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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  Honda Marriage on the Rocks! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Rich - November 8 - 2:00 am

  It was love at first sight, but after 26,000 mi, Im close to filing for divorce on my 2008 Odyssey! "How do I unlove thee? Let me count the Defects!" 1. Rattles and window whistles from day one. 2. Mushy brakes: Recalled 3. Shutter and maddening erratic shifting: Re- programmed Transmission. 4. Loud Power Steering noises: Replaced plugged Power Steering Reservoir. 5. And, finally, failed Torque Converter: Replaced. I really what to love her, but shes making it awfully difficult. I guess, like some beautiful women, shes great to look at but shes nothing but trouble on the inside! I hope Honda doesnt run out of parts before the warranty expires!

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  198,000 Owned for 164 Months! - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By chrissy - November 6 - 2:00 am

  198,000 miles 14 years later. This was my first and only "new" vehicle. I dont want another "new" one. Dependable! Dependable! Dependable! We have taken care of her--timing belts replaced (preventative maintenance) at 63,000 and 146,000. At 198k now, we are planning another belt at 219k---without a doubt! A few years ago, in the winter, I let her warm up for about 20-30 minutes. Mistake! she blew a tiny o ring. oil everywhere. I shut her down. got her to the shop/ paid hundreds for the repair. The door locks have a mind of their own-so what. The valve cover gasket was replaced a few years ago and around 1999 we had to replace a seal in a tail light. She is awesome!

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  A Family Hauler - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By P33B - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Purchased Odyssey new in April 2000. Had a 92 Chrysler minivan previously which was the most unreliable vehicle ever. Have 4 kids and needed something large. Now has 113,000 miles, extremely reliable (routine maintenance only) except for transmission. Replaced transmission last year at 105,000 miles. Honda split the cost based on extended warranty for transmission. Sliding doors stick in wet weather. 16-18 MPG city, 22-25 MPG highway at 70-75 MPH. Reasonable for a heavy vehicle. Still solid with no squeaks or rattles. Dont use to too often anymore but it runs great. Own three other Hondas and Odyssey has been just as reliable.

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  Brakes, doors and windows - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By RAC - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Very unsatisfied with this vehicle. Im owner of three other Honda and decided to buy and Odyssey. Decided to buy lower end Honda because i dont like automatic doors. van has been in the dealer twice for issues with the doors due problems with spring. at 21k miles van was having issues when pressing the brakes at 50 mph the steening wheels vibrates very hard, took van to the dealer and according to the dealer rotors are uneven and need re-surface or replacement. According to do them the problem is bad driving. I cannot believe this response. I have other Honda and has never had any issues with rotors at this early driving mileage. Warranty doesnt cover rotors after 10K miles. Van not recommended.

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  Very Nice - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By John - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the van for 9 years and put 61k miles on it. At 50,000 miles I had all the fluids, including the transmission, changed out. I have maintained it very well and am very pleased with it. Absolutely no transmission problems.

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  Excellent - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By dc - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car, very happy with my purchase. Excellent ride and great for my young family

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  GREED is NOT good. Honda reliability DOA - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By labros - October 31 - 2:00 am

  My first Honda was a 1973 Civic. I had many Hondas since and I loved the company for their well engineered, reliable cars. They taught Detroit a lesson. Now unfortunately they look more like how Detroit USED to be. I bought a new ODYSSEY in 2007 and I have been many times to the dealer for replacement of batteries (every year) to total loss of power steering at low to no speeds (still no recall from Honda for a known problem on thousands of vehicles). Several quality issues have made me not want to buy a Honda anymore. Corporate GREED is NOT good for the consumer or the shareholders. HONDA you should know better!

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  10 years of the odyssey - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By ody_fan - October 31 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving an Ody since 1999, the 2011 model was my 5th one. I purchased a 2011 touring elite based on the past 4 cars, assuming that it would be another set of typical Honda improvements. That is largely the case, almost everything in the car has gotten better. Unfortunately, the American design team removed the typical Japanese drive characteristics. The steering is awful. The car is all over the road especially on the highway. The steering wheel can be moved 3 inches before the car responds with a much delayed "wobble" that rolls the body. The brakes are similarly unresponsive and less precise than prior models, although hard braking is better. "Respect The Van" no more.

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  Awesome - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By cheleng - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Got the 2011 Odyssey after trading my 2007. Lots of perks on the new one. Like the design not boxy as the previous models more of a JDM car but built in the USA. Have room for improvements but in all it is the best minivan out there.

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  Reliable Convience - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By seast9 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this van used with 70k miles, currently we are 110k miles. In that time there have been no unscheduled repairs. I will note, upon the test drive, the DVD player did not work, the dealer paid for the repair (~$600). The ride and handling are superior to any other minivan I have ever owned or driven. The build quality is also top notch. We specifically avoided the Touring model because of the PAX tires ($$). The EX- L provides nearly all the same amenities as the Touring model. The entertainment system with wireless headphones is a great systems for those of us with small children. The transmission is starting to show signs of wear, but increased fluid changes solve that.