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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  No more honda 4 me! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Nomore honda4me - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought an ody for quality - what a mistake. Its been to the dealer 4 times already. A serious "drift to the right" problem forcing me to hold the van straight by applying force to the steering wheel to keep it straight. The power door decided to start opening and closing itself one day while in my driveway! The rear vents are nosiy as all heck and had to be replaced but the replacements are squeaking a bit now too, and some of the dash lisght come on and then go off while driving! Serious lemon.

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  useless usb - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By J Taylor - October 31 - 6:57 am

  When I bought my odyssey, I expressed concern that there was only one jack to plug in my gps/phone. Ive never seen a car, especially a van with only one jack. It was pointed out that there was a USB port which would charge my phone while I used the jack for the gps. Well, after two 3hour sittings at the service department trying to figure out why my phone doesnt charge in the USB port and why I cant keep it plugged into the USB port while listening to an audible book, I was told the USB only works with Iphones! Even the service guys did not know this and couldnt believe it! I have an android phone, therefore the usb is useless for me. And when I plug a multi jack into the regular jack it doesnt stay with a good connection. My other pet peave is I have had the service guys try to fix the car so when it is put in park, all doors unlock. Apparently this is not possible either. It is extremely annoying to get out of the car and try to open the back door or hatch, then have to go back in to hit the unlock button on the door. Or to always have to hit the unlock button to let a passenger in. The more I drive this van, the more I wish I had stuck with the Toyota previa. When I first got the car, My son really liked it and decided this summer to trade in his car for an odyssey. After two months of having this car, he said hed never get an odyssey.

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  Dont Buy! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Shail - October 26 - 3:23 am

  I wrote the following letter to Honda Motor Company (HMC). HMC does not accept email so I had to mail it to them. Dear Customer Service, Re: Our new Honda Odyssey On March 17, 2016 we took the delivery of new Honda Odyssey van. The details of the van are as follows: Dealer: DCH Honda of Nanuet, NY Purchase date: 03/17/2016 Model: Odyssey LX, 2016 year VIN: xxxxxx We are very disappointed with the van interior. The floor carpet in the third row seat is stapled and the break in the carpet is disconcerting. You can clearly see this in the following photograph (not able to post in this review) The front row floor matting is misfit. The middle part of the matting ridges up even though the matting locks are properly secured. Please see following picture. In the back cargo bay on two sides two small hills pop up. Overall the Odyssey interior gives a feeling of cheapness (there are no armrest on both sides of the second row seats). This is our forth Honda purchase - we bought two Civics and one Accord in past. We always assumed great quality from Honda. We never worried about the stylishness and interior quality of Honda craftsmanship. We were not disappointed in the first three purchases. But the Odyssey experience teaches us that when we are in the market for two more cars in 2017 for our twins we better look around to other manufacturer. Thank you for reading this opinion. Regards,

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  HONDA VCM SUCKS ! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave - June 20 - 12:20 am

  Hondas Variable Cylinder Management is total CRAP, had no idea Honda Odyssey engine had VCM. Would not have bought if had known there were law suits. The engine suffers plus the associated issues related to VCM are completely unacceptable. Honda you should be ASHAMED.

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  An Odyssey in Disappointment - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Karl Roembke - April 4 - 11:55 pm

  In general, I have found a lot of the plastic parts on the car to be total garbage-- broken cup holders, broken vents, broken shade holders, broken cupholder doors, etc. The under engine compartment splash shield (made of plastic of course) fell off (because of unreliable plastic fasteners). Door mouldings fell off. The power sliding doors are finicky and have been in for service multiple times. The drivers side windows safety stops the window from rolling up after ordering at the drive thru. The dashboard lights behind the overly complicated HVAC panel stopped working at about 5000 miles. The flip down seats in the back fail to reconnect to the floor when flipped back up, leading to dangerous situations where a person sitting in them can be thrown backwards during hard acceleration or a rear end impact. The rear wheel bearings went out on both sides of the car at 50,000 miles-- $300 each. The power steering pump growled from day one and would fail to power assist at inopportune times. It finally began leaking and had to be replaced. Im not a big fan of the plastic lenses over the headlights that film over and have to be restored. We ordered a cassette player a honda accessory that was installed by the dealer, but it has always looked like it didnt belong-- it works fine however when weve used it. The luggage rack didnt come with crossbars-- for the price it should have installed itself. And last but not least my beautiful blue minivan has paint flaking off all over it making it look as pathetic as it has been all of its life. I know there are a lot of satisfied Odyssey owners out there-- we must have bought the lemon. Ive owned 3 different Accords and never had these kinds of issues with them.

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  Fraud - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By disapointed - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I Purchased a Honda Odyssey and driving it home from the dealer it began to shake consideralby. Turns out the Axle is bent on the Car. The car had 8 miles on it. Of course Honda wont exchange the vehicle for one that is not damaged. My new goal is to make people aware of these types of issues. I am screwed. Make sure you drive the car YOU are going to buy not one "just like it."

