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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  Overall happy except for rattles - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By haji - December 31 - 5:18 pm

  We have owned this car for 1.5 years. Fairly happy with it, no mechanical problems yet. It offers lots of room for the whole family including the in- laws. Rattles - the plastic panels along the outside vertical edge of the driver and passenger doors badly rattle at high speed(fix with body shop tape). Rear seats are difficult to access when childs seats are installed in middle row. The system informs how close you are to an oil change using the TPMS(tire pressure monitoring system) light comes and the engine light. The TPMS light should only come on when there is a problem with tire pressure and should not be used to communicate the need for an oil change - imho. Mileage is ok ~ 20mph

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  DO NOT BUY HONDA ODYSSEY...MUST READ!!!! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Mary Snyder - December 31 - 12:27 pm

  DO NOT BUY HONDA ODYSSEYS. New 2009 Honda Odyssey with 5000 miles. Dealer has had to upgrade the transmission software twice and replaced the torque converter one to attempt to eliminate a transmission/vehicle vibration issue. Steering wheel shakes when moved off center and vibrates at highway speeds. Tires rotated, balanced, etc. Both problems still present with no improvement. Both sliding doors rattled severely, now they just squeak. Dealer wont touch the vehicle anymore to prevent Lemon Law from becoming effective. Drive vehicle on smooth roads and YOU WILL notice these issues.

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  Still kickin at 127k - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Bluestar - December 30 - 11:53 pm

  Overall this van has been pretty good to us. We bought it new and had the transmission recall done immediately within a few months of buying I think. I have had the tranny fluid changed every 15k and flushed every 30k and never had a problem with it. The 3 stupid motor mounts needed to be replaced though at 90k covered under our 100k warranty thankfully. That seemed like a strange part to wear out. Rear main seal was leaking oil and just replaced at 120k. Engine has been bullet proof with just a timing belt/water pump service at 105k. We have been very satisfied with this vehicle.

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  Unreliable - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Eddie - December 30 - 10:46 am

  First problem was steering, they forgot to place oil in steering column causing creaking noise hard steering. Second, transmission slips since 15000 miles, was told to replace transmission fluid due to it being burned. I do no towing and drive normal, never had issues last 4 cars I owned. Third power steering pump has problems with air causing loud noise and fluid issues when cold. Heard there is TSB on this however Im out of warranty. MPG what expected, love van but mechanical issues Im not happy for I paid 32,000$. My 4 runner was much more reliable.

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  16th Honda - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Hondaman - December 29 - 8:54 pm

  Yes, thats no typo--Ive had 16 Hondas (and 1 Acura). First van though, and Ive had it 24 months w/o problems. It doesnt handle like a Civic--but it doesnt ride like one either. Its been comfortable, safe and reliable. Fun? Hey, its a VAN for crying out loud. It does make an odd "clunk" in the back end when using reverse sometimes or turning hard to the right. But Ive got no real complaints. Its not like my CRVs for toughness, its not like my Civics for mpg. It IS like my Accords for comfort. I still cant get over the stigma of owning a minivan but if you have to have one, the Odyssey is the one to get.

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  Never buy a first model year again! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By TouringNY - December 26 - 9:18 pm

  Bought it new when it first came out and have had several recurring troubles, had a brake grinding noise, went several times until finally dealer got Honda to replace the pads and shave the rotors. PAX STINX, as everyone says they dont drive that great and they are so darn expensive, lasted us only 25-30K each set. Sliding door got stuck but fixed under warranty, keeps making clunking noise and hesitation at 2500RPM since 30000 miles, tried to get dealer to figure out several times, they just charged me a diagnostic fee of $120 and cant find a darn thing.

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  Great Van! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By T Riggs - December 26 - 7:40 pm

  This is our 2nd odyssey since 2000. We have been very happy with our Honda van. The only negative is that it is not very quiet on the road. I expected not to hear much road noise with this priced van. Should also have had backup sensors for the price. The entertainment package has given us no trouble and is still going strong after 71/2 years. You do have to put a new timing belt in at 105000 miles.

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  Good now but some bumps along the way - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Speedwell - December 26 - 5:02 pm

  Half-way home from picking up the van, the VSC system failed. Lucky there is a switch to disable on the dash. Took a week at the dealer to figure out the problem and now some 1500 miles later, everything is OK. The Touring has everything as standard and it all works pretty well except the voice assist on the nav system is hard to hear at highway speeds (volume at max) due the fact that there is a lot of noise in the cabin at 60 mph +. The voice assist on the bluetooth phone is much louder however (kind of strange).

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  Honda Odyssey 2005 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By a - December 24 - 7:53 pm

  Good gas mileage becuse of the Variable cylinder management. Comfort, head and legroom and driving position. The no flat tires take the worry out of flats and I would never, ever buy another car without the navigation system.

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  We love the Odyssey! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By kaw - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Honda Odyssey. We LOVE this van! It is so roomy inside and drives like a car! This time we got the entertainment package and LOVE the fact that the kids can listen to a DVD and we can still listen to a CD or the radio! We took our first Honda Odyssey across country last summer and it was the perfect van to travel in! I cant imagine buying a different van for our family of six.