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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  First Impressions are good, second a bit better - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By insideinvestor - August 30 - 1:04 pm

  This is my first Honda. I compared this with the 2012 Sienna, 2012 Town & Country, and large SUVs. All compared vehicles were on IIHS 2012 Top Safety list. Advantages over Sienna: Sleeker Antenna Larger Sunroof Easier to pull 3rd row seats Front row heater button easier to access Rear view camera display is larger compared to base XLE Gas mileage Variable cylinder management Disadvantages: Sienna has more leg room, cargo room, higher HP and torque Advantages over T&C: Ride quality seemed better in Odyssey Quality of materials also seemed better Gas mileage Disadvantages: Nav and rear screen DVD player standard in T&C T&C has LED lighting No movable pedal feature

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  Best minivan on market - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By jw78732 - August 26 - 11:38 pm

  After sold our 2000 Odyssey with 130K mi, wife decided to get another Odyssey right before our summer vacation trip. After our 4000+ mi trip, it seems to be a right decision. The van is very comfortable to ride in and drives like a Honda. Although I wished it could have 50 more horse power, and have sports tires. The fit and finish are very good and we didnt experience any usually wind noise. The gas mileage is unbelievable on highway. With 3 adults and lots of stuff in the back, we get about 26.5 mpg on average and at one point, close to 29 mpg. The transmission shifts smoothly, although the van is kind of sluggish when you try to pass someone on highway due to lack of torque.

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  Touring Elite Owner - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By norcalhills - July 16 - 10:12 pm

  This is our first minivan. We traded a 2008 BMW X5 for the van and so far we love it. At the time we bought the van, we also traded a 2006 BMW 550i for a Mercedes E350. We NEVER use the Mercedes, my kids think its boring. They always want to use the van. We have put 8K miles on the van in 6 months. It handles great, rides well, has plenty of horsepower (for a van), and our kids actually like taking road trips, something we could never get them to do before. We got the Touring Elite, and the only problem so far is a warped windshield that Honda agreed to replace. The fit and finish look great. We got Black with the Truffle interior and we get a lot of compliments from others.

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  Second gen owner - very satisfied so far - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By sunnycali - July 6 - 9:02 pm

  I replaced a 2002 Odyssey EX-L RES with this 2012 EX-L w/ Nav. So far very pleased with the way the vehicle drives and it is rich in features. Feels solidly built but based on my experience with older one bought 5 year maintenance and 8y/120 mi warranty. Very spacious interior, nice external styling especially when you look at it from the back. Was considering Turing Elite but didnt feel the price difference justified the additional features for my lifestyle. Mileage is around 18.5 city/hw, but it has been less than a week so I will give it time.

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  Excellent Mini Van - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By gross34 - June 24 - 12:26 pm

  We traded in our 03 Honda Odyssey for the 2010 Odyssey and we absolutely love it. We have had it for 18 months and we have put over 23000 miles on it. We made 2 long road trips with it and no problems. We have had to change the oil at 15% and rotated the tires, otherwise this van is a absolute must for any family. The seating for 8 may bit a bit over rated because the middle seat in the 2nd row is small. Otherwise the vehicle handles well in rain, snow and dry conditions equally. If I had to change anything I would have gotten the AWD model.

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  Great car! - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By suswaski - May 23 - 11:52 pm

  I bought this car because I wanted a mini van that had four real opening doors- I love the size of it, decent power and gas mileage, very versatile vehicle, super reliable. I have driven mine about 4 years now on a Salvage title- I was hit by a teenage driver and my car was "totalled" due to the costs of the repair- I have almost 180,000 miles on the car and it is still going strong! I bought it with about 88,000 miles on it. i only wish it came in a AWD, and that they still made these cars-- I dont know what I will buy when it finally dies. :(

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  Great Vehicle! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By amirjones78 - May 1 - 5:35 pm

  This is the best vehicle Ive owned. Its also one of the most comfortable vehicles Ive ever driven. The ride is very comfortable and quiet. Handling is excellent. I always feel in complete control in any type of weather in my Odyssey. Contrary to some of the reviews Im seeing for this year of Odyssey I dont really have problems with it. The only problem I had was a power steering reservoir that needed to be replaced ($125ish). At one point there was an odd vibration between 25 and 30 mph. Many people replaced the transmission or torque converter with no success. I just had the transmission fluid changed (scheduled maintenance) with Mobile 1 full synthetic. Problem solved!

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  Redesign not so functional - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By gmlkz - April 5 - 8:59 am

  I have been singing the praises of Honda for years and this is the 3rd that weve owned. Just got the 2012, and although theyve added some great new features, Im rather disappointed with some of the redesign. They took away a bunch of useful storage, which kept me neatly organized w/ my brew of kids & friends. their marketing materials now advertise how great it is to fit a piece of plywood in the back with the seats folded. Thats great, but it no longer neatly fits my compact single stroller in the back with the seats up like the old model did. Seems like they forgot that many people purchasing minivans have kids, use storage, and push strollers, more often than hauling wood.

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  BEST MINIVAN. But NOT perfect... - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By conniereddy - March 22 - 4:19 am

  So, were at 3k mi. and I LOVE our van!! OVERALL, compared to 2012 Sienna: it looks WAY better, is safer, gets better gas mileage, and has MANY more features standard. My husband ENJOYS driving it (as do I). I think it drives beautifully - not at all like my step-fathers minivan. Its controls are reachable (love the steering wheel controls), and the electronics are rather intuitive, I think! That said, it has its design flaws and neither van is worth 35k so, the value factor just isnt there. Nevertheless, its the best on the market for the money and we bought it and are VERY happy overall :)

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  Great!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By kleiner - February 5 - 7:05 pm

  We bought this car used in February 2011 with 71,000 miles in it and love it. We like to sliding doors. There is a lot of cargo space. Plenty of leg room in the 3rd row. The only problem weve had is a new starter and the power-steering pump recall. We now have 88,000 miles on it and plan to drive it till it drops.