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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  Ongoing mechanical failures - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By hcooley3 - March 23 - 4:58 pm

  We purchased our 2014 Oddy in late 2013 after testing out all other competing vans. We loved the styling, the way the van drove, and believed in Honda reliability. Fast forward 18 months and we cannot wait to get rid of this van. The transmission went out two months ago at 16K miles (replaced) and was quickly followed by failed power steering (also replaced). The van was towed to the dealership this morning because we found a 3-foot diameter puddle of fresh transmission fluid on our garage floor. The tranny issues started as other people have written in their reviews. People, beware of this van. We are lobbying the dealership and Honda Corporate for a replacement.

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  No More! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Tony Cruz - March 3 - 7:11 am

  I bought my van with 30K miles, and now nearly 90K miles I had a major engine failure (cylinder 5 blew). Honda knows there have been problems with this particular year, yet, will not make me whole. My warranty, of course, was useless. I was over my miles by 200 miles, all highway miles en route to my father in laws funeral. They didnt do sqaut for me! Lets just say I will not be buying another honda again. Theyre no longer reliable to me and they produced an inferior product. Ive got two old Fords that are still kicking! Ill be buying American moving forward...thanks to honda.

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  Older models better - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By phonehark - December 22 - 8:09 am

  This is my third odyssey - I loved my minivans but this 2015 not so much. I just traded my 2010 touring for the 2015 exl with nav I was told the only difference was the vacuum and bigger tv screen..Since I didnt need either I went with the model below the elite and I am not happy...the driver set up is Not convenient at all..they got rid off the cup holders that we in the dash so you now have to look down while driving..the cargo box in the front is a big empty box...which mean a bunch of unorganized junk...there is no coin holder for travel tolls...and more so my biggest disappointment is the radio quality! I feel like I am listening to my 1980s radio as a teenager...

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  Time for Honda to leave America in my opinion - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By shorty73 - December 4 - 3:15 pm

  I have two Honda Odysseys a 2011 elite and a 2005 touring. Honda dealerships will not stand behind either one. The 2005 has problems with needing a motor mount due to virbration from variable cylindar management system. Had tires for life if I had maintenance done at the dealer. Went through 4 sets of michelins. None got over 30,000 miles. Honda made dealers by a 30,000 tire changing machine and my tires (free for life started costing me 340 dollars for each new set. Bought a service contract from Honda dealer and after two years had to replace two windshields. The policy did not cover OEM parts. Now I own a Hybrid part Honda and part Aftermarket crap. Having strut problems not covered.

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  Engine missfiring problem - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By mike1419 - September 3 - 3:26 pm

  First a rocker oil sensor caused the engine to hesitate and misfire July 2013. Then Feb 2014 engine misfiring. Barely made it to dealer. Three spark plugs replaced and software update. July 2014 again misfiring, barely running. Made it to the dealer. Three pistons had rings replaced. This is all covered on warranty from a class action settlement I received in the mail. It appears to me that reliability has gone downhill. The van has 53,000 miles on it.

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  Dont buy a Honda... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By meinnocentha - August 25 - 4:24 pm

  I am VERY disappointed with my purchase..I bought a 2006 Odyssey touring edition fully loaded from the original owner who had it maintained 100% BY HONDA at their dealership per Honda recommendations. (i verified all of it and saw all the reports before i bought it) I bought it with 139K, transmission went out at 140K...there goes 6K+to fix it. Tried to get honda to help with repairs since its a WELL KNOWN occurance...of course they WILL NOT HELP, if your out of your 3/yr 36K warranty your screwed... Honda doesnt give a crap about their customers once out of warranty.... I even had to pay SHIPPING on the parts every time something needed to be fixed, screw you honda!

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  Problems, Problems, Problems - UPDATED - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By edmund21 - August 1 - 1:21 pm

  This is an update of my 4/10/14 review. Since then I have had to replace the power steering rack and pinion and the front motor mount. The rack was a $1700. job and the mount $450. Honda USA refused to admit their recalled power steering pump damaged the rack and did not offer any "good will" discount. Its a money pit. Im going back to German for my next vehicle. Heres my 4/14 review: I bought this van used. My mechanic, a 30 year veteran, did pre-purchace inspections on six Odysseys before we found a well maintained one with 60K. I was happy with the van for the first few months, and then....problem after problem: a blown power steering line, overheating caused by a faulty Honda fuse.

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  The last Honda I will own! - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By sheldon10 - July 28 - 3:42 pm

  This is our fifth Honda. We bought it for the reliability that we have come to love and expect from Honda. The transmission is worthless in this vehicle. It jerks violently between 1st and 2nd gear. The problem is intermittent, but happens quite often (especially in Houston heat). I have brought it in 3 times now and the dealer thinks I am crazy. I spent $41,000 on a piece of trash. I am absolutely beside myself with frustration. I intend to pursue the lemon-law in the wonderful state of Texas. I would not wish this vehicle on my worst enemy!

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  Death Trap and Money Pit - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By rjs14 - June 23 - 2:39 am

  I got a total lemon. 2 gas tank leaks fire complete loss of power twice while driving in fast lane sliding door ripped itself off of body master cylinder, two transmissions, power steering pump leak, and just about every other part on this van. Paid through the nose for all of these repairs listed as "recalled". Time to get a lemon law attorney. Original owner, all maintenance kept up to date. Now I have spent enough in repairs to buy 3 of these pieces of junk!

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  Too many disppointments! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By samnoe - June 13 - 2:38 pm

  I always loved Hondas, but now really disappointed. Engine is not enough (now 2014 still using the same weak engine, the Accord V6 gets 30 additional HP!). I am very upset with the sliding doors, worst design ever! Keeps beeping & stalling, Chrysler makes it better and also the Sienna. Wipers leaves 7 inches un-wiped. Ride is smooth but bad & loud on bumps. (Chevy Traverse is 10x better). At 17,000 miles it started vibrating, I had to change brakes/rotors! Steering wheel feels over-sized. Steering feel not great. Climate controls not intuitive. Remote key fob sucks, and still no remote starter! Turning circle not as tight as Sienna. Ugly gauges. Service engine light not good. Ugly Exterior!