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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  Third and Goal - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Third Odyssey - July 23 - 12:49 am

  We are on our third Odyssey and will likely go for a fourth. The 09 Touring has great features and functionality and keeps on getting better compared to our 04 and 05. Road noise is non-existent, fuel economy is 22 city and 28 highway. The radio is well placed and logical and the nav has everything including a compass. I paid 40% off of the $42K sticker due to dealer hunger. First time I have felt good about my purchase price.

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  Poor Gas mileage - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Sally - July 22 - 11:37 pm

  Get 13mpg in city driving. Transmission went out at 90k. A good car, but the gas mileage is killing me.

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  Think Twice - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Lucky - July 22 - 10:43 pm

  Van has 51000 mi. Brake Pads went out at 28000mi. Have replaced DVD player twice. Headphones have problems. Air went out at 50000 mi not covered under extended warranty. Power steering pump making noise at 38000 mi. First set tires lasted 28000mi, second set much better. Battery died at 3 years. Windshield whistles. Dealer is always trying to push unnecessary (and costly) service items. Gas mileage is ~24 mpg highway.

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  And he swore we wouldnt by a minivan... - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Luvmydaughter - July 22 - 10:50 am

  This is my second Honda Odyssey. My first was a 2003 Odyssey EX. I have had a history of selling my cars after 2-3 years. My last Odyssey I had over 6.5 years-130,000 miles with nothing wrong with it. Only scheduled service. My husband also swore HE would never buy a Honda OR a minivan. When I was pg with my first child he was completely SOLD with the Odyssey- enough to get him to buy a Pilot a year later. SO when we got the new one it was a no brainer. I didnt even have to shop the market. The leather interior is beautiful. The basics are the same as the 2003 but they made it more luxurious and FUN! Wouldnt trade it for the world!

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  Not too satisfied, problem at low mileage - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Homer - July 21 - 11:38 pm

  We bought this mini van 2011 brand new and it was running good at first and when it reach 15,000 miles the problem started on steering and creaking noise on front right of the vehicle everytime it turns and third problem the battery only last for almost 3 years and needed to be replaced right away. Dealership ended up fixing the problem for us due to the car is still under warranty. Its unbelievable that on 15,000 miles you can hear this noise problem on your steering to think that we dont use our van on long driving just city driving and we take care of our vehicles very well and especially when it comes with the maintenance. And when it reached 30,000 miles the same problem came back again (steering noise) and it sucks because our vehicle is no longer under warranty and I can imagine how much money you gonna pay if you will fix that at the honda dealership. Now It makes me compare on the vehicles we have, we own 2007 4runner sport with a 107,000 miles on it and until now we never experienced any problem with that car especially the steering problem, no major issues, just need to change tires and thats it. Its just makes me think if we still gonna buy honda cars in the future, probably not. I dont mind paying more if your vehicle is reliable all the time like my other vehicles. Base on our experience were not really satisfied on the vehicle that we got due to its problem at very low mileage, our van is 5 years old now at 30,000 miles ( low mileage ) and it makes me think if honda are still gona take care of our problem. Its just not good enough.

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  Great family car - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By H Patel - July 21 - 9:21 pm

  Great family car with excellent mileage. Gave about 27 mpg when driven to Niagara from Columbus. Love the leather and interior design. Automatic back door and sliding doors are must have feature for minivans. Paid 28,750 OTD price with 2.9% APR! Cant beat the price with the standard features that comes with this minivan while comparing with other vans...!

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  Best Vehicle We Have Ever Owned - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Richard - July 21 - 11:17 am

  This vehicle surpasses all of our expectations when you consider average mileage of 23.10 MPG, no maintenance issues and a comfortable ride. We are sold on Honda if this vehicle is representative of their other models. We do normal suburban driving and occasional trips not exceeding 1000 miles round trip.

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  Horrible fuel milege!!! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By CPD437 - July 19 - 4:31 pm

  We really like the Odyssey mini-van but the fuel mileage is absolutely horrible. I agree with many other reviews. I knew we were not getting good fuel mileage and finally checked it on a beach trip. We averaged a very poor 17.2 mpg. My parents averaged over 18 mpg in their Chevy Tahoe!! Other than fuel mileage being much less than advertised, we really like the vehicle.

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  Rear sliding doors - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By rear sliding doors - July 19 - 8:31 am

  We bought our Odyssey back in 2005 with 60k miles on it. It now has over 130k miles on it with only minor problems: Check engine light on (oxygen sensor) and paint durability issues sliding rear door problems. It seems a lot of people have this problem. I found that it helped if you lube the movable parts on the door it helps keep it from sticking. As far as the transmission goes, you need to service and change fluid every 15k or 20k miles for reliability. Most people dont do this and they wonder why they have problems. We had the timing belt changed at 100k miles. This van has been on 2 1500 mile trips and 2 1200 mile trips with no issues. The van is a daily driver.

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  Gas mileage - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Allen - July 18 - 12:20 pm

  I have 2,300 miles on my Odyssey and I get, in my estimation very poor gas mileage. I told the service adviser when I went there, that I thought that when the motor was idling, it seems kind of high rpm and he had the mechanic check and said it was normal. I am not happy. After several tankfuls I filled the tank again this morning and am getting 17.42 miles per gallon and I drive mostly highway miles.