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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  Dont buy if you live where it snows - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By rarcj - December 19 - 5:41 pm

  I have had this van for a year, and have missed my SUV ever since I bought it. The dealership was great, the service is fabulous, and Hondas reputation is the best, which is why I bought the van in the first place. However, I will not buy another Honda or a van. I was just stuck on a tiny hill in the snow for :15 minutes until some good person towed me up the hill. EVERYONE was going around me, including cars and other makes of vans. This van is not comfortable to me to drive, and it does not allow electronic devices to be charged when the vehicle is off.

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  Honda never again - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By bick2905 - November 16 - 1:38 pm

  We bought our 07 Odyssey new and have had nothing but problems. Transmission, A/C, Power steering, 3rd set of tires, just to name a few. I have owned some dogs over the years. I once owned a 80 Buick Regal that stalled on railroad tracks! This vehicle however is by far without a doubt the worst car I have ever owned. We bought the car because I kept hearing how reliable Hondas were. Never again will I own a Honda. Advice: If you buy one, buy an 80 Regal so you have something to drive when the Honda is in the shop. I usually keep cars until they have well over 100k miles, this POS has 65k miles and i cant wait to trade it in.

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  Noises and vibrations started at 22,000 miles - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By cargus - September 27 - 11:50 pm

  All kind of mechanical problems. Some were fixed under warranty and some noises they just do not know where they come from. CV joints needed to be replaced at 30,000, strut mounts went bad at 45,000. Noise is when I accelerate between 40 and 55 mph. I will not buy another Honda. On top of that the dealer does not seem to care and Honda customer service did nothing. I had 5 toyotas and never had any problems. Will have to go back to Toyota. STAY AWAY if you need a reliable car

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  Just not the same old odyssey!!!! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By sadhondaowner - September 14 - 5:01 pm

  I just recently traded in my 2003 Odyssey for a 2012. If you are considering the Odyssey, I would strongly suggest looking at the Toyota Sienna over the Honda Odyssey! At first we loved the van, but it is very apparent that Honda has compromised its quality. Within a week of taking delivery of the vehicle it was apparent that the quality of the plastic of the interior trim was poor. We have scuffs and markings from the seat belt retracting. Hondas response is, "sorry thats cosmetic and not covered under warranty". We are also having a recurring loud noise coming from the front end. In all, Hondas quality is no longer what it used to be. There are better options for $40,000!!!!!

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  Transmission denial for Honda Corp. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By amd6577 - August 9 - 12:24 pm

  Purchased 2005 Odyssey EX-L DVD in 2011 from Hendrick Honda in Easley, SC. Bad idea. 1 year later with <100K miles, trans shakes and stuck between 2nd&3rd gears. Take to trans shop (we were out of town) and they repair trans (including replacing torque conv) for $2500. 4 months later we get a letter from Honda Corp. that the issue is being covered under ext warranty and to submit documentation. Today, I got a call from "Ron" at Honda Corp. (who said he has *no supervisor* and refused to provide his last name), saying that our trans. issue is, in fact, not covered. Oh-- and no appeal process. I am 100% done with Honda. Not a quality product anymore. Buying an Odyssey is flushing $ away.

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  2005 Odyssey - Disappointment - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By - July 16 - 5:35 pm

  I purchased a 2005 LX new. Things started well, but excessive tire wear, sliding door issues, interior lighting issues, bad starter, bad wiper motor and A/C have soured me. After the second major A/C issue I ask Honda for help. The Honda customer service folks did not care that I was a Honda supporter on my 4th Honda. When I needed Honda they turned their back on me. This will be my last Honda and I will give them the same support I was given which is ZERO. I am moving on and you should to when you buy your next car.

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  2007 Odyssey transimission, brake, steering pump problem - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By unhappyowner07 - March 23 - 12:34 pm

  This is an update to my post on 07/03/10 regarding the transmission problem with my 2007 Odyssey 40k miles. The dealership I went to told me that Honda did not admit there was problem with the transmission because the warning/engine light did not turn on. Eventually the dealership did put in a new torque converter. However, the brake issue was never resolved and there is still problem with brake even after they re-rotor the disc?. I think the dealership does not know what the problem is. On one rainy day, I almost hit the car in front of mine because the odyssey glided forward even though I pressed the brake all the way. I called Honda manufacture customer service and spoke to the manager

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  Disappointed! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By mom_on_the_go - February 23 - 8:56 pm

  We purchased a new 2012 Odyssey in Dec. I traded in my 2008 Sienna with over 100,000 miles. Big mistake!!! I really enjoyed driving the Sienna. It was easy to maneuver and I had no problems getting in and out of parking spaces. It also had nice leg room in the front. The Odyssey leg space is so small my husband sits in the back with the kids even on short trips around town. The worst parts are the SLOW back doors and the fact you have to hold down on the remote key for 3 seconds before the doors begin to open. Big issue- the car pulls to the left when going over 60 mph in fast lane. Service dept said it was because of minor slant in road for drainage?!?!

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  Worst vehicle Ive owned, by far - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By greghodg - January 25 - 1:14 pm

  Good looking, comfortable for six, fun to drive, it should have been a great van. We bought this van new in 2005 after our third child was born. Quick list of problems - vibration in steering (through multiple sets of tires and countless rebalancing), replaced starter, power steering pump, alternator. Rear motor mount went at about 50k miles ($800 covered by honda out of warranty). Both power doors have been repaired, and both are still flakey and frequently dont work. But really the biggest one is that the A/C has been replaced THREE times, at almost exactly one year intervals. First time cost me $1400, second time honda covered it, third time they split the cost. Just awful.

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  2012 odysseys has its flaws - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By antech555 - January 7 - 3:45 pm

  take a close look at the 2011 -2012 odyssey. Ours has 80 miles on it, 1 week old. Rear brake pads was changed, it was literally deteriorating badly , rear rotors had scores in it. engine light came on and to get reset, poorly aligned rear tail gate, bad gaps in body panel, misaligned, poorly painted front and rear bumpers, take a close look at the two rear bumper reflectors, on either sides of it is not painted, under the bumpers are not painted. Honda bean counters are trying to save money by skimping on paint here folks, what else are they doing to save money on a 35K van, it is inexcusable in my book. Other areas of the van that paint is not applied because most consumer dont pay know