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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  Wish I had leased another Sienna - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Todd - February 8 - 12:05 am

  Lease was up on my 05 Sienna, so I leased an 08 Odyssey, due to the better lease rate and better exterior styling. Wow do I miss my Sienna after 4 months. The Honda feels so cheap in every way. Fit and finish is TERRIBLE. Several paint flaws, poor fit of exterior trim, horrible fit of interior trim and interior surfaces which feel cheap and scratch ridiculously easily. Brakes are downright scary, they are so soft. Stereo is the worst I have heard since the AM in my old 66 VW. Rough ride, excessive wind noise and an amazing number of rattles round out the package. Hopefully this thing at least turns out to be reliable.

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  Update on earlier review - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Phred - February 6 - 12:03 pm

  I bought this car 6 months ago and the more I see of it the more I think I made the wrong choice. Got stuck in a snow bank and of course there are no hooks under the car to attach a chain to pull it out - dig, dig, dig!!! Two months ago the side sliding door jumped off the track and had to be repaired -- two days in the shop!! On real cold days, before driving, the tire pressure alert show low tire pressure. I think Honda needs some better engineering!!

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  Keeps going and going and going - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Joy - February 6 - 11:12 am

  Weve owned our Odyssey for 13 years and 237,000 miles. Only had to have minor repairs done, such as replacing the heater switch. No major problems with the engine. The automatic door locks quit working, but it still locks manually, so didnt get that fixed. Still has plenty of pep for getting onto the interstate, going up steep hills. Most comfortable vehicle weve ever owned, and there seems to be a place for everything. Back row seats fold down into floor, middle row folds forward for lots of cargo space. As easy to park and make U-turns as a mid- sized car. Good rear view for backing up. Easy to get in and out of, including back seats, with regular car doors, not sliding. Seats 7 people.

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  Real Family Vehicle - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By William - February 4 - 6:03 pm

  This review is written of the truth. My families first roadtrip of over 1700 miles with our 2 kids was an absolute joyride. The ride was quiet which is almost impossible with 2 kids and they were thoroughly entertained with the DVD system for the 2 day ride. We have had more problems on a plane ride for 3 hours than in this van for 2 days! My brother has a BMW 740i and this van is just as luxurious with the heated seats and leather interior not to mention the sunroof and cupholders for days! Power when needed. Tried the sienna and the quest and for overall room,amenities,comfort the honda covered all the bases

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  Steve in Guelph - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Steve in Guelph - February 3 - 8:39 pm

  This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Passenger window rattles, brakes are poor, seat is hard and uncomfortable, radio sound quality is dismal. Also the paint is rough to the touch as though it has dirt embedded in it. The steering wheel does not return to the on center position without assistance. I read all the reviews before purchasing and cannot believe that they were mostly positive. Perhaps the higher models are more comfortable.

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  Horrible gas mileage - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat R. - February 2 - 2:23 am

  Purchased Touring Odyssey in September 2004. Have experienced poor gas mileage from Day 1--complained and was told it needed to "get broken in." Was advertised as getting average of 20 mpg/city and 28 mpg/highway--The best I get in city is 15 mpg and 21/highway. I owned a 2000 Odyssey and got 18 mpg--would have never purchased the newer model had I known of the erroneous information on mileage. Also, the Touring edition has an "economy" feature that shifts into 2 or 4 cylinders with an "eco" light coming on to let you know it is "conserving fuel"??? I spoke with rep from Honda of America in California today with my concern and told that in fact they are hearing of 15 mpg/city as normal.

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  OUR 8TH HONDA - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By ernestb - February 1 - 12:20 pm

  Why did we buy a 07 Odyssey Touring R+N, well the VALUE of HONDA doesnt decrease like it does with any other van available on the market. SAFETY is the number one reason why you should buy an Odyssey, We get decent mileage considering that we drive a 4000+lbs tank. We have a 06 Odyssey EXL N+R with 33K miles and it drives and rides like it just came out of the showroom. So the 06 will have 150K in another 4 years. We could have gotten a ford product since my dad works for them but they would never hold the value. If they ever come out with a VOLVO Van we may consider it but until such time Its the Odyssey. Yeah it might be a tank, but it can do so much for so little.

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  Not Overrated - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By BonkBonk - January 30 - 2:20 pm

  I live in Minnesota - it is quite decent even on all-season tires Here is my take: performance/fun-to-drive are both 10 (for minivans). It is more precise than most domestic cars and every other minivan (incl Toyota). Comfort is an 8 due to some stiffness - the price you pay for performance. Fuel economy is a 6 - I get 19, would be nice in the low 20s. Interior design is a 9 - spartan and practical + little to break. Exterior design and build quality both 10s - best looking minivan with great fit/finish. Reliability a 9 - almost perfect.

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  Unreliable - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Rita Brogonsian - January 30 - 1:21 am

  I have a stalling problem my Honda dealer (and another) will not fix. It stalls every time I get hard on the gas pedal. I have been on the 400 trying to merge and the van just dies. I have it towed to Honda but they cant find anything wrong. I dont like this van as much as my old Caravan. It not very reliable. I think I made a big mistake.

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  Revolt Needed - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Veracity - January 29 - 5:04 pm

  Positives of this vehicle are well documented. Problems are well concealed. Brakes are an issue as mentioned... early drum turning required. Economy is average, as is passenger comfort. Drivers seat OK, not great, the rest are "short trip" friendly only. Real issue: squawking parking brake drum... which service garage tells me Honda is classifying as a "Honda characteristic". Backing out of parking, turning at very low speed is the circumstance where it occurs. Parking brake band leans over and touches rear drum. Tech told me that every Honda on the lot will eventually do this and Honda company refuses to design a "fix". When WE squawk, Honda will respond.