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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Familiar Problems - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By Familymaniam - February 3 - 5:33 pmBought car new in 2000. It replaced my 1995 Odyssey. Love the van except for transmission problem, paint clearcoat failure and repeated problems with sliding doors. Van handles well. Weve been on long trips and the space makes traveling with kids great.
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Electrical and mechanical Issues - 2009 Honda Odyssey
By Brad Armstrong - February 1 - 8:45 amThis car (2009 Honda Odyssey) quit on my wife in the middle of rush hour traffic. Smoke coming from under the hood and making a loud puffing sound. The dealer found that the timing belt cover had come loose and was leaking oil. The dealer fixed this issue. Now the car will only run for a few days at a time and will not start. Left the car at the dealer and they provided a rental. The dealer called to say the problem was fixed, but when I arrived to pick it up it would not start. They replaced the battery an this only lasted for for four days. They cant seem to find the problem. So far the dealer is doing all they can, but the car is now back in the shop.
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We got a lemon - 2001 Honda Odyssey
By yes! - January 29 - 11:32 amI wanted this van because of the great Honda Odyssey claim to fame, but our van was a lemon. So many things went wrong from the start and every time Honda said "this is so unusual for an Odyssey" yeah, yeah, yeah....now it is 149,000mi and needs new transmission. weve already replaced brakes 2x, go through tires too quickly, interior lights out, ....hatch lock broke, automatic door sticks even after SEVERAL times in to fix, ...and lots more.... Time for a change.
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Saved my life!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Sharon - January 28 - 11:22 pmWe bought our Odysseys because of the safety ratings. We ended up loving them. The ride is soooo comfortable, as driver or passenger. We live in lake effect snow belt region and always take extra caution with snow tires. Never had problems. Only had to do oil changes and minimal scheduled maintenance. Six days ago my 2005 Odyssey saved my life. A speeding driver blew a stop sign and t-boned me with such force that the van was thrown on its side (the drivers side) and then bounced back up on all fours. The fire department was shocked when I literally walked out of that totaled van. They thought theyd be sending the med-evac chopper for me. I am sore and bruised but alive.
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Problems with my 2007 Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By Mr. Unhappy owner - January 27 - 9:49 am#1 A freaking creaking noise when turn the ignition switch. #2 Power steering fluid pump has problem making a streaking noise. #3 Mileage is very poor not even close to Hondas promise. Even though I do have extended warranty, it is really a pain both mentally and physically. I did not paid for this piece of junk. My 4 runner had no problem for 7 years. I am not happy with my 2007 Honda Odyssey. I will never buy another honda rather stick with Toyota. Road noise is also a major problem with this van.
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OK- Not as Great as We Had Hoped - 2010 Honda Odyssey
By MidwestMomOf3 - January 22 - 6:36 pmWe do not love this van as much as we had hoped we would. We have three kids, age five and under, and yes, it is great with the kids. Easy to get everyone in and out, plenty of space, and the kids love it. It does make my life easier. But... road noise on the highway is really bad. Fuel economy is the pits. We seem to be getting far fewer mpg than other Ody drivers - not sure why. I had heard this about the Ody before we purchased, but didnt pay much attention. Wish I had! Around town we get 11-12 mpg -- yes, thats right! And pure highway driving with cruise control, we get about 17-18 mpg. Might as well be driving a big 3 row SUV! In the minivan category, wish we had gone with the Sienna.
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knock on wood- no problems here. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By mom2edna - January 21 - 1:56 pmI bought this van new in 03. It now has 85k miles. After reading about the transmission problems that others are having I feel pretty lucky. i havent had any big issues with mine. Just this past week the passenger power window motor broke $200 repair. The sliding doors act up sometimes, but it usually happens when children & adults are pushing the auto open buttons and door handles/locks at the same time. The only other issue Ive had is the radio controls on the steering wheel. I cant lower the volume-when I hit the button the radio gets louder. I also dont like the seek/scan that they have on the wheel. It only scrolls thru your pre-set stations rather than all the stations.
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The best people hauler - 2001 Honda Odyssey
By DIC_CAMARILLO - January 21 - 12:39 amWe now have over 175,000 miles on our Odyssey EX and to date we cant complain. The seats are very comfortable. Great driving position. Great visibility. Lots of room inside and all seats are comfortable. Rear seat folds flat in the floor. Dual power doors are a great idea. Has been hit a few times and still drives great. Doesnt leak or burn oil. Has held value exceedingly well. Decent power and handling. Quality of materials is impressive. Engine is soooo smooth! Yes, we had a transmission issue that was fixed by Honda (even though it was well outside the factory warranty - Thank you Honda). The only other repair has been the engine mounts. The rest is maintenance.
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Frustrated Odyssey - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By Ed Warrior - January 20 - 10:08 pmI cant believe an Odyssey with torque converter issues at 20k miles. It isnt the only issue with this year model add front brake rotor since first day and both front axis tips damages. New replacement not available until end of January. I am running a "new" minivan with a lot of problems basically since 0 miles.
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Odyssey should have been more - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Cookie - January 19 - 3:17 pmIt all began with broken motor mounts at 90,000. Never heard of this. Transmission failed at 127,000 miles several months ago. Honda recommended a $4000 replacement of sealed transmission. Found someone who did the work for a lot less. It runs fine now. I was hoping to get 200,000 miles but I have my doubts that this car will last another 3 years. Seats are very uncomfortable for long drives. I always thought Hondas were the best but I have my doubts about them now.