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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  Only slightly better than their nearest competitor - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By tastycakes55 - December 20 - 1:27 pm

  This is my 3rd Honda/Acura purchase in the last 6 years, and like my others, this is typical Honda. The Odyssey is only slightly better or manages to bring in more features than others in their class. By this, I mean you are getting a mini-van which has the most space, the best EPA mileage, likely the best re-sale value, and just about every safety and entertainment feature available. The implementation of many of these features, however, are often frustrating/incomplete/difficult to use. But, if youre buying an Odyssey, chances are you know that walking in and as I stated, its the best option. The Elite has the 6 spd transmission, gets you around town easily, and keeps the kids happy

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  Good except for the engine - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By rookie79 - December 5 - 1:48 pm

  We bought the Odyssey right before Thanksgiving to accomodate a growing family. Everything went well for the first 10 days. It drove well and our daughter loved it. Unfortunately on day 10 of ownership, one of the rocker plates broke and got sucked into the intake and destroyed the engine. So now I dont have a car for the next week or two while it gets a new engine. Less then 700 miles with an engine going bad is a tad ridiculous. Wish I could go back on the decision to buy this and go with the Chrysler which I ironically did not buy due to concerns with reliability and resale. Go figure.

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  2011 transmission issues - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By madjackson - October 14 - 5:25 pm

  the transmission shudders @ 15-30 mph took it to the dealer 1st time told me nothing was wrong 3rd time they are waiting for honda to figure out was is the problem no time line I have a child on a ventilator this is his primary transportation they said it is safe to drive how can it be safe if they cant even tell me what the problem is my concern is being stranded with 2 kids and one with a boat load of medical equipment spoke with honda directly they said they MIGHT get back to us in 2 weeks fine we told the dealer we wanted to trade it for a pilot and in so many words they said no we needed to wait for honda to tell them what they could do! btw we didnt ask for anything special on trade in

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  Trans Failure - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By pwinth - September 16 - 10:55 am

  Loved my 2003 Honda Odyssey till transmission suddenly failed going 70mph on the freeway with my children in the back seat. Trans suddenly downshifted to 2nd/1st then continued to wildly shift back and forth, just through good luck no horrible accident. For $100, dealer tells me trans is cooked. Found out via Internet this is a very common problem, in fact most people dont get as much use as we did. We took good care and was in beautiful condition prior to this incident. New trans -> $4800, Honda America refuses to help, they say warranty is 36,000 miles and I should be happy I got 160,000 miles. If Id have known of this potential issue, Id have sold it pronto while value was $5k.

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  Before you buy one of these...!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By dmarklin - September 14 - 10:18 pm

  Google "vibration in an 05 Honda Odyssey" and be prepared to read a snoot full about owners with brand new Odys with the problem. (Edmunds forums for example), And then be prepared, if you go ahead with a purchase, to experience it yourself. I just about guarantee it. I bought mine because theyre rated by Edmunds to be the best van but Hondas have had tranny and motor mount problems since the 90s and now this. Evidently Honda doesnt believe in testing their products. Also their batteries are too small to handle the electronics in these things. Get the biggest one you can find.

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  Was hoping this was a van to last 10 years - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By buyamerican11 - September 13 - 9:04 am

  I purchased this fan new in 2006 because it was a Honda and I wanted a vehicle to care for properly and last 10 years. We drive about 12k a year, so this isnt much to ask. Its a noisy stiff ride, tires dont last longer than 25k, and weve had issues that you wouldnt expect from Honda. New front axles, AC problems, lots of rattles and noises, Its a nice looking fan, quality materials inside, good paint, no complaints there.

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  Underwhelmed - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By abf13 - September 11 - 11:41 am

  I test drove a tan LX that I loved and was fun to drive. I purchased a different one for a better price and it does not seem at all like the one I tested (yes, they were both LXs) Mine has 4K miles on it and the SVT traction sensor has gone bad. The cheap plastic used in construction scratches/dents easily and leaves white gouges. I can move the dashboard with my hand. The city gas mpg is more around the 12-13 mark than the 19 stated by the EPA. I have found the controls awkward. The van is very bumpy, the ECO light constantly goes on and off and I can feel the shifting when this happens, and it does not have very much power. Overall, wish I had purchased the Sienna

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  Manual Sliding Door Fell off my van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By tnie - August 8 - 4:54 am

  We purchased our Odyssey brand new and currently have a little over 100,000 km on it. The only concern we have had is problems with the sliding doors. The most common problem is sticky doors. This spring my 6 year old daughter was opening the driver side sliding door and it came off the track and nearly landed on her. The only part holding the door on was the arm at the bottom of the door. The dealership said it was the plastic roller that broke and blamed me for not having it lubricated properly. They did cover the cost of repairs after numerous calls to customer relations. It has been a couple of months since this happened and now the same door will not latch properly.

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  This vehicle is a nightmare - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By kpolitte - May 19 - 4:05 pm

  The PAX tire system is a nightmare. We just put our 3rd set on the van with 90,000 miles...so thats $4,000 alone we have invested in tires. The car rattles, has major other quality issues. Never again...

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  electrical problems with 2011 odyssey - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By tcmichigan - March 18 - 6:16 pm

  I purchased the 2011 odyssey over the new sienna because of the ability to put 3 car seats across the middle seat. I have owned the car for 2 months have havd 600 miles on it. The low battery light has repeatedly come on. I have brought it to the dealer and Honda states this is normal and caused by taking multiple short trips, which, in my opinion, is normal minivan operation in a suburban environment. This is a common problem as reported on the internet (on edmunds forums and elsewhere) with many people reporting repeated visits to the dealership with no remedy from honda. Retrospectively, I should have purchased the Sienna. The car does have multiple nice interior features.