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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  Good intro to minivan ownership - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By dad2be - October 14 - 2:45 pm

  Weve had this van for about 6 months now and are very satisfied with our purchase. Just got back from a 3000 mile road-trip to Florida and averaged the EPA stated 23 mpg with a full load. At purchase time, we got almost $6000 off of MSRP (when deals were good prior to cash for clunkers) which certainly influenced our decision and I still think it is a great value. No mechanical problems to date. I read through some other reviews and folks mention the road noise and the way the transmission shifts. Nothing that bothers our family, but do take a long test drive with a mix of city and highway roads before purchasing any vehicle - dont assume youll love it just because its a Honda...

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  Dangerous Operating costs - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Chandra sekhar - October 14 - 2:21 pm

  Never buy a touring. The cost of tires will rip you. 2 touring tires cost $559+taxes+disposal etc. (Costco does not sell it ) and I have been replacing every 20,000 miles. I do drive only city, but so was when I was driving Camry which used to give between 35- 40,000 miles. Even third party warranty excludes tires. Fuel efficiency is in 14-16 mile range and long distance is 21 miles approx. Also AC broke once ($600), exact same repair for three of my friends when the car was about 50,000 miles. Stay away from touring. Buy accessories instead to make it touring without the expensive tires.

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  Honda forever - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By kg - October 12 - 9:53 pm

  I was recently traveling at 65 miles an hour when I ran over a piece of metal on the interstate. I lost control of the car for a moment but managed to keep the van straight. Unfortunately, my back axle broke but the Honda handled it extremely well. I thought for sure we were about to have a horrific accident but the Honda managed to keep all four tires on the ground and we ended up on the shoulder of the road. God played the biggest part in keeping my family safe but thank you, Honda for Vehicle Stability Assist. I could feel the wheels fighting the urge to leave the road. The reason my husband and I chose this vehicle was safety and Im so pleased that the investment paid off.

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  Never had a better car! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Tammy - October 12 - 12:03 pm

  The Honda Odyssey SV 2000 has been the most reliable mini van Ive owned. It handles very well, especially on rainy days and has been a great family car around town and on long trips.

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  Lemon - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By jr - October 11 - 10:15 am

  Most car companies have lemons even if its once in a blue moon. I bought my new Odyssey on a blue moon. The very least a company can do about a lemon after not being able to fix the problem is to replace it. Honda had my van in their shop for a month and still couldnt figure it out. The dealer had the nerve to blame me for the problem stating I put diesel by mistake and saying that he has proof. That accusation ended my claim. After three years of nothing but problems and one near accident when the engine just died on a freeway with my 1 year old and 3 year old inside. I decided to get a Sienna. I called the corporation and told them about the near mishap but did not get any sympathy.

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  Im a Believer! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Patrick Johnson - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a near-perfect people hauler. The layout is user friendly, easily fitting my family of five (three kids in car seats fit well). Access is great. Performance is surpisingly excellent. Passing traffic is easy. Visibility is good. Quick turns dont even upset this minivan. Still waiting to see how it does in Spokane snow.

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  3 year review - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By edog152 - October 9 - 11:57 pm

  It has almost been three years as we purchased this in 11/06, and this is our 5th Odyssey. We normally trade after 24 months but we felt we drive this one until the wheels fall off. Well we are at 104K and its still drives like a brick. Sure gas mileage could be better, but with all the conveniences that the van offers... If I wanted el cheapo Id get a KIA... Yeah brakes shutter as the brakes get warped quick... well it is a 4000+lb tank!! I have NO regrets!!!!

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  Lovin my van! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By jill - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is truly a van dream come true. I have owned Hondas and have driven them for up to 275,000 miles! This is one reliable van. We have never had any problems with the engine (have 42,000 miles now), but I do have to complain about the doors sticking. The molding sticks to the door and the kids cant open it without my help-- especially worse in the summer. Gee, shouldve gotten those automatic doors, I guess! Other than that, it is awesome. LOVE LOVE LOVE the disappearing back seat-- tons of cargo room (far better than other vans). Would I buy another one? You betcha!

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  2002 Honda Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By JRK - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Prior to purchasing my first Honda Odyssey in 2000, I was driving a Ford Crown Victoria c/w with air ride, leather and all the extras. If anyone had suggested to me that the Odyssey would travel down the highway at 70 mph and handle better than the Crown vic, I would have not have believed them. It does and also gets about the same gas mileage. Four of us went for an extended holiday to the East coast. The Van was perfect for carrying all our luggage plus a cooler and lunch basket. We were able to have our coats, sweaters and various food article right at our fingertips. The fold down rear seat was put up when we arrived at a friends place and the six of us were able to sight see together.

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  Buyers Remorse - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By G. A. Arce - October 8 - 6:01 pm

  I bought two brand new Honda vehicles within the past 6 months. The first one was a Pilot AWD EX-L and the 2nd one the 2018 Honda Odyssey. The Odyssey has been a disappointment. The infotainment is glitchy sometimes it works and sometimes it doesnt. The rear doors may not completely close and may require several attempts to get them to close. The front seats are harsh and uncomfortable. The seats on the Pilot are more comfortable. Acceleration in the Honda Odyssey is lackluster, I just can feel any the power. The Pilot is quirky even on ECCO mode. Forget about using ECCO mode on the Odyssey. The ACL is a pain and have caused some near misses like suddenly braking when trying to change a lane at freeway speeds. It also lacks enough USB ports and the gap in the middle console is hideous. I am not a fan of the push button transmission and emergency breaks. I would rather have then in the foot area. I should have bought another Honda Pilot instead of this land yacht.