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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  2006 Honda Odyssey EX - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Bruce Liljegren - April 7 - 11:16 pm

  We have been driving our 2006 Honda Odyssey EX for 11 trouble free months. It is our first van and we are impressed with the handling which is very much like a sedan. We have 10,000 miles on the car.

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  Run flat tires, will leave you flat - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Soccer Dad - April 7 - 2:24 pm

  I purchased this vehicle for the many features my Honda model offers, such as storage capability, number and placement of cup holders, GPS Navigation system, DVD player, and the list goes on. One feature I thought I was going to appreciate was the run flat tires on this model. I was wrong thinking that. I have had three flat tires in 18 months, with two repairs costing about $125, with the third requiring replacement of the tire. That bill was about a car payment in value. Lucky for me I had purchased the extended road hazard insurance for the tires. It takes the dealer about 4-5 hours to repair the tire, purely outrageous.

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  Best of Four Ive owned. - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Odyssey - April 7 - 12:36 am

  Comfort for a mini-van is outstanding. Road handling is the best I have owned. All the button controls are not placed the best but do function well. I.e: if working the rocker switches in the dark it is easy to miss one and open the moon roof by mistake.

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  Transmission Problems..... - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Kelly A. - April 6 - 7:28 pm

  I think that I have always had a problem with this cars transmission, but it is completely gone at 116,000 miles. New tranny ect. $6600.00!!!!! I thought I would have this car forever, but now I will probably buy a Mazda or a Toyota).

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  One week and so far so good - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By EC from Canada - April 4 - 10:10 pm

  Picked up my first Honda and first mini van a week ago and so far its been very good experience. I havent driven it lots yet, but so far I really like how it drives. Love the backup cam and power sliding door and tailgate. I do find the VCM is more obvious than it felt on the van I test drove. I also felt it more when the gear downshift as I am gliding along with the foot off the gas pedal and running with the ECO light on. Mileage so far hasnt been as good as I expected, but we are just about 500km into the break-in phase of the vehicle, so hope it gets better. Will write another review in a few months after the break-in period is over. Considered Sienna, but like styling of Honda

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  Battery is painpoint - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By whyspeed - April 1 - 12:54 pm

  To be honest, this is a great van. But battery became a worry not long after I purchased it - it went dead several times, in my garage, in airport parking lot etc. I tried to get dealership to check it when doing maintenances there but I was always told its normal - till today when doing 15k maintain its confirmed to better to replace it, which is 2 months after 3-yrs warranty. I dont want to pay $130 for it, even I have the 10% coupon, because I am not that happy with it.

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  Car - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By dictory - March 29 - 12:43 pm

  We bought this car in 2008 and it is wonderful. It runs great. The navigation system is great and it has zagat 2007 restaurant ratings. When I drove it, it was smooth, not bumpy. The gear shifter is at the dashboard, unlike the Dodge caravan, which is on the steering wheel. The rear-seat entertainment system is good and it features two wireless headphones. It is spacious and the seats are comfortable. Overall, I love the Odyssey!

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  Its not my fathers Olds - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim - March 29 - 2:16 am

  Great minivan. The RES is A+. We have a Dodge Grand Caravan as well and this vehicle is far superior. Test drove a pilot as well. This Van was more flexible for getting people in and out of it than the pilot. The leather interior is very nice and the heated seats are great! The car has a very tight turning radius compared to our Dodge. The interior controls are laid out nicely. The steering wheel radio controls are a bonus. Opted not to get the touring model because of the required run-flat tires. (Costly to replace) Did not have a need for the navi so I opted not to get it. Me and my wife now fight to drive this vehicle. The stereo system is weak and the speakers are lame!

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  2009 LX - Not bad - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By ale - March 28 - 8:27 am

  We just bought the LX and have been driving it for a few days. The car is easy to handle and the ride is pretty smooth. I know it is an base model but for safety reasons, with children in mind, I wish Honda would just make all their models with electronic doors. I would have loved to purchase the EX but could not afford the price. Also would prefer the review mirrors to be a bit larger as their is a blind spot area that is hard to catch. Second, design the radio closer to the driver so youre not having to reach so far over to work the radio - some people are short. Finally, I think a tray, similar to the one in the front should also be placed between the second row seats.

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  Good but not perfect - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By eva - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I like my Oddysey ,but after 30000 miles I have started to have problems with transmission. At dealership I have been told that maintenance should fix a problem, which really helped for another 9000 miles.I believe that transmission is the only problem (2001 model). Otherwise this minivan is perfect.