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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  Osdessy not my car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By jpreif - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I have found the the Montana is a better car to drive than the Odessy. The Gas mileage is 25% better in the Montana. This will be my last Honda.

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  Junk - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By dr john - November 9 - 10:56 pm

  I should have bought a Grand Caravan. I song and dance about reliability. Not true just a bunch of fiction from consumer reports and others. The most problematic vehicle I have owned except maybe my 68 GTO. Check engine light never stayed off, catalytic converter replaced 3x, EGR port, two transmissions after warranty was up. Sliding door repairs constantly, electrical problems and irritating road/wind noise. I am not sure what the deal is with the front brakes wearing out so often. Most of these problems were recall issues and the dealer failed to tell me. Called Honda and they refused to honor any help with repair bills. My wife and kids are stranded 5 hours away now. Tranny went out again.

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  Riding - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By John Miller - October 29 - 3:04 pm

  Ive had four adults and two dogs get sick from riding in the back seats. Im going to take it to a dealer about it, but dont think anything will be done about it. Hope Im wrong. The seats are not very comfortable. Took a 5,000 mile trip was stiff from riding. We got out every 200 miles for a rest. Gas mileage isnt as good as my old van was. Passenger side needs more leg room.

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  Buyers Remorse - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By G. A. Arce - October 8 - 6:01 pm

  I bought two brand new Honda vehicles within the past 6 months. The first one was a Pilot AWD EX-L and the 2nd one the 2018 Honda Odyssey. The Odyssey has been a disappointment. The infotainment is glitchy sometimes it works and sometimes it doesnt. The rear doors may not completely close and may require several attempts to get them to close. The front seats are harsh and uncomfortable. The seats on the Pilot are more comfortable. Acceleration in the Honda Odyssey is lackluster, I just can feel any the power. The Pilot is quirky even on ECCO mode. Forget about using ECCO mode on the Odyssey. The ACL is a pain and have caused some near misses like suddenly braking when trying to change a lane at freeway speeds. It also lacks enough USB ports and the gap in the middle console is hideous. I am not a fan of the push button transmission and emergency breaks. I would rather have then in the foot area. I should have bought another Honda Pilot instead of this land yacht.

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  Dont buy Honda - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Unhappy Honda Owner - October 8 - 8:36 am

  I am so sorry I didnt find this forum before buying my 2000 Honda Odyssey with 45000 miles. Transmission is "toast" at 100000 miles, and from the horror stories Ive read here and heard elsewhere, it is not worth fixing. I am going to donate this (if theyll take it) and buy only Toyota from now on. I was expecting to get 150K miles easily, as I did with my Toyotas, but this clunker fell about 2.5 years shy of that. I will never buy another Honda based on all the bad transmissions in this plus Accord and others. Goodbye Honda, Hello Toyota.

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  I like the GMC Acadia Better - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By MinivanMama - September 19 - 1:43 pm

  My husband talked me into buying a minivan because it would be more economical. Out of all of the minivans we test drove the Honda Odyssey was the best, with the Toyota Sienna in a close second. However if you are wanting an economical car with good gas mileage do not buy this van. There is many cool features such as the rear view camera, Rear Entertainment Center, the fact that you can open and close the doors and hatch. But overall I do not think it is worth the money. Therefore we took it back and are getting the GMC Acadia. Seriously check the Acadia out I think it is the best crossover on the market.

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  After 130k miles - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Adam - September 13 - 9:11 am

  Purchased new 11/2001. At the tranny recall they said it was ok and put additive in the fluid. All maintenance has been done on time including the $1750 timing belt / spark plugs at 100k miles. The transmission has always been funky, sometimes slips to 1st and you have to stay off the gas and slow down to get it going again. While the tranny is junk, it still works and its the original one. No other problems whatsoever. F/R break pads replaced only once, tires replaced only once and are probably good for another 20k. I find that when the trans gets more finicky, if I run it hard (floor it 0 to 60mph+), it then works without major issue for another couple weeks.

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  Poor Tranny - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By JR - August 25 - 3:47 am

  Have had nothing but problems with the transmission.

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  INFURIATING! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By olywamat - August 23 - 12:00 am

  Just took a 3500 mile trip in my parents Odyssey and couldnt believe how many flaws a so-called world-class auto builder like Honda allowed this vehicle to leave the design room with. Lets see: automatic doors stick in the open position, front struts totally shot at 70,000 miles, keyless remote buttons so sensitive that bending over with the remote in your pocket activates the automatic doors, no thermometer, no compass (WHAT?!!!), knuckles hit the dome light button when you shift into drive, impossible to downshift on descending grades, incredibly uncomfortable driving position (6- footer here). Its a good thing Hondas customers are so loyal. If they drove the competition, theyd leave.

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  Bad tires, noise problems and hesitation - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By JPC - August 11 - 8:58 am

  I have gotten 30, 000 miles on the "no flat" tires by driving longer than I should. $1200 to replace. Car hesitates at 60 - 65 mph. Dealer says this is normal. Air noise is bad in the car. Brakes have been replaced twice. They finally got it right at my expense. The gas mileage is no better than 14 mpg in town driving. I have owned many Hondas and this is the first one that has been a total bad experience.