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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  Great Van - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By eel2 - March 3 - 3:23 pm

  We have 3 kids and all in car seats. This van has enough room for all three in the second row and the middle seat pulls forward-way better than the Sienna. Roomy and a lot of neat functions. Best safety rating of all vans. Averaging between 23-24 MPG.

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  Leather is uncomfortable for long trips - 2013 Honda Odyssey
  By orangelebaron - February 26 - 10:43 pm

  I do not own this car, however, I am frequently asked to drive it as favors. First off, this car replaces a 2000 Odyssey which has cloth seats and gets better gas mileage with the same size engine. The cloth seats in the 2000 are more comfortable for long trips. The car drives and handles well and the backup camera works great. My main complaint are the leather seats. Up to approximately 100 miles, the seats are comfortable enough. After that, you may start experiencing numbness and sharp pains in your butt and legs. My passengers were also complaining about the seats during a trip back from NYC to the Poconos.

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  First Odyssey - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By rwen - February 8 - 10:31 pm

  Had a 2011 Sienna limited FWD. Traded for 2014 Odyssey with high expectations due to better safety ratings, blind spot and lane departure warning, and so claimed better MPG up to 28 MPG on hwy. After having owned and driven both cars, realized each has plus and minus features. If you use navigation often, this would not be ideal car (see below). Cargo area a bit smaller than Sienna, though 3rd row more spacious.

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  Get Ready... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By mn_nick - February 6 - 4:20 pm

  We were the typical young family... will never own a mini-van mindset. Guess what, there is a reason why there are so many out there. They are great vehicles for families with kids. They haul people and stuff, lots of great features for ease of life - remote doors (that cant ding the car next to you) remote rear hatch, etc. We drove lots of vans... the Honda Odyssey was BY FAR the best ride and drive, so we bought one. Learned about PAX tires, de-PAXed it, then was totaled in an accident. Bought another (used) already de-PAXed (BTW, dont have to use Acura wheels to do this). Then the problems. AC - replaced. Torque converter - live with it. Now, front camshaft loose - $2,000+

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  Our Second Odyssey (EX-RES) - Great Van/Great Value - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By grover432 - February 6 - 1:01 pm

  Our first was a 2011 model which had no issues other than a fussy 5 Spd automatic that vibrated when upshifting. Our 2014 6 speed doesnt have the transmission vibration but it "tugs" a bit on downshift when cold. Van drives and handles well. The controls you touch most have been improved. Interior noise is about the same as the Sienna. While it may cost a bit more than some of its competitors, it retains its value on resale. We leased our 2011 with a buyout of $19,300 (CAD) after 36 months. We bought it out and sold it for $26,500, taking the $7,200 in equity plus $1,500 in cash from Honda and bought a new 2014. We were only out of pocket $9,000 for a brand new van!

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  what honda wont tell you - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By phidknee - January 30 - 9:34 am

  tranny, radio, engine mounts , sliding doors , rear vent windows , battery cables are the cause of many problems with this van in my opinion ,change at least the positive side . Now the big problem the tranny in 2004 mid year (April I believe) is when you have a chance to have your tranny last . 1 do a total drain on tranny fluid ( you tube ) while running van . 2 change tranny filter , yes you need to look up on Honda parts drawings , there is a filter ! 3 you need to install a tranny cooler a second tranny inline filter( magna filter ) all the rest you can also find on you tube . You must have some knowledge about car repairs .Also do all your yearly maintenance on time ( timing belt

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  Great car! Great Choice! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By 3ddie - January 27 - 6:02 pm

  Really reliable van has 130,000+ miles and not a single issue. Lots of space and lots of fun to drive.

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  Rust problems Truck Around Tail Light - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By jeffwh - January 24 - 7:08 pm

  Honda Poor Customer Service In just 5 years rust in around rear signal lights broke through the paint and started flaking off. It was unbelievable. I told Honda of the issue and they inspected the vechile and they concluded the vechile had not been in an accident or repainted. They would not pay for the repair. Van was well in perfect conditions otherwise. Amazing van to drive but customer service. Terrible! Be careful.

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  Disappointed in my 3rd Odyssey - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By anonymousrus - January 21 - 12:21 pm

  I took delivery of my 2014 Odyssey EX-L just a couple of weeks ago and already regret my purchase. I had previously owned 2 Odysseys that were great but this 2014 is a huge disappointment. The ride is very stiff and reminds me of the 1991 Ford Explorer that rode so bad if gave me neck and shoulder pain. This Odyssey already has rattles and the OEM Continental tires suck in snowy northern Indiana. If somebody has a PHD in computers (or a 10 year old grandson) the instrument panel is then probably understandable to program, but for a "60 something" its WAY too confusing, plus the instruction manual is literally as thick as a Bible. I wish I had my old van back!

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  Honda is getting cheaper, too. - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By woiferl - January 16 - 12:05 pm

  I was looking for a reliable minivan with ample space, high reliability and high resale value. The Odyssey clearly delivers in that space and surprised me with great performance and decent mpg - I get about 27 MPG on average. From that view and the resale value, it’s an economical choice, even though Odysseys got rather expensive. $38K for a mid-level model is rather pricey for what you get in the end and when you look at the cheap plastics that are used throughout the car. The tech in the car is surprisingly mature. The most annoying feature is without doubt the auto-lock of doors. I can’t remember how often I run out to the garage and only find all doors, except the driver’s door, locked.