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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  1999 Odyssey - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By jnkurban - January 17 - 7:02 pm

  Bought the van a couple years ago. The van looked great, power doors are nice for a family and the engine has ran good. Transmission is BAD, the transmission lasted a couple years and needs to be replaced. Honda dealer said $4000 to be replaced. If it wernt for transmission problems in this van it would be the perfect van. This Honda transmission has no reliablity. Unless youre willing to replace the transmission every couple years at a cost of $4000, stay away from this vehicle.

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  Many problems - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By lrdog - January 14 - 7:23 pm

  We bought this van new in Aug of 2001. Within the first 6 months we began experiencing problems with it. The light behind the dash board went out, the automatic doors began sticking, and the transmission began slipping. This van is at the shop every 6 months for some type of issue. I have taken it to the dealership for the transmission at least five different times. Now at 117,400 miles, the transmission goes out and Honda will bck up their product at all. There has been a class action lawsuit because the transmissions are faulty. I expected more from a Honda than constant small problems and a broken transmission. i have never experienced these problems with my Toyotas.

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  Disappointed Honda Owner - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By nohondamom - January 6 - 12:34 pm

  Purchased a 2003 Honda Odyssey in Fall 2002. I started having trouble with it after 100,000 miles. All maintenance were kept up. Transmission was the major problem. I had to replace it twice within 1 month (had to pay about $1500, while Honda covered the rest). Then a year later I was told the transmission was leaking. Shift Solenoids A and B Gaskets had to be replaced, luckily it was still under warranty. Now Jan 2011, I found out my transmission has a leak again with other major issues. Im told the cost of repair is not worth it. The car is almost 180,000mile. Extremely disappointed that it could not make it to 200,000miles.Told it should last well over 200,000.Will not buy Honda again!

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  Overall - Good - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By erik_h - January 1 - 12:35 am

  First mini-van, wanted a vehicle with 3rd row. Looked at all the competition and his was the choice for us. Happy with the choice and have very little to complain about. Interior is better then the competition and was better fit for my family.

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  Poor quality and terrible support service - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By klim - December 22 - 10:41 pm

  My first car was a Civic and enjoyed driving it for many years and had a very good impression with Hondas reliability. I also have friends and family who bought Odyssey (2002, 2007 and 2010 models) and all recommend it. When I shop for minivan, I was thinking between Sienna and Odyssey. Then, Honda announced a new 2011 model (Sienna is coming with new model in 2012),and I bought it 3 weeks ago. To my disappointment, the quality is very poor-- Third row (magic) seat doesnt fold down a few times. Second row seat doesnt lock in place after you adjust the seat, it slides. Entertainment system doesnt shutdown today even after I removed the key and lock the door. Honda dealer is not helpfu

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  Suburban for Odyssey - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By hurs - December 22 - 7:01 am

  We traded in our 07 LTZ Suburban for the 11 EX-L Odyssey. COULD NOT BE HAPPIER! We have Triplet 5 year olds that we wanted to keep in their Britax seats so had limited availability. Wow! What a dream this "trucklet" is. I never wanted to be a mini-van owner, but this is heaven on earth! The Odyssey has much smaller exterior then the Suburban, but more interior room! Comfortable, sporty (2011), ease of use, seat capabilities FAR exceed the Suburban. We wanted the Mercedes R Series or the GLK and the Odysseys options/ease of use blew the Mercedes out of the water! If you have multiple children and want a fun and comfortable ride try the ODYSSEY you will NOT be disappointed! Delighted!

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  2011 Odyssey EX-L w/ NAV - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By kmich71 - December 21 - 1:10 am

  Purchased a 2011 Odyssey EX-L w/ NAVI 2 wks ago and really like it. Looked at the Pilot, but needed the 3rd row seating with trunk space and the Odyssey made the most sense and was more practical. Did a ton of research and compared it to the Sienna, but actually like the style, drive and interior more with the Odyssey. Wife was on the fence about driving/owning a mini van, but after 2 weeks she absolutely loves it. Kids have enough space to spread out between the 2 rows and trips to the store or kids sports activities are a breeze with car-pooling and the trunk space. I drive a luxury sedan which this doesnÂ’t compare to, but for a functional family vehicle, you cannot go wrong.

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  The Best of the Bunch! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By eddiewannabee1 - December 18 - 1:02 pm

  Purchased a Touring Elite Odyssey about a month ago. Had a 2010 Odyssey we traded in. The 2010 was already making unwanted noises, rattles and more. The 2011 is much more quiet than previous Odysseys we owned. The stereo system is superior than all previous Honda models, if only for the wattage. The ride is as expected, comfortable and uneventful, and again noise cancellation is superior than previous Odysseys. Room is plentiful and gas mileage a little better than previous models. The technology aspect is quite remarkable. It seems they decided to include just about every which way and it shows. The looks of the van are somewhat different from the 2010 but it does look good all around.

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  Best of the best - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By elewsader - December 17 - 7:22 pm

  *at the time of this release - this has been the definitive minivan for the market segment. I tend to pull up to intersections with multiple Odyssey in line which doesnt bother me because I can feel comfortable knowing Ive selected the best available option for my money. If you find yourself on the fence on deciding whether to go with the Sienna or the Honda which I did I have no regrets with this car. The fit an finish just far exceed all other minivans in this segment and this has been one of the few rare purchases in my life that Ive not regretted.

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  Why all the negative comments? - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By happyhondaowner - December 4 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Odyssey EX-L we purchased new about 8 years ago has been a very good, reliable and enjoyable car. I read on the post about all transmission and door problems, etc. but we have not experienced those problems. We drive about 12k miles/year. Im not saying were lucky... I think we take care of our car with maintenance, with not driving it hard, etc. This was our first Honda and we dont have anything bad to say about it. Its plenty spacious for the family and all the trips and things we take with us. My 2 cents. its a great car , but if you get a lemon, youll have a sour taste in your mouth - (we must have got the cherry)!