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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  Chiming in on transmission problems! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Family - August 31 - 2:44 pm

  Like many other owners we too are having transmission issues. We just had to the dealer for the transmission "judder" fix, but guess what? Its worse than it was before! Vehicle shakes at 25 MPH while transmission hunts for a gear, especially on hills. There is also an intermittent shake at highway speeds (70 MPH) that I no longer believe has anything to do with tires or alignment, but with the drivetrain itself. Like others when entering/exiting ECO mode there is too much noise from the transmission. The VCM system does not seem to improve gas mileage so I say Honda should eliminate it. Weve had 7 Hondas now and this is the first and only Odyssey we will own.

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  Mixed review - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Wayne - August 30 - 11:54 pm

  Vehicle is pleasant to drive, flexible interior layout, with useful space and fair gas mileage for a vehicle of this size. Have had issues with seat panels repeatedly falling off, clunking sound when selection reverse, early brake and tire change (PAX). Second set of tires are wearing very fast. Steering pump was changed, battery replacement after 2.5 years. CD player quit 2 months after warranty expiration. Some small interior parts repeatedly falling off.

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  Excellent Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By jmcycle - August 30 - 1:00 pm

  Bought the EX-L new. Bad: Paint job-scratches easily. Wind noise-Honda replaced seals as a recall, but still noisy. Steering pump-Honda also fixed steering pump under warranty. Good: The van is extremely comfortable. Drives excellent-like a car. Good power, handling,and brakes. Excellent in snow. Tons of room in back even with seats up. Fuel Economy=18city/27highway-great for a heavy and tall van w/244hp. Replaced tires at about 36,000 miles not sure why other reviews say Michelins required b/c my replacements are GoodYear @ $120/tire. Few minor problems were unexpected for a Honda. Still much better quality and ride than my two Caravans. Would definitely choose the Odyssey again.

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  Nice van, can be improved - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By vandude - August 28 - 9:43 pm

  Rides nice. Lots of room. Sufficiently agile. Backup camera is nice, though can be distracting. The console is nicely laid out, all controls are placed within comfortable reach.

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  The Ultimate Family Truckster! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By TRC - August 27 - 8:13 pm

  Familys expanding so we traded the 4runner and debated between Sequoia/AWD Sienna/Odyssey. Sequoia is just TOO big & not practical. Didnt like runflats & styling of Sienna. Fell in love with the Odyssey and have no regrets. Its literally like flying in a first class jet. Opted for leather & rear DVD, totally worth it. Averaging 25 MPG on HW and 19 for combined city/HW. Took this on a summer vacation with rear seat folded down and had WAY more cargo room than our old SUV with plenty of seating. Overall, we really like this vehicle. MPG in city could be better, but the room and comfort is totally worth it. This ride is truly the ultimate family truckster!

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  A Space Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Family Man - August 27 - 8:06 pm

  Traded in my Caravan for the Odyssey because of high Consumer Reports on the Honda. Car has had numerous small problems such as SRS light twice, heater didnt work twice, Stabilizer ends, power doors. Lock the car when you leave or the remote in your pocket will open the power doors. Alarm goes off unprovoked. Wont buy another Odyssey but will consider the Caravan again.

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  2016 Honda Odyssey EX-L w/navigation - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Joe Butcher - August 27 - 11:34 am

  Research the vehicle value. Test drive, but dont purchase on the spot. Challenge the lowest price with an even lower price and send your offer to the dealership. Rule #1: Best prices will be found at high volume dealers. Dealerships with low inventory have to make their profit off the customer, not incentives from the manufacturer. Dont believe the old line: You are asking me to sell my vehicle for less than I paid for it...how can I stay in business without a profit? Case in point: Every dealership I called was quoting $37,000+ drive out (list $38,900) and two said $35,700 was the lowest drive out price possible. One dealership, Honda of Conyers, knocked off over $7K the list price and sold me the van for $34,934 drive out with 1.9% financing for 4 years. The reason for them to deal was they received the van from another high volume dealership and it had sat on their lot for 60 days or more. According to Donald Trump (Art of the deal), any deal you cant walk away from is a deal your are too emotionally involved with to get a good deal (paraphrased). Case in point: I originally negotiated a purchase with a Honda dealership for $36,000 drive out and was sitting at the finance managers desk with $1500 cash and a certified cashiers check for $8500. The finance manager and subsequent sales manager told me their dealership had a "policy" against taking cashiers checks and told me I would have to cash the check and bring them the cash. I told them if they wouldnt take the check I was walking out...and they refused to waive their policy, and I walked. Praise God, because 5 days later Honda of Conyers agreed to sell me the same van for $1066 less and would have taken my cashiers check (but I had subsequently cashed it in preparation for a cleaner deal). Also, Internet sites like Edmunds and TruCar have their favorite dealerships, and dont actually give you access to all the possibilities. Most will only provide 1 or 2 dealership prices, not necessarily the lowest. In fact, Honda of Conyers was not mentioned by either site and they were the lowest. Good luck and be that educated consumer!

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  Good choice! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By teresa - August 27 - 8:28 am

  Had a 2006 odyssey lease. Love the new EXL with auto tailgate. Researched many models and bought the best! Got a very fair price and good dealer experience. Also great for traveling, holds everything for a months vacation. Also like our color choice which is dark cherry. Very pleased with our purchase.

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  automatic sliding door problem. - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By cchang - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2000 Honda Odyssey EX and drove about 18000 miles. Well, I have been to dealer four times already. Once was for the instrument panel lighting recall, and three times for the rear sliding door. THREE TIMES. My rear (both side) sliding door stop working once, and didnt close so it beeped like crazy. They have replaced both doors locking part, but I had exact same problem one more time. I also heard that this was design fault by Honda and they should extend my warranty on this door.

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  Bad Pax Tire System - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Duy - August 25 - 12:06 pm

  We purchased this van brand new without knowing that the tire system was different. All four tires unevenly wear out after 20,000 miles on it (e.g. they wear out on one edge of the tires but not the other side). I brought it to Firestone and it was said that the alignment was bad which killed the tired. I brought it to Hondas dealer and all they said was that they were not responsible and I had to pay nearly $1,500 to replay a new tire. Its sad. We have purchased 4 Honda and surely this van would be the last one. In addition, this van is not very fuel economy (e.g. 20 miles on freeway and 15 miles in the city, bad!!!. Dont purchase it if you dont want to pay more than its worth.