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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  Not up to previous standards - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By JakeMinor - February 16 - 2:36 pm

  This was our third Honda Odyssey but most disappointing. Our favorite model was 2004. Have had brakes checked 3 times, rotors turned and replaced, and brake pads replaced twice. Run-flat tires are incredibly expensive and wear fast. Price of tires and installation - what a shock! On third set after 80,000 miles. Also, after a few months, the seal around the front windshield began to whistle loudly at high speeds, and it continues to get worse with age. The biggest improvement has been with the engine and fuel economy. The sound system, which would have been quite fancy in 1985, has been a real dud for the price. This will probably be our last Odyssey.

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  Will not buy at end of lease - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By sftwr-dude - February 15 - 12:51 am

  We leased this vehicle with the intention of buying at the end of the lease but have had quite a few problems with it. First, the shaking at 35 mph, which Honda originally said would be fixed with a software update. The shutter persisted and we found that the torque converter was going bad. That was replaced under warranty. The brakes make a loud creaking sound, but Honda says thats normal. That sounds has been getting louder and louder. Now the power steering seems to be slacking off. Turning the wheel has become increasingly harder. We will return this upon lease completion and maybe switch to a Sienna. Its too bad because we like Honda.

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  Rear brake noise - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Dhudshia - February 14 - 10:40 pm

  I have this 2007 Odyssey, dealer replaced free of charge front pad due to recall, but I have big issue with rear brake, grinding noise. Dealer in Richardson Texas check 3 times and they are telling me brake is good, but I get serious grinding noise. I highly suspect rear brake issue. I notified this to Honda corporation but no positive response received.

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  Great on the Freeway! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Pa hauler - February 14 - 1:30 pm

  We love driving this minivan to haul the kids to and from college. We have an 07 Accord as well. The Odyssey is so much more comfortable and swallows up all the gear our kids need for school. We have had a few heavy snow storms in Pa and this van with Bridgestone Blizzaks has pulled through with no problem at all. The seats are extremely comfortable on 4 hour trips we take. The dual climate control works great for us. My wife and I can have our own temp. We love the van!

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  Vastly over-rated - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Michael - February 14 - 11:27 am

  Do NOT buy this car! Too much cheap interior plastic that peels off, plastic bumper covers that scratch when you look cross-eyed at them. Electric doors that open/close when they want, not when you want. Un-padded carpeting will kill your knees when putting luggage in the back. Folding rear seat hooks stick out of sides and eliminate 4 inches of space for sliding things in. And a transmission that only lasts 120,000 miles!

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  Just Purchased - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Jimmy - February 12 - 9:36 am

  The car is comfortable and drives well with good power. The list of bells and whistles seems to go on and on. There may be too many at times - it took two salesman and the finance guy to figure out why the remote to the RES didnt work. There is a lockout button on the dash that no one really knew about. However, were pleased with the van and look forward to years of service. My wife just wishes it came in a pearl white.

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  Fits Our Family of 6 - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By KeriAnn - February 10 - 2:54 pm

  We were not looking for a Honda. We test drove Town & Country & Grand Caravan. They were too small. We have 2 teens, a preteen & a 5 year old. When looking at vans, I happen to see an Odyssey sitting by a Town & Country. We took it for a spin & loved it. With leather,navi,dvd & more it had all we wanted plus extra storage room. The feel of this van is great and it drives like a dream. This is a 4 year old van, however, it rides and looks like a new van. We love it!

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  A nice upgrade from the old mini-van - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By kdrew - February 8 - 7:41 pm

  We recently decided to upgrade from the old Windstar so we investigated the few remaining mini-vans out there. We had nothing against the others but it was clear that the Honda Odyssey was best of the bunch. Smartly designed by Honda to take into account features that make life easy. Lots of space, lots of storage, a very nice stereo system. We liked the sunroof option and that the windows in the doors roll down. Smooth ride. Goes when you need it to. While we would prefer another type of car, for a family with multiple children (plus their friends), you cant beat the mini-van. I would suggest this to any family looking. We opted NOT to have the DVD system. If your kids cant deal, then.

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  So far so good but dreading future - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Gibran - February 8 - 11:38 am

  Bought the van from first owners a few years ago after our first kid and before the 2nd. Didnt realize the van had problems. Check engine light went on after 2 days. Called the seller and they pretended they dont know about it. There was a recall on the problem but they never took it in. Long story short it is the cat converter thing. It has been 15,000 miles since we have been driving on that check engine light so far it is just a light. The transmission slips when I back it in on our uphill driveway but no major transmission problems yet. Awesome space I use it to haul stuff around all the time after the 3rd seat fall flat include 8 ft dry walls !! : )

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  many issues - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Mis-take - February 6 - 9:15 pm

  Could not the the Toyota i wanted, so purchased the Odyssey touring. Major probs with transmission, dealer did not want to look at.. American Honda did noting to help.. have issue in lower transmission.. having more issues with tranny when coming off hwy .. car has 37500, nice car to drive if tran would work.. 2nd big issue PAX nuff said...