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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Bad transmission - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By another victim - May 19 - 2:05 amWe are another victim of the bad transmission design. Engine light is on. Transmission gear ratio incorrect. Very wild in driving. Wont accelerate. Called Honda. Need to pay more than 4000 dollar to get it fix. Really bad. seeking a class action. dont know where to go for this bad design.
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Do Not Buy a Honda Odyssey! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By First Honda Purchase - March 21 - 4:16 pmReplaced transmission at 49,000 miles in Jan 2008, called dealership no mention of recall. Now at 83,000 miles, transmission is out again! 1.1 million recalled - my VIN # is not on the recall list, even though it is doing the same exact thing Honda issued the recall for. My first Honda will be my last. Customer service from Honda USA is terrible. Buy a Ford!
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Motor Mounts/Transmission Trouble Dont - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By HondaNO - March 12 - 3:12 pmAlways had the recommended maintenance done. One motor mount broke early on. The other one went out at 90,000 miles = $2,500. The transmission went out at 96,000 miles over $4,000 to repair. Timing belt $980. Thought Hondas were reliable. From this site I see that it can be relied on to have costly repairs starting at around 80,000 miles. (I didnt list the previous problems just the most recent.) Has always had a lot of road noise as well as many rattles.
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Honda Disappoints - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Elisa N. - June 21 - 7:49 pmI have owned several models of Honda in my life. I have always equated Honda with quality. Not so any more. My Honda Minivan has been a huge LEMON. The transmission failed me at 60,000 miles and I was almost killed when it happened. I have spent a fortune on this Honda minivan and I wish I had bought a LEXUS or an INFINITI instead. I love the automatic doors but thats about it. Unfortunately HONDA has severely disappointed me with their transmission issues. I am no longer a lover of HONDA. I need to find a new reliable brand of car. SHAME!!!
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Dont buy this car - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By bighurt - May 3 - 6:42 pmMan what a mistake. Had the chance to purchase a Chrysler for $3,000 less. Decided to go with the Honda because they are much more reliable. Man was that a mistake. New transmission new brakes new front end and all the scheduled mait. Car has been to the shop and all the costs have been outrageous. Car has never been in an accident. I am now the poster child for not buying a HONDA!
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Horrible Transmissions - 2001 Honda Odyssey
By Kbrill - April 23 - 4:25 pmWe have had the transmission replaced twice and its bad again. Honda knows its bad but they wont stand behind it. We have had problems with the sliding doors not closing, the check engine light keeps coming on because of an EGR valve they cant seem to correct and had to have the wiring harness replaced and when they did it messed up the navigation system which hasnt functioned properly since the harness was replaced. Thousands of dollars worth the repairs. Total cost of ownership way too much for us and we have been Honda owners for 30 years. Time to look to another auto maker.
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Do not buy this... - 2018 Honda Odyssey
By BS - December 13 - 5:51 pmI have 3 small children and wanted a reliable family car. After leading this car for almost 2.5 months Ive learned it is not family friendly. 1.). Young children cannot strap themselves into their car seats, therefore you have to climb into the van. The drivers side has a hard plastic board on the floor so it bruises my knees daily. The passenger side has a narrow path to secure the right rear seat which again you have to climb into the van to do. 2.). So far the following systems have failed or have no fix: rear climate control screen sporadically goes blank; rear speakers are not an option for the radio; anti-theft system alarms & rear cabin control failures are received at random; there is no menu screen for rear entertainment options so you have to use the remote & reach backwards over your head to select a DVD option; the idlestop no longer works. 3.). When calls or text messages come into your phone when connected to CarPlay it disables the rear entertainment and radio, however if you decline to read or answer, it doesnt turn the systems back on. 4.). If you have an iPhone the charging pad doesnt work, the CarPlay system doesnt work unless you buy a separate $50 cable. The HMDI plug is located in the most inaccessible location for a driver or front seat passenger. Overall this car misses the mark on design, electronics & being user friendly.
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Not good - 2009 Honda Odyssey
By Paul Leiberstien - September 5 - 6:12 amIve had mine for about two months and I am very disappointed. Came out of a Caravan lease that had no issues for the entire time I had it. The Odyssey has squeaking brakes, doors rattle, and the DVD player skips. Try telling our 4 year old that the movie has to start all over again all the way to Florida. Not pretty. I wouldnt recommend the Honda
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Run from Honda V6 engines ALL - 2010 Honda Odyssey
By Lisa - September 3 - 5:53 pmPurchased used... so many issues with engine almost two years of ownership. finally died -1 week after a honda dealer warranty repair on piston rings...never had such a lemon...will never buy honda again.
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Cheap - Junk - Bad Buy - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By Kelly Fredericks Wag - August 29 - 7:16 amThis is my first Japanese brand vehicle and I am very disappointed. I had a 2006 Town & Country that I really loved. No issues ever in 30,000 miles. Then I get talked into this Honda Odyssey. Well 19 trips to the dealer in 10 months for repairs to the brakes, transmission, seat heaters, oil leaks, electrical system and door motors makes me not recommend this, or any other Japanese nameplate.
