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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  My Chevy Venture was Better - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ksull - March 23 - 11:20 pm

  Had the vehicle for three years now. No significant problems, several annoying things. The steering noise that others mention - dealer said fluid change would fix it (it didnt). The breaks are insufficient for a vehicle this heavy. I feel like I need to throw out an anchor to stop it. Vehicle is fun to steer at highway speeds but is difficult to steer at low "parking" speeds. The fuel economy stinks. We get about 19 in average driving and about 22 on the highway. My 99 Venture would get 26 easy.

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  2007 Honda Odyssey- Vibration problem - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By ET - March 23 - 9:32 pm

  Have owned several Honda vehicles. Top of the line, always satisfied. Theres a resonant vibration problem inherent to the Odyssey vans based on blogs I have checked since the dealer has not been able to resolve the issue. I have bought new tires, balanced, etc. Check websites for honday Odyssey vibration problem before you buy.

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  Transmission Problems - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By DP - March 23 - 4:41 pm

  After owning many vehicles I decided to take the Minivan plunge. Thought I was going with the best after all my research. Odyssey has been in shop four times for transmission problems. Seems to surge at specific times and speeds. Dealer has said this is "normal" but it is to the point it is so noticeable I cant drive this vehicle. Other than this issue we have not had any other problems. Road noise is an issue but it is a good family car. So much for the Honda "Quality".

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  Good Van - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Zman - March 22 - 10:04 pm

  The van has great interior fit finish and space flexibilty. Little I would do to improve, other than some road noise and very poor MPG. With the variable cylinder management, I has hoping to get near the sticker MPG. There seems to be some extra vibration in the steering column when the engine is under load. It was bad enough I actually thought a tire was out of balance - easy to get at and change the engine oil.

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  Wow, what great Van! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By ehg - March 22 - 10:00 am

  It was a tough decision - were a Honda family but after driving the Odyssey the decision became easier. We sold our 1988 Honda Accord and wanted more room - the Odyssey fit the bill. We drove the Pilot but found more room in the Odyssey. No complaints - it is wonderful!

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  The Benchmark - there is no substitute - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Keith - March 21 - 12:41 pm

  We are in our 3rd year of ownership and this vehicle has been flawless. Excellent powertrain, great handling, comfortable seats, excellent fit and finish, versatile interior and lots of storage. Great vehicle for long trips with 2 kids, the dog and luggage. There is no substitute for these vans. We rented several other minivans prior to purchase and they do not compare. Although the consumer trend is against minivans, cross-overs just do not have enough space. With the exception of the price, I cant understand why they are not selling more of these versatile haulers.

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  Great Warrior - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By RC - March 20 - 10:58 pm

  Have owned since new. Great family vehicle. Better usable space than a Tahoe or Expedition. Very few problems and extremely low maintenance costs for first 128k miles. Transmission then rebuilt at 128k for $3400 doesnt bother me since Im planning on keeping the Ody for another 125k miles.

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  Transmissions - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Phil - March 20 - 8:38 am

  You MUST follow the scheduled maintenance of the transmission... which means drain and fill EVERY 40,000 miles. People let it go, then wonder why the tranny fails?

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  New Honda Owner & Loving It - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Okarky - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Research, research, research.... If you do the research that you need to do before you buy a mini-van, you will buy Honda. After you have looked at crash- test ratings, Consumer Guide, Consumer Reports, etc., go look at new prices, and compare those prices to comparably equipped one- and two-year old models. I would never have believed depreciation rates of $200-$250 PER WEEK if I had not seen it with my own four eyes. Go shop it yourself!!!! I cannot tell you which option I like the best. Smooth as glass, with plenty of power.

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  Honest Review / Inferior Vehicle - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By OddVan - March 15 - 8:23 pm

  Vehicle purchased new 08/07. Have had many issues that started as early as 500 miles including dead battery, headlamp switch short, relays short, clunking noises to front undercarriage, steering column replacement, slider door safety locks freeze preventing sliders to lock while open, rattles to right door trim panels. The newest of the problems now at 21K to address with dealer is the headliner seam coming apart and the heater controls not functioning properly. We have NEVER been so unhappy with a vehicle. Traded our 02 Toy Sienna, what a mistake. Tried trading this vehicle in, dealers are offering low trade... now I wonder if the reliability factor was utilized in the low trade offers.