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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  Transmission? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Jason - June 21 - 5:48 am

  I just found out that the transmission in this van is bad at 110,000 miles. Honda dealer wanted $5500 to repair with a rebuilt transmission. They also told me the front engine mount is collapsed. The total repair bill to fix everything and have the 105,000 mile service done is $7,400! After looking at these other reviews I now see I bought a vehicle that is poor quality. I have owned Honda vehicles for the past 15 years. However, this will be the last.

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  Probably my last Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Steve - June 20 - 5:08 pm

  Just had the transmission replaced by the dealer at 84,000. Vehicle was purchased new and serviced regularly at local Honda dealer. Even brought in at 50,000 miles due to concerns I had with the transmission but everything "checked out". Unfortunately my vehicle wasnt including under an earlier transmission recall but Honda did cover a chunk of the $4100 trans repair. Steering wheel radio controls dont always work and driver side rear power vent window does not work. When vehicle was in for transmission replacement was also told that motor mounts needed to be replaced for approx $700. Never had motor mount or transmission issues with any other vehicle, including 4 other Hondas

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  Is Honda reliable anymore? - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Gabe - June 19 - 1:42 pm

  I have owned this car since 2007, 24K miles. In the firs three months I the Cd player stopped working, oil moist under oil pan, leaking radiator and bad catalyst converter- Honda fixed it for free because it was under factory warranty. Cost aprox $3,00.00 The transmission shifts rough sometimes. Engine pinging noise- preignition? Power Steering leak! At 72K miles the Crankshaft Pulley is out- need new belt and pulley just the parts $450.00 parts and labor. 74K brake recall. I took the vehicle in and more problems: TPMS sensor out- $150.00, CV axle $350.00, Motor Mounts $500.00. All the maintenance was done on time. I am just wondering where is the Reliability Honda used have?

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  Transmission Trouble - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Scott - June 19 - 6:42 am

  Transmission goes out about every 50,000 miles, so far 3 in 150,000 miles. Honda replaced, ate the cost the first time. Looking to dump this thing. Power sliding door also quit working a while ago.

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  15 years of purfect - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Gord - June 16 - 4:29 pm

  Love my Honda. I bought it new in 95 and its been a great little work horse. Ive fixed little rust spots so they dont get away. Today it still looks like it last years model. Ive run it at 90 mph with no probs. Generally drive 70 - 75. It slows on take off with 4 passengers but its well powered for 2 people. I see in reading other reviews I should do the timing belt. OK Next week. Im at 150k miles. I had the ignition switch problem too. But the really big dangerous one is the ball joints. One upper let go at 140k. Watch out! It cost me $3000 in mechanical and body repairs. Lucky we had just slowed for a sharp turn at 20 mph.

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  Bad Transmission/ steering and suspension - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By bad transmissions - June 16 - 2:20 pm

  All went well with this van until 105,000 mi. At which point transmission began to slip and misfire. Disappointed with dealership and Honda support in light of class action suit awarded to van owners. Honda never stepped up to the plate with obvious faulty transmission design. Also, bushings / bearings and struts need replacement according to 3 different opinions. Cost for new transmission and steering suspension problem $6000.00 dealer told me you get 150k miles out these w/o major problems.

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  Avoid Honda - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Avoid Honda - June 14 - 2:32 pm

  Transmission slipping. I thought Honda had fixed this problem, apparently not. Avoid Honda.

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  Not Honda Quality - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By RiggZola - June 12 - 11:57 am

  Bought this van from my sister who bought it new but after a serious side- impact accident the van held up well. I got a deal. Engine seems underpowered and handling is ok. Ive had constant issues with the van. Worn front tires, front brakes need replacing almost yearly. Replaced the tranny @ 90K but now at 115K its gone bad again. Sliding door problems and EGR/cat converter issues also plague my van. I have an Acura TL and am just hoping it doesnt have the same issues. Im selling for a different brand if I can get out from under these repair costs. I wouldnt buy it again and have definitely taken Honda off the top of my shopping list.

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  First and Last Honda - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Laurie - June 11 - 10:45 pm

  Very disappointed in Honda quality, noisy power steering, paint defect, poor quality sound system, too much road noise, vibration in steering or tires when accelerating and most recently an intermittent starting problem. Im so tired of going to service dept and being told its not happening! This is what $45,000 buys you? never again!

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  An awful vehicle - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Mark - June 11 - 10:17 pm

  We purchased this Car to replace an Accord. What a mistake! We have spent nearly $2000 on repairs not including the brakes every 20,000. The car was making a noise and shuddering so the dealer said it was the bearings. The AC stopped working The dealer tried to charge $199 to look at it. I fought and they took $100 off the bill. We could not afford to replace the leaking condenser $799! This is a design flaw the ac cond is in an unprotected place in the front of the vehicle where the grille is wide open. If Honda installed a $10 grill to protect it would have never have happened. After owning 4 Hondas I am never buying one again. The quality is now worse than any car on the road.