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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  Disappointing - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill - July 20 - 7:56 pm

  We purchased a 1999 Odyssey new at a local dealership and have owned it since. We are very disappointed in the overall quality and reliability. We have had some recalls, sliding door problems, suspension problems, rear brake problems, and the transmission needed to be replaced around 64,000 miles. Honda covered the transmission, but no vehicle should have that after only 64,000 miles much less one that is known to be very reliable. This vehicle has made me believe that foreign vehicles are really no better than American vehicles as my parents have a Ford Freestar and have had absolutely no problems at all at the 80,000 mark and counting. Buy American!

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  Transmission/Brake Problems DO NOT BUY - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Gene - July 7 - 4:08 pm

  Horrible transmission shudder. Rotors warped at 28k. I usually get 70k out of brakes. Transmission has been in twice for updates, etc. Still horrible. Huge delay when shifting into park. You sometimes end up doing a neutral drop by accident. Gear hunting at 35-40 mph. Cant make up its mind and just pulses. Did I mention transmission problems? You can take to dealer but there is no "real" fix. Just a bad product. I was a Honda person, through and through. Now, not so much. This cost me 35k and it drives like a 15k automobile. Extremely disappointed. Glad I bought the 7 yr 120k warranty as I think I am going to need it. Pretty sad to say that about a Honda.:- ((

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  Severe Transmission Problem - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By 2007 Odyssey Owner - July 3 - 11:31 pm

  My Honda Odyssey is less than 4 years old and it now has 53K miles. It started juddering slightly soon after I got it. Every time I took it back to the dealership, I was told my brake was bad and my tires were bad. With a new front brake and all four new tires, the judder continued and got much worse. I again took it back and also received the recall notice Honda at about the same time. I was told that the software update should take care of this problem, but it did not. I took it back again and another software update and the transmission fluid flush was performed. It was good for three days and the problem returned. I contacted Honda CS and did not get a decent response.

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  Stranded - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By dalo25 - June 30 - 5:41 pm

  This car has been used up in NH which is rough on cars. I have had to replace the AC compressor twice. AC Compressors cost around $1200-$1400 to fix. Both times it has stranded my family on a main road. AC is lousy unless you’re in the front seat. Other issues have cropped up such as leaking engine mounts and various electronic issues. Can’t recall the last time the rear windows worked. Bullet proof reliability? Ride is very stiff and noisy. I think Honda just doesnt report their problems. Dont drink the Imports are better than Kool-aid. This mini-van is no better than a domestic model or a Sienna.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Marcie - June 29 - 8:58 pm

  Very disappointed in my minivan. I love the power sliding doors and roomy interior. Trans has had problems from day one. It acts like it doesnt know what to do, go up or down. Taken it in several times, they said had to replace torque converter then another recall. All that messing w/trans has caused motor mounts that need to be replaced and last week the ac went out. They said compressor is bad. Very sad customer.

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  My dream mini van is a bad nightmare! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By My last honda - June 28 - 11:31 am

  60,000 miles - on my 3rd set of tires. brakes at 40,000 miles. new back gate lift rods at 36,000 miles. I have to scream to talk to my kids in the back seat. Super loud road noise. replace the back struts at 45,000. Goodness! We paid good money for this high quality vehicle. What happened? I have never reach the MPG recommended by Honda. we get 17-18 in town.

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  Transmission? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Jason - June 21 - 5:48 am

  I just found out that the transmission in this van is bad at 110,000 miles. Honda dealer wanted $5500 to repair with a rebuilt transmission. They also told me the front engine mount is collapsed. The total repair bill to fix everything and have the 105,000 mile service done is $7,400! After looking at these other reviews I now see I bought a vehicle that is poor quality. I have owned Honda vehicles for the past 15 years. However, this will be the last.

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  Probably my last Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Steve - June 20 - 5:08 pm

  Just had the transmission replaced by the dealer at 84,000. Vehicle was purchased new and serviced regularly at local Honda dealer. Even brought in at 50,000 miles due to concerns I had with the transmission but everything "checked out". Unfortunately my vehicle wasnt including under an earlier transmission recall but Honda did cover a chunk of the $4100 trans repair. Steering wheel radio controls dont always work and driver side rear power vent window does not work. When vehicle was in for transmission replacement was also told that motor mounts needed to be replaced for approx $700. Never had motor mount or transmission issues with any other vehicle, including 4 other Hondas

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  Transmission Trouble - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Scott - June 19 - 6:42 am

  Transmission goes out about every 50,000 miles, so far 3 in 150,000 miles. Honda replaced, ate the cost the first time. Looking to dump this thing. Power sliding door also quit working a while ago.

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  Avoid Honda - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Avoid Honda - June 14 - 2:32 pm

  Transmission slipping. I thought Honda had fixed this problem, apparently not. Avoid Honda.