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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  Brake issues - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By ny99 - August 22 - 10:34 pm

  We just reached 16,000 miles on our 2011 Odyssey and I have mixed feelings. The modern conveniences such as the XM radio, rear view camera, heated seats, and hands free phone are nice. It has smooth, quiet acceleration and handles much better than our 2006 Sienna did. The interior is well designed and it proved to be comfortable on a recent trip from NY to Florida. However, the front brake rotors have had issues and recently had to be resurfaced by the dealer. This isnt the first time Ive experienced brake problems with a Honda vehicle, but it may be the last. The Sienna we traded in for this vehicle had 96,000 miles on it and never had any rotor issues. Fix the brakes Honda!!!

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  04 Honda Odyessy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By jason04 - August 19 - 6:20 pm

  I had a 2004 Hoda Odyessy that I bought from Gilman Honda brand new. I had multiple electical issues, too many to even list, they misdiagnosed multiple issues, charged me $800 to replace my starter but the last straw was when the transmission went out not once, but twice. They replaced it the first time under the extended warranty at 45,000 miles, then it went out again 4 years later with 99000 miles. I explained that I thought Honda was a repiltable company that would stand behind there product...I sure was mistaken.

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  Before You Buy, You Might Want To Read On!!! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By trron9 - August 19 - 2:26 pm

  Ive had my 2011 Ody for 4 months, mileage 10, 052 miles, this has truely been a Love/ Hate Relationship! You see my vehicle has been to the Service Department for various reasons more times than I care to remember, when you start to know your Service Advisors on a 1st name basis something is truely wrong! 1st I had multiple issues with the bluetooth requiring replacement of the Hands Free Module, requiring multiple trips before it was resolved, also Im a big man, the seat trim repeatedly continues to break as its held together by plastic clips a poor design, everone that buys a minivan is not going to be a 100lb Soccer Mom, Now Ive developed a creaky sound in the front of the vehicle!!!

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  Review after the first thousand miles - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By afanasya - August 14 - 6:16 pm

  We decided on Odyssey over Sienna for the following reasons: 1. higher crash ratings for the front passenger 2. usable middle seat in the second row 3. more space in the third row 4. the economy mode (3 or 4 cylinders) for the engine. No mater what they say, coming from Toyota Camry, the road noise is definitely noticeable at high way speeds. I feel more comfortable with Toyota’s power train. Odyssey’s transmission on some occasion downshifts rough. Brakes are soft. For leather interior you get maybe 30% real leather on some parts of van’s seats and “man made materials” for the rest. Still Odyssey looks like a good van so far and drives well.

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  Love the van but Hands Free Link is the WORST! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By uniforms - August 12 - 5:02 am

  Ive owned four Honda Odysseys all Touring models. I love this 2011 version but have traded it once thinking I just had a lemon. Both 2011 Odysseys drove well, and I loved every feature. I never had a problem with using bluetooth with any previous Odysseys (last one was 2010). Till this one. First two weeks everything was fine, then the calls would go from the car to the phone and back to the car. This was intermittent at first but then has become an ongoing problem. Hands free link does confirm the problem but has yet to find a fix. I bought the car from its introduction. The 2nd one was bought this April. I use an iPhone 4. I would rather keep the iPhone than the car

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  New Odyssey is Great - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By irg - August 11 - 9:46 pm

  I had a 2008 EX model prior to this. This time, I leased the "base" model, as it was most affordable, and I didnt think Id miss the power doors and a couple of other features. I do miss them, but not that much. The overall appearance even on the LX model is nicer, more rugged appearance. Love the 17" wheels, even the LX model looks nicer than my old one. Brakes are noticeably better. I do like the controls on the old EX better. Overall though, the feeling, responsiveness of this van is a step up from the old model.

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  Really happy with our Odyssey - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By epguy - August 11 - 8:55 am

  We have had our Odyssey for 5 months now and are even more pleased than the day we picked it up. We just completed a 2900 mile road trip, in which it averaged 27.5 mpg for the entire trip. Two tanks averaged 29, but were offset by one with alot of city driving. We listened to books on tape. Had the Garmin plugged into one power outlet in the dash and a dc to ac converter in the other so back seat riders could watch a movie on a laptop, which we ran thru the cars sound system. It was hot, 98 degrees for much of the trip and the A/C had no trouble keeping the car cool. We also love the tight turning radius. Its very easy to manuver in parking lots.

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  Delivers on the Hype - Buy It! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By thegreatdane - August 8 - 10:46 am

  Bought the E-XL on Memorial day and this review is based off 3000 miles, and one 700 mile trip to Ontario, including 2 adults, 2 children, and a Great Dane. I am a tough critic and feel that this car delivers on most of its promises. Driving 13 hours straight revealed some pros/cons. On the pro side, it was great to see MPG at 27.6 for our trip. In town, our mileage is closer to 18 mpg. Handling was precise at any speed, even with torrential rain. Cargo was amazing - Imagine a full grown Great Dane standing up, along with a weeks supply of clothes, food, and fishing gear. Plenty of room to spare. On the con side, visibility was good, not great. Console has too many bells & whistles.

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  Manual Sliding Door Fell off my van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By tnie - August 8 - 4:54 am

  We purchased our Odyssey brand new and currently have a little over 100,000 km on it. The only concern we have had is problems with the sliding doors. The most common problem is sticky doors. This spring my 6 year old daughter was opening the driver side sliding door and it came off the track and nearly landed on her. The only part holding the door on was the arm at the bottom of the door. The dealership said it was the plastic roller that broke and blamed me for not having it lubricated properly. They did cover the cost of repairs after numerous calls to customer relations. It has been a couple of months since this happened and now the same door will not latch properly.

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  Going for 300,000+ miles - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By seanstr - July 22 - 10:17 pm

  I really enjoy DRIVING this van and I really drive it very hard for a minivan. What sold me was the sporty driving it provides. If you like a soft cushy ride with no driver feedback from the steering and suspension, then this van is NOT for you. If you like power, agility and sporty car like feel and ride, then youll be right at home behind the wheel. I travel WV and all Ill say is it will hang a curve. * VAN: The back windows quit working, probably cause I never open them and are stuck, other than that everything still works inside as it should. The van still looks very good inside and out. Did the 100K service at 200k but had to replace the A/C compressor at 240k. continued belo