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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  Excellent Minivan - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Icegod - August 22 - 10:49 pm

  A year of experience with this minivan has built me a good impression for this minivan. It confirmed that we were not wrong with our choice for this minivan. I rate this minivan as supreme with its performance primarily, as that truly concerns when you are on the road. It is powerful and agile, and truly great to drive. Curving and ascent were superb, and driving control is totally great. Fuel efficiency is impressive but can still be improved though. Features are also great providing comfort on the road for both the driver and the passengers. With its versatility, this vehicle is a total partner for the family. Its lower body attitude gives it sportier look and its form a distinction.

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  Avoid this vehicle - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Kanigetts - August 21 - 3:09 pm

  This van has been a terrible disappointment for us. There are so many small problems and a number of really big ones. The transmission is simply junk and Honda cannot fix it. Their rebuilt transmissions are no better. Parts are extremely expensive, more than my BMW. I had a 1992 Prelude which was great but apparently Honda has gone the way of Ford in terms of reliability. Time to try one of the Korean makers.

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  Good and Bad - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By supernerd - August 20 - 12:58 pm

  I am very thankful that this vehicle has side curtain airbags for all 3 rows. My family experienced a major side impact accident and they worked beautifully. Ill only buy vehicles with side airbags for ALL 3 rows from now on. That being said, this has not been the best vehicle. We had the power steering go out twice which was not covered under regular warranty (thank goodness for the extended warranty). I also had the brake pedal go down to the floor once and nearly didnt stop us in time. That was fixed under recall. Also, we were lucky to get 14 mpg in town and the dealer told us that was normal. Great driving vehicle but with these type of issues I wont buy again.

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  Just As Expected - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By JRD - August 17 - 8:21 am

  We have owned our Odyssey for 10 months now and so far we are pleased with how it operates and serves our needs. It has not seen a very long drive yet this year because its sharing the duty with our two older Hondas, but hopefully we can rack up some miles before winter sets in once again here in the East Coast. We have no problems at all with the engine, body and the instrument controls. The VCM works fine, although the claim of seamless transition does not hold true, for the driver can feel when its switching from either VCM or non- VCM modes. The steering feel is nicely weighted which gives a sense of control to the direction we want to go.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By BertD - August 14 - 8:41 am

  Purchased new 7 years ago, will turn over 180k next week. Better fuel economy now than when new. Not uncommon to hit 25 mpg and it gets DRIVEN, mostly by my wife . Brake life incredible, tire life fantastic! No repairs, only recommended maintenance. If only we could tow it, 4 wheels down, behind our motor home it would be perfect. My wife will cry when she has to give it up. Going to look at a new CR-V today.

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  Served Us Well - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Served us well - August 9 - 7:22 pm

  We bought the van new and after about 13 months noticed a noise in the transmission. The local dealer where we purchased the van replaced the transmission without a problem under warranty. We now have 158,000 miles and no problems. The van has served us well despite the minor issues stated in other posts such as sticky sliding doors in cold, wet weather and very hot weather. A light coating of silicone on the weatherstripping has always helped. The only other issue we have had is the remote headphones for the entertainment system stopped working at about 125,000 miles. Other than these issues we have been pleased with the van.

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  Keeps on Ticking - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By glaffin - August 8 - 9:48 am

  While not exciting, this vehicle has given us dependable, efficient service for 5 years. Adequate power, comfortable ride and cavernous interior for lugging "stuff". Great for our two large dogs who travel with us. Highly recommended.

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  Need to discover noise - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By LEONA WILLIAMS - August 6 - 11:19 pm

  The van has been making a popping and clicking noise in the front took it to the dealer several times the techs can not figure the problem. Right now the problem still exist problem cant be found, car is still under warranty. I received a rental and they called me back stating that the car was fixed, when driving of in the vehicle the noise still exist can someone please give me some legal advice. Thought when I got a Honda, I thought I was getting the best now I feel like I got a piece of junk. Should have gotten a Chevy. I am very disappointed

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  Love My Ody! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By shadowfax5113 - August 2 - 7:46 am

  We bought our 2000 Odyssey in 2004 with 93,000 miles. We just replaced the original transmission with a nicely rebuilt one. I love this van! Drives nicely, looks great, gets good mileage (avg. 21 mpg) for a van. For the wear and tear we have put on it, 3 kids, 6 dogs, numerous road trips, it has performed admirably.

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  Excellent so far - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By RHB in PA - July 31 - 12:18 pm

  2008 EX-L. Very good long-distance hauler, love the comfort of the Honda seating. Tiny turning radius for such a big vehicle. Handling, acceleration, ride are very good. Only complaint is the lousy original tires, Michelins that were replacing next weekend after only 25,000 miles.