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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  Dont buy a Honda... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By meinnocentha - August 25 - 4:24 pm

  I am VERY disappointed with my purchase..I bought a 2006 Odyssey touring edition fully loaded from the original owner who had it maintained 100% BY HONDA at their dealership per Honda recommendations. (i verified all of it and saw all the reports before i bought it) I bought it with 139K, transmission went out at 140K...there goes 6K+to fix it. Tried to get honda to help with repairs since its a WELL KNOWN occurance...of course they WILL NOT HELP, if your out of your 3/yr 36K warranty your screwed... Honda doesnt give a crap about their customers once out of warranty.... I even had to pay SHIPPING on the parts every time something needed to be fixed, screw you honda!

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  I love my minivan! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By ebeaudoin - August 16 - 2:00 pm

  My wife and I bought this as a Honda Certified car 4/8/2014. A week later, our first baby was born. Let me just say that a minivan is the absolute best vehicle for a family. We bought an Odyssey LX in Bali Blue (gorgeous color) that I took in on trade at the Honda dealer where I work. At the time, I was hoping for some more features (tri-zone climate control, power sliding doors) but over the past few months, I have just been so pleased with this van! Weve only put about 5,000 miles on it, but Im really impressed. The A/C works great, its easy to park, smooth and quiet on the freeway, and the engine has plenty of power. I would buy it again in a heartbeat!

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  Our First Odyssey - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By kcoughlan - August 8 - 6:09 pm

  Lets first start by saying that for the last 10 years we have driven an 05 Pontiac Montana SV6 that by far was the worst piece of garbage that any one could ever be forced to drive. It is sitting in our yard with a remote possibility that anyone will ever take it away, even for free.Worthless! We were able to purchase our new Odyssey at a Honda discounted price with amazing finance rate. ,one of the reasons we chose this over the Toyota Sienna.($4000+ in savings) So far the van has gone far beyond our expectations as far as quality.A few issues that are mentioned later. Runs great on the highway, although we have only been on a few trips with it.

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  Problems, Problems, Problems - UPDATED - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By edmund21 - August 1 - 1:21 pm

  This is an update of my 4/10/14 review. Since then I have had to replace the power steering rack and pinion and the front motor mount. The rack was a $1700. job and the mount $450. Honda USA refused to admit their recalled power steering pump damaged the rack and did not offer any "good will" discount. Its a money pit. Im going back to German for my next vehicle. Heres my 4/14 review: I bought this van used. My mechanic, a 30 year veteran, did pre-purchace inspections on six Odysseys before we found a well maintained one with 60K. I was happy with the van for the first few months, and then....problem after problem: a blown power steering line, overheating caused by a faulty Honda fuse.

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  Great car, but measurements on Honda website are misleading - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By tcurtiss - July 31 - 6:38 pm

  I just bought a new 2014 Odyssey. Got it home, and realized that the width of the vehicle, with the mirrors at normal driving position, did not fit in my garage (width of 92 inches). The website states the width is 79.2 inches, regardless of the style. But this measurement doesnt account for the mirrors. The REAL width of the car is about 92.5 inches, so in order to fit the car into a normal size garage opening, you have to pull one of the mirrors in before you enter the garage door entryway. Not a very good start and no one realizes this when you start looking. I measured my garage before starting to look, but never thought the Honda or Edmunds web sites would be incorrect.

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  The last Honda I will own! - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By sheldon10 - July 28 - 3:42 pm

  This is our fifth Honda. We bought it for the reliability that we have come to love and expect from Honda. The transmission is worthless in this vehicle. It jerks violently between 1st and 2nd gear. The problem is intermittent, but happens quite often (especially in Houston heat). I have brought it in 3 times now and the dealer thinks I am crazy. I spent $41,000 on a piece of trash. I am absolutely beside myself with frustration. I intend to pursue the lemon-law in the wonderful state of Texas. I would not wish this vehicle on my worst enemy!

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  What a lemon - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By firemanrod - July 27 - 4:41 pm

  My daughter bought this car thinking Honda was a quality product. What a huge disappointment. It is hard to be happy with a product when the company put out a lemon. You can read many many complaints about the transmissions on these things. Yes her transmission went out. When she bought it used from a Honda dealer she noticed it had a small drip of transmission fluid and asked the dealer to fix it. What they did not tell her there is no fixing it. Torque converter problems bearing problems. Another transmission she had to pay for it and it still has problems. Yes, Honda, I will never buy another. I know my daughter will never buy another and this was her second.

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  Powerful and Comfortable - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By gdheart07 - July 26 - 12:23 am

  I am on my second Odyssey. The first we sold thinking our 06 Civic would serve our needs with our 5 kids on their own. One vacation to Florida and we now own a used 07 Odyssey - just like our first one. Service the vehicles by Honda and use only Honda fluids - especially in the steering, braking and transmission systems - and such problems will not exist. A lower grate is available for protection of the a/c condenser. Battery - the Odyssey has a lot of electrical assy. I replaced my battery with a DieHard. No more battery issues.

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  First and only Honda ever to purchase - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By mechdaug2 - July 9 - 10:28 pm

  At 13,771, blue gray smoke coming from the exhaust system and dealer reported caused by condensation, normal operation. My vehicle was serviced at Honda dealerships for 30, 60 and 90 K mile service work as recommended by Honda. Over the years, service records have indicated work to door seals, faulty mechanics of siding doors, faulty Honda batteries( 4<4 years), premature failure of systems, such as air conditioning, power steering, and catalytic converter. Another interesting, but significantly disappointing fact, is that the seals for my doors, the back hatch door that was most recently replaced has leaked water in the back of the minivan and sides even after replacement at Honda service.

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  Noisy top of the line - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By luis44 - June 24 - 3:44 pm

  Honda Odyssey Elite 2014, the top of the line Honda model, one which do not require additional purchases, has a flaw that detracts all positives, and apparently will not be acknowledged by Honda and its dealers. Purchased the vehicle brand new with very few miles. Upon driving the vehicle home for the first time, we noticed a very annoying sound coming from the front of the vehicle, anywhere from the windshield area, to sunroof, we yet do not know. Once the vehicle reaches freeway speeds of 70 plus this death rattle takes over. 3 times at dealership, resealing of windshield each time, but the noise persists. Call Honda, the feel nothing is wrong. Check forums regarding ugly noise.