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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  Great Engine/Questionable Build Quality - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By BMerbler - October 29 - 2:00 am

  The Odyssey has been a great vehicle for our kids. We traded a 2004 Honda Pilot for the van. The shift has made it much more convenient to travel with the kids. The engine runs smooth and provides ample acceleration in the context of family vehicles. The quality overall is less impressive. Our van has just over 48k on it and has a several issues. First, it is already in need of CV joints for the front right and left sides ($600- $700), the leather on the drivers seat arm has already worn a hole (my wife is only 118 lbs-should be easy wear), housing cover on the roof for my satellite radio blew off exposing wires, rear tail light already burned out.

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  The Real Swagger Wagon - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Bulldog - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Wife always wanted a van and from the moment we saw the 2011 model we new that this would be the one. Purchased white/beige leather and had a super smooth transaction at Bluegrass Honda in Paducah, KY. Love the exterior and we have been very impressed with the interior too. Front dash button are intuitive the RES is amazing . Only problem is my son completely disappears into DVD land once he enters the van. Very impressed with the ride and quietness. Sitting lower give a noticeable tightness around corners. My only gripe that the beige leather interior is insanely predisposed to looking dingy. Front seat bottom is black from our clothes! Concerned how well this will age with kids.

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  Waiting to be Impressed. - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Anetrella - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Coming from an Audi Q7 and a 5 series BMW before that, I am surprised by the lack opf BASIC technology in this vehicle. If the best thing you can say about this thing is that it drives most like a car out of its competitors, well, what does that really say? It is a van, designed for family transport, how does it do there? Sadly compared to a test driven Chrystler Town and Country. Plain and simple, you get tons more features with similar quality for less money with the alternatives. Only reason I am in this vehicle is the wife wants to keep up with the jones.

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  2011 Honda Odyssey Touring - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By 8Pack - October 27 - 2:00 am

  We purchased an 11 Touring on Oct 16. Primary reason was the van has the best seating and gas mileage of all vans on the market. We have 6 kids, so we needed 6 real seats. Dodge/Chrysler/VW only offer 7 passenger seating, Toyota claims 8 but it more like 7 1/2. We also needed 4 latch positions. All above mentioned makes only offer 3, while Honda offers 5. We use all 3 latch positions in the 2nd row. Very handy. We use one latch position in the 3rd row (in the center, utilizing the inside latch of each of the outboard seats). The 2 outboard 3rd row positions we have booster seats. All of this fits, so we were sold. This is our first Honda. We like the looks in and out. The handling is great.

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  The first month - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By rjka800 - October 26 - 2:00 am

  So far so good. We traded our 02 Odyssey EX-L for the upgraded 2011. We wanted rear entertainment and navigation so we had to get the Touring model, which we enjoy. The fact that we couldnt get an EX- L with both of these features was a bit annoying, as you can get either or, but not both (Honda may be getting a little too high-brow). It drives great and handles well, and is noticeably quieter than our 02 version. The rear folding seats stow easily, so the fact that they are not powered is un-noticed. Overall is is a vastly improved version (02 to 11 anyway) of a great mini-van.

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  Not So Mini! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Shan - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Extremely impressed so far. You have to check the inside out to believe it. They have really nailed this one. We traded a GMC Yukon SLT and it feels just as large.

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  Still Reliable - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Sephronia - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I have 157,000 miles and the car is still very reliable. Only a couple of very minor repairs over its lifetime. Transmission still going strong (except for a pressure switch < $150 that needed to be replaced). Burns no oil. Great acceleration. Better gas mileage than most. Sliding doors are a poor design and stick often.

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  Nothings perfect - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By grandma of 5 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  My choice was between a Mercedes R Class & a 2011 Odyssey. Interior features & sliding doors beat out the R Class, but after less than 2 weeks, Im having doubts. There is no way to sugar coat the lack of quality in this vehicle. The tinted windows are streaked & hazy & cannot be cleaned. The carpet is ridiculously thin and poorly installed. The flimsy fabric on the seat backs will surely deteriorate & rip out. The plastic interior finishes do not connect & the exterior panels do not line up. There is a surprising amount of wind noise on the highway. I am worried how Ill feel in 11 months if this is how I feel in 11 days. I regret not buying the R Class.

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  so sad - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By sad - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely would have recommended this van to anyone until about 6 months ago at 27K miles. The van developed a vibration which got worse @60+ mph. Im afraid to drive great distances now for fear that its going to fall apart. Ive taken it back for the 3rd time to "fix" the problem. Theyve (1) reset computer, (2) machined all 4 rotors, and lastly (3) road forced balance - none of these supposed "fixes" have fixed the road vibration i experience daily, it maybe even worse. I hate my van and am extremely frustrated with the lack of actual service for the problem at hand. I wont buy another one.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave - October 21 - 2:00 am

  We just traded this 2004 EX-L in on a 2010 EX-L if that tells you anything of how we liked the car. In the more than 6 years that we owned it this was an extremely reliable vehicle. Only maintenance was due to normal wear and tear and scheduled items. An excellent buy.