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 problems! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By terihuff - April 17 - 10:16 pm

  I did not have any transmission problems until I had my Odyssey for about a year. I have had it into the dealer three times and they tell me that there is not a problem. Apparently, they hook it up to a computer and it tells them there is not a problem, so no problem exists in their mind. My vehicle chronically searches for a gear at low speeds. It also has a shake to it when trying to maintain a lower speed. The dealer looks at me like Im crazy, but I have 2 other friends with Odysseys and the same complaints. I wish Honda would stand behind their product before their reputation is ruined for good. This is SO disappointing. We traded in our Toyota van for Honda and wish we hadnt.

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  Was good but no more - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By A worker - April 15 - 4:53 pm

  Ours was a 98 LX. We owned it for 11 years. It ran smooth with conservative look and practical interior design. It was little lack on power and loud when speedup but was just functioning well. However, we are not that lucky as the owners here. Our Odysseys engine started to make noise a few weeks ago. 2 different mechanics said the same things, transmission was about to die. But it only had less than 90k miles! How could it be? We did all required oil change and timely maintenance. Thought we could drive it for 20 years. Traded in and bought a Toyota Highlander Sport. Its just different in all respects.

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  A workhorse - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By nrzermd - April 12 - 10:51 pm

  We have five young children who are very hard on vehicles. We live in Texas and log a lot of miles just in our daily life. We have had no mechanical issues, some electrical issues secondary to Dr. Pepper. The car rides solid and drives true with 80k on it, a majority of it city and suburban driving. Would buy again. Our dealer has been very supportive and has given us excellent service from the sale to present day.

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  Wind Noise is terrible - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By ed - April 12 - 7:43 pm

  The noise level in the Odyssey is terrible. You can hear the road noise as if you are riding on the hood. If I was to do it again I would of bought a Sienna!!!!

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  A few bugs... but... Problems add up... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By dan3367 - April 12 - 1:18 am

  The usual wind whistle is the window shield trim and windshield gap. Sealed the area with black rvt sealant. Brake pads went out or had loud noise clucking. It was a recall thing, I have a loud clunk in very hot weather when I brake. The dash blower fan went out, the power steering had a howl when turning around 10-20 mph. It was known to the dealer, as most Honda had a bad set of steering pumps and brake pads on Hondas two weeks ago, my transmission at 40- 45 mph when I accelerate and at 20-25 mph when I slow down, it lurches or has harsh shifting feel. Dealer will not give out recall or part issues until you have a problem, in or out of warranty. The seats are very uncomfortable.

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  Disapointed - 2017 Honda Odyssey
  By Gayla S. Gold - April 11 - 10:52 pm

  Bought new 2017 in Dec. 2016. Had 2000 EX that from the outset had transmission problems so at only 135,000 miles I bought a new EX Odyssey. The Fabric on the seats is the worst looking and feeling and why would Honda put Beige in a Van ? , shows dirt along with Beige plastic rails at the doors and ? . The Engine has some type of system ECO which is very JERKY and can not be turned off . The gas mileage is around 16 not 19 like advertised ! I Got much better mileage on the 2000 EX ! The WORST, CONFUSING, Radio system to set too much information !!! And the DRIVERS SEAT electric does not go back far enough, at the most BACK position anyone driving that is taller than 57" would HATE this VAN, Honda really screwed this car up. Will most likely get rid of it with in 2 yrs.. Took all the HEAD RESTs off so I can see out.

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  The perfect minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By JIMBO - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Honda has done it !!! They have created the near perfect minivan. I love the duel electric sliding side doors, and the disapearing rear seat, leaving a flat floor. The 240hp motor just purrs at highway speeds, and has great pickup from a standing start, along with operating on regular unleaded fuel.

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  The perfect minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jimbo - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Honda has done it !!! They have created the near perfect minivan. I love the duel electric sliding side doors, and the disapearing rear seat, leaving a flat floor. The 240hp motor just purrs at highway speeds, and has great pickup from a standing start, along with operating on regular unleaded fuel.

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  Honda Odyssey 8-10-2002 - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By charlie - April 9 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased the odyssey the end of July and loaded it up with five people and an escargot on the roof full of stuff. We drove down to Wild Wood NJ. From CT. The Odyssey ran great, handled like a car.

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  A Great Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat - April 8 - 11:20 pm

  Bought this van in January 05. So far (5,000 miles) have not have one problem with the vehicle. Performance is impressive and mileage is decent (better than my 1988 Volvo). Ive driven Sienna - there is definately hesitation when you step on the gas - plus I consider the front end to be ugly. Pick-up and handling are terrific. Only minus is the NAVs ability to recognize certain voice commands. I highly recommend this van to anyone in the market. v