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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  Honda minivan 2006 - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By bmw125 - July 30 - 9:00 pm

  I think it has great value, it is fun to drive, and it looks good inside and out. Its not the coolest car in the world but it gets the job done just fine.

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  USB/ Bluetooth - 2013 Honda Odyssey
  By vimanman - July 30 - 7:16 pm

  Just traded a 2007 Odyssey for a 2013 Odyssey EXL . The car drives Great and all the interiro features are nice but...... WTF the USB plays in an archaic fashion, you cannot play files as you woudl on your computer or any other car.... The bluetooth DOES NOT show what song is playing... Its quite a shame that Honda decided to ignore this part of the Odyssey. I purchased a 2013 Civic a few months back and It has all the features, (USB that you can pay your files in order, Bluetooth that displays the song) I am wondering why Honda seels a car ^ months later that has such archaic technology.

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  Still Running Great - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By sb2323 - July 22 - 10:16 pm

  Bought used in 2009. It now has 120,000 miles, a mix of long highway driving and short trips. This car has not been babied. Only maintenance is oil/filter changes. Weve had to put a couple thousand dollars into it replacing normal aging things. Passenger side door has to be pulled twice to get it to close or open and it kinda thuds when it does. The cloth interior has a lot of worn spots and paint around the bumper is peeling in places. Overall its been a great car. The kids hate driving in an "uncool" minivan but love having room for a bunch of friends. They love the interior as well. This car is great for long road trips. Very comfortable. I plan to drive it another 100,000.

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  2011 Honda Odyssey Ex Falling apart - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By dustync - July 19 - 4:53 pm

  Now over 181,000 miles on the car, I think Im qualified to call the Odyssey a piece of Junk! The ticking sound a lot of people hear when turning the car those are no doubt, defective CV shaft and joints. You just wont find out until you put more miles on the car. I took the car in at 5,000 miles because of the ticking the dealer "lubricated" the front strut mounts? Between 12,000 and 93,000 miles, I had six (6) front brake jobs, including 3 rotor replacements. Turns out that quite possibly, the Dealer mechanics were not re-installing the rotors to proper specs, and they would warp in no time! Ever since taking it to my independent shop Zero problems (brakes). Many other Defects!

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  Very Disappointed - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By aj71 - July 2 - 10:06 pm

  After comparing to Sienna we desided to go with the Odyssey. Van looked great but we noticed excessive vibration from day 1. Contacted dealer and they said it will smooth out once broken in. This didnt happen and after many visits back to the dealer to balance tires, update computer etc etc the issue is still there and since they cant solve it were now being told this vibration is normal. Also the paint on the plastic parts doesnt match the rest of the car - also normal according to Honda. Road noice was a little more than I expected as well

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  Unreliable - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By lktowens - June 17 - 6:48 pm

  Excessive oil consumption issue that Honda will not recognize (much less fix) causes this car to be highly unreliable. I will not buy another Honda.

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  3 Transmissions in Under 100k - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By bob546 - June 9 - 9:03 pm

  Honda Paid for the 1st two, third was on us, and it cost 5k. My friend has a 2002 ody, and his trans died 4 times, my neighbor has a 2003 Ody, and she is on her 2nd transmission. In the history of automotive "junk" the 99-04 Odysseys will go in the annals as the biggest piece of crap Honda has ever built.

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  Bought a used 2005 Odyssey EX-L - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By darkside559 - June 3 - 11:47 pm

  I dont know why other people giving the Odyssey a bad review. I bought mine used with hella mileage, 180k and it still run good. I had no problem whatsoever. The only issue I had since owning was both catalytic converter went bad, luckily the used car dealer give me a 3 months warranty which cover R&R both catalytic converter which I didnt pay a dime. The VCM works great, no starter issue, A/C blows ice cold even the rear A/C blows ice cold. P/S is kind of rough and needs replacement, but thats an easy job to fix, considering all those mileages, its still have another 100+K on it.

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  Almost perfect! Except... - 2013 Honda Odyssey
  By minivandad1973 - June 3 - 2:26 pm

  All-in-all the 2013 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is a fine mini-van. We traded in a 2010 Cadillac Escalade for the Odyssey. We are exceptionally pleased with the overall comfort and flexibility of the seating configuration. I wish the passenger front seat offered 10 way adjustments for longer trips & comfort. My biggest issue is with the navigation system. It only displays a few street names when zoomed in on the map. This is a first of any car we owned with navigation. Shame on Honda for not updating their software to be on par with almost all other NAV systems currently manufactured. Honda tech support is aware of the issue. Besides these two minor issues it is a great mini-van.

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  Good, except for rear entertainment center - 2013 Honda Odyssey
  By tallyesq - May 18 - 3:03 pm

  I like most everything about this van, except the rear entertainment center. Traded in a 2002 Ody with 176k for this one. I have 3 kids and want to be able to play movies and music for them. I pop a DVD in on the first road trip and the kids in the third row cannot hear the dialog unless the volume is turned all the way up. I take it back to dealer to make sure all settings are correct and they tell me it is working as it should. I call Honda and they tell me passengers should wear the headphones?! The old Odys RES worked great in all rows. Pretty angry that RES will not "entertain".