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:

• 

  My complete Thinking of this vehicle - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By D Smart - November 5 - 8:48 am

  I love this mini van from both the looks and performance. However there is a significant flaw in the design from my view point. First of all consider that I am 6 feet tall and weigh about 230 pounds whereas my wife is 4 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs 105 pounds. Keeping this in mind, the vehicle suits me at the 5-starlevel but, not true for my wife with her leser height. Egressing and ingressing as the driver and/or front seat passenger is rated at about the 1-star level. Example from front seat either side of vehicle, she must turn so to have her legs out the door and then slide off the seat, basically uncontrolled fall, until her feet touch the ground. Getting into the vehicle is eq`ually as difficult, too. Now as the driver, she must raise the seat to max height and full forward in order to partially see over the dash. This position places her right knee against the lower part of the dash. To me this is a dangerous position in case of a head-on collision. Next, she has difficulty with vissibility from drivers position looking to right and/or left at a 45 degree angle as the view is completely blocked by the design/position of the pillars right and left of windshield. These drawbacks do not apply to me due to my increased height. Additionally, she has trouble reaching the brake and accelerator pedals, too. I have searched for pedal extenders, but Honda does not have them and the dealer could not help me on this problem. This problem is of such magnitude that I feel compelled to exchange this vehicle for another that will better suit the two of us in a more safe manner. Again, and as final note, this vehicle and the things stated about my wife apply only to her as I am completely satisfied although I, too, have significant visibility reduction at 45 degree angle to the left from drivers seat, and came very close to striking a pesdestrain who was blocked from my view by the left of windshield post.

• 

  Flashy Odyssey! - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Jon Kolas - October 14 - 4:43 pm

  So easy to drive after a big old truck! Great visibility - no blind spot. Extremely versatile configuration. So much better looking than other mini-vans.

• 

  Best Van I have ever owned - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By pastorewj - June 30 - 9:48 am

  I bought this van new. So all 240,000 are my miles, and I could not ask for more out of a van. I have replaced motor mounts, and power steering pump was replaced under warranty... but that is it.

• 

  Been driving it for 12 years - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By manyhondas - May 31 - 12:40 am

  Bought it new as a family van and now has 178,000 miles. In early years, we used it for long trips to Florida, New York, & Canada. Got power and accelerates well. Comfort is fine for local driving but on very long road trips, I wished I had more seat adjustments. The design ambiance is awesome and thats why its still in our driveway. Had two repaint jobs, one major maintenance overhaul, and transmission was rebuilt once. For many years, this minivan has performed better than I expected. Now that its 12 years old, our air conditioner acts weird about every 6 months until my mechanic tinkers around with it. We are tough and assertive urban city drivers.

• 

  2015 Honda Odyssey EX-L - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By tdr5 - May 14 - 8:04 pm

  Have had a 2015 Honda Odyssey EX-L for about 6 months and now have 15K miles on it. This is an outstanding vehicle! It rides extremely well and is comfortable to ride in. Have not had an vibration or other issues at all. I have had numerous Hondas and this one is at or near the top of them all. Very satisfied owner!

• 

  Family workhorse - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By smithiedad - April 8 - 9:39 am

  We were gifted our 2003 Odyssey 3 years ago from a friend when it had 184,000 miles. Now is has 315,000. Its our family workhorse and its been a dandy. Id buy another Odyssey for certain. Original engine and auto trans. We stay up on our maintenance and its been very good. Excellent value. Weve got our sights on 500K miles!

• 

  My First Minivan turned me into a Lifer! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By kimbersw - March 19 - 2:06 pm

  I would rate this van outstanding. We bought it new and drove it for 38,000 miles. We loved it so much we just traded it for a 2015 Odyssey Touring Elite to keep current. Well never stray from the odyssey. Our 2012 was the best vehicle weve ever owned- comfortable beyond our expectations, high-quality feel, and rides like a car- the Honda Accord to be specific. If you want performance and luxury in a minivan, this is the way to go. The lower trims are all nice, the Elite just takes it a step above. The top-performing van will always be a part of our family, thanks to our excellent experience with this one. Great job, Honda!

• 

  My Favorite Van Ever!!! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By undy6 - December 22 - 11:23 pm

  Ive had 3 Odysseys - an 07 EX-L DVD, an 08 EX-L w/NAV & DVD and a 12 Touring Elite. Ive had a lot of cars, SUVs and minivans and the 08 Odyssey was my fav by far! I actually think it was better than the 12 Odyssey Touring Elite we leased. Zero issues, super practical features & layout, easy and comfortable to drive....I could go on and on. Only reason I dont still have it is because I was having issues getting traction in the snow (lived in Denver at the time) so I traded for a 4WD Nissan Armada. I regretted that decision almost immediately, still miss that van 3 yrs later! Hindsight, I really wish I wouldve tried putting on a better set of tires before trading it in :-(

• 

  I love my minivan! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By ebeaudoin - August 16 - 2:00 pm

  My wife and I bought this as a Honda Certified car 4/8/2014. A week later, our first baby was born. Let me just say that a minivan is the absolute best vehicle for a family. We bought an Odyssey LX in Bali Blue (gorgeous color) that I took in on trade at the Honda dealer where I work. At the time, I was hoping for some more features (tri-zone climate control, power sliding doors) but over the past few months, I have just been so pleased with this van! Weve only put about 5,000 miles on it, but Im really impressed. The A/C works great, its easy to park, smooth and quiet on the freeway, and the engine has plenty of power. I would buy it again in a heartbeat!

• 

  Powerful and Comfortable - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By gdheart07 - July 26 - 12:23 am

  I am on my second Odyssey. The first we sold thinking our 06 Civic would serve our needs with our 5 kids on their own. One vacation to Florida and we now own a used 07 Odyssey - just like our first one. Service the vehicles by Honda and use only Honda fluids - especially in the steering, braking and transmission systems - and such problems will not exist. A lower grate is available for protection of the a/c condenser. Battery - the Odyssey has a lot of electrical assy. I replaced my battery with a DieHard. No more battery issues.