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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  Still tough to beat the Odyssey - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Tommy B - May 19 - 1:15 pm

  This is our 2nd Ody. The first one, an 03 EX-L, was bullet-proof. Got as much as 26 mpg on the highway. Our new 2009 is even more refined. Much more plush interior, nicer exterior colors and lines. Features like power liftgate and backup camera are super useful. Some complain that their new Ody rides rough. Actually, it reminds me of the driving feel of my Bimmer. You can definitely "feel" the road but its a good refined feeling, not a "rough" feeling. Interior noise about the same as the old one. The one complaint I have is with the Plus-One center seat for the 2nd row. I find it nearly unusable. First, you cant stow it. On earlier models you could, but no longer.

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  Odyssey Excellent!! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Olavanman - May 18 - 10:22 am

  We just love our 2009 Odyssey EX-L with RES. It feels just like our Accord. Drive: The drive is smooth and comfortable. Accelerates well. Comfort: We just love the leather interior, really comfortable seats. One drawback though is - the Steering Wheel should extend out a little farther for a little more comfort. I am 5-6" and sometimes I find it hard to rest my arms on the arm rest and still be able to grip the steering comfortably. Anyone looking at buying the Odyssey should consider this. Interior Design: We just love the design. The fold-away center tray in the first row is a great thing to have. It makes moving from the front to the back so much easier (especially with kids).

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  transmission fails - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By mtttt - May 18 - 10:00 am

  multiple transmission problems and poor customer service/support

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  2007 Odyssey issues air condenser/shakes - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Seaside, CA - May 15 - 3:47 pm

  Two issues with my Odyssey. First it shakes when you are slowing down. The dealer stated it was due to tire pressure. Took it in and it still shakes. Second my van was steaming and hissing one day. I took it into the dealer. The service guy did a 15 sec. look over and informed me that it was probably a hole in the condenser caused by a rock. He said they would have to perform a check that would take an hour and that this would not be covered by my warranty as it was not a factory defect. Guess what, yep the check revealed that it was a small hole caused by a rock. How he knew that was beyond me. Cost with the check was over 1200. I found out that many many people have had the same issue.

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  second home - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By maui303 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  van rides well, great for kids, video works well,

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  Not so great for carpooling! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Debbie - May 14 - 2:50 am

  I have three kids and carpool with two other children. You cannot easily, comfortably fit 3 children in car seats in the back row. I am very disappointed in the fact that the cup holders take up room in the third row and I cant fit three kids back there. When I called Honda to inquire they were not at all helpful. Overall disappointed by the minivan.

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  Love My Odyssey - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Lee - May 13 - 11:39 am

  I have 180,000 miles on my Odyssey. I will keep driving it until it dies. We love the seat arrangement-use the fold down back seat. My grandkids love to sit in the "wayback" seat. My kids drove it all through high school and it is still going strong. The interior and exterior still look great. No one believes it is as old as it is. Door locks have a mind of their own. Added a satellite radio a few years ago.

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  Love our newly bought Odyssey - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Shania - May 11 - 4:06 pm

  We got our first minivan a few days ago after doing research between Odyssey and Sienna for several months. We finally decided to go with Odyssey because of the safety rating, the roomy third row seats and better value for the price. It is really fun driving this car. Though we never drove a big car before, we find it extremely easy and pleasant to drive this car. The whole family loves this car.

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  First MiniVan....Love It - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By chris - May 11 - 1:30 pm

  I originally did not consider a Honda thinking it was going to be too expensive. But after comparing costs with other "less" expensive options the Honda stood out. Exterior has great stylings for a minivan and the interior is roomy and luxurious. Drives like a car. I can hardly wait for my first trip. Auto doors are a feature I never really thought about, but I love them. Whats more the wife and kids love it.

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  ENGINE CHECK LIGHT - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By RICVEGAS - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR ABOUT THE ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS COMES ON. I BROUGHT IT TO THE SERVICE TO FIX IT. THE CORRECTION THAT THEY MADE WAS TO REPLACE A PIPE INSIDE THE GAS TANK OR WHATEVER. AFTER TWO MONTHS THE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN, THEN BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE SERVICE TO FIX THE SAME PROBLEM. NOW EVERY ONE OR TWO MONTHS THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS COMING ON. IM TIRED ALREADY BRINGING THIS CAR TO THE SERVICE.