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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  Extremely Disappointed - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By disappointed - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Our van worked great with no problems until about 76,000 miles. After that it was one thing (some big) after the other. After 10,000 more miles and about $3500, we decided that we had enough. We hoped that this car would last for many years and at least 200,000 miles. It felt like the transmission was going out, similar to other reviews below. After seeing similar vans at the transmission shop, we got rid of it. Since my dads Accord has over 350,000 miles and our friends and family have similar odysseys, we are extremely disappointed! We would not buy another Odyssey unless we purchased a new one with extended warranties. So much for Honda quality and reliability.

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  102,000 Miles and Still Like New - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By conroy - October 13 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought our Honda used in 2008. I agree with some of the comments. My wife loves it and its a solid van. Mileage ranges but we get 17-18 in town and 22-26 on the highway. A lot depends on the wind and load. So far 102,000 and we have one repair. One coil went out about 500 miles ago and the back shocks need replacing. Its due for a timing belt as well at about $500. All I can say is that this is by far the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. The interior is way ahead of a Dodge. We will probably buy another one when it reaches 175,000 or about 3-years. Great van and great for road trips with the kids.

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  Met all my expectations - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Great Vehicle - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Odyssey new in 2001. Has served us well. No Major problems. Two recalls and two warranty items. Now have 85,000. I use it mainly to haul stuff like 4x8 sheets of plywood, framing lumber and other building materials. Also, it holds a John Deere 100 series lawn tractor. Home Depot couldnt believe it. Great on vacations for carrying all the stuff we need. Plus friends. Transmission is excellent. Need to do recall on gear lubrication and change transmission oil regularly to get longevity. Considering a 2011 now.

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  Love Our Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By woodjjgg - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought this pre-owned, in April and have been very happy. Previously had a 2003 Windstar, coming from that van to one has been a blessing. The van is solid, drives wells, average on gas (16mpg city)(20 hwy). I actually want to drive even though it is a minivan.

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  First Time Minivan Owner - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By RS - October 6 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Odyssey in July 2010 and have really enjoyed the experience so far. The Odyssey gives us plenty of space for our 2 small sons (3 1/2 yrs & 1 1/2 yrs) with room to spare. We love the space behind the front seats which prevents the kids from kicking the backs of our chairs. We dont worry about the kids getting fussy on long trips because of the Rear DVD player. The power sliding doors are very helpful. The drivability is good, the steering is responsive, the engine has good pickup, and the ride is soft yet firm. The brakes could be improved, but are ok for a car of this size and weight. So far we love this van as the perfect way to transport our family of 4!

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  Darn fun to drive - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Lover - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Loving it. I got the only Touring Elite in CA. and loving it already. The drive, comfort, and handling is superior. We are planning to our first road trip in 2 weeks and cant wait.

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  Change My Mind About Minivans - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By awhite4 - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I had a preconceived idea that minivans were not for me. After driving the Odyssey it changed my mind so much that we purchased one that very day! It is far from the traditional minivan. The look is much more sporty and sleek. The inside is so luxurious and comfortable. The best part is the little touches that make it so handy for a family. Hooks are place in the front and middle to hang trash sacks. As a mom I really appreciate things like that. I absolutely love it.

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  2010 vs 2011 - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Rich - October 3 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a new 2010 before the 2011 model shipped. This week I physically inspected a new 2011. The new model is not as airy and open as the older model. The lowered roof line and higher belt line reduces the feeling of space from the 2nd and 3 rows children will have no complaints. The roof air vents are airline sized eyelets which may not distribute air as well as the larger style found in the older model. Rear visibility is reduced. The new model has a few refinements and I expect improved drive dynamics. But, the older Ody is a winner for visibility, ext side design and still competitive with the 2011.

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  Dog gets a new hauler - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Matt - October 3 - 2:00 am

  After 30K on an 07 Element, time for more room for the dog. So far very happy with Odyssey. Ive pulled the middle seats out, rear seats down provide plenty of room for old rover. Gas mileage so far at 21, i usually cruise LA fwys at 70 mph + no complaints here. hope i dont have to have the new 11.

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  Last honda van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By joe - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Replaced transmission at 44,000. Replaced mechanism for steering wheel controls. Having problems with side passenger door not locking at 49,000. Today driving home from park with kids side passenger door window drops off track. Need to replace. Not happy with this. Seems as you pay it off starts falling apart. Also replaced motor mounts at 35,000.