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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  Great Purchase....again - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By alliekat80 - April 27 - 4:20 pm

  We traded our 2006 Odyssey for the 2010 Odyssey just recently. We absolutley loved our 2006 and decided to upgrade to the slightly new 2010 while taking advantage of year end offers and prices. The Odyssey is the by far greatest vehicle we have ever purchased or driven! My family loves being in the van, and long trips are seemingly short due to the comfort features that come standard with the Odyssey. We decided to lease the 2010 just so we can keep getting new Odysseys every so often! The van drives like a car, and comes equipped with so many features that come in handy with families! I cant say enough about the Odyssey...I will definatley buy more!

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  scared. - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By tom sampson - April 27 - 12:25 pm

  I am getting this car as a teen from my parents and after reading reviews i am scared. the last thing i need is my dad giving me an earful for blowing out the transmission which is bound to happen. after reading other reviews i am surprised it has gone 120k with the stock transmission the service light will NOT turn off. i just found out the bumper is nothing more than plastic. this thing is a hog at an SUV like 15 mpg. pickup trucks get more than that. although having bad mileage, it does have a lot of kick to it. but once again, scared to blow out the transmissiion

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  Superb Van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By BG - April 23 - 9:54 pm

  We bought this vehicle new in 01. It has been nothing short of outstanding. Incredibly reliable, versatile and safe. With almost 150,000 miles, I wouldnt hesitate to take it on another cross country trip. Great in the snow and comfortable for all occupants. Fantastic storage, still very good acceleration and handles like a car. Also decent mileage for a large vehicle (21 city, 27 hwy) Id love to get a new vehicle but the wife absolutely loves it, so why spend the $$. Roll on Ody, roll on!

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  38,000 miles - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill Whitlock - April 23 - 1:11 am

  Really enjoy this van. It drives good, it is easy to get in and out of for all seats. Forward and side vision is very good, rear vision is good. Radio and cd is very good. Good engine power. Engine sounds good when driven hard. Gas mileage is 20 to 25 mph on open road. Plenty of power. Real good head lights. Seats are comfortable when driven 700 miles per day. Styling inside and out is real good.

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  Quality - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By reliable - April 22 - 12:32 am

  Reliable, efficient, quality. Much better than newer model, drive up the Rocky mountain with speed 70 and drive very stable in the snow, never had any problems or die on me.

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  Love our Odyssey - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Red Devil - April 20 - 7:05 pm

  Just passed 25,000 miles on our EX-L. So far we have had zero issues. Love the comfort of this minivan. The handling and agility is quite impressive for a minivan. Road noise can creep through on occasion. Not the perfect minivan, but a very good one.

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  Will never buy Honda Again - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Anthony - April 20 - 8:34 am

  I purchased the 2007 EX-L with navigation and rear entertainment system. I am very disappointed with this vehicle.. We first noticed the shaking, took it to the dealer and of course they could not replicate the problem. Found out the all of the engine mounts are broken and have to be replaced. I also paid several hundred dollars to have my brakes including rotors replaced. Torque converter has to be replaced. The transmission is shot.. All of this and I maintain the vehicle. Paid 32k. I owned a 2003 Odyssey and did not have any problems. Thats why we purchased the 2007.. Honda wont own up to the problems with this car. We are forced to purchase the 2011 Sienna with extended warranty.

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  Transmission failure - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By eddie - April 19 - 2:32 pm

  99k miles before transmission failed. Bought new late 2004. No warranty, no luck. Others worldwide with same problem. I know for a fact, 2003 extends its transmission failure, not just the media reported for 2000 through 2002. Caveat Emptor.

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  My experience with my honda oddyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By etan - April 16 - 8:39 pm

  Drives like what you think you get but have some problem in electrical.

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  Not good in bad weather - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By paula - April 8 - 3:09 pm

  My sister had an older model and loved it. I bought mine just before winter hit and big mistake! This van goes absolutely no where in the snow (I have been through 2 winters with it and I am now trading it in because of how bad it is). It truly makes me nervous to drive in any kind of bad weather with my kids in the car. Also, both my nieghbor and I have had several problems with the doors. I would not buy or recommend this car to anyone who lives where it snows/rains until they bring back the all wheel drive.