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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  Nice but.... - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By SW - December 16 - 3:55 pm

  This is our second minivan for our family of five. We had a Toyota Sienna for 10 years (2005) and just upgraded to a 2015 Odyssey. It has very hard for me to go to Honda over Toyota, but in general, I liked the appearance and features of the interior better than the Sienna (dash was very "truck" and I wanted a bit more luxury). My husband loves the way this drives - quick and sharp handling. The three boys fit great, and we have room when needed for long trips. HOWEVER, we bought it September 3. It has been to the shop for a torn sun visor, weather stripping on a sliding door falling off (after 2 months of terrible wind noise at my ear, I was glad to have it fixed), two blown fuses for interior lights, AND now the wind noise is starting to be very bad at the drivers door. Thats a lot of visits to the repair shop for a 39K vehicle. Perhaps we got a lemon and most dont have these issues? But for me, I have had buyers remorse, and have thought more than once "shouldve stayed with Toyota" as we had one issue in ten years with that van. Looks good. Drives good. Functional. Im just thankful for the new car warranty to cover all these small, petty issues!

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  Dancing mini-van, my car can shimmy at 65mph! - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By tom roach - December 14 - 11:56 am

  The brake rotors wear choppy causing high speed vibration(over 60 mph) in the steering . Dealer claims it is normal and nothing to be addressed!

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  Mostly Improved Over Previous Years - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By CN - December 8 - 5:56 pm

  Weve had this one for about 18 months and 31,000 miles now. We bought it to replace a 2012 Odyssey that was a disappointment on many levels. So far, it has been trouble-free. Around town we average about 24 mpg and on the open road we can count on 29-30 mpg running at 70-75 mph. While the 2012 and 2014 are essentially identical, most of the improvements are behind the scenes in that Honda has generally improved how systems operate. The auto headlights, for example, have better logic for the day/night mode switching, and the instrument lighting switching has been separated from the headlight switching. The cylinder shutoff system (VCM) is less noticeable (the 2012s was abysmal). Having the built-in vacuum is a nice touch, though we wish it were a bit more powerful. It also seems a bit quieter than the 2012 was (better active noise control?). On the downside, like the 2012 (and our 2003 as well) before it, front brake rotors warp too easily. Personally, I think they are undersized for a 4,500 lb. vehicle. The transmission is smoother than the 2012, but Honda has yet to figure out how to make a smooth-shifting transmission...on any car they sell. Cold operation is particularly lousy. Our biggest beef, though, is with the infotainment system. Migrating the radio/CD player to a touchscreen while keeping the joystick/knob controller was a mistake. The system response is slower and the programming changes they made to the navigation system make it harder to enter a destination. It also resulted in the loss of the pull-out cupholder/drawer, which was a nice feature to have. In those regards the 2012 arrangement was better. Overall, we are happier with the 2014. Hopefully, it will continue to give trouble-free operation.

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  This is a wonderful car, except: - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By P Garrity - November 28 - 4:36 pm

  Something happened after the 2012 Odyssey that caused the Honda entertainment system people to lose their minds. The 2015 system is horrible. Pairing with a phone is touch-and-go at best, voice commands are impossible to use, if youre using phone navigation (Waze etc) you cant also use the radio or other audio sources. It is all clunky, hard to use and a really inferior experience. The addition of a side-view blind-spot camera was cute, but for my money Id rather have a front-of-car parking camera. The side-view camera is distracting and doesnt really provide a very useful image most of the time. The 2012 Odyssey was a much better car in terms of features than the 2015.

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  290,000 Now !! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Clubber1 - November 8 - 5:34 pm

  290K and still going strong. Might have to replace CV Axles, they having been making a clicking noise for about 80k miles now. Engine still as smooth and powerful as when new. Goes like a tank through the snow with Blizzaks on. Power doors having issues. Just have open manually now, good exercise. Still on only second set of spark plugs, all original exhaust, transmission. This van is pretty amazing.

