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 TRANNY!! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Sarah - September 1 - 9:37 am

  Its not true, this is NOT the best minivan ever! I purchased it used at 85k, and at 175k the transmission is slipping. I would have hoped for another 100k, but not so. Already time to junk it. My 1964 Plymouth is a better car than this piece of junk. Aside from the transmission issue, the automatic doors have been a pain since day one. My dogs were letting themselves out in parking lots, the doors now mysteriously open and close on their own. One opens and just WILL NOT CLOSE. I need to muscle it closed, not easy. Before the tranny went I needed to replace the alternator (& battery), more than FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS because it took half a day for my mechanic to get it out!! This is unacceptable to me. I should be able to replace that myself if I want to. Not possible with Honda, you will pay through the nose to repair this van, and then the transmission will die, so DONT BUY IT. Just bought an 02 Chrysler, going back to my roots. :-)

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  Constant Front brake issues - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Dman760 - August 13 - 11:43 am

  This vehicle has numerous front brake issues. The front rotors are too small for the vehicle so they overheat and warp about every 15,000 Miles. Honda will do nothing about it and they refuse to fix it for free. Other than this I love this van.

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  The name Honda is no longer synonymous with quality - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By equiuga - June 29 - 12:55 pm

  I purchased my 2012 Odyssey EX-L with around 23K on it and it IMMEDIATELY started to shake when braking. I took it to the dealer and they turned the rotors free of charge. 3K miles later it started shaking AGAIN and they wanted me to pay for it for over $300.00. I am now at 47K and getting my first brake job and am told that I need rotors FRONT AND BACK to the tune of $1200.00. FOR A BRAKE JOB! I am calling Honda America b/c I am infuriated. I have owned 4 previous Hondas, a Subaru Outback and a Ford F-150 and have NEVER EVER had issues with my rotors like this, even with the awful Ford! I have also had problems with the suspension, rear hatch, RES, rim peeling, and transmission. AWFUL!

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  Transmission Problems - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By jannydd - January 17 - 10:19 am

  We own a 2004 Honda Odyssey EX-L van & encouraged our son, with a baby on the way, to purchase a 2003 (147,000 miles) van 5 days ago. We felt it was a great investment for a new family with limited cash. Less than a week & the transmission is slipping between 30-40 mph. These kids dont have the money to fix the issue because the Honda dealer told me a new tranny is thousands of $s. The private party, who admits to selling cars as his business, will not stand behind the vehicle. Of course Honda is not standing behind these tranny problems. How many times will Honda have to be sued, due to transmission lock-ups causing crashes, before they will take responsibility for the tranny issue?

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  Ditto of the Majority - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By awcheney - January 17 - 12:47 am

  Bought car brand new! Im just agreeing with what most are saying here. Any time I went in for a state inspection, was told I needed to replace a motor mount or two after 60,000 miles or so. Dont do jackrabbit starts. Transmission went at around 120,000 miles, $4,000 to replace at a Honda dealership Drivers side passenger door, no longer auto-locks rear vent windows havent worked in years several center dash lights went out then a year after the transmission was replaced by the dealership, told the bolts were missing from the transmission???? Ive owned two Hondas before this, an 88 Accord LX, Standard, (240K with really no problems and a 2001 Accord LX, with 35K traded on minivan.

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  Front end suspension noise! - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By vabeach1 - January 9 - 1:07 am

  We bought this van brand new in September 2014 and just traded it in with only 2300 miles on it this month. The Odyssey has a horrible creaking front suspension noise that the dealership wont fix. The van is nice and new, but sounds like an old car that needs new shocks. After allowing the dealership to attempt to fix the problem four times and the van being in for service for over 39 days, we were told by Honda that they are aware of the problem and that they do not have a fix for it right now, so Honda is calling it normal noise. Long story short...there is no fix for it and Honda refused to do the Lemon Law. So, we just decided to trade it in on a better vehicle.

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  Transmission is going to be Trouble! - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By roncarr - October 3 - 8:48 am

  This is my third Honda Odyssey (dont ask me why). My 2014 EX-L has the same problem with brake rotors warping every 12k miles. The drivers seat still lacks comfort for all-day driving ( I transport medical patients and run abt. 300 miles per day). This new 8-speed transmission will probably cause a class-action lawsuit... its not going to last. Quite often when slowing for a stop light or other reason, and go to resume speed, the transmission acts like it does not know which gear to go into, and then finally goes into one with a thud! Had the OEM Fog Lights added to the tune of $600... dont waste your money, they throw light the first 3 feet and then nothing! Worthless.

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  Watch out for the transmission - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By geh86 - September 27 - 1:28 pm

  This Ody replaced my 2003 Ody (I want to 2003 back!). I am very displeased with our 2014 Odysseys shifting. Acceleration/deceleration is not smooth. This has nothing to do with ECO mode. I did not notice this issue on the test drive (should have done extensive city driving). The overall design of the van is nice, but had I foreseen the transmission issues, I would never have bought it. I could shoot myself for not buying the Sienna (which I had driven [not by choice] as a rental several times). I kept telling myself the Siennas interior and features are not as nice. But annoying transmissions are far worse of an issue definitely not worth the extra 2 miles per gallon!

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  Brakes - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By cole27 - September 16 - 5:51 pm

  2nd honda odyssey. 1st was an 08 and it was great. Our 2014 on the other hand has 20000 miles on it and has had the rotors turned 3 times. Not replaced because thats not what the honda specs say to do so they grind them down. It also has a clunk in the front end. I called honda and they suggested the brakes got hot from riding them. The regional rep didnt seem to care and waived the resurfacing cost since the brakes are now out of warranty. No explaining why our 2008 didnt have that problem. We paid more so we could have a good vehicle and that doesnt seem to be the case. We even drive 2 hours to a certified dealer. I will trade very soon.

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  First and only Honda ever to purchase - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By mechdaug2 - July 9 - 10:28 pm

  At 13,771, blue gray smoke coming from the exhaust system and dealer reported caused by condensation, normal operation. My vehicle was serviced at Honda dealerships for 30, 60 and 90 K mile service work as recommended by Honda. Over the years, service records have indicated work to door seals, faulty mechanics of siding doors, faulty Honda batteries( 4<4 years), premature failure of systems, such as air conditioning, power steering, and catalytic converter. Another interesting, but significantly disappointing fact, is that the seals for my doors, the back hatch door that was most recently replaced has leaked water in the back of the minivan and sides even after replacement at Honda service.