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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  1 solid mini-van - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By fmichael - August 25 - 9:43 am

  Theres no surprise that the Odyssey is 1 of the best selling mini-vans on the market today...Solid build quality, reliable, comfortable, and versatile...Fuel economy has averaged 22/23 mpg with 80% hwy/20% city driving.

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  Poor Tranny - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By JR - August 25 - 3:47 am

  Have had nothing but problems with the transmission.

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  Love this van! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By TMCMT - August 24 - 12:18 pm

  We bought this car for our 2 kids & 2 large dogs. It has fit everyone and everything (e.g. drywall, twin mattresses.) Weve kept it maintained with oil changes, brakes, 1 new battery, and tires every 60K miles. The only issue was a fuel pump replacement, but was under warranty. We drive 22K mpy and have 120K miles and I plan to keep it for another 100K. Our previous car was a Ford Exploder. DO NOT PLACE GOODYEAR TIRES on this car. Stay with the regular Michelin for a smoother more fuel efficient ride. Added rear view circle mirrors for viewing blind spots. Minor paint chipping, molding deteriorating and plastic covers/hooks breaking but expected with age, wear and tear. Id buy another Honda.

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  Not as good as represented :( - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By CAROLE - August 24 - 10:34 am

  Sorry to blast a vehicle that is so highly rated but mine has had recurring problems and they appear to be electrical. When I turn the lights on the dash lights go off the cruise control only works on occasion have been to Dealer 3 times to correct a bad tire pressure sensor-still not working and light still on the battery has been replaced twice in a year. All in all, this is my first and probably last Honda product because it has left me stranded 8 times in one year with a dead battery. My 14 yr old Quest never stranded me once...

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  Honda We have a problem!!! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim A - August 23 - 4:13 pm

  This was my replacement for a domestic van we had owned. I think the American brands will return to the top soon if this Honda van is any indication. Van has 23k mi currently and has a series of issues. Bad fuel economy, trans problems, engine pinging. My service reps all respond to these problems like its news to me. However once you inform them of the tech serv bulletin TSB they relent. I think Honda needs to get back in the game with superior eng/ and quality. This is my 5th Honda and possibly my last. I hope Honda steps up to the plate with this warranty.

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  INFURIATING! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By olywamat - August 23 - 12:00 am

  Just took a 3500 mile trip in my parents Odyssey and couldnt believe how many flaws a so-called world-class auto builder like Honda allowed this vehicle to leave the design room with. Lets see: automatic doors stick in the open position, front struts totally shot at 70,000 miles, keyless remote buttons so sensitive that bending over with the remote in your pocket activates the automatic doors, no thermometer, no compass (WHAT?!!!), knuckles hit the dome light button when you shift into drive, impossible to downshift on descending grades, incredibly uncomfortable driving position (6- footer here). Its a good thing Hondas customers are so loyal. If they drove the competition, theyd leave.

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  Repair costs is up the roof! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Brenda - August 21 - 9:20 am

  The touring model has pax tires which cost around $750 per tire! I only had my van for a few months then I have a nail stuck to the tire...costs me $350 to fix it! Dealer said the nail damage the tire and they cant patch it and that I need a new tire! Since the tire was only a few months old, they pro- rate the cost from $750 and only cost me $350 instead of $750. I now have my van 4 years with 82,000 miles and all 3 of the motor mounts cracked! Cost me $1500 to fix it... it does not seem right for a vehicle with such a good reputation to break so early in the vehicle life. Called Honda Corp and they said nothing they can do about it. Its a normal wear and tears on all Honda vehicles.

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  Noixe problem - possibly transmission - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By MarekB - August 19 - 10:38 am

  This is my second Honda Odyssey that Ive purchased as a new vehicle from the dealer. After about 30,000 miles a problem developed with a noise (sounds like an old clunker). It sounds like a transmission or a valve noise on acceleration, especially on the highest gear when the car is under even slight load. Honda is stating (per Honda Engineer) that this is a normal noise, even thought Honda dealer already replaced shields, transmission torque converter and other parts, but they refuse to actually fix it. They have done about $3,000 worth of repairs and they refuse to replace a transmission, which is probably cause of this noise. I Will Not Buy Honda ever again.

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  My other Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Adee - August 18 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Odessey a couple of months ago. I dont know why weve waited so long? I love it!! It drives like a car and the gas mileage is pretty good, way better than the SUV we where going to get. It fits my children comfortably.

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  ZIPZOOM! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ioprules - August 18 - 10:00 am

  What Can I say? This is our second one. Have a 01 now we have a 04. Fun to drive!