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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  2005 TO 2015 - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By rescuegal - September 10 - 9:45 pm

  Yes, traded my old lady for a new version. Have had my LX for a few weeks and am happy with it. Runs very quiet and smooth. As for a comparison to my 2005: The drivers seat is ok but would prefer the old version and no adjustable seat. Just not a good trade off for me. With less padding, I feel the new seat fabric will wear out faster and it is not as comfortable. I miss the center console in front that you can actually reach. The new one is on the floor. (safety factor) The standard wheels look cheap. You can get better Honda wheels but you might need a second job. It is time to have the ability to fold the middle seats into the floor and have a flat storage surface. Tired of storing seats in the house. (dog friendly issue) Manual is a little hard to read. Taking the above into account, I still feel that the Odessey is the best van out there.

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  Panel Fit - are you KIDDING me? - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By dave - September 8 - 10:09 pm

  I bought my Touring a few weeks ago. I am a car detailer and I have my own business. Been so busy that I just got around to detailing/sealant and glass coating/etc of my van. One REALLY notices the small stuff when you detail a car. I noticed the drivers front fender looked not in line with the front door. After checking other Odysseys, they were the same - and I noticed its from the angle they wanted obtain by having the fender bow out around the wheel/tire ... and they started this change in angle immediately from the front fender/door gap. OK - I can buy that. Then I looked at my passenger side. Its level of protrusion outward is HALF that of the drivers side. They are NOT the same. So I drove to my dealer and looked at the 20 or so 2015s and 16s they had on the lot. The angles and protrusions NEVER matched on any car I looked at. Sometimes the passenger side stuck out further and sometimes (as in mine) the drivers side stuck out more. I am a BMW aficionado - but my wife and I wanted a TRUE 7-8 passenger van as we have 8 grandkids. OK - going to a van means I will give up driving dynamics. But I didnt expect to give up parts that fit. I have a body shop friend, and he looked at it and said "wow, its a Japanese van so youd think panel/fender fit would be better than that". I love the van. But with all the competition out there for roughly the same price, why would I choose a Honda again if they cant get panel fitment correct?

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  BAD TRANNY!! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Sarah - September 1 - 9:37 am

  Its not true, this is NOT the best minivan ever! I purchased it used at 85k, and at 175k the transmission is slipping. I would have hoped for another 100k, but not so. Already time to junk it. My 1964 Plymouth is a better car than this piece of junk. Aside from the transmission issue, the automatic doors have been a pain since day one. My dogs were letting themselves out in parking lots, the doors now mysteriously open and close on their own. One opens and just WILL NOT CLOSE. I need to muscle it closed, not easy. Before the tranny went I needed to replace the alternator (& battery), more than FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS because it took half a day for my mechanic to get it out!! This is unacceptable to me. I should be able to replace that myself if I want to. Not possible with Honda, you will pay through the nose to repair this van, and then the transmission will die, so DONT BUY IT. Just bought an 02 Chrysler, going back to my roots. :-)

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  Great Van - Reliable and Works Every Time - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By DonM3Z - August 21 - 6:26 pm

  The van has been one of the most reliable vehicles we have owned. We have traveled across the country with it a few times with no problems and it is a solid performer during the harsh winters in Chicago. We purchased the van used 5 years ago with 110,000 miles and it currently has 150,000 miles. During those 40,000 miles we have not had any transmission problems and aside from preventive maintenance and tires the only things we have had to replace were: battery, rear hub, oxygen sensor, oil pan gasket and sway bar links. I keep very detailed records of all the maintenance and our annual cost to maintain this van has averaged only $800/ year. Not bad for a car that is fully paid for! The interior is very roomy and we can haul a ton of stuff. The quality of the interior is top notch as it has held up very well to the abuse of our three kids, dog, and numerous trips to the hardware store. The technology is not the best since it is a 15 year old van now, but a Pioneer aftermarket stereo fixed all of that. Our van now has bluetooth audio for our iPhones and handsfree calling. The exterior is in great shape and the paint still holds a nice shine. Personally I think the 99-04 years is one of the nicest designs among all the Odysseys. There are a couple of small rust spots along the rear wheel wells, but no complaints here given that we live in the rust belt. Overall, we have been extremely happy with our van and plan to drive it another 50,000 or 70,000 miles. After that we will purchase another Odyssey - perhaps an EX-L this time.

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  Constant Front brake issues - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Dman760 - August 13 - 11:43 am

  This vehicle has numerous front brake issues. The front rotors are too small for the vehicle so they overheat and warp about every 15,000 Miles. Honda will do nothing about it and they refuse to fix it for free. Other than this I love this van.

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  Great Van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Bibi - August 12 - 12:32 pm

  Absolutely love this van. Bought it with 15Ok Miles and it working good as ever. Only problem is that the V6 takes a lot of gas. The front seats are really great. Have a lot of leg space. The trunk has a lot of space. Great Family Van.

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  Older ones were better - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By craig - August 8 - 8:31 pm

  2006 was one of the last year the Honda Van was really a good. Our 2008 has issues with the sliding doors, loose window trim on the sides and this crazy melting window glue that looks like black tar. A real pain to clean off. It seems to be a southern US thing with extreme heat or reflected heat on hot days, such as store windows back onto the car. Were looking for a new car and for the first time in 10 years it will not be a Honda/ Shame they could not stay focused on the details.

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  Honda oddsy 2002 - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Kinnari patel - July 28 - 10:39 am

  If we go to Honda they didnt even tell there is recall for transmission

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  thought I was going crazy - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By day1 - July 25 - 1:25 pm

  I have been a loyal Honda owner for years. Just bought the 2015 odyssey after having owned one before and after driving it home started to get a dizzy feeling that made me sick. I am about one month into owning this car and the vertigo still hasnt gone away. Very disappointed but was comforted by knowing I was not going crazy and others were having the same experience.

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  Smart cars are dumb - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By Arnoldo Betong - July 19 - 8:42 pm

  Our car detects imaginary individuals in the heat, opens the windows and sunroof, and floods when the rainstorm hits. A lemon of a design. I will never buy Honda again