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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  Soccer Dad - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Alan - October 2 - 5:11 pm

  A++++ , First ever Mini in my life, looked at Sienna & others stopped once I drove this one. Its not really a van , more like a car. Dealership did an excellent price as well, no others would come this low price wise for less quality. Roomy, classy and you can still look like a cool guy...lol. My boys love it , lots of storage for sports stuff and as my oldest says "wow there are a lot of cup holders".

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  Great family van except tranny - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By seattlecatfish - October 2 - 4:15 pm

  We bought the van with 89k, Im guessing that it already had a fresh tranny (looking back now). All and all I have to be fair in saying that it has served us very well. For 3 years hardly any maintenance just typical little things (fluid levels, tires, ect). I know my way around a car and its a good van. The biggest problem with our van was the side doors being intermittent and then tranny acting wierd. Flushed it, no help. 3 yrs 10mths later, tranny has pasted on. It is a well known problem 99-01 tranny failures. With only one type of tranny to be replaced with at $3300 (w/o labor) each time. About every 3 yrs or less it will need to be replaced. And this is typical with all 99-01. Check Internet and see.

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  Great Van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jaybird - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Have had the van for going on 2 years, drives great in all road conditions. Have had 3 other Chrysler vans, wanted something different,wouldnt go back. Gets 20 mpg around town, 24-25 on the highway depending on loads. Really enjoy the ability to flip over the 3rd row seat for space without taking out the seats. Great power, no reliability problems, have had all routine maintenance done at dealer.

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  The Red Luxury Coach - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By vtec802 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This van is my parents new minivan. However, I did drive it several times on my visit to SC. The van is exquisite and the power delivery is fluid and powerful even with a load of people in it. We drove it on a 5 hour trip to FL and it got excellent gas mileage. I like the power sliding doors. They are rather neat. There is excellent room inside and the safety features are top notch. I had to do a LOT of convincing to buy this van other than a Town & Country Limited. He liked that van also, but we are a HONDA family and have been for decades. The ODYSSEY EX-L will continue our familys proud tradition of toting Honda as the best on the road.

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  NICE but: Dont get the VCM model - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By George - October 2 - 7:47 am

  Love the Odyssey BUT -- dont get the VCM model. There is a low growl/drone vibration you can feel and hear when it kicks into 3 cyl mode. Especially in cold weather. HONDA WONT disable it and claims that the noise is normal! VCM doesnt activate when the engine is cold during the first 5 min of driving so there must be a way to disable it programmatically. There also is a loss of power that is noticeable during VCM cruise on slight inclines. This causes the mph to drop well below your cruise setting. I prefer to eat the fuel savings (if any) than put up with this annoyance. It is extremely noticeable at 40 and 70 mph and when fully loaded. Must be at just the right rpms.

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  First Time Van Owner - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By bad_dog205 - October 1 - 12:34 am

  We bought this vehicle with a 2400 mile Disney World trip in mind. It practically drove itself there and had us convinced we were in a luxury sedan. Driving feel was sporty. Mileage was 23 mpg despite using a/c even while parked often and driving 65-80 mph. At home its closer to 16 mpg. Our son runs to get in and has never mentioned the SUV (he used to love so much). My wife hated to buy a minivan but fights over who gets to drive it next.

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  Possibly the best car ever - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By VanGuy-MN - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had 4 Accords prior to buying the Odyssey. This is an amazing van. Its safe, comfortable, fun to drive, and has Hondas thoughtfulness in every detail. I was a little bit disappointed in the mileage at first, but it has improved as the van has broken in. I drive between 25-30k per year and this is by far the most comfortable vehcile Ive ever owned. Highly recommended!

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  The great debate: Sienna or Odyssey - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By LaFio - September 29 - 5:15 pm

  I must have test driven each of these cars at least 3 times. In the end, I got an Odyssey because I got the better deal and more options. The Honda was fun. Downside: Honda road noise is awful and, after several weeks, I feel like Im driving a tank with no pick up. The passenger seat feels like it teeters when you accelerate or stop. And the stitching on the steering wheel has come unraveled. The passenger doors dont open/close fast enough. Im happy with the van (see pros below), but I wish I had gotten the Sienna, despite its boring appearance.

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  Two issues, one compliant - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Doug - September 28 - 5:46 pm

  I own a 2007 Odyssey with 20,000 miles on it which I purchased new. Ive had two mechanical issues so far. The first was with a noisy power-steering unit. The noise was caused by a faulty power steering fluid reservoir which allowed air to get into the system. The second issue is with the transmission. It shutters at 20 & 40 mph under very light pedal applications. I had it to the dealer once so far without a fix. I believe it is an issue with the cylinder deactivation system. A friend had a similar issue and had their active engine mounts replaced. I may start there with the dealer on my next visit. Fuel economy is poor. Avg. 16/17 around town & 18 on vacation trip loaded down.

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  What a Disappointment - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Momof2 - September 28 - 2:09 pm

  Ive owned Hondas in the past and found them reliable, so I blindly chose the Odyssey when it was time for a minivan. Big mistake. This huge "mini" van drove like a bus, was difficult to park, and had problems the dealer was not able to fix. At 20K miles, the rotors warped, the front tires had to be replaced, and the front wheels were constantly out of balance. At 25K miles, the engine mounts failed, followed by the torque converter and the A/C. It vibrated all the time while driving and the dealer could do no more. Reading the reviews on this model year, I found Im not the only one with these problems. I just traded it in on a Sienna and have never been happier.