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 Handling w/ Good Fuel Economy - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By GAAlleycat - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle replaced a domestic sedan that was not large enough for four traveling adults with luggage. The seats are very comfortable with great lumbar support. We live in a very hilly area, so find that the frequent transmission shifts and changes by the variable cylinder management result in some lack of smoothness in the driveline. A six speed transmission would likely help alleviate this issue. Fuel mileage is outstanding for the vehicle size and weight, averaging just over 20 mpg local and 26 mpg on the open road running the speed limit with AC on.

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  Nice van, Poor quality on Motor. - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Kathy - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The problem keeps coming back. My brother took his van for the recall, "got fixed". A week ago his van broke and he will fixed the transmission for the 3 time. My husband got me an Odyssey a month ago and I didnt want to exchange it because of the bad reputation it has. I was happy with my Nissan Quest it never gave me any problem for the 6 yrs that I own it. I keep the Odyssey because of the 4 doors, it has giving me some problems when I drive it, it loses power and one of the motor lights is now on. Its not a surprise, the mechanic says the transmission needs to be fixed. Ill not be surprise to hear their is a class action against Honda. Im selling mine, and wont be buying Hondas.

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  Disappointed in Honda - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By peorob - September 27 - 2:00 am

  We decided to try Honda after hearing for years about the wonderful driving experience and quality. That has not been our experience. The transmission in our 2006 Odyssey needs to be replaced at slightly more than 60,000 miles. Luckily, we purchased the extended warranty for this vehicle! Other complaints: the road noise is too loud, the steering pump is loud, the CD player has never worked properly, and the handling on wet or snow covered roads is absolutely horrible. Some features that we have enjoyed include the entertainment system, fold down rear seats, and maintenance minder system.

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  08 vs 2010 - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Rich - September 26 - 2:00 am

  We put 3000 mi on the van since our purchase. Best highway mileage was 29 mpg using non ethanol, 91 octane fuel. 29 MPG fuel mileage conditions tire pressure 35 PSI, 60 - 65 MPH, little wind, 50-60 degrees. Trip average 25 MPG. 87 octane kills mileage. The Touring increased weight and larger tires will not be as fuel efficient as our older 08 EXL with 16 inch tires. However, the cabin noise is noticeably reduced from the 08 making the purchase worthwhile & front suspension more substantial. The EXL/Touring w NAVI is a great travel vehicle for empty nesters or families.

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  So far so good - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Caseyd - September 21 - 2:00 am

  We bought this 4 years ago when it had 67k miles on it. It now has 110k miles on it. It was a certified Honda so we had coverage until 100k mile, this replaced the motor mount for free. Motor mounts going bad is normal wear for a FWD car at 100k miles. It has leather seats that are EXTREMELY comfortable Road noise is worst than other vans. If you apply undercoat to the wheel wells and buy good tires it will be silent. Bad quality tires make it worse. I have flushed the transmission fluid at 75k miles and changed it at 100k miles. No transmission problems yet. I get 26 mpg driving from Denver to Utah over 11,000 foot mountain passes with the cruise set, fully loaded Love it!

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  Honda LX - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Rusty - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Purchased vehicle with $19K, 2nd owner. Replaced transmission right away. Overall vehicle has been pretty good. Cant believe though it did not have CD player. Strangest thing happened all my locks gummed up on me. Had to replace the locks on the van and not cheap to do that over $500 dollars. Rear wiper motor went at $100K mi. Body has help up great. Can be a little uncomfortable in the drivers seat if you have the manual seats and not the power seats.

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  Transmission failure at 98K - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By skiutah313 - September 17 - 2:00 am

  My Odyssey was a decent van until about 80K miles when the "service engine" light started to come on. I had the van dealer-serviced for all recommended work and even had belts,etc changed at the recommended intervals. Eventually the service dept. told me that the slipping was a transmission problem. I am certain this started at under 100K and the service rep indicated that Honda has had transmission issues with the Odyssey. Honda did not even offer a minimal % coverage though I followed all of the service recommendations. I WILL NOT BUY A HONDA again. I purchased a Honda because of its reputation and now I realize that Honda may not care about customer loyalty or vehicle quality.

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  Very Pleased! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By pithpress - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had absolutely no major problems with this van. Routine maintence, cleaning the electrical contacts for the auto-doors and windows (and replacing a solenoid or five). almost indestructible by the kids! Very pleased with the vans performance. So much so, we just traded in our Ford 500 for a new 2010 Odyssey to add to our little "fleet." I hope things keep going well, but I still feel I got my moneys worth out of this mini-van! Congratulations Honda!

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  08 EXL vs 10 Touring - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Rich - September 10 - 2:00 am

  We traded our 08 (50K) for a 2010 touring. We liked the low belt line and style of the 2010 vs the 2011. Honda Incentives helped lower the cost. The 2010 touring is quieter than the EXL and both 2010s quieter than my 08. Other improvements over the 08 exterior paint, matte finish on silver dash trim (hides finger prints), interior plastic seems more scratch resistant, ride quality. From day one our new 08 had minor suspect sub-frame noise and a loose feeling front suspension. The touring drive dynamics feel more substantial. Style, ride quality, reduced noise, and improved radio trumped touring cost premium. The 2010 end-of-production model should be more reliable than a new 2011.

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  Best Vehicle I Ever Owned! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Brian - September 5 - 10:26 am

  After own a 2 Dodge Caravan and replacing the 3 transmissions later it was time for a change. I drive a lot of miles in a day to go to and from work. All of the miles are highway. It is now Sept 2010 and the only thing Ive had to do was general maintenance according to Hondas requirements. Tires, brakes and timing belt replacement were the most pricey repairs. Change the oil when required. Im on my second set of brakes in 122,000 miles. Second set of tires. Im 64" so Im loving the higher ceiling and the leg room.