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:

• 

  Great Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim - March 16 - 7:59 pm

  First Honda ever purchased. Best vehicle ever owned. Over 100,000 miles and never been back to dealer for any problem. Still has original brake pads. Will buy another one.

• 

  Wasnt worth the hype - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By taveling man - March 16 - 11:17 am

  Bought it because it was a Honda. At least they covered the transmission the first time it went out at 70,000 miles even though it was properly maintained, better than GM or Ford would do! But, between the sticky rear door, front brakes every 20K and timing belt (why have one not a chain) the money spent is like a Chrysler. Higher resale was a joke because if I had bought a Chrysler for 3,000 cheaper I could have taken advantage of the Cash for clunkers and ended up ahead.

• 

  Nice Van, Pricey - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By D F - March 16 - 9:55 am

  Bought new in 09 well under invoice. Van is comfortable, easy to drive, gets decent hwy mpg. Comfortable seating, plenty of room.

• 

  Dont buy a honda with pax system tires - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Paxhater - March 15 - 1:01 pm

  Do not buy Honda. Me and my wife thought we were getting a quality minivan that would last forever, than the nightmare began. We got a blow out on the rear and found out only Honda dealerships could replace these pax tires and it cost about $325 for the one tire. Then after about 15,000 miles the front 2 were bald and those cost about 650. And you have to replace them you cant put any other tires on those rims. They will last maybe 15,000 miles before they are bald and you are forced to drive on snow covered roads with 3 children on bald tires because you cant afford to replace them. And the brakes are garbage and the yolk in the front suspension snapped and is rattling around.

• 

  New to Honda - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Brian - March 14 - 8:27 pm

  This is the first Honda we had purchased. We had GM mini vans before this one. Last GM mini was not a good van. We have owned this van since Feb. 2008 and put lots of mileage on it. Last summer we had 3 adults and 3 children with a roof top carrier and still averaged 25 mpg driving at 70 mph. We added the rear sensors and it helps to park the van. The camera helps as well. Good features. Only problem I have is the passenger window rattles and wind noise when going 55+. Very good vehicle over all.

• 

  Motor Mounts/Transmission Trouble Dont - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By HondaNO - March 12 - 3:12 pm

  Always had the recommended maintenance done. One motor mount broke early on. The other one went out at 90,000 miles = $2,500. The transmission went out at 96,000 miles over $4,000 to repair. Timing belt $980. Thought Hondas were reliable. From this site I see that it can be relied on to have costly repairs starting at around 80,000 miles. (I didnt list the previous problems just the most recent.) Has always had a lot of road noise as well as many rattles.

• 

  Joes Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Joe and Shirley - March 10 - 5:44 pm

  One of the most reliable vehicles we have ever owned. It has been a pleasure to own.

• 

  The best of the minivans but why no HID? - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Iconoclast - March 10 - 3:27 pm

  We bought this in November for our family. It has a great engine with plenty of power. The inside is nicely equipped. The seats are the most comfortable of any vehicle Ive owned. The controls , ride and handling are great. The brakes could be a little bigger but Ive never routinely driven a minivan. My only complaint it the lack of HID headlights. At this price point that should be standard. Also only the Grand Touring (highest) trim has the informational display. From other cars it is nice to know such things as oil life and tire pressure. Dont bother with the very expensive rear entertainment center they can break and for a tithe of the price you can get a dual screen dvd.

• 

  Do Not Buy a Honda - Many Problems - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By steve - March 9 - 9:15 pm

  This car is a lemon and has transmission and engine problems. Torque Converter problem with transmission is a known problem they cant fix. They keep getting service updates for the computer but still can t figure it out. Seems like Honda is on its way to Toyotaville. So many problems covered up so the reliability of Japanese cars is now just history. Too bad.

• 

  I cant decide - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By happyhippieinmymini - March 5 - 12:57 pm

  This Mini Van was my first car. I got it when it only had 125,000 miles on it and now she has 190,000 and still running. I have had some trouble with the radiator and oil leaking. I am considering selling her for scion xA or Toyota Matrix but this car has overall been great!