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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  Odyssey not meeting expectations - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By HONDABMWOWNR - January 19 - 7:29 pm

  While this is often rated the best minivan, I have found some critiques that are real. First, the pulley on the crankshaft cracked at 22k miles. We also have been having funny shifting patterns at 1500rpm and 35-45mph that the dealer claims is normal Grade-Logic - nevertheless it sure is not smooth despite 2 attempts for them to evaluate. Too bad since I waited to buy this 2007 model when Honda secretly changed the transmission without telling customers (since the older one was failing also). The ride is noisier on the highway than we hoped. Wish mileage was better than the 17-18 we average. Its big and you can feel it twist and hear rattles in the doors over bumps. I expected more.

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  We love our Odyssey! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Dwayne - January 15 - 11:57 pm

  We have driven this minivan crisscrossed throughout the southeast and loved every mile. The car has had no repairs. It runs like a sewing machine and has great room for all that my wife buys. We both drive it around town and wish it got better mileage, but at 19mpg city Ill take it.

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  Eats Transmissions and Tires - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Don Easley - January 15 - 5:04 pm

  Originally considered buying a Caravan but due to its known transmission problems paid the extra for a Honda. I should have bought the Caravan. Automatic doors are a continual problem. The first transmission died after 104K. Since the transmission recall only affected transmissions up to 100K I was not covered to given any break. The second transmission has now died at 168,000 miles. Since it was based on the original flawed design its life was always in question. The Odyssey also has a large appetite for tires as I am now on my 7th set. All and all this has been my most disappointing vehicle purchases and has soured me on Honda cars and vans.

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  I like the Odyssey but - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Scotty - January 15 - 2:53 am

  The MPG is deceiving. It said 20 in city and 28 Freeway. I got overall about 19 to 20 MPG. I hate the DVD player. Intermittently, it scratches my DVD. I took it back to the dealer to have it fixed, to only have them do nothing. They blame on my DVD. My DVD is just like any DVD. If you cant reliably play my DVD, then you cant play 99.99% of the DVDs out there. It seems like the player does not hold the DVD snuggly. I had that similary problem with a DVD player at home, it keeps scratch my DVD, when I got a new player, it solved the problem.

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  Way Overrated - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Gusto - January 13 - 12:30 pm

  Went from Chrysler T&C LTD to this vehicle based on reviews. Big mistake! Interior features were completely lacking, although have been improved in subsequent redesign. Very uncomfortable seats. As many mechanical issues as any domestic I have owned. Worst vehicle I have ever driven in the snow.

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  Best Van Ive owned - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Lee - January 12 - 11:20 pm

  Maybe were just lucky however the only problem weve had w/the Ody is a rear seat seam became unraveled and was fixed under warranty, At 52,000m we replaced the original Michelins and that is all we have done to it other than an alignment and O and F changes. Much better reliability than any of the four domestics minivans we had previous to this one. Well thought out interior design compared to some others.

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  MomMobile - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ljbamburg - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about the Honda Odyssey. Its a great van for my family with two young and active children.

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  Lemon - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By SANDY - January 8 - 6:28 pm

  I had been a faithful Honda customer for the past 15 years, but no more. This Odyssey has been nothing but trouble in the 44k miles that we have put on in 5 years. Problems that have had to be fixed so far - radio controls on the steering wheel, rollers on both power sliding doors, all 5 engine mounts, A/C compressor, seat belts. In addition, the original Michelins wore out in 20k miles. I am ready to dump this and get me a Toyota.

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  Replacement of 10 year old Odyssey - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Simply Dave - January 4 - 5:02 pm

  Seating and comfort are great. Still dont have a 12v power outlet that stays on. Oh well

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  Go for Touring - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Sunil S - January 3 - 11:44 pm

  We bought 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring as we are ready to welcome our first child! After reading the review by one of the owner that EX-L drive is noisy I compared both EXL and Touring and really agree with her that I found Touring quieter and much better drive! If you want better drive and can spend few thousands more go for Touring or all the way to Elite if you want cooling/AC for front seats. So far we are enjoying the ride and safety features (Honda Sensing) that comes with it. We faced Bluetooth, remote starter issues that were fixed by dealer. They said it was some system issue. Wish you the best in your family car hunt! I do recommend Honda Odyssey but higher trim if you want better and quieter drive!