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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USB/ Bluetooth - 2013 Honda Odyssey
By vimanman - July 30 - 7:16 pmJust traded a 2007 Odyssey for a 2013 Odyssey EXL . The car drives Great and all the interiro features are nice but...... WTF the USB plays in an archaic fashion, you cannot play files as you woudl on your computer or any other car.... The bluetooth DOES NOT show what song is playing... Its quite a shame that Honda decided to ignore this part of the Odyssey. I purchased a 2013 Civic a few months back and It has all the features, (USB that you can pay your files in order, Bluetooth that displays the song) I am wondering why Honda seels a car ^ months later that has such archaic technology.
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Still Running Great - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By sb2323 - July 22 - 10:16 pmBought used in 2009. It now has 120,000 miles, a mix of long highway driving and short trips. This car has not been babied. Only maintenance is oil/filter changes. Weve had to put a couple thousand dollars into it replacing normal aging things. Passenger side door has to be pulled twice to get it to close or open and it kinda thuds when it does. The cloth interior has a lot of worn spots and paint around the bumper is peeling in places. Overall its been a great car. The kids hate driving in an "uncool" minivan but love having room for a bunch of friends. They love the interior as well. This car is great for long road trips. Very comfortable. I plan to drive it another 100,000.
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Almost 220k and going strong !! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By clubber1 - March 16 - 6:25 pm2007 Ody, bought new in May of 2007, now has 218k (wife has long commute), had power steering issue a few weeks after purchase, dealer fixed. I have changed oil with Mobil 1 Extended Performance Synthetic every 10-12k miles. Been through three sets of front pads, rotors, rear pads and rotors replaced once, full timing belt service at 135k. Changed plugs myself at 176k, they still had more life, but changed anyway. Had tranny reflash, brake recall done (air in lines) , tranny fluid done twice so far, three sets of tires, two alignments, rear liftgate struts failed at 200k and five years. Looking to get at least another 100k out of her !!!
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A real world vehicle - 2011 Honda Odyssey
By northstar243 - February 19 - 9:56 amThis one does it all. No, it does not handle like a sports car nor does it get the mileage of a hybrid, but if you need the space for 8 people and still like a respectable 30 mpg while cruising at 70 mph, then it does what it needs to do. Like a circus clown car, the outside dimensions and driving experience do not begin to tell the full story about just how much space is inside and how much you can do with it. The Honda Odyssey gives you all the minivan benefits while offering the least "minivan like" package.
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Excellent vehicle, 195k and still going stong! - 1999 Honda Odyssey
By greenewpm3 - January 7 - 7:44 amSince we bought our Odyssey in 1999, its done nothing but impress. We test drove all the Odysseys competitors, ranging from the Toyota Sienna to the Ford Windstar, and none could touch the Honda when it came to build quality and driving dynamics. The engine is wonderful, with plenty of power and low-end grunt. Transmission problems aside (See "Improvements") weve had to make only ONE unexpected repair, a single $40 coil pack, in the 195k miles weve driven! And we havent exactly babied our Odyssey either... For 5 summers in a row we towed our 3000lb boat back and forth through the Adirondack mountains, and the van never flinched!
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Stay with your old Honda - 2013 Honda Odyssey
By luvmycars3 - November 27 - 10:56 pmCompared to my touring 2009 the new van falls so short. The inside quality has been reduced to that of an Amerian made van. The ride is not as smooth. Options are now overpriced. My 2009 had an buyer within the hour at above book price. Interesting that even others see he value in the older models. You do better o by a used Honda with the old body style. The old style is a blast to drive.
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2012 first impression - 2013 Honda Odyssey
By etj1 - November 23 - 9:30 amWe traded in our 2006 Odyssey for a 2013. My first impression is its much quieter than the old model. Gas mialage seems to be better as well.Front legroom seems a little less though. Hopefully this one will be as reliable as the last.
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Honda Odyssey ex-l Nav - 2012 Honda Odyssey
By darvesh1 - November 19 - 5:23 pmAfter many debates btw Sienna, Quest, and Odyssey, my wife and i finally decided to settle down on Odyssey mainly because of my long great experience with Honda accord and sporty look of Honda Odyssey. This is a fun car to drive, i love the features and option that are included in this car. I like the fact that it looks like a sporty minivan rather than mamas minivan. Its been three monthes and im enjoying it alot, my only complain is interior material that is very cheap. This wouldve been a top minivan had Honda used some decent interior material. The overall interior design is outstanding but material is very cheap.
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245k and no problem whatsoever - 1999 Honda Odyssey
By mike01young - October 4 - 1:02 pmwe bought this vehicle 5 years ago at 170k and never had a single problem whatsoever.
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It checks the boxes but almost impresses - 2012 Honda Odyssey
By psychic99 - September 17 - 11:47 amOK my 2005 Sienna XLE needed new --loved it. First thing, I cant believe how the interiors of these vans have CHEAPENED over the years. So much so I couldnt stomach the new Sienna. The Ody was just passable. Already the door switches are scratched because of the cheap plastic. I almost pulled the trigger on the Quest but couldnt get over the ugly stick and the suboptimal tranny (CVT). I have a Maxi CVT, its just the load killed it. In any case driver console is just cheap. All the rest of the car is great. What were they thinking? Also should have 110 in 2nd row, not 3rd. Lots of finishing not good. Had to slap a few panels in, pull some plastic and carpet fibers. Hmm...
