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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  Gas MPG not as advertised!! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By walden94 - March 5 - 10:02 am

  We traded in our 2000 Odyssey with 120k miles, for a brand new 2010 EX-L. It has better performance than the older model but less room in back. We used to be able to stow stuff under the 3rd seat but the 2010 is now blocked off. Also, the sticker advertises 25 mpg hwy but weve never received better than 20 mpg after 6k miles. Also, disappointed there is no factory option for a hands-free Bluetooth. Other than that ,the quality is good, no problems yet.

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  Its a LUXURY Car! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By sbinevv - February 27 - 10:33 pm

  Many owners are parents who looked for a minivan and liked the Odysseys features. Our kids are grown, no grandkids yet, and Im a businessman. We wanted a luxury car that would seat up to 8 adult family members or haul bikes or kayaks inside it. We got it all. We relied on owner/reviewers in Edmunds who often mentioned "comfort," "quiet," "room," "ride" and "handling." We bought the Touring Elite, but any model from EX-L up is a luxury car. The truffle interior on ours is dark grey/brown that has a rich look but also will hide dirt and marks. Every detail has been thought out and designed to be practical. The amount of technology is incredible. Chose it over Sienna and Enclave.

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  UNDRIVABLE DISASTER - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By tturner201 - February 21 - 5:34 pm

  Drivers had to constantly fight the steering wheel. The slightest breeze, curve or slope of the road pulled the steering wheel so hard no one would drive it far. Honda acknowledged the problem, but stated they could not correct it. I had to sell it at very high loss.

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  love, love, love it!!! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By llama5 - February 18 - 10:38 pm

  Love the new Honda Odyssey. I traded my 2006 Honda in for the new 2011 Touring in black. Looks awesome and super sleek in black. Since purchasing this new Honda I have had NOTHING but compliments from strangers admiring the new look of the Honda. The reviews I read were somewhat negative of the new body but when you see it in person it looks so much better and the black color looks the best. I have three kids so space and safety are important to me. I feel super safe toting my kids in the new Honda. It drives like a dream and the interior is sleek yet simple. I noticed that it DOES not have roof racks and it bothered me at first but now Im happy without them.

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  Nice family minivan! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By gigig1 - February 14 - 11:56 pm

  Traded our 2007 EX-L RES with 2010 Touring ,and we loved it!.I heard a lot of reviews about transmission problems on odyssey van but so far I didnt have problem with our 07.There are complains about MPG ratings too!you know what,maybe you forgot that this is a 6 cylinder,not 4,so dont expect that its as fuel efficient as civic.We drove our 07 to New York 2 yrs. ago and I filled the tank twice only all the way.We started from the midwest.Very reliable van!!

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  Love my Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By davidh4784 - February 14 - 11:57 am

  We bought our 2005 EX in the middle of 2005. We have had almost NO issues what so ever with the van. The only issue that we have had is the Factory tires. They are WORTHLESS. Three had to be replaced at only 8,000 miles and all four had to be replaced at 18,000 miles due to them wearing issues. They where taken care of by the Honda warranty and then lasted until 50,000 miles when i replaced them with Goodyear triple treads. No other issues with the van at all and we love it and will buy another one when this one at some point after this one dies.

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  30 days later - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By v2004 - February 7 - 4:16 pm

  I now have my Odyssey for the full 30 days and I must tell you that I love it more every day. The exterior styling which at first looked a little odd finally started taking shape in my mind. I can now appreciate the styling much more especially after I added roof rails/racks and door moldings (a must). I also realized that Siennas exterior style which at first looked better, looks too plain and too Japanese compared to the Odyssey.

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  Great car but lots of annoying problems.... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By walnutchen - February 6 - 11:43 am

  We really like the car, its roomy, drives nice, cool design, lots of cup holders, but this car is always under repair which is really annoying. Since we had it (4 yrs now) weve had to: 1) Run flats wore out at (and every ) 20K. ($1500 each time) 2) automatic doors had spring popped out (3) rear engine mount had to be replaced ($800) 4) alignment was off ($100) 5) DVD system sometimes shows blank screen (we had to eject it several times for it to work. This is the most amount of maintenance I had to do for a car under 60K miles.

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  Minivan for life - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By v2004 - January 28 - 8:25 pm

  After we had a third baby I started looking for something that would fit the entire family without hassle and would be pleasant to drive. I looked at the Sienna and the Odyssey. While Sienna wins in the exterior styling and available AWD option, nothing else comes even close to the craftsmanship, comfort and quality of the Odyssey. The material (especially hard plastic) used in Sienna are just terrible, even the top of the line model feels cheap. The Odyssey on the other hand is very well made. It feels and looks expensive. The ride quality and especially cornering is much better than Sienna. While Odyssey feels planted without much of a body roll, Sienna feels like a boat on wheels.

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  Time to sell or trade - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By exhondaowner - January 27 - 9:31 pm

  Sold at 80K miles. I expected to keep the car for at least 10 years. Rear power windows went in 2008. The transmission has slipped for 10k miles and I do not trust it. Much worse recently. Power door locks are failing and the radio controls on the steering wheel and radio were not failing. I have had 3 other Hondas. 1986 Accord went 186K. 2000 Accord replaced transmission at 80K in November. The 2005 Accord is still going strong with 35K miles. I did not realize how noisy they were until I purchased the 2011 Highlander.