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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  Hard to believe Honda is such a leader - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By M Gibson - July 31 - 9:07 am

  I hate the Odyssey touring. Certain it will run until the tires fall off, but every time I try to open a door or get in it, I am frustrated with the lack of insight the design team displayed. Fob and key should be integrated. The sliding doors and hatch buttons should be centrally located so either adult in the front can open doors. The power pedal should be movable when driving. Passenger seat should be as comfortable and 8-way like drivers. No rds, no multi dvd slots the molding at entrance points and dash is very soft and gouges easily. On the positives, seats feel nice. Husband loves the driving position & dvd monitor does not obstruct rear view

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  Minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Minivan_Man - July 30 - 8:34 pm

  Bought this vehicle new in 2001 and it now has 98,500 miles. Has been in for service only once since new for uneven idling and turned out to be a loose connector. No transmission problems as other have stated, I even tow. Side doors do stick, but all you need to do is spray the seals with Teflon spray.

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  2000 Honda Ody EX - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Edex - July 29 - 9:27 am

  Id be very happy with this vehicle if it werent for the automatic transmission. I nursed the original transmission along for years, but it finally became too flaky to consider safe. I just had it rebuilt at 160k miles at a private shop for almost $4,000 exactly. I had my car serviced by the dealer until 4 years ago they kept telling me that they couldnt find anything wrong. Only when I took it to a private mechanic did I get the news that these transmissions are not up to par.

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  Not Reliable - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By lalit - July 26 - 9:44 pm

  Yes. Its all a myth. We bought this van new and ever since went through many problems. In its 120K life so far we have changed transmission thrice. I have not changed tires thrice though. Honda is replacing old bad transmission with new bad transmission and just making sure its goes past their 109K warranty. Folks: you will keep on paying for this unless geniuses at Honda finds some solution (may be they do not want to since now they can charge you big bucks). It had door problems, CAT issues, EGR issues and many others but big is transmission and it is a recurrent problem. Dealerships has been kind in helping consumers but why should they? why are they not demanding a solution?

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  Great on Gas! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By shwank - July 26 - 9:26 am

  The ECO turns on and you know 3 cyls are firing! Youre saving major on the gas! Thats a big help on ANY trip! Capacity is awesome! and the versatility of moving the seats is great. We have 2 baby seats and can still seat 4! The rear storage is VERY practical! They even have hooks for grocery bags! Kids love it. Im actually glad we didnt get the embedded rear entertainment - Kids get their own DVD players or we just sit one between the seats for a feature presentation! With plenty of storage and lots of room - Im glad we went with Odyssey

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  Honda Odyssey Disappoints - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By rfg - July 23 - 10:33 am

  I recently had a third child and my husband and I decided to take the plunge and get a mini-van. Since we have had an excellent experience with my 10 year old Accord we decided Honda would be the way to go for the Mini-Van. We purchased a used Odyssey with 50,000 miles. It was fully loaded and fully serviced from day one by the Honda dealer. After one month the air conditioning broke. $2000 to fix at the dealer. I just took it to the dealer because the power sliding door wasnt working. $400 to fix. When it was there they noticed the power steering wasnt working properly. $600 to replace the pump. All told I have now spent $3000 on repairs on this bastion of reliability.

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  Time to Buy it Out - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Alu - July 22 - 9:08 pm

  Were a one vehicle family, 2 kids, and dog. Leased new in 06 after handing in returning our 02 Civic. The need for a reliable, spacious vehicle was obvious. We went with the LX because we didnt need the bells and whistles. Weve made good use of the space - golf clubs, hockey equip, and bikes, and of course many trips to the Home Depot. Overall very pleased with performance, ride, reliability. As a daily driver, putting on 50 plus km a day, its been good. Snow tires on it for the long winters, and it rides well. Breaks needed work much earlier than expected (45,000 km), but shes a heavy van (no civic). Been looking at used vans too but, not impressed, well stick with what we got!

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  Still the best utility vehicle - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Hilbilly - July 22 - 5:22 pm

  This is our third Odyssey. My wife is the primary driver. For a while she inherited my Escalade and she was happy to give it back and get another Odyssey. The Touring model has just about everything you need in a car. Its great for shopping, travel carrying the kids and for her and her friends to go out on their various expeditions. Its quiet on the road and has enough height to see around traffic. On long trips its comfortable and nice to know that if youve got to haul people or gear its ready to do the job. Over three models never a problem and build quality is always flawless.

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  2010 Honda Odyssey - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By AGF - July 22 - 12:17 pm

  So far after 750 miles this minivan is great for my growing family. Car seats fit perfectly in the second row and the sliding doors make life so much easier. Since the minivan is low it allows my 2 yr old to climb in no problem. Bluetooth has come in handy and the hands free phone is great. The van doesnt accelerate like my BMW 3 Series used to, but itll do. Handling surprisingly is pretty good and holds a corner quite tight.

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  Glad that I leased it - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Vernon - July 21 - 3:16 pm

  I leased the 2007 Odyssey EX-L due to the transmission issues that Ive read in forums. Van was quiet for the first year, but on the 2 and 3rd year, I hear creaking noise when moving from a stopped position. Dealer fixed with silicon lubricant on doors, but it returned after 6 months. Steering pump reservoir had to be replaced, paid out of pocket as it was out of warranty. TMPS light up occasionally, steering wheel vibrations at 110-115 km/h. Honda says road force balancing, but no guarantee. Even with my snow tires its the same. No transmission issues but was part of the recall for two sw updates on the transmission. Brake rotors were warped at 30k, replaced with after market.