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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  2011 ODYSSEY - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Duggg - December 4 - 2:00 am

  This is our 1st minivan and we bought this over a Honda Pilot because it was more sensible for our growing family. We compared the 2011 Sienna and Odyssey. The Odyssey won due to the ease of the folding rear seats and my wife liked the looks and drive better. I have only two complaints, the driver seat doesnt go back far enough (Im 62)and the middle row of seats CANNOT be arranged to have the two bigger seats side by side with the smaller center seat removed for easier access to the rear. Great van otherwise, very happy.

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  Better! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Eddie Wannabee - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought a Touring Elite 2011 on 11/22/10 with only 2 miles on the odometer. Traded a 2010 Touring. Love to explain but there wouldnt be enough space. Read the reviews here and other sites. Some reviews were real negative and became cause for concern. This van is better than previous Odysseys we owned by far. The stereo on the Elite is a thing to savor and the technology loaded aspect a true delight. None of the criticisms about how bad they ride, the soft ride, etc. Better built (rattle very annoying on the drivers side door previous van here, in the same harsh road, totally silent). I think for the money this one beats all competitors. The Touring Elite is the best investment. Worth it!

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  Lots of Space, But Not Fun to Drive - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I chose this minivan over an SUV after much begging from my wife, who liked the space, practicality and fuel efficiency. I regret the purchase. Car has lots of space, but the 5-speed models still have lots of road noise. Car is fuel efficient but not much better than SUV considering this is a 2 wd. VCM spends too much time fumbling with how many cylinders you need, which results in an unpleasant drive and a lack of confidence in the cars ability to accelerate at times. 3rd row access is just as bad as in an suv especially when you have car seats in the 2nd row. Honda technology/electronics are not as intuitive or impressive as in cars like the Flex. SUV with a roof rack is a good alternative

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  Mobile House! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By abc3000 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2005 EX-L, 2009 EX, and Now the 2011 Touring Elite. This is the best one. Feels connected to ground and solid. People think its an SUV sometimes. The Kids love the entertainment system. I just love this Minivan! I enjoy taking the kids out in this Honda. Other cars I had include lexus IS-F, Audi A4, Lexus GS 08, BMW Z3 but the odyssey I can drive all day!

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  Best Mini Van Availible to Date. - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Lars - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Its a fun to drive van, good fuel economy, its quiet and has plenty of tech features.

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  Excellent Van - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By DM - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Honda Odyssey is fun to drive and can easily accommodate families with 3 or more kids. It shows the power you need when traveling and the security you expect from a family van. Honda Odyssey runs deeply in my family and we all agree that its a much better van than Toyota Sienna.

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  Good/Bad and Ugly - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Priceclub - November 26 - 2:00 am

  We are a family of 5. The (good) Hondas automatic opening doors were great with the twins when they were in car carrier seats. The room inside is great and the van still had plenty of power when 8 people were inside. The (bad) OEM brakes are not made to handle this vehicle, I swear we have had rotor problems twice, and the transmission had to be fixed. The (ugly) is the tires, 82,000 miles,and just put the fourth set on last Saturday. Have tired Mich, Yoko and Goodyears twice. I have alignments every 6 months and rotate/balance every oil change. At least Sears pro- rated the last set for $300 dollars.

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  Didnt expect to LOVE a minivan - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By David - November 25 - 2:00 am

  A joy to drive, and extreme functionality. And top it off with our only problem being lost keys!

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  Disappointed in Honda - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Neil - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a year ago, thinking about trading. Drives nice, however there is a vibration under the car while accelerating through the lower gears. Honda recalled it for vibration judder software update - made no difference. Took it back - said they heard the noise and was likely due to poor gas. They actually recommended premium gas to remedy "spark ping". Funny since the car only requires regular gas. American Honda Corp then asked me to take it for a second opinion. When I was at the dealer, I saw a guy bringing his odyssey in for same problem. My 97 Sentra sounds better than this car. The car does drive nice, however cant stand this terrible noise. Wouldnt buy Honda again.

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  Great car - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Mike - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had many cars and this is maybe the best one yet. I have had 3 full size custom vans and one minivan. So I know what I am looking for. The interior room is great and I am 64" with many grandkids to occupy the second and third seats. The car has many tech features and the ride is really really great.