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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  So far so good - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Nala_Bay Area - October 21 - 2:00 am

  We just changed 4 PAX tires after 53,200 miles. Everyone was surprised that it was the first set of tires after the original. It is expensive (about $1,300 for the whole job), but we thought safety is priceless knowing that we wont loss control of the van with a bad tire. We love this van and drive it every day (long daily commute and weekend leisure).

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  2011 Honda Touring - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By 8Pack - October 20 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased the 2011 Odyssey Touring on Oct 16. We decided earlier this year to go with the Odyssey over the Sienna (only 2 minivans to offer 8 passenger seating) primarily because of step back Toyota took when they made the 8th seat (center in center row) so much smaller than in the previous 10 model. We were very surprised that Toyota did not build on this feature but rather made it a lot worse. Since we have 6 kids we really need 8 real seats - which the 11 Odyssey has. Further, we need a minimum of 4 latch positions, the Sienna only has 3 (down from 4 in last model - another step back). The Odyssey has 5 latch positions. We also like the looks inside and outside. It looks sleek.

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  Water leaks - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Zimmer - October 18 - 2:00 am

  We use our EX-L for hauling bikes, Labrador retrievers and light cargo for home projects. Weve taken the middle seats out and keep the rear seats folded down into the floor. Imagine my surprise today, when I accessed the compartment below the rear seats and found the carpet soaked with about 1/2 inch of water. I googled the problem and found that this is a common problem with the Odyssey and has been prevalent since 2001. My main complaint is that Honda knows of the problem but responds as if mine is the only case ever. Honda will lose me as a follow-up customer. I dont like dishonesty.

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  Great engineering, questionable looks - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Briann - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Picked up the vehicle two days ago strikingly luxurious inside, and very nice, quiet ride. I had previously leased an 05 and an 08 and was surprised at how much more upscale the interior is on the 11. Lots of technology upgrades. Im a little concerned that the change in the drivers foot-well will not be comfortable on long trips (left leg now not able to stretch fully). Also not happy about the roof rails no longer being present, as I actually used them on the previous models.

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  Disappointed in Honda Quality - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Big Jay - October 17 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this van in 2002. We owned it for 8 years and 120K miles. Overall, I was disappointed in the quality of the vehicle. It did have some good interior and exterior features. The engine was always reliable. However, the transmission was a train wreck. We had to replace the transmission 2 times while we owned it. We had numerous issues with the power sliding door. Every so often I had to clean the connectors with steel wool or the door would not shut properly. We recently traded off the van for a Toyota. The little things like nobs, handles, buttons, etc. were starting to fail. The gas mileage was also starting to diminish. I would be hesitant to purchase another Honda Odyssey van.

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  Axle/Transmission/Steering - Bad - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Robert - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Do not buy one of these. This will be the fifth time going to the dealership for repairs! The transmission, axles, wheels, steering, are poorly made. I will never buy another Honda again (unless they give me a huge amount of money to trade this minivan in for something else).

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  2nd transmission gone - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Ross_t - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Decent minivan, has some squeaks and rattles, struts are shot and the second transmission just blew. The first transmission went at ~58k, less than 40k on the second. I have kept the transmission fluid clean by drain and fills, has Honda trans cooler. Other items replaced have been wear items. I would be quite happy with this vehicle if the transmissions had been better engineered and reliable. Honda has been poor in standing behind their product IMHO and wont get another purchase out of me. (multiple Honda car owner.)

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  Not what we expected - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By gin - October 14 - 2:00 am

  We bought new in the fall of 2000 expecting to have it last us at least 15 years. We had to replace the transmission at 96K (under warranty) and now have to replace it again at 193K (no warranty)-replacement cost $3300 to $6900 - Ouch!! not feasible for this family - will have to junk it - replacement with new is not possible and any other van just doesnt meet my standards after having the luxuries of this one. Honda you spoiled me - and have disappointed me by replacing broken with refurbished instead of new. My 1995 Chev truck runs better (who would have thought it would outlast a Honda)

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  2009 Odyssey LX - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By daveb - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Love the Ody but beware of the braking! 3 times now, I have applied the brakes and my foot caught the gas pedal also. VERY scary and dangerous. I have been driving for over 30 years and have NEVER had this problem. Seems the pedal is not high enough and there is no adjustment. 2 times this happened at busy 55mph intersection - engine racing, abs light on, van still moving forward and my foot on the brake. 3rd time, almost hit the basketball post in my driveway. I must be very aware of my foot position in this van when stopping - I think it is dangerous and dealer says there is no adjustment.

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  Downgrade from previous models - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By JS - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a 2007 Odyssey. This years model has several downgrades that may seem minor, but are not. The center removable seat no longer folds for storage under the floor. It did not come with a cargo net. Little things like that. The Bumpers on this car are terrible. They are easily scratched and dinged and upon lease return you will be charged to repaint or replace them. My Transmission has a shutter at low speeds and I just learned that there is a recall to repair this. Overall Honda took a step back in quality with this model.