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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  Disappointing - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill - July 20 - 7:56 pm

  We purchased a 1999 Odyssey new at a local dealership and have owned it since. We are very disappointed in the overall quality and reliability. We have had some recalls, sliding door problems, suspension problems, rear brake problems, and the transmission needed to be replaced around 64,000 miles. Honda covered the transmission, but no vehicle should have that after only 64,000 miles much less one that is known to be very reliable. This vehicle has made me believe that foreign vehicles are really no better than American vehicles as my parents have a Ford Freestar and have had absolutely no problems at all at the 80,000 mark and counting. Buy American!

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  Happy Odyssey Owner - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Onlysee - July 18 - 3:36 am

  My wife and I put over 60,000 miles on our Odyssey (and raised 3 kids "in it") before trading it in for a 2010 last month. It was extremely reliable, and we never had a problem with it that stranded us anywhere. We had the VERY COMMON problem of the power steering pump and reservoir on our van (both were replaced). We had 2 engine mounts & the automatic transmission replaced (EVERYTHING under warranty) at approximately 58,000 miles.

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  1st Honda - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By KY - July 12 - 8:38 pm

  We have had this vehicle about 2 months now and we are very pleased overall. Interior is roomy and seats are very comfortable. Third row seat stows easily and back adjusts for comfort. Getting avg 20 mpg. We narrowed our choice down to the Odyssey and the 2011 Sienna. The Siennas interior looked cheap and the Odysseys seats were more comfortable. Ultimately, the Odysseys seats and seating configuration won.

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  Good Van but some things to be aware of - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Valeriemelman - July 10 - 10:11 pm

  I was considering either Honda or Sienna. Test drove several of both. Sienna interior turned me off, it just seemed so plain, acceleration and handling was adequate but seemed the Honda was better at both. However both are good vans and safe. If you buy the Honda EX-L RES model, you need to replace the DVD to CD control cable for it to work properly with the wireless headphones. There is a service bulletin for this. Also you may get windshield whistle which the dealer was kind enough to replace the molding, it stopped. Other than that its a great vehicle. Husband loves the sunroof and bright headlights. Only thing to worry about is the potential runaway problem.

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  Transmission Gremlin - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By BG - July 10 - 9:26 am

  I am short of 100k on my 2000. The original transmission lasted until 60k. The replacement which was free under the extended warranty only lasted 30k. Honda discounted the 3rd transmission to $1600 for the 3rd transmission. I have no faith in these units with the bearing failure. If it werent for the poor economy, I would trade the car in. I also experienced the other issues that that were covered by the extended warranty, like the EGR ports. Otherwise, the car has held up fairly well without other major problems. Its a shame that this handsome nice driving minivan has this transmission reliability issue.

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  145,000 miles and going strong! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By CPS - July 9 - 8:06 pm

  We purchased our van brand new and have been extremely pleased with the purchase. We have had to repair the basics that would be expected in a 9 year old, 145,000 mile vehicle. Honda extended the warranty and fixed the transmission at 105,000 miles. Other than that, its been brakes, tires, timing belt, fluids, etc. No major mechanical or electrical problems

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  Excellent Automobile - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By vamsi - July 9 - 3:27 pm

  I bought this vehicle 3 weeks ago,so far drove 1000 miles,mostly combined driving and MPG around 19to20. It drives like Car, easy to maneuver,i came from car to Minivan, did not feel much difference compared to car. I like driving this van with my 3 month kid,its kid friendly ample space to keep family stuff for travel,daily commute. This van is really fun to drive I chose Honda over Toyota because Honda Scores way over in safety ratings than Toyota Sienna.

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  Worst Purchase Ever - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Odyssey EX-L - July 8 - 8:30 am

  This is by far the worst Honda Ive ever had the displeasure of owning. Since I started driving in 1996 I have had several Honda vehicles and NEVER had a problem with them. Then I decided to trade in a 2005 Chrysler Town & Country on this piece of junk. In 3 years of ownership and 36,000 miles I have taken it in to be fixed so many times that I literally have a repair record stack 1" thick. The automatic door on the passenger side has broken 3 times, the brakes have broken, the transmission has needed to be overhauled, the power steering has leaked, and too many more things to list. The final straw is the door breaking after being "repaired" three weeks ago. This will be gone ASAP.

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  Quart of oil every 1,000 miles is OK?! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Gerry M. - July 7 - 7:12 pm

  At 7,000-8,000 miles, the engine light came on & the car ran so rough my wife was afraid to drive it 1/2 mile to our house. After a tow to the dealer, they cant figure out where the oil is going, but replace the oil and the spark plugs (which are fouled). After several 1,000 mile checks on the oil consumption, I am told today that HONDA USA finds the disappearance of one quart of oil per 1,000 miles to be Acceptable, and there is no repair to be made. But they are researching it and will get back to me. Um, yeah, right. I had a 1987 Honda Civic that gave me over 120,000 miles before it was wrecked by another driver. Quite a letdown to know Honda quality has sunk so low today.

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  Transmission/Brake Problems DO NOT BUY - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Gene - July 7 - 4:08 pm

  Horrible transmission shudder. Rotors warped at 28k. I usually get 70k out of brakes. Transmission has been in twice for updates, etc. Still horrible. Huge delay when shifting into park. You sometimes end up doing a neutral drop by accident. Gear hunting at 35-40 mph. Cant make up its mind and just pulses. Did I mention transmission problems? You can take to dealer but there is no "real" fix. Just a bad product. I was a Honda person, through and through. Now, not so much. This cost me 35k and it drives like a 15k automobile. Extremely disappointed. Glad I bought the 7 yr 120k warranty as I think I am going to need it. Pretty sad to say that about a Honda.:- ((