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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  Honda let us down! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Jerry-from Cloquet - April 27 - 11:34 am

  My wife and I considered the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna, but liked the overall looks and reputation of Honda. The one option we both wanted, living up here in the frozen north, are heated seats. At first we only wanted the EX model, but had to purchase the EX-L to get the heated seat option, along with the other options that came with the EX-L. This cost us over $3000.00 extra, all because we wanted heated seats. After buying the Honda, taking it home and reading into the owners manual, discovered that only the drivers seat was fully heated, not the passenger seat, which is only heated on the seat portion. Honda should have had this information on their brochures.

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  This will be my last Honda - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By ajaca5 - April 26 - 8:59 pm

  Horrible interior and exterior fit & finish, rattles and hard wind noise. Been in the shop for 3 times (replace misaligned top & bottom glove box, streaks on passenger window, and rattles from both front sash trims), bought for steep discount and good experience w/ my current 2002 Odyssey, poor fuel economy, dangerously soft brakes, so-so road handling, cheap plastic interior, poor front ventilation controls for rear, uncomfortable bucket seats (too short for my thigh) poor paint jobs, and etc. Been driving hondas since 1990 (1990 civic, 2000 accord, 2002 oddysey), this will be my last.

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  Brakes - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Beth - April 25 - 4:15 pm

  We have owned this car for 3 yrs. Bought it new. Am a stay at home mom and have not driven it much but in 3 yrs. we have had the brake pads replaced once under warranty and now they are grinding AGAIN at 33,000 and the dealership wants us to pay saying a 25,000 mile repair is normal. We own another car and in 100,000 miles have never replaced the pads. BE FOREWARNED ABOUT THESE BRAKE PROBLEMS. I am now going to contact Corp. and see what response I get.

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  Transmission issue - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By kiwivee - April 25 - 7:04 am

  My car has 19,000 miles on it and I noticed a hesitation when RPMs are around 1500. I could hear it in the engine noise as well. I brought it in to dealer & tech figured it out right away. Said hed seen several of these. He ordered the part, will drop the transmission and fix it. Or so I hope. Ill soon find out. Everything else about the Odyssey is great. Though I do wish the Touring model came with a third seat in the middle. It is so great to be able to open the doors in bad weather as Im approaching the car & just plop my smalls and groceries without getting soaked.

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  best van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ks - April 24 - 10:06 pm

  The Honda Odyssey is number one.. there are more standard features.. a better ride. Honda does a great job keeping their reputation.

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  Horrible Transmissions - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Kbrill - April 23 - 4:25 pm

  We have had the transmission replaced twice and its bad again. Honda knows its bad but they wont stand behind it. We have had problems with the sliding doors not closing, the check engine light keeps coming on because of an EGR valve they cant seem to correct and had to have the wiring harness replaced and when they did it messed up the navigation system which hasnt functioned properly since the harness was replaced. Thousands of dollars worth the repairs. Total cost of ownership way too much for us and we have been Honda owners for 30 years. Time to look to another auto maker.

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  Mustve gotten a lemon - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By too_bad - April 23 - 2:40 am

  I purchased a new EX Odyssey and have had a lot of problems with vibration. The dealership replaced the tires several times and now that they are sick of seeing me, they are saying that there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. This is an otherwise great minivan, but there is a flaw in the rims/tire combo and my dealership knows this since they did tell me that they have had to replace tires in the past on other 2005 Odysseys...the tires were replaced at 5000 miles due to incredible vibrations. Test drive and be absolutely certain that there are no vibrations or wheel shimmy before buying.

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  First Honda Owned - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Melissa - April 21 - 12:06 pm

  Love it! I have a 2004 Town & County which has been the most unreliable vehicle owned. The T&C does seem to have a more comfortable ride as the Honda has a more "car feel" to the drive. However, the safety ratings and extra space - as well as reliability ratings - makes this a much better investment for the money. The drive in comfortable and the kids love the exterior look - a little sportier than the T&C. We cannot wait to move up to the EX-L or Touring in a few years.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Doug - April 21 - 9:31 am

  Honda failed to compensate for the added weight of the pax tires and the results are continual steering wheel vibration, longer braking distance, tire balancing issues, road noise and a poor overall driving experience.

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  A near perfect mini-van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Happy Owner - April 20 - 3:36 am

  The new Odyssey is close to perfect. Great handling with lots of power. I am a big guy 64", 230 lbs.. I find the seats very comfortable, with ample leg room. We nearly bought new last year, we are very glad that we waited for the new style and new standard options like sunroof, 6 cd changer, etc. Not as quiet as the Sienna, but overall a better vehicle. Reliability and depreciation of domestic mini-vans drove us to look at Honda/Toyota. Why cant Chrysler fix their transmission and front end woes? They have existed for years!