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:

• 

  UNDRIVABLE DISASTER - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By tturner201 - February 21 - 5:34 pm

  Drivers had to constantly fight the steering wheel. The slightest breeze, curve or slope of the road pulled the steering wheel so hard no one would drive it far. Honda acknowledged the problem, but stated they could not correct it. I had to sell it at very high loss.

• 

  Poor quality and terrible support service - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By klim - December 22 - 10:41 pm

  My first car was a Civic and enjoyed driving it for many years and had a very good impression with Hondas reliability. I also have friends and family who bought Odyssey (2002, 2007 and 2010 models) and all recommend it. When I shop for minivan, I was thinking between Sienna and Odyssey. Then, Honda announced a new 2011 model (Sienna is coming with new model in 2012),and I bought it 3 weeks ago. To my disappointment, the quality is very poor-- Third row (magic) seat doesnt fold down a few times. Second row seat doesnt lock in place after you adjust the seat, it slides. Entertainment system doesnt shutdown today even after I removed the key and lock the door. Honda dealer is not helpfu

• 

  Not the quality of Toyota - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By dharrin - November 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car in late 06, have put 85k miles since. Every year the repairs total approximately 1000.(in addition to regular maintenance). I found out this car has a coil for each cylinder. Brakes are noisy. Piddly electrical problems also. So far, the trans hasnt died, but is slipping a little. It doesnt hold an alignment very long. The ride is very comfortable and fits all five kids and their stuff. The ride is good, seats are comfy even on 1600 mile round trips to relatives. It is pretty good in No. New England snow. Avg 27 mpg on highway trips/17 in town. I doubt it will make it another year.

• 

  Noisy and bouncy - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Nancy - November 9 - 2:00 am

  We have owned the Odyssey less than two months. It has 3,000 miles and has been on one long trip from NC to CT. It has lots of wind and road noise. It only drives well on smooth pavement. The cargo area is poorly designed. There are no tie down hooks to strap in cargo. It seems to be solely designed to haul people. We usually keep a vehicle 7 - 10 years. This one will be gone in 2-3 years. Front seats are uncomfortable.

• 

  Water leaks - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Zimmer - October 18 - 2:00 am

  We use our EX-L for hauling bikes, Labrador retrievers and light cargo for home projects. Weve taken the middle seats out and keep the rear seats folded down into the floor. Imagine my surprise today, when I accessed the compartment below the rear seats and found the carpet soaked with about 1/2 inch of water. I googled the problem and found that this is a common problem with the Odyssey and has been prevalent since 2001. My main complaint is that Honda knows of the problem but responds as if mine is the only case ever. Honda will lose me as a follow-up customer. I dont like dishonesty.

• 

  Disappointed in Honda Quality - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Big Jay - October 17 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this van in 2002. We owned it for 8 years and 120K miles. Overall, I was disappointed in the quality of the vehicle. It did have some good interior and exterior features. The engine was always reliable. However, the transmission was a train wreck. We had to replace the transmission 2 times while we owned it. We had numerous issues with the power sliding door. Every so often I had to clean the connectors with steel wool or the door would not shut properly. We recently traded off the van for a Toyota. The little things like nobs, handles, buttons, etc. were starting to fail. The gas mileage was also starting to diminish. I would be hesitant to purchase another Honda Odyssey van.

• 

  Axle/Transmission/Steering - Bad - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Robert - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Do not buy one of these. This will be the fifth time going to the dealership for repairs! The transmission, axles, wheels, steering, are poorly made. I will never buy another Honda again (unless they give me a huge amount of money to trade this minivan in for something else).

• 

  2nd transmission gone - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Ross_t - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Decent minivan, has some squeaks and rattles, struts are shot and the second transmission just blew. The first transmission went at ~58k, less than 40k on the second. I have kept the transmission fluid clean by drain and fills, has Honda trans cooler. Other items replaced have been wear items. I would be quite happy with this vehicle if the transmissions had been better engineered and reliable. Honda has been poor in standing behind their product IMHO and wont get another purchase out of me. (multiple Honda car owner.)

• 

  Downgrade from previous models - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By JS - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a 2007 Odyssey. This years model has several downgrades that may seem minor, but are not. The center removable seat no longer folds for storage under the floor. It did not come with a cargo net. Little things like that. The Bumpers on this car are terrible. They are easily scratched and dinged and upon lease return you will be charged to repaint or replace them. My Transmission has a shutter at low speeds and I just learned that there is a recall to repair this. Overall Honda took a step back in quality with this model.

• 

  Extremely Disappointed - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By disappointed - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Our van worked great with no problems until about 76,000 miles. After that it was one thing (some big) after the other. After 10,000 more miles and about $3500, we decided that we had enough. We hoped that this car would last for many years and at least 200,000 miles. It felt like the transmission was going out, similar to other reviews below. After seeing similar vans at the transmission shop, we got rid of it. Since my dads Accord has over 350,000 miles and our friends and family have similar odysseys, we are extremely disappointed! We would not buy another Odyssey unless we purchased a new one with extended warranties. So much for Honda quality and reliability.