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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  Odyssey - 5 years later - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Kim Virtanen - March 27 - 4:22 pm

  With 142,000 miles on our 05 Odyssey, theres still quite a miles on the original brake pads and the original plugs are still firing fine, but our second set of tires are just about done. Weve also had to have the fluids and filters replaced quite a few times. Otherwise it fires up immediately, in hot or cold, wet or dry and takes us in comfort to wherever we wish to roam. Were glad we decided against the Touring model with its PAX run flat tires, but wish there was room for a full size spare. The only other nit to pick is the attachment of the plastic pieces around and under the front end. With mostly highway driving we average around 25 mpg - not bad for an 8 passenger vehicle!

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  Love Car, Hate Transmission - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Matt - March 27 - 12:26 pm

  We purchased this car second hand from a local Honda dealer, and until recently I considered it the best car I have ever owned. This was my first Honda and I was so impressed with it that when the time came to replace my commuter car I purchased a new Civic. This was until the tranny started to act strange. Soon after the dash warning lights come on. A trip to the local mechanic confirmed that the transmission is throwing three separate failure codes and will need to be rebuilt or replaced. Internet search has shown me that these failures are commonplace and that I got more life than most out my transmission. I expected more from Honda.

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  Engine Mounts - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ssethuma - March 26 - 9:37 am

  I have a 2004 Honda Odyssey with 65K miles and have been thinking of trading it in for a 201 model. But recently I had the front engine mount fail and it cost be about $450. Seems like a manufacturing problem and a common one with Odysseys with 60K+ miles (search internet). So if you are thinking of buying a new or an old one, you may want to look up the repair history of these.

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  Really like the odyssey - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By geary labuary - March 25 - 1:00 pm

  We really like the van but wished it got better gas mileage but the comfort and the fine driving we will take it as it is. We are a big family and really like the space and handling of the van.

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  Excellent Car - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Carlos - March 24 - 4:55 pm

  I have owned my Odyssey since 2001, its model year. So far, I have driven it for 163,000 miles without any problem. This model year had a transmission recall, so Honda replaced my transmission free of charge when the transmission died. Other than this covered warranty repair and routine maintenance, this car has not required any repairs. With three kids constantly going in and out of this car, I would have thought the automatic doors would eventually required some work. However, this car had not giving me any trouble. Its been completely reliable.

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  Nice Van but Misled on RunFlats - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Alicia - March 23 - 7:19 pm

  I really had not had many complaints about my Honda Odyssey touring. Although last year we took it in and were told that the engine mounts had to be replaced. Walked out $1700 later. Never had to replace that part on any other car I had now with only 27k on my mileage I have to get new tires. Not bad if they were regular tires but no we were sold the run flats. No one told us that each tire would cost $350 plus labor. $1600 later and that does not include the part inside the tire that needs to be replaced after 4 yrs so each one is another $200. We are looking at $2300 to replace my tires. So mad. We are now looking at selling this van pretty quickly.

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  VCM Issue - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Try Again - March 22 - 6:33 pm

  VCM Variable Cylinder Management system needs an off switch. I hate it when it goes into vcm eco mode as it growls and vibrates. Dealership wont turn it off or add an on/off switch. A 6 cylinder engine should not run on 3 cylinders ever no matter what extra counter-balancers and shock mounts you add. Harley Davidson proved that you cant get all the vibrations out of an engine that runs out of balance. Road and wind noise is still a Honda exclusive no charge feature.

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  Do Not Buy a Honda Odyssey! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By First Honda Purchase - March 21 - 4:16 pm

  Replaced transmission at 49,000 miles in Jan 2008, called dealership no mention of recall. Now at 83,000 miles, transmission is out again! 1.1 million recalled - my VIN # is not on the recall list, even though it is doing the same exact thing Honda issued the recall for. My first Honda will be my last. Customer service from Honda USA is terrible. Buy a Ford!

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  Best people carrier there is - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By txmom - March 20 - 5:23 pm

  Drove Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan minivans before trying Hondas as soon as we sat in an Odyssey, we were amazed at the quality and comfort of the interior. Carlike ride (plenty of power) convinced us. Ample space for kids, luggage, grandparents. Ive fit 3 square bales of hay and 6 50-lb bags of feed into the back (with both kids comfortably seated!). VTEC engine is cool (and effective!). Keyless entry and sliding doors are a lifesaver. Kids like the dvd player, but the wireless headsets only worked once. Difficult to get into the 3rd row with child seats in the 2nd. Have replaced tires and battery once. Selling ours, only because we live on a rough unpaved road and need clearance.

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  Love my Van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda lover - March 18 - 4:29 pm

  I cannot understand all the complaints about the Odyssey. I previously had 2 different Chrysler vans and this Odyssey beats anything I had with Chrysler. I have had not brake problems, no tire troubles, nothing. I am religious about oil changes and routine mileage servicing. I would buy another Odyssey in a minute! Drives like a dream!