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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  Last honda van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By joe - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Replaced transmission at 44,000. Replaced mechanism for steering wheel controls. Having problems with side passenger door not locking at 49,000. Today driving home from park with kids side passenger door window drops off track. Need to replace. Not happy with this. Seems as you pay it off starts falling apart. Also replaced motor mounts at 35,000.

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  Transmission failure at 98K - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By skiutah313 - September 17 - 2:00 am

  My Odyssey was a decent van until about 80K miles when the "service engine" light started to come on. I had the van dealer-serviced for all recommended work and even had belts,etc changed at the recommended intervals. Eventually the service dept. told me that the slipping was a transmission problem. I am certain this started at under 100K and the service rep indicated that Honda has had transmission issues with the Odyssey. Honda did not even offer a minimal % coverage though I followed all of the service recommendations. I WILL NOT BUY A HONDA again. I purchased a Honda because of its reputation and now I realize that Honda may not care about customer loyalty or vehicle quality.

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  Engine troubles - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul - September 2 - 8:59 am

  The van was nothing too special. The wireless head phone have never worked. The power steering pump is load most of the time. The road noise is load. The sound system is just average. This van will get stuck in 2 inches of snow! The real problem came at 80K. The engine light came on and the engine lost power. I thought that maybe we may have had a clogged fuel filter or something of that nature (I wish). One of the spark plugs broke off and fell into the engine and ruined it. $6000 dollars to fix it. Not under warranty! What happened to Honda? So disappointed I will never buy another.

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  Bad Decision - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey EX - August 28 - 12:30 pm

  Bought used April,2010 My complaint issues are cheap plastic on the interior that seems to scratch if anything touches it. The passenger slider door needed guide roller replaced at 47,000. It now sometimes jams when opening. The dealer tells me this is a safety feature that activates when the window is down. It activates on ours without the window down. Also, that door sticks and our 9 year old daughter cant open it. They have put their door grease on it several times and it doesnt help. Transmission labors at 50 mph. Recall did not help this. Service rep says he has one that does the same. Also The seats are not even close to Chrysler for ride comfort. Im trading for Chrysler

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  Second Honda that is really Bad - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By SSS - August 25 - 5:35 pm

  Crack on Windshield within 18 months, Battery went dead with 12 months, One tire had to be replaced since it bulged a bit (paid >$200), dealer never accepted that it was manufacturing mistake, Feeling air flowing through vent even when A/C is off, Alignment gets messed up immediately after 2 weeks of aligning at the dealership (lots of wasted money), not a comfortable ride at all (My Honda Civic had similar problems too not the same, bought both at the same dealership). I really dont like driving Hondas anymore.

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  More and More Disappointing - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Steverino - August 25 - 3:21 pm

  With a growing family, my wife and I bought a new Odyssey in 2003 and had to replace the transmission within a year (on recall). Its now at almost 190,000 miles and the 2nd tranny is shot. What makes this so disappointing is that we have taken very good care of the minivan, following Hondas maintenance schedule to the "T" with the dealers service department --- "regular maintenance" for this vehicle has been to the tune of $1000 to $2000 PER YEAR. Ive never heard of regular maintenance being so expensive for any other car. This minivan has proved over 6 years to be a very poor value --- we now wish that we had paid a little extra up front and bought the Toyota Sienna instead!

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  Nothing But Problems - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Todd - August 23 - 6:35 pm

  Let me start off with saying that this is the first and last Honda that I will ever owned. The car shakes when the VCO light is on (3 cylinder mode). The car has been into the dealership for transmission updates to correct this problem. I had a VSA light on the dash and the dealership had to replace the VSA module at a cost of $1350.00 and the car is just 20 days out of warranty. Brake rotors had to be turned at 15,000 miles due to a wheel vibration. DVD monitor was defective right from the factory.This car has poor mpg at around 20 on the highway.

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  Good and Bad - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By supernerd - August 20 - 12:58 pm

  I am very thankful that this vehicle has side curtain airbags for all 3 rows. My family experienced a major side impact accident and they worked beautifully. Ill only buy vehicles with side airbags for ALL 3 rows from now on. That being said, this has not been the best vehicle. We had the power steering go out twice which was not covered under regular warranty (thank goodness for the extended warranty). I also had the brake pedal go down to the floor once and nearly didnt stop us in time. That was fixed under recall. Also, we were lucky to get 14 mpg in town and the dealer told us that was normal. Great driving vehicle but with these type of issues I wont buy again.

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  Need to discover noise - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By LEONA WILLIAMS - August 6 - 11:19 pm

  The van has been making a popping and clicking noise in the front took it to the dealer several times the techs can not figure the problem. Right now the problem still exist problem cant be found, car is still under warranty. I received a rental and they called me back stating that the car was fixed, when driving of in the vehicle the noise still exist can someone please give me some legal advice. Thought when I got a Honda, I thought I was getting the best now I feel like I got a piece of junk. Should have gotten a Chevy. I am very disappointed

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  Not Reliable - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By lalit - July 26 - 9:44 pm

  Yes. Its all a myth. We bought this van new and ever since went through many problems. In its 120K life so far we have changed transmission thrice. I have not changed tires thrice though. Honda is replacing old bad transmission with new bad transmission and just making sure its goes past their 109K warranty. Folks: you will keep on paying for this unless geniuses at Honda finds some solution (may be they do not want to since now they can charge you big bucks). It had door problems, CAT issues, EGR issues and many others but big is transmission and it is a recurrent problem. Dealerships has been kind in helping consumers but why should they? why are they not demanding a solution?