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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  More than happy with my choice! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Jessica S. - June 24 - 10:22 pm

  We were in the market for our first minivan, narrowing the search to a Sienna or Odyssey. Odysseys ability to load and control the DVD from the front with 2 small kids is a big win. Ultimately, though, Honda was willing to negotiate more than Toyota, with an offer below the TMV - What Others are Paying quote (below invoice). Have had the van for almost a month... no issues with noise, great mileage (avg. 21 mpg with a mix of highway/city driving), love the handling.

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  Would reconsider - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By mas - June 24 - 10:00 pm

  I would not consider another Honda until they fix the excessive road noise. Too bad because the vehicle is excellent in many ways. On a rough surface noise will prevent normal conversation with rear passengers

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  Very Good Minivan -- Expected Better - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By jsoto - June 22 - 6:10 pm

  Despite disliking minivans as a segment, we fell in love with the features and performance of the Ody Touring when we test drove one. But, we expected better reliability and engineering from Honda after we had had the care for a while. The PAX system is terrible. On our 3rd set with 45K miles. Harsh ride with vibrations. Honda gives run-around when investigating replacing with conventional tires. Gas mileage in our hilly area is 12-13MPG. On the highway, we can occasionally exceed 20MPG. Maintenance costs at dealer are higher than for our Nissan Pathfinder SUV with many more things going wrong over the first 4 years of ownership. Poor and outdated car navigation system.

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  Honda Disappoints - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Elisa N. - June 21 - 7:49 pm

  I have owned several models of Honda in my life. I have always equated Honda with quality. Not so any more. My Honda Minivan has been a huge LEMON. The transmission failed me at 60,000 miles and I was almost killed when it happened. I have spent a fortune on this Honda minivan and I wish I had bought a LEXUS or an INFINITI instead. I love the automatic doors but thats about it. Unfortunately HONDA has severely disappointed me with their transmission issues. I am no longer a lover of HONDA. I need to find a new reliable brand of car. SHAME!!!

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  Great vehicle except gas mileage - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Second Odyssey - June 21 - 3:05 pm

  Ive owned two Honda odysseys. A 2007 Odyssey Touring that met a deer late at night and a 2008 Odyssey EX-L (bought new after the 2007s accident). Both vehicles have been completely reliable, a joy to own and drive and perfect for my family. However, one big surprise. Even with the 3,4 & 6 cylinder switching engine, the fuel economy has been averaging 13- 14 mpg. Im not an aggressive driver and now that I know Im getting this mileage, Ive been trying to improve it but with not a lot of success. On long trips things certainly improve but around town gas mileage is my biggest disappointment. I expected better, maybe 17-18.

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  Happy so far - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Leon - June 19 - 10:02 am

  We drove it from Augusta, Ga. with 14,000 mi. It was smooth and comfortable but so was my 2000 Dodge Minivan with 154,375 mi. Too many toys on the Touring model. Fun to drive: Its a Minivan, how much fun is it driving a Minivan, its not a sports car.

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  wonderful minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By go_getter - June 16 - 10:00 am

  I picked up Odyssey EX-L RES yesterday (5/11/03) and gifted it as Mothers Day gift to my wife on our 1 yr old sons behalf. She loves this minivan. We got an awsome price, thanks to edmund.com and my lot of research on the net. We got this minivan for $2000 less than MSRP in Washington DC metro area. I went to dealer with complete info. (MSRP, Invoice price, tax tags frieght charges etc.) and all printouts so I was able to get all numbers correct from them cuz sometimes they agree on some charge but try to trick you on others. but my dealer was truthful and sincere - hard to beleive! We closed deal in less than 1/2 hour.

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  This vehicle is the "real deal"! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By haroldthreatt - June 12 - 1:46 pm

  This has been the best vehicle we have ever owned (out of over 40). We had a 2003 Odyssey that was a great car, but the 2005 is a quantum leap forward in all aspects! As retirees, we use it mostly as a trip car and always feel safe and secure. We drove 900 miles in one day last fall and couldnt believe how comfortable the leather seats were (Im very sensitive to seats as I have lumbar problems). The quality of the ride is outstanding as well as the ease in using the controls, especially cruise. Handling is more like a car than a van (much improved vs 2003). On trips, we usually average better than 26 mpg while driving 70-75 mph.

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  2009 Honda Odyssey LX - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By mikecnorthwest - June 12 - 9:02 am

  We replaced our 1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager with this 2009 Honda Odyssey LX. We like to shop for quality products but our budget is also a limiting factor. The LX is a great way to get quality without having to break the bank. We got everything we need in a minivan, including excellent quality, without the added expense of features we dont really need. If you can live without power seats, power sliding doors, a high end stereo, leather, etc., then the LX is a great choice. Mechanically its really the same van as the high end model. You just need to be ready to open your own door and perhaps read a map if you really dont know where youre going.

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  Lucky I guess - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Robert Smith - June 11 - 11:14 am

  I bought my Odyssey new, performed scheduled maintenance and havent had any major problems. Did have EGR valve replaced under warranty. The transmission has a small leak that is annoying but has never failed. As a side note, I never used Honda Transmission Fluid, and I changed my transmission fluid every 40K miles or so - usually after towing a small utility trailer or u-haul. I now have 156k miles and given the history of cars Ive owned before, if it broke down tomorrow I wouldnt be upset. What will bother me more about buying another Odyssey is that inflated price for a comparably equipped model but considering I had to pay sticker for this one, I guess its to be expected.