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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  Love My Odyssey - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By nanamcal - October 26 - 9:16 pm

  I bought her used in 1999 with 30,000 miles on her. She now has 155K, after 12 years of faithful service, and due to harsh N. E winters rust is the enemy now. She survived a flood in 2005 and the engine is still as sound as ever. Ive maintained her with regular oil changes and aside from a timing belt, a new radiator and rear shocks, she has been good as gold to me. Her dynamic engine even survived a flood. Honda tough. Built in Japan. I now finally need to replace a pipe on the exhaust. These four door vans are the best, wish I could keep her another 100K! If you find one down south minus the rust grab it! I will. Best car I ever owned!

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  Hondas transmission is terrible!!!!! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By burgh2 - October 23 - 4:23 pm

  This is the second Honda I have owned..it will be my last. The Acccord I purchased had a bad transmission in the model line, but I was lucky and it ran fine for me. This time, I landed squarely on a terrible transmission. It shifts constantly at highway speed. 55-60, 60-65, 65-70, 75-80mph...Ive tried setting the cruise and it just keeps shifting. Its like riding in a vehicle that is hiccupping all the time!!! Ive owned Toyotas and Nissans in the past and have had great success, so long Honda!

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  Great Van But Now Question About The Build Quality, Drivers Door Handle Broke within 5 days of delivery - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By lr3 hse - October 23 - 4:33 am

  I have a 2012 Odyssey Elite which I just purchased 5 days ago and the driver door handle broke. I didnt pull the handle hard or anything and the the locks were unlocked when I tried to pull open the door handle. I was not able to open the drivers side door from the outside but I can open from the inside. @ less than 300 miles, I hear engine knocking in with or without it being in the ECO mode. I will have Honda inspect it when in service. I traded in a car (2006 fully paid off) that gaved me very little problems for a new (2012) car that gaved me issues already. But everything else about the Van is great....

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  The Perfect Van - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By adixson - October 21 - 7:53 am

  Wonderful Van, looks great inside and out. Drives and handles like my Accord, mileage is very good and we can lose our kids back there. Very roomy and comfortable. Nice job Honda!

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  Great minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By jd1isa2 - October 19 - 4:43 pm

  I bought this van about 4 years ago as a CPO. It has been a great family car for us. No problems really except for the expected wear and tear of certain parts (nothing unusual). This van is very comfortable especially on long drives. The Econo feature is great when you are cruising. Captains chair provide adequate support. Have decent leg room even for the 3rd row seat. Im 6 foot tall and surprising able to fit adequately in the third row without difficulty. Highly recommended vehicle

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  Best Car Ever - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By smalbanian - October 17 - 7:26 am

  We just wrecked and lost the best car ever, the 1996 Honda Odyssey. We have been looking for a new car replacement for several months, but nothing compares. Todays vans are gigantic by comparison and have those stupid sliding doors. Absolutely nothing today under $60K has seats as comfortable as the FOUR captains chairs in our 96 Odyssey. Closest available today are the Mazda5 or Toyota Hylander, but for long trips, we will have to live without the luxury seating of our 96 Odyssey. Only reason we are not just finding another 96 Odyssey is that the new cars have all those airbags and other safety features. Boo hoo.

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  2011 transmission issues - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By madjackson - October 14 - 5:25 pm

  the transmission shudders @ 15-30 mph took it to the dealer 1st time told me nothing was wrong 3rd time they are waiting for honda to figure out was is the problem no time line I have a child on a ventilator this is his primary transportation they said it is safe to drive how can it be safe if they cant even tell me what the problem is my concern is being stranded with 2 kids and one with a boat load of medical equipment spoke with honda directly they said they MIGHT get back to us in 2 weeks fine we told the dealer we wanted to trade it for a pilot and in so many words they said no we needed to wait for honda to tell them what they could do! btw we didnt ask for anything special on trade in

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  Best Honda yet! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By our2kids11 - October 4 - 6:19 am

  We have owened two Honda Pilots, most resently a 2011 and a Honday Odyssey. The 2012 Odyssey beats our previous hondas by leaps and bounds. The comfort is unmatched and the room inside it is crazy! Plenty of pep and smooth acceleration when needed. Plus, 20 mgp is hard to beat in our mountainous region. We couldnt be happier with our new Odyssey! Cant go wrong here.

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  A "Me Too" Transmission Failure - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By surferboi - October 3 - 2:38 pm

  Add me to the long list of people who have experienced transmission failure. My check engine and traction control lights came on last week while I was on the highway to the airport. I figured Id take it in when I got back. Transmission started slipping and died less than 50 miles later, just this morning on the way back from a short trip to the airport. 135K miles on the car and it has been running like a champ. And now I get online and see that Im not the only one. I was always a little suspect about the speed at which they were making these models. Now I guess we are seeing the effect.

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  Another rave review - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By noflash1 - September 29 - 4:13 pm

  The ride is very smooth and the van feels so solid, it really feels like you are driving an Acura. We got the EXL to get a ton of goodies and nothing too frivilous. I cant consider $2k for nav when I need it once a year and can buy an aftermarket for $200. And I dont want my kids watching DVDs the second they get in the car. The EXL has tons of great features my favorite being the CD Library -- itll record about 400 songs from your CDs to a hard drive. The safety is top notch, great crash test, large rear view camera is very comforting. Weve been averaging 24 mpg in mild weather -- no A/C. Its the only minivan you can fit 2 carseat and a Granni in the middle row. :)