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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  I Call Her "Olivia" :) - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By nanamcal - July 19 - 3:02 pm

  I purchased my Odyssey in 1999 w/ 29K on her. She now has 154K on the engine. She is like a trusted old friend. She even survived a flood in 2005 at 127K with water in the engine. I had to wait a month for the carpet to be cut for her back then. She survived! When the water was blown out of the engine by my Ace mechanic I was told it was one tough little engine. Timing belt change new rear shocks from all the loads she carried. Brakes last forever on this little dynamo!. I dread the day I have to give her up. Great resale value still. Would buy another in a heartbeat! They dont make them like her anymore!! Built in Japan to LAST! Hope to keep her for another 150K

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  TRANSMISSION!! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By kim203 - June 14 - 12:57 pm

  I have had my Odyssey since 2006. I loved it until things began to go wrong (of course, after the "certified" warranty ran out). Its got 135,000 miles and in addition to regular maintenance (including the timing belt) I have had to replace all three engine mounts, shocks and the transmission (not at Honda). I called Honda and they said the transmission recall work had been performed before I purchased the vehicle so there was nothing they could do. I bought a Honda because I thought I would be able to drive it forever. Simply not so. Very disappointed and will not purchase another Honda. Its comfortable and great for passengers, but lots of road noise.

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  Not the Honda fan I once was - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By familyofsix - June 1 - 6:21 pm

  As a family of six we need the third row, so its either SUV or minivan. Bought this used in 2010 to replace a totaled SUV (rollover accident). 92 Accord had been great. Bought this despite knowing possible transmission problem because (a) Consumer Reports still called it a Best Bet, (b) thought Honda would stand behind it. Transmission went out around 105K (apparently typical), Honda dealer wanted $5200 for a new one. I went to my mechanic and got a rebuilt with two-year warranty for $2800. Wrote to Honda, but they offered no help with the bill, saying they knew about other years with bad transmission but not 2001 (despite a recall on 2001 tranny & many net stories similar to mine).

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  Smooth ride. Comfortable interior. - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By mauimomof3 - May 31 - 3:55 pm

  We spent so much time hemming and hawing over which van to buy. Sienna vs. Odyssey. I did NOT like the exterior styling of the 2011 Odyssey. But its grown on me a little. To me, the Sienna has and still has nicer exterior styling. After test driving it and sitting in all 3 rows, I had to go with the Odyssey. Odyssey is smoother shifting, handles better and is more comfortable inside. The plastics and cloth seems to be higher quality than the Sienna, also. This car is fun to drive. Really drives like a car. I had a mid-sized SUV (2WD) before this and Odyssey blows it away not only in power but handling!

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  SIDE DOORS - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By catalina60 - May 19 - 5:33 pm

  Our 2011 EX-L has a peculiar safety issue: Both my wife and I have driven off with one of the side doors open. Other than a small red door adjar symbol in the instrument panel, there is no other notable warning to the driver. It seems there should be a high-pitch audible warning or even the inablility to shift into Drive since the danger is so great if a side door is not fully closed, esp. if there are children or other passengers in the middle seats.

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  This vehicle is a nightmare - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By kpolitte - May 19 - 4:05 pm

  The PAX tire system is a nightmare. We just put our 3rd set on the van with 90,000 miles...so thats $4,000 alone we have invested in tires. The car rattles, has major other quality issues. Never again...

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  Electronics are poor - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By all4wheels - May 18 - 9:55 pm

  I have had the 2011 with navigation system for about 2 months now. The good is that it sits a little bit lower to the ground and has good headroom. I am over 6 feet tall and the headroom and legroom are fine. It drives nicely. Compared to my prior 2001 Odyssey I would say that the ride of this van is "softer" and it is less responsive than my other van. The front hood slopes down and I am unable to see the front of the Van. This takes some time getting used to, especially parking in tight areas. Now for the AWFUL: The Navigation system is TERRIBLE. The bluetooth for the telephone drops every few miles. They are both useless.

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  Not for Winter Climates - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By scottmason - May 9 - 9:37 pm

  This van is fun to drive with a ton of features. It is like owning a sports car that hauls a lot of people. The radio is amazing with a six disc changer. The down side is it cannot get through snow. If there is more than an inch of snow, this van slides, spins and is not comforting to drive. Winter driving is horrible. This van has a whistle from the lower part of the windshield at highway speeds. I read this in other reviews and did not believe it. It is very true and a horrible noise. I have owned this van for under six months and will be selling it very soon.

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  "MY ODY" Loving It!!! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By trron9 - May 7 - 9:40 pm

  21 days ago I purchased a 2011 Ody EX-L, trading in a 2008 Ford Expedition EL that was getting 12 mpg. I did alot of research before making my purchase, I compared the Sienna, the Quest and the T & C. I decided on the Ody because of its interior room, 3rd row is spacious. I like the look of the new Sienna better, but by far the Ody is the better van. The T & C has a nicer dash, as the Ody takes some getting use to. This is a fun vehicle to drive in 3 weeks Ive racked up 2,200 miles, my wife and I took a trip to Branson, heavy rain all the way from KC, the Ody held the road well. Fit & finish a 9, the left rear panel sticks out. 26 mpg hwy 19.6 city combined. adding 20" rims, a guy thing!

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  Luxuary - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By manu5 - May 3 - 12:24 pm

  We just bought and it drives and feels like a luxury car not like a minivan. I am glad I waited to buy the minivan. This is a great minivan. Turned away from Sienna since its interior looked very plastic and cheap.