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  It was a great run...Until it wasnt! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Howard - September 18 - 9:13 pm

  We bought our Odyssey new and have loved it and had no problems with it...until three weeks ago. We have maintained it very regularly in necessary ways. Other than the excessive road noise (so much noise!), we have been exceedingly happy with it. Until three weeks ago when an odd noise started happening. After ruling out the transmission and engine problems, it has been determined that we have an internal problem with a rod. The only answer is total engine overhaul or a total engine replacement. We were told by Honda "Tough Luck!" with no further explanation. I called Honda Americas service line and was essentially told the same thing. I have sworn by Honda...Until now. The service guy at the dealership said that he had never seen this on a car this well maintained. Great...I guess I won the lottery where I loss $6,000 of my money instead of winning.

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  What happened??? - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Bradly B - May 23 - 8:23 am

  I bought Honda based on reputation and its turning into a nightmare!!! Where to begin? Poor gas mileage, Brake shimmy and now new pads!!! Power doors closing, then opening, then closing again! Next time (in 2 years when lease is up), a Sienna!!!

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  Snookered - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Randal Moss - December 27 - 5:33 pm

  I used to own Honda motorcycles back in the 1970s. They were wonderful. So I thought this van would be the same. I was wrong. This thing is a gas pig (Im getting 19, with a light foot). It has also been in the shop twice. It is ponderous. Get this: For an extended stay in the shop, I was forced to rent a Chevy Tahoe. It got the same or better mileage, it drives better and, heck, it can at least tow my Honda when it breaks down in the future. I think Ill buy an SUV next time. Of course, then Ill have to endure the sneers of my environmental friends, who seem to forget that this whale of a minivan (4000 lbs) is no fuel-sipper either. Bye-bye, Honda!

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  Disappointed with my 2018 Honda Odyssey - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By AVerayB - June 17 - 7:32 pm

  I had a 2005 Honda Odyssey for 12 years with over 200K miles on it. I loved my Odyssey as I didnt have any major problems with it until the end of its useful life. So naturally I thought my best option for my new vehicle was to get another Odyssey. In June, I decided on the 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite, top of the line. Before my first oil change I noticed so many issues. I never had that problem with my first Odyssey. One major issue is my GPS system. It has given me the wrong directions several times. I brought it to the attention of the dealership when I got my first oil change. They said they could not duplicate the problem. They only drove it around the block. I told them that I had specific addresses to prove it to them. I called American Honda Care. They suggested I video tape some examples. So I did that and e-mailed them to my Honda dealer. They are still telling me that they would need to duplicate the problem. They can easily do that by driving to the locations. But they arent allowed to drive more than a couple of miles away. I told them it is not very likely they would be able to duplicate it at the dealership. They can see in the videos that the directions are telling me to turn right when the destination is visibly on the left. Another issue I had recently was that I pulled into my driveway, push the button to turn off the radio and then proceeded to get out of my van. I noticed my radio hadnt turned off. So I pushed the button again. The screen said Audio Off. But my radio was still on. I couldnt even turn it up or down. Even when I opened my car door it would not turn off. I decided to videotape that situation as well. I called Honda Roadside assistance as it was night time and the dealership was closed. They could not help me. After about 15 minutes the radio finally turned off on its own. I didnt want to go into the house with the radio still on as it could have drained my battery over night. Another issue is that my Apple CarPlay does not work well. Honda told me the problem could be that I am using an after market USB cord from Verizon. I told them when I bought my Honda I still had my original Apple USB cord and I had the same problems. The screen will say that my CarPlay isnt connected even when it is. I have to keep putting the USB cord in and take it out for it to work. Most of the time I dont have the functionality to do a voice text or have the system read me a text. I have had to reset PBS for my daughter a couple of times already. The van is loud for a new van. My 2005 wasnt even that loud after 12 years. For the money I paid for the van I dont expect to hear it at all. The last time I called Honda I was told they are waiting for other reports of the issues and recall information from Honda. My report and videos should be enough to at least get my van repaired while it is still under warranty. My van is only a few months old. I should not have these issues. Other issues that dont happen all the time is that the hands free rear door process doesnt work all the time. I watched the YouTube video on how it is supposed to work and I do that each time. It is faster for me to unlock it with my remote. My right side blind spot indicator doesnt always work either. Several times cars will pass by and the light will not come on. That is another issue Honda couldnt duplicate. These things dont happen all the time. Another issue I had while driving home one day was that my radio/GPS panel completely shut off and went blank while I was driving. it came back on before I got home. I have no idea what happened. I was driving. So I couldnt investigate anything. My A/C doesnt work as well as it did on my 2005 model. On my 2018 in order to cool my van down I have to put it on Lo and turn the fan up full blast. In my 2005 Odyssey if it was 100 degrees outside I could put it on 72 and feel cool inside. If you are having problems as well, please let Honda know. They told me they didnt have any reports of complaints. But I have seen a couple on here with different issues.