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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  Love, love, love it! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Angelaca - July 2 - 11:10 am

  I was one of those... "Ill never own a mini-van..." But, after having 2 kids and adopting 2 more, I had little choice. I eventually got up the nerve to drive it to the bus stop. I got plenty of "I told ya sos.." from the soccer moms and, rightly so. This is an awesome van! I had no idea how convenient these things were! We are VERY impressed with the features, ride, CONVENIENCE and drive. The seats are comfortable, the interior spacious and it looks sharp! The rear entertainment system is a dream come true and I love the stow away 8th seat! This van replaced an 06 double- cab Toyota Tundra which I dearly loved. However, the gas mileage I now get sure softens the blow....

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  Honeymoon is over - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By meadow - July 1 - 12:46 pm

  Loved this car at purchase, now, five months later, its problems are obvious. Gas mileage for city driving is the worst -- low teens at best. Couple this with a transmission that is way too eager to downshift (the car will not coast at low speeds - foot must always be on the accelerator!) and you have the king of all gas guzzlers. The brakes are too soft and getting softer by the day -- really emphasizes the cars bulk when your leg hurts just trying to get it to stop. These flaws make it impossible to enjoy driving this car. I would expect these kind of issues from a so-so vehicle, but not a Honda! Wont be getting one again. Cant believe I miss my old Caravan. . .

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  Excellent Family Van - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Jason - June 30 - 1:47 pm

  First van and feel confident with picking the Honda. Drives great. Highway fuel economy higher then expected. Interior is quite spacious and the leather interior makes it feel more luxurious. Navi and RES is awesome! Sound system is ok but then again it is a minivan. Overall an excellent choice for families who require room.

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  Transmission Problems - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Stuck - June 29 - 5:03 pm

  The van drove well for the first few years. Smooth on the road and comfortable. The capacity and fold down seats are a big plus. Easy to get in and off. Plenty of engine power on the EX. The major problem is I am on my 3rd transmission after 113K miles.

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  Horror-bolt disintegrated-uppr eng lost - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat - June 29 - 1:01 pm

  Sold 11 yr running Dodge Caravan, bought 09 Honda Odyssey. Had for about 3 months, took out west. Before return home took drive to Sedona, AZ, lost power on National Forest Road w/few places to pull over - van towed to dealership on Sunday. Monday told the whole upper engine destroyed by disintegrated bolt, needed days to repair. Afraid to drive it home about 1800 miles to Ohio. Informed insurance agent of manufacturer defect - if something else happens to investigate van. Seriously worried we could have been in bad accident. Honda disinterested in our concerns - repaired to their satisfaction not ours.

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  Traded in our 2012 for a 2016 LOVE IT!!! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Heather Hagen - June 27 - 7:57 am

  Traded in our 2012 EXL for a 2016. I am in love!!! I love the subtle changes Honda made, I wont miss my old odyssey at all because they are a lot like. They added the touch screen stereo I really liked this feature a lot. I like that the EXL is now equipped with camera with your blind spot on the right. The truffle leather interior is beautiful we got a pearl white exterior so very pretty. Rims are stylish. Very happy with our purchase.

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  A great van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Rex - June 27 - 4:00 am

  This is the first ever honda van.we have owned four other vans. but this is the best. we are now sold on the honda van.

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  Great Car - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By jv.wojciechowski - June 26 - 11:54 pm

  Well I purchased my 2000 Honda Odyssey brand new. I personally have never had problems with my car! No transmission problems, my cd and navigation work fine, and no repairs on the sliding doors! My wife drove this car around and never a problem, so I totally recommend this car! If you were to take a look at my Honda it still looks brand new! I liked the Honda Odyssey so much that I actually recently purchased the 08 Odyssey touring, more expensive than the 2000 but same quality. And quality doesnt come cheap!

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  Family Hauler - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Firerobin - June 26 - 11:12 pm

  We just recently upgraded from a Saturn Vue to the Honda Odyssey. We couldnt be happier with the upgrade. At first the wife was worried about her coolness factor and driving a minivan, but after driving it for a few weeks she is in love with the room and convenience. I like it for the features and handling. On many occasions now Ive been driving at highway speeds when a light turns red and Im worried about stopping in time an was initially surprised that I stopped with no problem and had room to spare. In the Vue, I would have had trouble stopping. The seats are comfortable, everything seems to be of good build quality.

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  Honda Odyssey has the worst AC - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By A Hasan - June 26 - 2:09 pm

  Now I am paying 900 dollars to fix the AC whereas my car is only 4 and 1/2 years old. So I am not happy at all with Honda Odyssey.