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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  Riding - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By John Miller - October 29 - 3:04 pm

  Ive had four adults and two dogs get sick from riding in the back seats. Im going to take it to a dealer about it, but dont think anything will be done about it. Hope Im wrong. The seats are not very comfortable. Took a 5,000 mile trip was stiff from riding. We got out every 200 miles for a rest. Gas mileage isnt as good as my old van was. Passenger side needs more leg room.

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  Awful van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By amy - October 28 - 11:47 pm

  Initial problem started only a few months after purchase! There was a squeaking noise with braking and dealership said it was the brake pads. It had to be replaced twice, then rotors was resurfaced. To this day, I still have problems with the brakes and they cannot find anything wrong with it. It whines at low speeds when I turn, and whines when I slowly release the brakes! After 2 1/2 years, air conditioning failed! Then the axle seal leaked. I took the van several times for vibrations when vcm was on and for a year I was told there was nothing wrong! It turns out the rear engine mount collapsed! Have changed the batteries twice. Called corporate about probs. but nothing.

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  Second Odyssey - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Third Honda - October 27 - 3:16 pm

  Traded a 2003 for 2010. Had 200K on 2003 - excellent car, extremely reliable and great for family transportation. 2010 has nice options like automatic tailgate, navigation, and split rear seat. Miss compartment below passenger side seat. Could use second TV screen for rear seat (view is difficult from there as screen is small). Like moving the spare tire to the rear and getting the extra space in the floor. Especially like the mid seat windows that lower!

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  Great used van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Jason - October 24 - 11:29 am

  We just bought a 2002 Odyssey with 125,000 miles. The van can carry seven in comfort. The rear seat is best for kids, because of the narrow access. The power sliding doors ease ingress and egress. It can be hard to hear what someone is saying in the 3rd row because of road noise. Tires may help. The Odyssey has very good acceleration, even in hilly San Diego. The van handles very well for a vehicle this size. I would call it a sport van if such a thing exists. These models are known for transmission problems. I installed a transmission filter and cooler, and made sure the shift solenoid screens were clear. We get around 23 on the highway and 18 around town. I recommend this van.

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  Luvit ! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Allig8r - October 24 - 9:40 am

  The Odyssey is fun drive and the fold down third seat coupled with the removable second row makes it the perfect vehicle for light hauling. It drives and rides as well as a full size sedan. WIsh I had gotten one sooner.

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  Transmission Beware! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By ALS - October 22 - 12:36 pm

  I loved this van! I do a lot of driving as a taxi mom of three children-135,000 miles to be exact. Then, I had three lights appear on the dash that indicated that the transmission was going out. I got a quote for $3500 from Honda and $2800 from a local transmission guy. The local guy told me that the month before I talked to him that he replaced more Honda transmissions than GM cars. Honda doesnt make the cars that they used to. Quite frankly, they dont care because they are selling plenty of vehicles. Please investigate this before making the same mistake that I did.

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  This is one big people and stuff hauler - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Sharan - October 20 - 1:34 pm

  The 2005 Honda Odyssey EX w/Leather and RES is a true value for money. I love the leather seats, the 2nd row captain seats with center 8th seat and the spacious 3rd row bench seats. The engine is powerful and can accelerate very quickly on highways. The tires and track are wide to give you a comfortable ride. The RES (Rear Entertainment System) being fully integrated with the audio system is really nice, and the sound quality of the audio system is quite good. The controls are ergonomically placed. The headlights are very intense and provide good visibility. The 3rd row seats fold flat and allow you to carry lotsa cargo.

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  Greatness - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Borntodrive - October 19 - 8:01 pm

  This car is amazing, I actually like taking this car out, and Im only 18, it drives very well. I was recently with a big group of friends and we wouldve had to call up a 3rd car if it wasnt for the Odyssey... it hauled the required 8 people with ease. I was very pleased. The car is far more planted and composed than the Pilot that I usually drive, its very sure of itself, it has good grip. My friends seem to love the car as well, they find it very comfortable, as do I. It is a road trip maestro. However the brakes are a little wonky compared to the Pilot, the pedal travel is far too long, and it stinks when it comes time to park this thing because its so big, vs. the just stick it Pilot.

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  Honda not as reliable as I thought - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By stolla - October 19 - 7:36 pm

  Likes: Looks, performance, handling. Dislikes: Oil consumption: recently began burning off oil. About a pint every 2000 miles. I used castrol syntec 5w20 since new and had it serviced by dealer. Dealer reply that this oil consumption is normal. This is the first vehicle I ever owned including a Dodge caravan with 130k miles that ever burned this much oil. I am not a Honda believer any more. My hyundai elantra 2002 with 140k uses no oil between 5k synthetic oil changes. Brakes: Rotors resurfaced at 20k miles and replaced at 45k miles. The brakes are already shaking again at 50k miles. Road noise, rattles (doors and moonroof).

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  Best-in-class van - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By FirstOdyssey - October 18 - 8:46 pm

  New dad with rapidly-growing infant. Reliability, comfort, convenience were top considerations. Like other reviewers, compared Odyssey to Sienna, Quest, VW, as well as against large SUVs. Found Odyssey to be best combination of features/utility/design for the price and for our needs. Purchased end-of-year model with 40 miles on odometer for about $1600 under invoice. Drives more like a car (albeit a Honda, and not a BMW), surprisingly roomy, cavernous cargo space when 3rd row is folded down, intuitive/ingenious fold-down 3rd row, trouble-free through first 500 miles. Solid feel throughout. Plastic dash, but thats what you get for about $25K.