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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  Transmission fails at only 62,000 miles - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By parveentexas - December 2 - 4:06 pm

  I am the original owner of a 2002 Honda Odyssey van. On 11/07/2014, van failed to accelerate and the malfunction indicator was on. I had van towed to the local Honda dealership. Service dept at the dealership said the ECL code was P0730. They said transmission needs to be replaced. The approximate failure mileage on van was 62000. I had to pay around $3500 for having the dealer rebuilt the transmission. I had the Service Advisor take photos of the damaged transmission. Service Advisor told me that the 3rd gear has heat discoloration & is burned up. In addition he said, clutches were burnt up. Root cause was heat buildup in transmission. Honda refused any help with the repair cost!

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  Too much wind noise - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By huyt - October 16 - 6:24 pm

  Radio/Nav unit died after 10 miles out of the dealership. The left front corner of the moonroof was sticking up a little. On highway (70mph), I can hear a lot of wind noise from the ceiling - near windshield. The day I took it to Honda dealer to check on the noise, I also got a message to check the fuel cap. The technician heard the noise, but the noise was the same when test-driving another 2015 Odyssey. So, he could not tell if anything was defective. Today, I drove the van with a service manager any an American Honda Rep. We heard the noise, but it was concluded that it was due to the exterior design of the trims. Im wondering why many Odyssey reviews on popular sites say "quiet"???

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  Not buying Honda again - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By catnparadise - October 12 - 8:43 pm

  I bought my Odyssey new in 2006. First 4 years, everything was perfect. The last 4 years a money pit. First thing that went wrong was a cracked rear motor mount apparently Honda put some kind of electrical piece with that part, making the repair be over $1000. I have gone through several batteries, way before their time. DVD player stopped working. Window screen clips break easily. My most recent repair was a new alternator, and now I have a whining noise that comes and goes, probably power steering pump. I really expected more from Honda, and was hoping to get at least more years out of it, now I am shopping for a SUV, not even gonna look at the Pilot.

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  Transmission is going to be Trouble! - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By roncarr - October 3 - 8:48 am

  This is my third Honda Odyssey (dont ask me why). My 2014 EX-L has the same problem with brake rotors warping every 12k miles. The drivers seat still lacks comfort for all-day driving ( I transport medical patients and run abt. 300 miles per day). This new 8-speed transmission will probably cause a class-action lawsuit... its not going to last. Quite often when slowing for a stop light or other reason, and go to resume speed, the transmission acts like it does not know which gear to go into, and then finally goes into one with a thud! Had the OEM Fog Lights added to the tune of $600... dont waste your money, they throw light the first 3 feet and then nothing! Worthless.

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  Watch out for the transmission - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By geh86 - September 27 - 1:28 pm

  This Ody replaced my 2003 Ody (I want to 2003 back!). I am very displeased with our 2014 Odysseys shifting. Acceleration/deceleration is not smooth. This has nothing to do with ECO mode. I did not notice this issue on the test drive (should have done extensive city driving). The overall design of the van is nice, but had I foreseen the transmission issues, I would never have bought it. I could shoot myself for not buying the Sienna (which I had driven [not by choice] as a rental several times). I kept telling myself the Siennas interior and features are not as nice. But annoying transmissions are far worse of an issue definitely not worth the extra 2 miles per gallon!

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  Brakes - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By cole27 - September 16 - 5:51 pm

  2nd honda odyssey. 1st was an 08 and it was great. Our 2014 on the other hand has 20000 miles on it and has had the rotors turned 3 times. Not replaced because thats not what the honda specs say to do so they grind them down. It also has a clunk in the front end. I called honda and they suggested the brakes got hot from riding them. The regional rep didnt seem to care and waived the resurfacing cost since the brakes are now out of warranty. No explaining why our 2008 didnt have that problem. We paid more so we could have a good vehicle and that doesnt seem to be the case. We even drive 2 hours to a certified dealer. I will trade very soon.

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  Second Time Owner - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By jvp58 - September 10 - 12:21 pm

  This is my second Odyssey my first was 2010 this one 2012. They both seem to have similar problems with the quality of the front end. I have had the 2012 for 2 yrs now and these are my thoughts. Before I go on let me say that Im very familiar with how a car works mechanically. With 22,000 miles the van is in the shop for the following problems. Noise in left front, worse in the winter, grinding noise from engine,worse a low idle and strong vibration when applying brakes, worse when on highway. Just received call from service manager and here is the list of things that need to be replaced. Stabilizer links and bushings, Power steering pump, Front brakes and rotors and the two front tires.

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  Almost Perfect for a minivan! Still the best in its class! - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By minivandad2014 - September 8 - 10:59 pm

  This is my second Honda Odyssey in two years! All-in-all, it is a great mini-van. My kids love the comfort of the second and third rows. The overall handling is fantastic for a van. I especially like the xenon headlights, sound system and vacuum cleaner offered in the Elite trim level. Honda did a great job returning solid fuel economy of approximately 24 mpg combined city and highway driving for me. The vans engine is incredibly smooth and quiet! Now, my only two complaints:1) The front passengers seat is uncomfortable for long trips! Honda would knock it out of the park if they would address its comfort! More padding would be nice especially on the premium trim levels.

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  Engine missfiring problem - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By mike1419 - September 3 - 3:26 pm

  First a rocker oil sensor caused the engine to hesitate and misfire July 2013. Then Feb 2014 engine misfiring. Barely made it to dealer. Three spark plugs replaced and software update. July 2014 again misfiring, barely running. Made it to the dealer. Three pistons had rings replaced. This is all covered on warranty from a class action settlement I received in the mail. It appears to me that reliability has gone downhill. The van has 53,000 miles on it.

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  If You Have To Buy A Minivan..... - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By scottque - August 27 - 10:14 pm

  We have four kids ages 5-12, and this car just replaced our 2008 Touring. Honda just does a minivan right - this thing is a great kid-hauler. It has slightly more room inside than our 08, yet the van looks lower, sleeker, and less boxy than our old van. Decent acceleration, great turn radius, and quality interior materials. We have yet to hit the EPA mileage in the highway but on our only long trip in it thus far we had a cargo bag on the roof - which probably explains the 23 MPG. Thing drives much smaller than out is.