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  Back to the Honda Family! - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Kenneth Sung - October 18 - 11:18 pm

  Ive had previous experience with Hondas and Acuras (9 previous vehicles owned/leased to be exact), but it came time to me to experiment with other car manufacturers, but the quality from those other brands did not hold up well compared to Honda. My only gripe that I can think for the Honda Odyssey is the MPG, but hey, who can complain about 19 MPG when you are hauling a family around with cargo in the back.

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  North to Alaska! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Lisa - October 7 - 5:28 pm

  We purchased this 2001 Honda Odyssey Van used with approx 130,000 miles on it as we had outgrown our older vehicle. We have only done routine maintenance to it and it has been virtually bullet proof for us. We did have problems with the sliding doors...the plastic rollers just wore out (3 kids growing up with soccer, baseball, basketball, ranching, vacations, etc. equals LOTS of door openings and closings.) One door actually fell off when I opened it due to the roller breaking but that was around the 225,000 mile mark. We ordered the replacement parts and my husband changed them out and now it works fine. It has over 263,000 miles on it now and we are beginning to shop for another vehicle. My one really big dislike is the defroster! It takes FOREVER for the windshield to clear... bad engineering.

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  My First Honda - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Donald M - September 26 - 12:22 pm

  I am coming to Honda from a 2013 Kia Sorento. I need a vehicle with more passenger room, and the Honda seems like a logical choice. While I love the room, comfort, and the extras...Honda is really lacking in the tech department without paying outrageous amounts. My base Kia UVO seems years a head of this Honda. For one, The initial voice is clear and loud, but the secondary voice sounds like an 80s answering machine. You are very limited in voice commands, like you cannot adjust radio or anything else, you basically can only tell it who to call. The phone interface seems to be for phones before the smart phone era, and hooking your iPhone via Bluetooth seems like you are losing a lot. I love my Honda but the technology or lack of it gives me second thoughts, seeing that it feels like it is 10 year old technology even though it looks awesome. One power supply and usb port in the front...and nothing in the back...really Honda! I hope there is a software update soon, or something, otherwise in 3 years, I will be looking elsewhere. I love the van...but technology is something you use all the time while driving and on trips.

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  2005 TO 2015 - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By rescuegal - September 10 - 9:45 pm

  Yes, traded my old lady for a new version. Have had my LX for a few weeks and am happy with it. Runs very quiet and smooth. As for a comparison to my 2005: The drivers seat is ok but would prefer the old version and no adjustable seat. Just not a good trade off for me. With less padding, I feel the new seat fabric will wear out faster and it is not as comfortable. I miss the center console in front that you can actually reach. The new one is on the floor. (safety factor) The standard wheels look cheap. You can get better Honda wheels but you might need a second job. It is time to have the ability to fold the middle seats into the floor and have a flat storage surface. Tired of storing seats in the house. (dog friendly issue) Manual is a little hard to read. Taking the above into account, I still feel that the Odessey is the best van out there.

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  Panel Fit - are you KIDDING me? - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By dave - September 8 - 10:09 pm

  I bought my Touring a few weeks ago. I am a car detailer and I have my own business. Been so busy that I just got around to detailing/sealant and glass coating/etc of my van. One REALLY notices the small stuff when you detail a car. I noticed the drivers front fender looked not in line with the front door. After checking other Odysseys, they were the same - and I noticed its from the angle they wanted obtain by having the fender bow out around the wheel/tire ... and they started this change in angle immediately from the front fender/door gap. OK - I can buy that. Then I looked at my passenger side. Its level of protrusion outward is HALF that of the drivers side. They are NOT the same. So I drove to my dealer and looked at the 20 or so 2015s and 16s they had on the lot. The angles and protrusions NEVER matched on any car I looked at. Sometimes the passenger side stuck out further and sometimes (as in mine) the drivers side stuck out more. I am a BMW aficionado - but my wife and I wanted a TRUE 7-8 passenger van as we have 8 grandkids. OK - going to a van means I will give up driving dynamics. But I didnt expect to give up parts that fit. I have a body shop friend, and he looked at it and said "wow, its a Japanese van so youd think panel/fender fit would be better than that". I love the van. But with all the competition out there for roughly the same price, why would I choose a Honda again if they cant get panel fitment correct?