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:

• 

  Money Waste - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Mike - April 7 - 12:04 pm

  We bought this in September. Odyssey has a plenty of power and space so you can enjoy a comfortable ride. But.. DONT BUY Touring edition. Its waste of money. All extras are not working properly. You can forget about using Navigation system or rear camera if its sunny day. Instead of the image or your direction, you will enjoy a BLACK screen. Honda forgot to protect rear camera and information screen from sun and rain. Voice recognition system is fun for a while but you are getting tired to repeate your commands 10 times before system will understand it. USE BUTTONS. Much quicker.

• 

  Honda Odyssey 2003 EXL - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By tdoalamo - April 6 - 10:08 pm

  I wonder what the new 2011 Honda Odyssey looks like. But couldnt wait until the fall. My kid needs to go vacation in the summer and the 2003 Honda Odyssey I have had way too old. Got broken transmission @ 120,000 miles. Now leaking steering wheel oil, just fixed it. Too much wind noise and road noise when driving a Honda car. I already looked at the 2011 Toyota Sienna and love it so much, quiet drive and interior room is awesome. Will go with the Toyota Minivan then 2011 Sienna.

• 

  Decent van, but mine was a lemon - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By DanE - April 6 - 7:28 pm

  The van performs decently, but has had reliability issues. Within the first 2 years of owning it the following parts were replaced: tire pressure monitor, power steering reservoir, front engine mount and torque converter. Now it is being recalled for brake problems. Also, this is the first vehicle I have owned where I have not been able to consistently reach or exceed the EPA fuel economy rating.

• 

  Another Odyssey Transmission Failure - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Lucy - April 6 - 2:41 pm

  We bought our van used in 04 w/ only 12,000 miles on it. Loved the van for 5 years and paid it off. Planned to keep it for a good long time, when without much warning the transmission went at only 85,500. We serviced our vehicle at the dealer faithfully and we towed it there for assistance. They said a new transmission would be almost 4,000 and continued to tell me about all of the transmission issues Honda has been having with their vehicles. We were extremely disappointed and decided to trade the car in for a Hyundai w/a 10 yr. powertrain warranty. Like many of the other customer reviews Ive read...we too have lost our faith in Hondas quality.

• 

  sweet ride - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By dave - April 5 - 1:32 pm

  This van is a sweet ride comfortable, well put together not a van man but this van has changed all that, as I said below I only wish it had more road noise reduction reducer in the floors

• 

  Brakes for Life - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By ron graz - March 31 - 9:07 pm

  Many people are talking about the 2007 brake recall on thousands of these mini vans. I got an extremely great deal when I purchased this vehicle used that I knew I would be putting a few bucks into the van. Having said this I realized right away that something was not right in the front end. Long story short, air is finding its way into the brake lines. As a mechanic I remedied the problem by bleeding all 4 calipers and also a full rotor and pad replacement on all 4 wheels. Immediate results and to date has not recurred. I did not use genuine Honda rotors as they have a history of being thin and warping easily. I used a quality after market.

• 

  Edmunds write up correction - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By 1uncfan - March 31 - 4:23 pm

  The variable cylinder management system turns three cylinders off when coasting and on flat surfaces or even slight hills.The change is imperceptible. On mostly flat interstates 70 MPH is 2,000 RPM on three cylinders. (ECO light on) All gas has been fill ups and each fill up has been checked using the A trip counter. (30,000) This driving, includes in/out of city/towns, gives usually gives 24.5 - 25.7 and a seldom 26 MPG. Top EPA is 27. Only once was it 32.6 - all day in the rain under 60 MPH on secondary roads) Only oil/filter changes, air filter and cabin filter (self), and tire rotations.

• 

  Not like my other odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By kris - March 30 - 2:26 pm

  Had a 01 odyssey and loved it, drove it with no problems, the 2007 has not been as good. Had to replace tires, battery and now the torque converter. The paint scratches like crazy(but could be because it is navy blue) The torque converter was under warranty, so hope the problems are now fixed. It is very comfortable, and we enjoy the space but dont know if I would buy another one.

• 

  Rides Like A Truck - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By DrFerry - March 28 - 3:49 pm

  We had a 2000 Odyssey LX and kept for nine years. My wife replaced our 2000 model with a new EX-L in July 09 - when Dealers were practically giving them away. The most annoying thing about the van is how harsh it rides. It crashes over the smallest bumps. Potholes feel as if the van has no suspension as everything seems to shake and vibrate. The vehicle is way over sprung and over damped in bump and rebound. A road can look smooth, but the ride will be jiggly, nervous and harsh. I have had ridden in Pick- Up trucks that do a better job of isolating road irregularities than a 2009 Odyssey EX-L. I wish we could take it back and get a model with a softer ride. Go for a long test drive folks.

• 

  Mechanical problems - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Disappointed - March 28 - 10:40 am

  After ONLY 300 miles the engine broke down while driving on a highway nearly caused accident. Dealer had to dismantle entire engine. Obviously, this buyer is extremely disappointed and considers the vehicle unreliable.