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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  Great car to drive, just not a 4 kid car - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By yinzermama - September 3 - 11:11 am

  Middle row not as functional as initially thought. Traded in 08 8 pass Sienna for it. If you have 2 kids tops who use the middle as "captians" with the center down all the time - 3 in car seats - or 1 in the middle, 2 in the back - it would work. But the 8th spot is not comfy for all the time seating and the outboard seats, when slid to get in the back, still make a tight space and dont revert to their original position once up. Also you have to push the BACK of the seat to lock it so if your kid forgets you are driving with a seat bonking around you cant reach to click back in place. Long term, with 4 kids, I think a true 2 captains chair set up would have been better for us.

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  Love my Ody BUT... - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By mommabagby - August 31 - 12:07 pm

  I really really love my van. Weve owned for 6 months now and taken a couple of roadtrips with our 2 and 5 year old. It is so comfy and convenient and roomy for just such excursions. The only thing I am not happy about is our A/C. It doesnt seem to blow COLD. Its cool, but not cold. We live in Phoenix, AZ so when its not blowing ice cubes (which I expect from a vehicle I paid around 40K for and is brand new) and its 110+ degrees, that makes for a hot, irritable mommy. It especially doesnt seem to blow cold driving around town or when we stop at a light. Took it to the dealer, and they said the charge was low and recharged the system but I didnt notice a difference.

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  Use to LOVE the Honda Odyssey! So sad the love affair is over - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By exhondalover - August 29 - 1:15 pm

  We have owned a 2001, 2006, 2009, and now just leased a 2012. If you are thinking Odyssey, think of other vans. Definitely do your research. The storage and plushness or the van has really cheapened through the years. I was going to explain myself more, but this forum limits your characters. I am very happy that we lesased and did not buy. Honda has gone cheap on me! The upholstery in the interior is junk. I always loved Honda for its functionality and every day conveniences of storage and comfort, but at the same time style and class. They have replaced their simple beauty with cheap plastic and less functional storage and conveniences. It is no longer a pleasure to have a Honda!

• 

  6 month review - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By njvtec - August 17 - 3:32 pm

  We replaced my wifes Porsche Cayenne S Titanium Edition with two VW Touaregs. Although the Touaregs are built on the same chassis they are worlds apart and we were very disappointed by the Touaregs and specifically the support or lack there of from the manufactures and dealers. With two children under the age of two we decided to look at minivans. Having owned and raced a number of Hondas over the years I didnt have to look much further then the Odyssey. We ended up leasing a new 2012 Odyssey (at a great rate thanks to Hondas great residual value). The Odyssey is a brilliant choice for anyone with children. Maybe its not as "cool" as a luxury SUV but it is way more practical.

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  New owner preliminary review - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By fonguy - August 5 - 5:09 pm

  I dont fit the minivan demographic as an old retired guy. Trading my 6 year-old Lexus RX for an Oddyssey was not an economic decision but I am now a Honda owner for the first time. Its only been a week, hence the word preliminary. Fit and finish excellent, interior roomy and comfortable, seats relatively easy to manipulate into many configurations. You need a little muscle to get the second row seats out, though, if the room is needed. Adequate power, handling surprisingly sedan-like, reasonably quiet. Many advanced safety features and air bags. This vehicle represents a highly evolved version of the classic minivan. The communications features-radio, CD, Bluetooth, USB, are great!

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  Mixed feelings - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By horstradamus - July 21 - 11:58 am

  Bought it used in 2007. Steering wheel controls have started randomly switching themselves, radio went a few months ago, three separate parts of the AC system have also gone, rear wiper stopped working, passenger sliding door auto lock stopped working. Other than that, there have been no problems with the transmission or engine.

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  EX-L What a Disappointment - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By jennnevada - July 1 - 1:31 am

  I purchased this car new and put on 69K miles before trading it in today. It was great for hauling around children and provided a comfortable ride and plenty of cargo space. Now the downside: lousy gas mileage (13 in town/22 hwy), on my 3rd power steering pump, my alternator recently failed and was replaced by Honda for $600, rear sliding door opening/closing mechanism failed last year, battery and brakes were replaced often, constant loud & jolting popping when turning at low speeds (cv joint issue?) and a host of other issues amounting to significant repair costs. I am happy to be rid of this money pit! My past Hondas have been great but not this model and year.

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  A nice family car - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By cfl63 - June 28 - 3:04 pm

  We bought the 2001 Honda Odyssey new. It has been a good car for the most part. The trans was rebuild at 180,000. I had the main water hose blow a few months ago driving home on 95 North between Washington and Baltimore. My main problem has been the "check engine" light which came on at about 70,000 miles. I took it to the dealer and they had not a clue. They did clean the engine, but the light continued to go on and off. I have 262,000 miles on the car. Im in the process of replacing it, but I do not think Ill buy another Honda...

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  Better than my 2008 Odyssey! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By mapperone - June 22 - 3:54 pm

  I decided to wait till I had at least 2000 miles on my 2012 Odyssey EX-L before writing a review on it. I test-drove the Honda, Toyota, and Nissan minivans. What I traded in was a 2008 Odyssey EX-L. Here are the Pros and Cons of my new one compared to my old one: Pros…… 1) More comfortable seats. The lower cushions tilt more than the other brands, plus a darker fabric (truffles, a darker grey) is available, which won’t show the dirt as much. 2) Cabin is 2” wider, and the extra room is very helpful when carrying adult passengers. 2nd row holds 3 adults very comfortably. 3) Engine is very smooth and all but silent. 4) Like the trip computer, where gas mileage can be computed for each trip. 5) Like the large, easy-to-read, digital display of the TIME on the monitor screen. 6) Like the standard equipment Bluetooth capability. (NOT on my 2008) 7) Like the ability to load in numerous CD’s into hard drive of the sound system. Saves having to insert and eject CD’s countless times. 8) Minimal vibration in the powertrain. 9) Like the standard power liftgate. (NOT on my 2008) 10) Gas mileage averages 20 mpg in the city and at least 27 on trips. 11) Love the speed-compensated volume control on the sound system. I haven’t had this since my 1998 Chevy Venture LS. 12) Lower suspension noise going over rough pavement. (although sharp bumps come through loud and clear. 13) It tracks well on the Interstates with minimal steering corrections. Cons…… 1) Noticeable wind noise heard around the windshield pillar on the driver’s side at highway speeds on windy days, though it’s not intrusive. Dealer hinted that windshield might have to be re-installed, but they didn’t want to do that. 2) Wind whistle heard on top of driver’s side window at speeds as low as 30 mph, but dealer was able to fix it. 3) Grating sounds heard in rear of cabin when going over uneven road surfaces at slow speeds. (could be the sliding doors. My ’08 Ody made the same noise after 3 years) 4) Miss the storage area under floor, in front of the 2nd row seat. (it’s now mostly taken up by the spare tire)

• 

  A quite functional car - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By cadrm123 - June 7 - 7:59 am

  We have about 8,000 miles on this car, and overall like it quite a bit. It has quite a bit of pickup, even with 5-6 passengers in tow. However, there have been a couple of small mechanical/electronic issues. Also, there is no windshield wiper fluid indicator, which has left us high and dry on two occasions. Really, Honda? Havent we progressed past 1970? A really tacky omission, particularly for those in regions of the country where fluid is used quite a bit.