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:

• 

  Reliable workhorse - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey Driver - June 7 - 6:53 am

  For a large vehicle it performs superbly. Accelerates and powers up hills well, handles cornering nimbly, performs braking well. Parking is easy, visibility through windows and mirrors is excellent for a wide, long vehicle. Fold down seats creates enormous capacity for transporting items. Seats are comfortable. Controls are within acceptable reach. Excellent sized, solid family car.

• 

  Honda = Lemon - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By paul - June 4 - 10:29 pm

  Ive always been a big fan of Honda. No longer. Had civics, accords, and now the odysseys (owned a 2003 before). Had problems with the steering reservoir, gear hunting at 40 mph, delay in shifting to "d", brake rotors, and now a leaky steering rack! Talked to Honda customer service who was no help and not at all sympathetic. Honda wants $1400 for a new steering rack. Ive owned 10 cars and never had a leaky steering rack. And Ive had many cars over 150k miles. The quality seems to have gone down and the customer service has definitely gone down. After having owned 6 hondas in the past, I will not buy another Honda.

• 

  Still the best in its class! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By k9doc1 - June 4 - 4:40 pm

  Traded in my 2002 Toyota Sienna to get a 2010 Honda Odyssey EX-L with RES & NAVI. The van rides very smoothly just like a car. We considered the 2011 Toyota Sienna but after seeing/test driving it, we didnt like the fit of the interior trims (cheap material) and didnt find the ride any better than the 2010 Odyssey. Was reluctant about the fact that the 2011 model will be coming out soon but we had an excellent deal on the 2010 model and glad that we did. This is a truly tested and tried model...and I can see the overall quality shining through. One thing negative was that a small part on the bumper had a stain (not noticed during delivery), which had to be wet sanded and repainted.

• 

  What happened to Hondas reliability - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Tiff - June 1 - 4:08 pm

  Bought this van to replace a worn out Chevy Venture that we had driven for over 7 years. We went with Honda for the 8-passenger option and the assumed reliability weve heard about Hondas hoping to make it another 7 years with this van. Within 7 days we started having issues: transmission catches, road vibrations, sliding door rattles and creaks, anti-lock brake noises. You name it. I am sorely disappointed that this will be my vehicle for the next 5-7 years, especially when I read all the other similar complaints about this vehicle. Whod have thought a 1999 Chevy Venture would turn out to be my dream car?

• 

  Best Van Out There - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Kurt - May 31 - 9:25 pm

  Leased a 2007 EXL in late 2006. Loved it and just traded for a new 2010. The seat configuration is perfect for our family. Slide over the second row captains chair to enter third row from side - makes entry and exit so nice for kids. Electric doors are great. Folding third row is easy. Mechanically superb with no issues over 3 years and 45K miles. Engine power is more than adequate, shifting is smooth. Ride is very nice. My wife still hates the idea of driving a minivan, but agrees this van was the best overall vehicle we ever owned. Dont know how you can rate this "fun to drive" after owning high performance cars, but certainly is great for the family.

• 

  Less than I expected - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul - May 24 - 5:04 pm

  This van is very quiet on the road, handles well with a full load of passengers, love the leather, the sun roof, and the auto HVAC, which can be adjusted separately for the driver, passenger, and rear.

• 

  Honda Odyssey 2010 poor perorming vehicle - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By mitchlu - May 24 - 1:19 pm

  With all the talk about Honda quality, I was negatively surprised with this NEW Honda Odyssey 2010. Although ride is not bad, I would still say that judging by HondaÂ’s past reputation, this minivan scores average or below. The overall feel of a quality build car, is not present here. Main disappointment is the extremely low fuel economy. While Honda states avg about 20 MPG (17/24) is simply not realistic. I am hardly getting 11 MPG! I have had several older vehicles and none of them provided such low MPG. Some other minor issue which all add up to regretting of buying this: I would recommend: I fuel economy is important to you, do some research on other minivans before getting an odyssey

• 

  Overall nice car - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By yhk - May 23 - 10:31 pm

  Bought our first minivan 3 months ago with 3000 mi driven. Getting 18-22mpg so far on freeway/city driving. So far no major problems except a few body panels being loose at the edges. Taking it to dealer to get it fixed. Hard to modulate brakes smoothly. Noticed you have to press pretty far down in order to stop if you are going at a decent speed (30-40 mph), but I think its just a matter of getting used to the weight of the vehicle. Overall, nice size vehicle if you want to haul people and things.

• 

  Far more advanced then other vans - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Ruchy - May 22 - 7:54 pm

  We bought this van for $500, yes it needed work ( suspension ), it does have 259k on it. Why any one would buy another van is beyond me, if you have $3k to spend pick one up, even if it has a lot of miles. This van is FAR MORE advanced than anything from this year all the way up until now. The ride is great, the gas mileage is superior even to anything now, for a 6-7 passenger vehicle. I wish they still had them but Honda decided to use a 6 cylinder, boo-hoo. I call this car a wagon on steroids, we take it when we go on any outings because it is very comfy and roomy. Drive one, youll buy it.

• 

  Check that box, wont ever buy another! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Soccer mom - May 19 - 9:42 pm

  I really wanted a mini-van, and pushed the issue with my husband, who tried to talk me into a number of other non- mini van options. I wanted to transport our kids and friends to their activities, and room to haul the gear as well. This van is absolutely the best for function, ease of folding, & moving seats for cargo room. I like the center middle row seat, and how it stores in the floor for quick access and install. Where this van goes wrong, is the terrible gas mileage. We average approximately 16 mpg city, and even when I have some freeway mileage, it never seems to get over 19 mpg. The front windows rattle terribly. The tires are in need of replacement at only 27,800