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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  TRANSMISSION!! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By kim203 - June 14 - 12:57 pm

  I have had my Odyssey since 2006. I loved it until things began to go wrong (of course, after the "certified" warranty ran out). Its got 135,000 miles and in addition to regular maintenance (including the timing belt) I have had to replace all three engine mounts, shocks and the transmission (not at Honda). I called Honda and they said the transmission recall work had been performed before I purchased the vehicle so there was nothing they could do. I bought a Honda because I thought I would be able to drive it forever. Simply not so. Very disappointed and will not purchase another Honda. Its comfortable and great for passengers, but lots of road noise.

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  Not the Honda fan I once was - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By familyofsix - June 1 - 6:21 pm

  As a family of six we need the third row, so its either SUV or minivan. Bought this used in 2010 to replace a totaled SUV (rollover accident). 92 Accord had been great. Bought this despite knowing possible transmission problem because (a) Consumer Reports still called it a Best Bet, (b) thought Honda would stand behind it. Transmission went out around 105K (apparently typical), Honda dealer wanted $5200 for a new one. I went to my mechanic and got a rebuilt with two-year warranty for $2800. Wrote to Honda, but they offered no help with the bill, saying they knew about other years with bad transmission but not 2001 (despite a recall on 2001 tranny & many net stories similar to mine).

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  SIDE DOORS - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By catalina60 - May 19 - 5:33 pm

  Our 2011 EX-L has a peculiar safety issue: Both my wife and I have driven off with one of the side doors open. Other than a small red door adjar symbol in the instrument panel, there is no other notable warning to the driver. It seems there should be a high-pitch audible warning or even the inablility to shift into Drive since the danger is so great if a side door is not fully closed, esp. if there are children or other passengers in the middle seats.

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  Electronics are poor - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By all4wheels - May 18 - 9:55 pm

  I have had the 2011 with navigation system for about 2 months now. The good is that it sits a little bit lower to the ground and has good headroom. I am over 6 feet tall and the headroom and legroom are fine. It drives nicely. Compared to my prior 2001 Odyssey I would say that the ride of this van is "softer" and it is less responsive than my other van. The front hood slopes down and I am unable to see the front of the Van. This takes some time getting used to, especially parking in tight areas. Now for the AWFUL: The Navigation system is TERRIBLE. The bluetooth for the telephone drops every few miles. They are both useless.

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  Not for Winter Climates - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By scottmason - May 9 - 9:37 pm

  This van is fun to drive with a ton of features. It is like owning a sports car that hauls a lot of people. The radio is amazing with a six disc changer. The down side is it cannot get through snow. If there is more than an inch of snow, this van slides, spins and is not comforting to drive. Winter driving is horrible. This van has a whistle from the lower part of the windshield at highway speeds. I read this in other reviews and did not believe it. It is very true and a horrible noise. I have owned this van for under six months and will be selling it very soon.

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  2011 Odyssey Still Has Front Brake Rotor Issues - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By dustync - April 21 - 9:51 am

  This is a Love - Hate Relationship... Love the Fuel Economy (31.9 mpg at 64 mph Hwy). Hate that Honda actually advertised the fact that they "re-engineered" the Front Brake Rotors, yet at 11,850 miles, the Dealer (Honda Autopark in Cary,NC) replaced them due to "WARPING". The very same issue I had with my 2007 Odyssey! The front windshield had excessive distortion along a 5-6" band of the sides, so this was also replaced. Several of the bolt together body parts, fenders,etc. do not line up well at all (assembly issues), but have not addressed that yet. If you start having any vibration coming from the front-end of your Odyssey, have the brake rotors checked before 12,000 mile warranty.

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  So far, so good. - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By ody12 - April 4 - 10:50 am

  I traded in my 06 Volvo XC90, which was begining to exhibit some issues after it hit 100k miles (i.e. air conditioning going out TWICE), as well as having extremely expensive repair costs. While I am not completely in love with the current body style for the Odyssey, it is a very functional, well designed van. I am enjoying driving it. Its smooth and responsive in city traffic and feels as heavy as my Volvo. I am also finding it to be way more functional in terms of its interior layout for a family. The seats are as comfy as those in my Volvo. Fingers crossed that this vehicle will have far more long term durability than the Volvo.

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  Gas MPG not as advertised!! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By walden94 - March 5 - 10:02 am

  We traded in our 2000 Odyssey with 120k miles, for a brand new 2010 EX-L. It has better performance than the older model but less room in back. We used to be able to stow stuff under the 3rd seat but the 2010 is now blocked off. Also, the sticker advertises 25 mpg hwy but weve never received better than 20 mpg after 6k miles. Also, disappointed there is no factory option for a hands-free Bluetooth. Other than that ,the quality is good, no problems yet.

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  Nice family minivan! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By gigig1 - February 14 - 11:56 pm

  Traded our 2007 EX-L RES with 2010 Touring ,and we loved it!.I heard a lot of reviews about transmission problems on odyssey van but so far I didnt have problem with our 07.There are complains about MPG ratings too!you know what,maybe you forgot that this is a 6 cylinder,not 4,so dont expect that its as fuel efficient as civic.We drove our 07 to New York 2 yrs. ago and I filled the tank twice only all the way.We started from the midwest.Very reliable van!!

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  Love my Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By davidh4784 - February 14 - 11:57 am

  We bought our 2005 EX in the middle of 2005. We have had almost NO issues what so ever with the van. The only issue that we have had is the Factory tires. They are WORTHLESS. Three had to be replaced at only 8,000 miles and all four had to be replaced at 18,000 miles due to them wearing issues. They where taken care of by the Honda warranty and then lasted until 50,000 miles when i replaced them with Goodyear triple treads. No other issues with the van at all and we love it and will buy another one when this one at some point after this one dies.