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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  Buyer beware - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By clint - December 16 - 9:07 pm

  Bought new. About 10k miles both front shock strouts came loose. (noticed a clicking noise during slow sharp turns). One strout replaced and the other only tightened. Covered under warranty, but in the shop for a week. 36,036 miles power steering pump went out. (Noticed excessive whining noise . Dealer refused to cover since the 36000 mile warranty expired. Lucky we had a 3rd party 100k mile warranty (deductable was $100). Finally 39k miles and after an 800 mile road trip. The traction control light and check engine light came on. Take it to the dealer and they find the piston rings wore out prematurely. Covered under the lawsuit settlement against Honda. This motor has been known to burn oil! So we took it to A local dealership and sold it. Honda is not what it used to be. Never buying Honda again. We have a new Sienna SE. Hope we have better luck !

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  Honda does not stand by their warranty. - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By Jason - December 1 - 10:32 pm

  Our 2014 Odyssey is still within warranty. The vehicles rear camber is out 1.8 on the drivers and 1.4 out on the passenger side. Honda did not engineer the rear suspension with adjustments. There is a $400 dollar camber kit to correct the problem but since it is manufactured by another company, Honda will not authorize the dealership to fix it. This is a common problem with the Odyssey and the Pilot but Honda sweeps it under the rug and chooses not to deal with the problem. As a result of the camber being out, the tires are wearing out at a ridiculous speed. If you are thinking about buying an Odyssey, buy a Toyota instead.

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  WOW WHAT A POS - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By lt - November 23 - 4:31 pm

  OK let me just say I almost NEVER leave a bad feedback and this is my first time on Edmunds. My wife and I owned a 2002 Honda Odyssey and loved it so when she wanted to purchase another I said no problem I trust Honda and we certainly had a good experience last time. WOW what a change! The 2007 Honda Odyssey Touring version is a POS and that doesnt even do it justice. Let me tell you my next car WILL NOT be a Honda. List of nightmares..... 1. Run flat tires that cost $1000.00 each to replace so everyone buys the NON-run flat tires and wheels which cost me $1200.00 2. Never ending low tire pressure light even after 10 trips to discount tire and dealership. Dealer charged me $200.00 to reset the light and it still came back on 3. Power Steering pump nightmares that dont go away no matter what you do 4. Bad alternator at 63K 5. Bad compressor at 60K 6. Bad HVAC controls at 50K 7. Factory tire size way to small scraps over a pebble in the road 8. light bulbs out several times before 30K 9. Ashtray fell off 10. No center seat, what a stupid option 11. seats hard to fold up and down, too confusing

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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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  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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  Honda oddsy 2002 - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Kinnari patel - July 28 - 10:39 am

  If we go to Honda they didnt even tell there is recall for transmission

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  What a lemon - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By firemanrod - July 27 - 4:41 pm

  My daughter bought this car thinking Honda was a quality product. What a huge disappointment. It is hard to be happy with a product when the company put out a lemon. You can read many many complaints about the transmissions on these things. Yes her transmission went out. When she bought it used from a Honda dealer she noticed it had a small drip of transmission fluid and asked the dealer to fix it. What they did not tell her there is no fixing it. Torque converter problems bearing problems. Another transmission she had to pay for it and it still has problems. Yes, Honda, I will never buy another. I know my daughter will never buy another and this was her second.

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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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  Waste of 40Gs - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By 2goldens_1 - December 23 - 10:36 am

  Too many problems that Honda cannot fix. Tried 6 times still cant fix them, so they have now determined normal. It is normal for the AC to turn on by itself. It is normal for it to start vibrating as if going over rumble strips. It is normal for the front end to make grinding noises. It is normal for Low Battery message to come on all the time. By the way, when vibration gets very bad, Ive lost throttle response - cannot accelerate. Has happened three times. Only 6000 kms on vehicle. Wish I bought Toyota Sienna or Dodge would have been better. This is my third and last new Honda vehicle. Customer service has been pathetic. Dont buy this lemon on wheels!

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  Will never buy another Honda in my life - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By biyanka - April 11 - 5:30 pm

  I have bought this Van and another Toyota auto in the same year, both brand new. I have never been happy with the Van and I had heart burn every time I used that Van. I have rarely used it to reduce my anger and hate towards my Van, and now after more than 6years it has only 25K miles. The rear vent stopped working for years. It makes more noise than a dump trunk, and you feel like you are driving a piece of junk. I will never buy another Honda, and I always advice people not to buy Honda even in their dreams. I will not won one even if I am offered a Honda for free. I do not want constant heart burn.