh - May 18 - 12:44 am

  This is the second Odyssey weve owned. Before this, we owned a 2005. Our 2012 has been extremely disappointing. The left side sliding door struggles and pops and will open about 25% of the time. Dealer replaced a mechanism and it is still doing it. Going back to dealership next Tuesday. I can deal with the door problem, but this past Friday, the engine light began flashing and the traction light remained on as well. 5 minutes on Google will let you know this is a major issue - to the point Honda settled a class action lawsuit related to it. Long story short, it seems the VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) is the likely cause. The piston rings in cylinders 1, 2, 3 and 4 needed to be replaced. This was covered under an extended warranty bulletin as a result of the lawsuit. At 54,000 miles, a Honda engine should not need new piston rings. Honda engines are supposed to be the Holy Grail of engines. The fact that this is not a fluke and is a widespread issue, has me questioning Hondas commitment to quality. A new Odyssey is due out later thiss year - by that time, however, we may be in a Sienna.

• 

  Excellent MiniVan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By marsha - May 17 - 10:20 am

  We love our Odyssey! We previously had a Dodge and Chrysler minivan. They were okay, but did not handle and ride as nice as the Odyssey. Plus, the appearance is so much better! The only thing I miss from my old vans is the power rear hatch, but fortunately, the Odysseys door is much lighter.

• 

  Indy Oddysey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul - May 17 - 5:53 am

  The vehicle has been a useful addition. It handles well and rides well over the potholed interstates.

• 

  A winner for Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Hilbilly - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Just took delivery 2 weeks ago and have already put 700 miles on our new Odyssey. We Also drive a Corvette and a Cadillac Escalade so were used to power and luxury, but this car/van is extremely practical and remarkably usefull. Were impressed with build quality and ride although this is clearly not a luxury car. After struggling to get 16 MPG we love the 25 MPG with this one. Whats notable is the way it feels on the highway. At speeds of 70 plus its very stable and one feels like its not going that fast.

• 

  We love our Odyssey! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Mrs.&Mr.T. - May 15 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Odyssey lives up to its well deserved ratings. Handling is excellent.Very responsive, and love the european road feel.Gas mileage is acceptable.The Odysseys ride is noticebly smooth. The fit and finish is superb.Interior room is well thought out, and feels almost spacious.With third seat folded down, ample room for almost anything a family of four would need to take on vacation.The entertainment package is teriffic for the kids,leaves mom & dad in peace on long trips.

• 

  Love My Van! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Alice - May 15 - 6:03 am

  I love almost everything about my Van. I wish the driving lights button could stay on without beeping when I open the door. My Husband thinks the seats are not very comfortable for long trips. I thought It was extremely comfortable.

• 

  Almost Perfect! Only a few tweeks needed! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By JPoocha - May 14 - 9:45 pm

  I have an Odyssey Touring Elite! The likes: 1. Incredible hauling capacity for 8 passengers and the accompanying luggage. 2. The third row is very comfortable in comparison to the competition. 3. The standard HID headlights and safety features on the Elite model are life savers and should be standard on all models in my opinion. 4. The front warning collision system is incredible fast to alert drivers of a possible collision. 5. Very low maintenance costs. 6. Incredible sound on the optional audio system standard on the Elite. My Odyssey now has almost 60K on it in just 1.5 years of ownership. The Odyssey is excellent in so many categories I am able to overlook the following issues: 1. The front passenger seat is only a 4 way power. Honda should make this at least an 8 way power on its upper trim models like some other minivan manufacturers. 2. The front and middle row seats need extra cushion! I use this vehicles for long family trips so I extra padding could make the trip much more enjoyable. 3. The radio interface is just clunky and horrible. The entire system should be redesigned to make tuning and adjusting settings much easier. 4. Honda skipped adding armrests to both sides of the middle captains seats! The only workaround is to place the optional sliding middle seat in the second row down to utilize it as an armrest and for its cup holders. Just odd and it screams bean counter at Honda. On an Elite trim level armrests should not be omitted. Despite these problems, I love the Odyssey. I hope Honda addresses these problems on the new 2017 model so I am not forced to go with another brand offering all of these features it desperately needs to stay competitive.

• 

  Dont Believe the Hype! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By 91Hokie - May 12 - 2:00 am

  The main concern is the latest issue with the transmission. After spending hours on the phone with the dealer and with American Honda Customer Service (and hours at the dealerships service department) being convinced that the Odysseys transmission has no issues, my brother passed along several message boards with scores of complaints from Odyssey and Acura TL owners with the same transmission problem. The vast number of people with the same potentially dangerous issue that we are having, combined with Hondas insistance to look the other way, leads me to believe Ill look elsewhere for my next vehicle.

• 

  My Odyssey is a LEMON! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By lemonHonda - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Had an oil leak almost from day one. Honda replaced the short block and transmission. New problems occurred with TCS and Engine lights. Chronic hesitation between 40-60 mph. Honda cant fix either of these things. Transmission went out a second time (supposedly they replaced it) when I had a van full of kids. They replaced the computer(due to the TCS and engine lights) and Im still having problems. I have filed a Lemon lawsuit. The corporate office plays games. Can only drive the car around town because of all of the problems. Dont trust it!!! Now there is a strange odor. This car is probably going to blow up!!!!!!

• 

  nice except the whistle - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By dloweatl - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Best van i have driven. Good power, good room, able to seat 7. However, there is some aerodynamic problem that has yet to be fixed. when driving around 60 mph, and with a strong cross wind, the car whistles (like a soda bottle) constantly. I believe it is coming from the trim around the driver side of the windshield. Annoying isnt the word for it.