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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  Mechanical problems - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Disappointed - March 28 - 10:40 am

  After ONLY 300 miles the engine broke down while driving on a highway nearly caused accident. Dealer had to dismantle entire engine. Obviously, this buyer is extremely disappointed and considers the vehicle unreliable.

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  Engine Mounts - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ssethuma - March 26 - 9:37 am

  I have a 2004 Honda Odyssey with 65K miles and have been thinking of trading it in for a 201 model. But recently I had the front engine mount fail and it cost be about $450. Seems like a manufacturing problem and a common one with Odysseys with 60K+ miles (search internet). So if you are thinking of buying a new or an old one, you may want to look up the repair history of these.

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  Do Not Buy a Honda - Many Problems - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By steve - March 9 - 9:15 pm

  This car is a lemon and has transmission and engine problems. Torque Converter problem with transmission is a known problem they cant fix. They keep getting service updates for the computer but still can t figure it out. Seems like Honda is on its way to Toyotaville. So many problems covered up so the reliability of Japanese cars is now just history. Too bad.

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  Never buy a honda - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By julieinky - March 2 - 7:25 pm

  Have owned Odessey since 10-08.My husband and I thought we were buying a reliable vehicle for our family, but proven wrong!While driving with our 2 children in the van hit the brakes to slow down and the vehicle accelerated on its own.We had to fight to keep from hitting the turning car in front of us.Had in dealership 6 times to fix the problem NOT fixed yet. This isnt a constant problem and dealer can not diagnose a problem. May not happen for another 600 miles. Therefore while driving constantly have hand on gear shift in case the van needs to be put in neutral.Scared to death to have kids in the van. Air leaks, wind noise, interior lights come for no reason!

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  Vastly over-rated - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Michael - February 14 - 11:27 am

  Do NOT buy this car! Too much cheap interior plastic that peels off, plastic bumper covers that scratch when you look cross-eyed at them. Electric doors that open/close when they want, not when you want. Un-padded carpeting will kill your knees when putting luggage in the back. Folding rear seat hooks stick out of sides and eliminate 4 inches of space for sliding things in. And a transmission that only lasts 120,000 miles!

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  Problems with my 2007 Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Mr. Unhappy owner - January 27 - 9:49 am

  #1 A freaking creaking noise when turn the ignition switch. #2 Power steering fluid pump has problem making a streaking noise. #3 Mileage is very poor not even close to Hondas promise. Even though I do have extended warranty, it is really a pain both mentally and physically. I did not paid for this piece of junk. My 4 runner had no problem for 7 years. I am not happy with my 2007 Honda Odyssey. I will never buy another honda rather stick with Toyota. Road noise is also a major problem with this van.

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  The worst car and service ever - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Annie - January 5 - 9:35 pm

  I love my Odyssey, but it started having transmission problems within 12k miles. I went to have the transmission replaced in Boise after moving (The dealer in Los Angeles told me it was under warranty)and Boise refused. Later Honda corporate refused the repair. So much for a "warranty". I will never buy from Honda again. Given the initial price and subsequent repairs/tires, I would say a 2002 Odyssey isnt worth the price to have it junked. Given the perpetual check engine light and TCS light, I have a mind to abandon it at Honda Corp.

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  DO NOT BUY HONDA ODYSSEY...MUST READ!!!! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Mary Snyder - December 31 - 12:27 pm

  DO NOT BUY HONDA ODYSSEYS. New 2009 Honda Odyssey with 5000 miles. Dealer has had to upgrade the transmission software twice and replaced the torque converter one to attempt to eliminate a transmission/vehicle vibration issue. Steering wheel shakes when moved off center and vibrates at highway speeds. Tires rotated, balanced, etc. Both problems still present with no improvement. Both sliding doors rattled severely, now they just squeak. Dealer wont touch the vehicle anymore to prevent Lemon Law from becoming effective. Drive vehicle on smooth roads and YOU WILL notice these issues.

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  Really disappointed - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By jim - December 18 - 4:45 pm

  I purchased 2007 Honda odyssey EX-L two years ago and I got bad experience for this minivan. First it has big wind noise at highway and it shakes at 65-70 MPH. Odyssey EX-L built-in one function call VCM (it shuttle off 3 cylinders when the vehicle does not need power), this function makes vehicle drive not smooth because it often works at 3 cylinder status. Another issue is transmission - hard to shift when the vehicle at VCM status. I think all of the problems caused by VCM function. I really don’t like it finally last week I trade it to Toyota sienna minivan.

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  JUNK! Sorry I bought it... - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By GrumpyHondaOwner - November 16 - 11:58 am

  Bad transmission. Need a torque converter, and so far dealer and Honda refuse to help. Van is still under warranty. Also had steering pump replaced. Doors do not work properly. Pinging engine. Honda rep told me that the company does not take into consideration what customers write about their vehicles online. Maybe they will care after potential buyers read the numerous bad reviews of the Odyssey.