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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  LOVED 2007 2015 DISAPPOINTMENT - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Richard Grand - July 18 - 8:14 am

  LOVED 2007 TOURING. Had 2 minor gripes: Passenger seat too close to dash Proprietary run flat tires could only be repaired/replaced at Honda dealer. 2015 TOURING NOT SO MUCH. Ride way too stiff. Amplifies road noise. Front seats difficult to ingress/egress (~12" laterally from ground, hard to get into contoured seat). Ledge under door collects water/dirt which gets on clothes. Awkward steering wheel adjustment required for drivers of different size. Infotainment system not intuitive and way too complicated. One tone for all alerts is a safety problem (have to take eyes off road to determine cause). Nitpicking interior items include: no coin holder, front cup holders not convenient, no storage for headsets in second row. PLUSES: Rear view camera is great. Setting Navigation screen back into dash with cowl is a major improvement. CONCLUSION: Very disappointed. Will not keep this van for usual length of time

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  Give me a brake - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By ericlight - July 2 - 4:56 am

  Honda spent a lot of time redesigning this minivan but skimped on the quality. There should be a class action lawsuit over brake warpage and suspension noise. Honda is charging consumers to routinely fix a design defect. If rotors warp at 12-15k miles regardless of driving style then you have a design flaw. Everyone we know who owns this van has warped rotors. So much of this van is well designed but they didnt car about the most important safety system.

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  Best Van I have ever owned - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By pastorewj - June 30 - 9:48 am

  I bought this van new. So all 240,000 are my miles, and I could not ask for more out of a van. I have replaced motor mounts, and power steering pump was replaced under warranty... but that is it.

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  The name Honda is no longer synonymous with quality - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By equiuga - June 29 - 12:55 pm

  I purchased my 2012 Odyssey EX-L with around 23K on it and it IMMEDIATELY started to shake when braking. I took it to the dealer and they turned the rotors free of charge. 3K miles later it started shaking AGAIN and they wanted me to pay for it for over $300.00. I am now at 47K and getting my first brake job and am told that I need rotors FRONT AND BACK to the tune of $1200.00. FOR A BRAKE JOB! I am calling Honda America b/c I am infuriated. I have owned 4 previous Hondas, a Subaru Outback and a Ford F-150 and have NEVER EVER had issues with my rotors like this, even with the awful Ford! I have also had problems with the suspension, rear hatch, RES, rim peeling, and transmission. AWFUL!

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  Honda Quality....Are you Kidding?? - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By terryauto - June 21 - 8:02 pm

  We purchased our 2014 Honda Odyssey last August. We decided to buy the Honda on reputation and the smoothness of the Honda Engine. Boy were we wrong. We have owned many new car brands, GM, Ford, Jeep, Lincoln, Volvo, Mercedes Chrysler to name some. We have never had the troubles with those brands as with the Honda.The big issue was that at around 8200 miles the head gasket blew. Now a check engine light is on. I have years of prof auto experience and Honda did not complete the repairs to proper standards. The car does not rde, perform, or have as good ergonomics as the KIA loaner we had from Enterprise! Now that was a shock to us as we never gave the Kia a look when shopping. We are done!

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  Very well designed and reliable vehicle. - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By jmn5467 - June 6 - 10:40 pm

  Have owned the van for 7 years and put about 60,000 miles on it. It has been an extremely reliable family vehicle - I have had almost no problems at all aside from an airbag-related sensor that had to be replaced and the usual maintenance (brakes, tires, etc). Surprised at the number of bad reviews on here. This is a very well designed vehicle for someone with 4 kids (or without).

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  Been driving it for 12 years - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By manyhondas - May 31 - 12:40 am

  Bought it new as a family van and now has 178,000 miles. In early years, we used it for long trips to Florida, New York, & Canada. Got power and accelerates well. Comfort is fine for local driving but on very long road trips, I wished I had more seat adjustments. The design ambiance is awesome and thats why its still in our driveway. Had two repaint jobs, one major maintenance overhaul, and transmission was rebuilt once. For many years, this minivan has performed better than I expected. Now that its 12 years old, our air conditioner acts weird about every 6 months until my mechanic tinkers around with it. We are tough and assertive urban city drivers.

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  2015 Honda Odyssey EX-L - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By tdr5 - May 14 - 8:04 pm

  Have had a 2015 Honda Odyssey EX-L for about 6 months and now have 15K miles on it. This is an outstanding vehicle! It rides extremely well and is comfortable to ride in. Have not had an vibration or other issues at all. I have had numerous Hondas and this one is at or near the top of them all. Very satisfied owner!

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  Family workhorse - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By smithiedad - April 8 - 9:39 am

  We were gifted our 2003 Odyssey 3 years ago from a friend when it had 184,000 miles. Now is has 315,000. Its our family workhorse and its been a dandy. Id buy another Odyssey for certain. Original engine and auto trans. We stay up on our maintenance and its been very good. Excellent value. Weve got our sights on 500K miles!

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  Ongoing mechanical failures - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By hcooley3 - March 23 - 4:58 pm

  We purchased our 2014 Oddy in late 2013 after testing out all other competing vans. We loved the styling, the way the van drove, and believed in Honda reliability. Fast forward 18 months and we cannot wait to get rid of this van. The transmission went out two months ago at 16K miles (replaced) and was quickly followed by failed power steering (also replaced). The van was towed to the dealership this morning because we found a 3-foot diameter puddle of fresh transmission fluid on our garage floor. The tranny issues started as other people have written in their reviews. People, beware of this van. We are lobbying the dealership and Honda Corporate for a replacement.