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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  Love it more than I thought I would - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda lover! - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 2000 Honda van with 193,000 miles. Really was looking at the 2010 discounted models - unable to find the one I wanted with the right options - we decided to consider the 2011. Beautiful interior and more options than I ever dreamed of. I wasnt crazy about the new exterior so I had roof rails and side molding added - boy does that help! It gives it the more of the profile I like about the Odysseys. The ride is very quiet and comfortable. I dont think you can go wrong with a Honda.

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  Great first minivan - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Mike - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Pros: Best minivan out there Like the looks Lots of gadgets etc. Awesome RES system Comfortable and cavernous interior Cons: (context of my first minivan after driving an Infiniti G35S) Acceleration is slow Other cars like to pass me on the freeway or cut me off now This is my first minivan and I must admit I was not sold until I had my entire family climb into it and everyone was silent and comfy. That sold me. Huge interior for the 3 kids, great seats up front with lots of gadgets for the wife, and easy to drive. Feels like Im driving a boat compared to infiniti g35S. "Vanity succumbs to convenience and silence" -- my sister.

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  Honda Odyssey is Outstanding - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By RC - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle handles well, and is a fun experience for the entire family. With all of the added features Honda places in the van, there is no doubt that this is a vehicle that will appeal to the consumer that is hesitant to purchase a minivan. This vehicle has a unique design and styling that is intend to be progressive and streamline.

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  Really, really good, but not great. - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By HondaNgermany - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Expecting a 3rd child, we knew exactly what we were going to get. Honda is the most reliable motor company out there and are long-trusted in my family. We were so impressed by the build quality. Its like they gathered all the moms of the world and asked them what they wanted in a van and then met ALL demands. I have only two complaints. This car is a Jekyll and Hyde van. In the dry weather, it drives great! But give it some rain and it becomes a monster. The variable cylinder control system SNAPS on and off creating a wrestling match with the stability control system and causes the van to rock side-to-side. Not a good thing on a sick, wet road. The other issue are the brakes (see below).

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  More trans/rack problems - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Huggins - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Echo other experiences with leaking rack (replaced ~25,000 mi) now worsening shudder, prob transmission. Previously had "thunk" with downshifting during slowing, better after flush/software adjustment x 2. Drives, rides worse than 2005 Town and Country. Would not buy again-go with the Sienna-smooth as silk in test drive.

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  A Movable Living Room - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By suzanne - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Wow. My first Honda and am blown away. Crazy interior space...like driving around with your living room attached to you! Yet handles really well and gets pretty good gas mileage. Have only had it for a week, so very early, but I am Miss Picky w/ cars. Great deal at dealer and great service here in MA. Not sure I believe promised MPG, but will see. I do wish it were about 4 inches narrower, but then again I am not needing to haul 8 people as this van is designed for.

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  Not the quality of Toyota - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By dharrin - November 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car in late 06, have put 85k miles since. Every year the repairs total approximately 1000.(in addition to regular maintenance). I found out this car has a coil for each cylinder. Brakes are noisy. Piddly electrical problems also. So far, the trans hasnt died, but is slipping a little. It doesnt hold an alignment very long. The ride is very comfortable and fits all five kids and their stuff. The ride is good, seats are comfy even on 1600 mile round trips to relatives. It is pretty good in No. New England snow. Avg 27 mpg on highway trips/17 in town. I doubt it will make it another year.

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  We Love it! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Orange&Blue - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Best driving vehicle we have ever owned. Has a very sporty/stiff suspension which is fun to drive. Cant believe its a minivan! Very quite ride. Interior is laid out very well. We love the interior quality and ergonomics. Ride and interior quality made the difference to us versus other mini vans available. Personally, I like the exterior styling, its sportier, differentiating, and better looking (chrome edging)than the Odys main competitor. We opted for Nav. only EXL. We have an ipad and that keeps the kids busy on long trips. Also, DVD can be added after the fact by dealer if we change our mind on this. Eco cylinder limiting and monitoring is neat and helps us conserve fuel.

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  Noisy and bouncy - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Nancy - November 9 - 2:00 am

  We have owned the Odyssey less than two months. It has 3,000 miles and has been on one long trip from NC to CT. It has lots of wind and road noise. It only drives well on smooth pavement. The cargo area is poorly designed. There are no tie down hooks to strap in cargo. It seems to be solely designed to haul people. We usually keep a vehicle 7 - 10 years. This one will be gone in 2-3 years. Front seats are uncomfortable.

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  Gotta Love it - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By HLLS - November 8 - 2:00 am

  We bought this with 56k miles on it. it has 199k now. This has been the most dependable car we have ever owned. I bought wife a Mazda van and parked it for 18 months till daughter was old enough to drive. Started right up, took it to mechanic who had to clean the nox valves to get it to pass emissions and charged the AC and it was back in perfect condition till the daughter totaled it. Airbags allowed to teenagers to walk away from almost head on collision. Right now I am pondering another 95 Odyssey with a blown transmission to put this tranny in because in 18 months I have another kid ready to drive!