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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  I would not recommend - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Darla - May 19 - 6:38 pm

  I bought 2007 Odyssey in Dec 2009, I was very fond of Honda minivan and waited almost a year to get it, but my joy was not there for many days, the moment I bought it, i had the torque issues, but finally under warranty it was replaced for free, after that I started feeling judder and the ride was not smooth, I went and talked to the dealer and they said there is a software update, but that didnt help much, I still feel the judder and when I take it to the dealer, they are unable to figure it out. overall I am disappointed with my odyssey.

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  Bad transmission - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By another victim - May 19 - 2:05 am

  We are another victim of the bad transmission design. Engine light is on. Transmission gear ratio incorrect. Very wild in driving. Wont accelerate. Called Honda. Need to pay more than 4000 dollar to get it fix. Really bad. seeking a class action. dont know where to go for this bad design.

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  Nice But Disappointed - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By carolyn - May 16 - 3:37 pm

  I bought this 07 Odyssey New. I have had it 2.5 yrs they have rebuilt the trans once, replaced the power steering pump once and it has always had a lack of power steering. They say there is nothing wrong with it of course. It gets good gas mileage! But, the power steering is terrible. This is my first and last Honda. I have truly been disappointed with it.

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  The Van to have! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Tom Ryan - May 16 - 2:10 pm

  If you have to own a van hands down this is the van you want. Lets face it. It is a Honda! Bought our EX-L new in 2008 about 2500 under invoice. Extremely reliable, fun, looks great feels great. We only have 1 child (9) but love to travel to Florida and elsewhere. Plenty of room and I can easily get 27mpg cruising 75mph on the interstate. Headlights are phenomenal, design is great. Im looking for a 2010 right now. I catch a lot of crap from friends for "driving a minivan" but this is a sweet ride and great resale.

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  Disapointed - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By NM467 - May 15 - 7:12 pm

  Bought this because my 2004 was a great van. The interior design is truly great, easy to live in and great for the family. The disappointment comes from the brakes(soft), transmission shutter, power locks that have a mind of their own and squeaks in the interior. The road noise is bad also and that was supposedly improved. The squeak not yet fixed, transmission reprogrammed not fixed and the locks cant be replicated when at the dealer. I have also had the drivers seat cushion replaced because of cracked leather this from a Honda with less than 17,000 miles on it. I bought this van to drive for the next ten years and at this rate I doubt It will make it to be paid off. Hondas rep is damaged!

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  A great vehicle - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Robert - May 14 - 5:59 pm

  Weve owned ours since purchasing it used with just over 7K. It now has just over 44k and weve had no issues with it. I had the 40K maintenance done and that included new transmission fluid. You cant expect a transmission to last a long time without changing the fluid! I like the 4 wheel disc brakes and power.

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  Still worth the money - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By bobdacat - May 14 - 5:29 pm

  Bought van brand new in Sept 2000. We got 119,000 out of transmission, Honda covered 75%, 500 out of pocket. Did have to replace the computer at 145,000. Check engine lite for evap code and catalytic converter inefficiency. Nothing that needs to be fixed on that yet. Still van is primary vacation vehicle. excellent on long trips, 2 NJ to Fla trips, numerous trips to Va. Tons of room, didnt know it wasnt comfortable until we bought an 2005 Accord EX. Pushed this van to the edge of its operational envelope. Despite the tranny and computer, van was well worth the money, got more than its value and its still trucking along at 10.5 years and 148,000.

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  Upgrade after failed engine - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By fg - May 14 - 5:30 am

  Upgraded to 2010 model after engine suddenly failed on 2007 with only 75K miles on it. Needless to say I was extremely disappointed but bought another one because I got dealer to pay off old loan. I am keeping my fingers crossed, hoping we dont have engine problems this time around. Although the dealer worked with me in the end, I had to really fight to get them to pay off my loan with the trade- in. It was especially difficult dealing with the salesperson who sold me the 2007 van. I had to negotiate with the sales manager instead because of the salespersons unwillingness to pay off my loan and give me a good price on a new van. It was very disappointing since the 2010 is my 3rd Honda.

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  Still Wish I Had It - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Billw - May 12 - 2:33 pm

  Just had my 03 EX-L totaled Monday. Had 122K on it, never a mechanical problem. Transmission recall done. Towed jet skis, 21 Maxxum boat 150+ miles in Ozarks for years. Never a problem. Had problems with passenger sliding door. Had intermittent problems with steering wheel audio controls. Cabin was nosier than Id prefer, but was bearable. Consistently achieved 25+ mpg on highway across I- 70 with family (4 persons) and luggage. Good in rain/snow for what it was for lacking todays modern safety equipment. Motor mounts were suggested by dealer to be changed out at 90K, but independent mechanic said they were fine, showing some wear, but, didnt need to be replaced.

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  Poor Quality! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Kim Laidlaw - May 11 - 2:41 pm

  We are very disappointed in this vehicle. So far weve encountered the PAX tire fiasco (tires wore out early and are over priced to replace). Under powered battery for the vehicle which gave out early. Rear backup sensors break easily and are also overly expensive to fix. Left rear shock is leaking. Also, in the shop for two recall notices so far (soft brake pedal, transmission shudder). All of this in a van only 3 years old and under 45K miles!