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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  What a piece of Crap!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Monica - October 14 - 7:06 pm

  I was a die hard Honda fan, I purchased my 05 Odyssey brand new and it has been riddled with major problems from the start!!! torque converter, catalytic converters , power steering pump, ac condenser, DVD system, struts, engine mounts, and now my transmission went out at 166,000 miles!!! Run!!! dont buy the Honda Odyssey!!!

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  Flashy Odyssey! - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Jon Kolas - October 14 - 4:43 pm

  So easy to drive after a big old truck! Great visibility - no blind spot. Extremely versatile configuration. So much better looking than other mini-vans.

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  Honda does not stand behind their product!! - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Julie Waters - October 12 - 3:37 pm

  We took our 1 year old Odyssey in for its first oil change and they found leaking oil around a head gasket. The head was warped and had to be planed down - major engine repair on a van with 5,000 miles on it. Honda, and the dealership, said "tough". Tried to give us $3,000 less than the trade in value of our van for a new one and wanted nothing to do with us. Unbelievably despicable treatment. The problem obviously originated in the factory - it had 12 miles on it when we bought it. I called Honda corporate and they said they would repair it as long as it was under warranty. We dont want the van because we know it is going to be a problem, but they dont care. They dont want it back. A reputable company would have said "sorry, that shouldnt have happened, let us fix this". They sold us a defective product and now we are stuck with it. We also have a Honda Ridgeline but no more Hondas. Despicable company that does not know how to treat their customers.

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  North to Alaska! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Lisa - October 7 - 5:28 pm

  We purchased this 2001 Honda Odyssey Van used with approx 130,000 miles on it as we had outgrown our older vehicle. We have only done routine maintenance to it and it has been virtually bullet proof for us. We did have problems with the sliding doors...the plastic rollers just wore out (3 kids growing up with soccer, baseball, basketball, ranching, vacations, etc. equals LOTS of door openings and closings.) One door actually fell off when I opened it due to the roller breaking but that was around the 225,000 mile mark. We ordered the replacement parts and my husband changed them out and now it works fine. It has over 263,000 miles on it now and we are beginning to shop for another vehicle. My one really big dislike is the defroster! It takes FOREVER for the windshield to clear... bad engineering.

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  Should have stayed with Toyota - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Minivan Mom - October 5 - 10:38 am

  I have had my Odyssey for almost 4 years. 53,000 we have had to purchase tires, been through three sets of brakes on the front and new roters. Now having transmission problems. The DVD system has problems, the seats shake, the center seat cupholder has been replaced twice. The interior is plastic and everything scratches it. For what we paid this is so disappointing.

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  little old lady has warped rotors - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By Sheila - September 30 - 11:01 am

  Before reaching 20,000 miles started experiencing steering wheel shimmy when applying the brakes. Turns out I have warped rotors. Never had this problem with any other new vehicle. I understand the warranty is only good for 12,000 miles. Could this possibly be a recall problem. Also updated the navigation map based on recommendation. You can do this yourself my inserting CD and following instructions. Did so, but now every time I start the engine, I get a message stating map is not valid.

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  My First Honda - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Donald M - September 26 - 12:22 pm

  I am coming to Honda from a 2013 Kia Sorento. I need a vehicle with more passenger room, and the Honda seems like a logical choice. While I love the room, comfort, and the extras...Honda is really lacking in the tech department without paying outrageous amounts. My base Kia UVO seems years a head of this Honda. For one, The initial voice is clear and loud, but the secondary voice sounds like an 80s answering machine. You are very limited in voice commands, like you cannot adjust radio or anything else, you basically can only tell it who to call. The phone interface seems to be for phones before the smart phone era, and hooking your iPhone via Bluetooth seems like you are losing a lot. I love my Honda but the technology or lack of it gives me second thoughts, seeing that it feels like it is 10 year old technology even though it looks awesome. One power supply and usb port in the front...and nothing in the back...really Honda! I hope there is a software update soon, or something, otherwise in 3 years, I will be looking elsewhere. I love the van...but technology is something you use all the time while driving and on trips.

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  VCM a total flaw - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Herb Tolawinski - September 19 - 10:57 pm

  Wish I could like the car but Im tired of the repeated visits to the dealer to fix what really is a faulty engineering issue. VCM creates more problems than it solves. I wish that wasnt so. The Honda techs are saying this and, almost, apologetic about it. I wish that I could do my part to cut down on fuel consumption to be environmentally friendly. The problem is, the poorly implemented VCM causes me to go through 5 quarts of oil every 5,000 miles. Ive had to replace cylinder rings and motor mounts and things are still not right. Theres a TSB for this thats supposed to cover 2008+ vehicles but, for whatever reason, it doesnt apply to mine. So Im stuck with the options to sell it (and pass this nightmare on to someone else who will develop the same feelings about Honda as I) or to remain on a first name basis with the Service Manager.

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  Great interior but missed the mark on engineering - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By MrD - September 17 - 11:37 am

  I have a 2014 Oddy EX-l. Loved it when we bought it. Interior is much roomier and more refined compared to sienna. Fuel economy is great too. However, this is the first new Honda I had that had problems this soon. Rattle in the tailgate on rough roads. Warped rotors at under 20k miles (warranty is only for 12k), I do not drive it hard and never had this problem before. Strange Chubaka-like noise when turning in parking lots some time. Windshield wipers skipping instead smoothly swishing over the windshield (dealership replaced them but that didnt fix it). Tailgate turned out to be a little misaligned when we took it on to repair the rattle for the second time (we never did anything to it). Of course there is also the infamous kick when decelerating to about 10-15mph and stepping on gas again. No codes for that Honda reset the computer and said operation seems normal. Tires will likely need to be replaced before our 2 year safety check (at about 30k miles), because Honda put on cheap tires. I expected much higher quality from Honda. Our Accord and CRV had 0 problems.

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  transmition issues - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Julie - September 11 - 10:19 pm

  You may want to consider buying a new tranny the same day you buy this van. Alternator/battery as well. I have 228000 on this van. It has been good overall but is now on the 3rd transmission and 2nd alternator. Gas gauge and temp gauges are all messed up. They bounce around and are never correct. Certainly, I have 228000 miles and you cant expect perfection but it seems that when things go wrong, they are always expensive things...4K per tranny and over 500 for alternator. I do love the comfort and cargo space. Hoping that I get another 100K on the van and than I will sell.