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:
Showing 411 through 420 of 3,253.00-
Get over it, You NEED a minivan - 2010 Honda Odyssey
By kateregis - July 6 - 5:32 pmIm a 37 yo mom of 3 and a TOTAL car snob. Ive only driven BMWs since I got my license but after 3 kids, knew I needed the minivan. The sliding doors sold me as we have a tight garage and I figured not yelling to the kids to be careful of my husbands car was one less argument to have not to mention the reduction in chances to trap fingers. I Love my car and intend to drive it for the next 10 years, at which point I will go back to my BMW (hopefully a 7-series). For now, its the way to go.
-
Extremely Happy So Far! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By zawski961 - July 5 - 11:58 amLet me get right to the point. There is no transmission shutter at 30 mph and 50+ mph in the 2007 Honda Odyssey EX that I purchased this past June. The brakes are fine. My minivan was not manufactured at the plant that produced all the 2007 Odysseys that had to be recalled for the brakes. I promised myself that I would write a review 1 month after I purchased this used 2007 Odyssey EX after making a couple of 250 mile round trips and seeing how the van rode locally and on the highway. Im very happy with this minivan and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good used minivan. Ill probably write again with an updated review after 6 months.
-
Severe Transmission Problem - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By 2007 Odyssey Owner - July 3 - 11:31 pmMy Honda Odyssey is less than 4 years old and it now has 53K miles. It started juddering slightly soon after I got it. Every time I took it back to the dealership, I was told my brake was bad and my tires were bad. With a new front brake and all four new tires, the judder continued and got much worse. I again took it back and also received the recall notice Honda at about the same time. I was told that the software update should take care of this problem, but it did not. I took it back again and another software update and the transmission fluid flush was performed. It was good for three days and the problem returned. I contacted Honda CS and did not get a decent response.
-
Stranded - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By dalo25 - June 30 - 5:41 pmThis car has been used up in NH which is rough on cars. I have had to replace the AC compressor twice. AC Compressors cost around $1200-$1400 to fix. Both times it has stranded my family on a main road. AC is lousy unless youÂ’re in the front seat. Other issues have cropped up such as leaking engine mounts and various electronic issues. CanÂ’t recall the last time the rear windows worked. Bullet proof reliability? Ride is very stiff and noisy. I think Honda just doesnt report their problems. Dont drink the Imports are better than Kool-aid. This mini-van is no better than a domestic model or a Sienna.
-
Disappointed - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By Marcie - June 29 - 8:58 pmVery disappointed in my minivan. I love the power sliding doors and roomy interior. Trans has had problems from day one. It acts like it doesnt know what to do, go up or down. Taken it in several times, they said had to replace torque converter then another recall. All that messing w/trans has caused motor mounts that need to be replaced and last week the ac went out. They said compressor is bad. Very sad customer.
-
Back at Home in an Odyssey - 2010 Honda Odyssey
By House of 4 - June 28 - 2:02 pmAfter having had a 2005 Odyssey, followed by a 2007 Odyssey, we decided to try a Ford Expedition EL. While the Expedition was a nice vehicle, it was not as functional as the Odyssey had been. With 4 young children, the Odyssey was hands down the better vehicle for us. We learned by experience that the big SUVs arent always better. We waited to see photos of the 2011 Odyssey but were not impressed. Since we were familiar with the 2010 Odyssey style and features, we decided to take advantage of the last model year reliability and good incentives. Are we ever excited to be back in our Odyssey! Its an EX-L with RES, dark cherry pearl color. We feel like we are back at home!
-
My dream mini van is a bad nightmare! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By My last honda - June 28 - 11:31 am60,000 miles - on my 3rd set of tires. brakes at 40,000 miles. new back gate lift rods at 36,000 miles. I have to scream to talk to my kids in the back seat. Super loud road noise. replace the back struts at 45,000. Goodness! We paid good money for this high quality vehicle. What happened? I have never reach the MPG recommended by Honda. we get 17-18 in town.
-
odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By vtecrazy - June 27 - 11:46 ami love odysseys especially because of the vtec v6 that you can actually hear the vtec kick in 0-60 in 7.7 seconds the muffler sounds like a g35 a little. its a very useful van you can fit alot of stuff in it. i dont know why people complain about the sliding doors because they are slow its says no where on the sliding doors type R
-
Great overall, needs some updates - 2010 Honda Odyssey
By AP_From PA - June 23 - 10:02 amI just purchased this vehicle yesterday, but I have driven similar Odysseys owned by friends and family. The vehicle is probably the best overall of all minivans in the market, but if you start picking out individual characteristics, you will notice that its not the best at everything. Its like jack of all, master of none in my opinion it may not earn number 1 spot in many of the aspects, but earns a second spot in most of them, and the first in a few.
-
Say it isnt so - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By corey - June 22 - 1:50 pmI have owned several Hondas. I am most worried about this vehicle.We love the comfort of the van, but have not enjoyed taking it for service appointments. If you have not had them put a new torque converter in, demand they do so. The new software package does not do the trick. I can tell you that we will not be keeping this van past the 60,000 mile mark. It will be one that will run out of warranty and blow up on your trip to Disney World. Run from this model. Hope they will solve the problems in future models. I was hoping to have the same experience that my friends have had with their vans. All of them have 200,000+ on theirs and are still running them. Save and buy an earlier model