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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  Lot of Wind nose from front of passenter - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By HKB - November 19 - 12:28 pm

  Everything else is good with the car except the wind noise above 45mph or even in low speeds if there is a lot of wind outside. Cannot believe such kind of quality control from Honda....

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  Clipped by independent car dealer - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Basil - November 18 - 5:26 pm

  #1 check trans fluid. Pull dipstick and wipe on white paper towel. If fluid is black or otherwise not red, avoid the car because it needs a new torque converter. That is expensive. Otherwise, it is a comfortable, easy to drive car.

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  Hondas Are Wonderful - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Suzan Rollins - November 14 - 6:26 pm

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  The absolute best vehicle ever - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Stephanie - November 13 - 11:34 pm

  I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this vehicle. It is the best car I have ever owned.

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  One of a kind - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By Nelson - November 12 - 6:26 pm

  We bought our Odyssey about 7 years ago. It then had 170K. It now has 240K. With the exception of a new radiator, the only other repairs have been the usual maintenance. It still is a pleasure to drive. The seats are comfortable and the interior roomy. Except for a little carpet wear in the front seat area, it looks almost new inside. Of course, the car-like doors are a wonderful addition. The folding, back seat is a nice touch we use it often to provide more storage space. It is absolutely reliable and still looks remarkably good, at least to us. We have looked at new cars thinking to replace it, but just walk away from them. With a car that offers us low insurance rates, good gas mileage (21-29mpg), low taxes, and no repair costs, why would we want a new one. We dont need all the techno stuff, so why spend big money. Maybe someday, but not yet. Just a great car!

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  290,000 Now !! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Clubber1 - November 8 - 5:34 pm

  290K and still going strong. Might have to replace CV Axles, they having been making a clicking noise for about 80k miles now. Engine still as smooth and powerful as when new. Goes like a tank through the snow with Blizzaks on. Power doors having issues. Just have open manually now, good exercise. Still on only second set of spark plugs, all original exhaust, transmission. This van is pretty amazing.

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  We got a LEMON! - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Kerri Tibbs - November 7 - 5:08 pm

  As owner of only Honda or Toyota for the past 20 years, this will be a fair and honest review because I want/wanted to love this van forever...really! Heres the good: overall feeling of Honda quality. The van is VERY well designed for families! Pretty sure a woman was involved in that aspect...theres a spot for everything and more. Love the looks in and out. Overall design is fantastic!! Feels very safe, LOVE the side view camera!!! Fuel efficiency is amazing, especially on highway we easily get 27-29+ MPG. What I hate: cheap feeling cloth interior and transmission! I do a lot of city driving and initial acceleration causes whiplash...very jumpy and noisy. So I wanted to say this is my favorite vehicle ever but unfortunately ours has been very troubled. At 2,000 miles the steering wheel randomly "popped" loudly while turning. Was told Im "the 1st one to have this complaint." It was very difficult to reproduce with Honda tech (of course!) but finally did. Tech said his wifes 2015 does this also. So dealer took new one off the lot and that one did it too!! After keeping my van a few days the dealership along with Honda tried to tell us it was normal. Trust me, if I heard this steering wheel pop when I drove it off the lot w/4 miles on it I would have brought it right back!!!! So finally at 3,800 miles at our insistence (we had to raise a stink) they did replace the steering column which has been a good fix so far. Next, at the 5,000 mile mark the sliding door motor failed causing the door to become STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION! This happened on a rainy holiday weekend. The van is not fun to drive with an open door! Eventually rain stopped and I was able to drive it to the dealership as other drivers honked/gestured at me. The tech couldnt get the door closed after trying for an hour. Required the entire interior being dismantled. New door motor from Honda ordered and installed but FAULTY! Another door motor finally did the trick. What a mess!! So glad we did a sign & drive lease as I think my van was assembled the day after the Super Bowl. My in-laws bought a 2015 EX-L the same week we did and have had no problems. Thankfully our dealership has taken care of us so far (reluctantly) but theres NO WAY Im keeping this van once the warranty is done!!! Its been "undriveable" 3 days PLUS 10 days in the shop over the course of 5 months. Honda IS NOT what it used to be :(

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  My complete Thinking of this vehicle - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By D Smart - November 5 - 8:48 am

  I love this mini van from both the looks and performance. However there is a significant flaw in the design from my view point. First of all consider that I am 6 feet tall and weigh about 230 pounds whereas my wife is 4 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs 105 pounds. Keeping this in mind, the vehicle suits me at the 5-starlevel but, not true for my wife with her leser height. Egressing and ingressing as the driver and/or front seat passenger is rated at about the 1-star level. Example from front seat either side of vehicle, she must turn so to have her legs out the door and then slide off the seat, basically uncontrolled fall, until her feet touch the ground. Getting into the vehicle is eq`ually as difficult, too. Now as the driver, she must raise the seat to max height and full forward in order to partially see over the dash. This position places her right knee against the lower part of the dash. To me this is a dangerous position in case of a head-on collision. Next, she has difficulty with vissibility from drivers position looking to right and/or left at a 45 degree angle as the view is completely blocked by the design/position of the pillars right and left of windshield. These drawbacks do not apply to me due to my increased height. Additionally, she has trouble reaching the brake and accelerator pedals, too. I have searched for pedal extenders, but Honda does not have them and the dealer could not help me on this problem. This problem is of such magnitude that I feel compelled to exchange this vehicle for another that will better suit the two of us in a more safe manner. Again, and as final note, this vehicle and the things stated about my wife apply only to her as I am completely satisfied although I, too, have significant visibility reduction at 45 degree angle to the left from drivers seat, and came very close to striking a pesdestrain who was blocked from my view by the left of windshield post.

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  Accck, where is the Honda quality? Love the design - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Shannon - October 29 - 7:57 am

  We are on our 2nd Honda Odyssey. Our first died at 135K with a starter problem that couldnt not be fixed, by anyone! That car also had transmission failure at 100K, replaced under warranty. ( a different dealership) Our 2009 Odyssey has had power steering pump replaced- twice, fuel pump replaced and now, the same starter problem at 135K. The starter has been replaced but it did not fix the problem. We are done with Honda, though I think the this dealership has gone above and beyond in trying to make us happy. The cars - both of them, not up to our quality standards. Love the minivan, hate the repair hassle.

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  Back to the Honda Family! - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Kenneth Sung - October 18 - 11:18 pm

  Ive had previous experience with Hondas and Acuras (9 previous vehicles owned/leased to be exact), but it came time to me to experiment with other car manufacturers, but the quality from those other brands did not hold up well compared to Honda. My only gripe that I can think for the Honda Odyssey is the MPG, but hey, who can complain about 19 MPG when you are hauling a family around with cargo in the back.