14 Best & Worst Honda Odyssey Years (With Pictures)

The Honda Odyssey is a popular minivan that debuted as a 1995 model year.

It is known for its generous standard equipment and tech features, excellent safety ratings, well-built interior, and great reliability. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best and worst model years of the Odyssey.

Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Honda Odyssey Are:

The best Honda Odyssey model years are 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2013, and 2009. The worst model years of the Odyssey are 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2006, 2000, and 2018. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.

What Are The Best Years For The Honda Odyssey?

2023 Honda Odyssey

While minivans in general have seen a decline in sales due to the rise of SUVs, the 2023 Odyssey is still a great choice.

It boasts configurable second-row seating, numerous safety and tech features, and a V6 engine that provides sufficient power.

Despite being a minivan the 2023 Odyssey is praised for it excellent handling and zippy acceleration.

This model comes in 5 trim levels: EX, EX-L, Sport, Touring, and Elite. Price ranges from approximately $38,000 to $51,000. 

The drivetrain is a front-wheel-drive paired by a 10-speed automatic transmission.  

• Edmunds: 3.9 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 3.6 / 5.0
• JD Power: 81 / 100

2023 Odyssey, Edmunds review:

“The car is great in almost every way – drives like a luxury sedan, is quiet, responsive and hi tech. There are a few annoying aspects. The driver’s / front row seat belt should ride up about an inch higher. I’m 6’1″ and its not quite high enough. Not a show stopper but certainly annoying…”

2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2022 Odyssey possesses nimble handling, advanced features, a lot of interior space, and an upscale interior that is pleasing to the eye.

It is part of the 5th generation of the Odyssey line and is considered to be one of the better representatives of this generation.

According to EPA estimates, owners can expect the Odyssey to provide up to 22 miles per gallon for combined city and highway driving, which is quite average for a minivan.

Critics recommend the EX trim (one step above the entry-level LX trim) as it provides the best overall value for money. 

• Edmunds: 3.7 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 3.6 / 5.0
• JD Power: 81 / 100

2022 Odyssey, Edmunds review:

“So far, so good in my 2022 Touring. The darker grey color with the black interior looks quite classy. Interior is much quieter than I expected. The engine has more than enough power to lug around our family of five plus cargo. Very comfortable on the few 4+ hour road trips we have taken. We definitely like the amount of USB cords available. Overall, this van seems to be a solid buy. I will update with more mileage…”

2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Odyssey is another excellent option. It outranks many of its predecessors in terms of standard features and advanced safety tech.

Aside from a mild exterior styling update and a moderately refreshed interior, the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance aids comes as a standard package across the board.

Notable safety features include the following: lane keep assist, collision mitigation braking system, and HondaLink.

All of these features make for an outstanding vehicle in terms of safety. This is supported by a perfect 5-star rating from NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration).

• Edmunds: 3.5 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 3.6 / 5.0
• JD Power: 79 / 100

2021 Odyssey, Edmunds review:

“Just leased my 6th Honda Odyssey minivan and I am so much happier with the 2021 than my previous 2018. I experienced hesitation and lag time when trying to accelerate in the 2018. The new 2021 has none of that and provides a much smoother ride. I am extremely pleased with my new 2021 Honda Odyssey.”

2020 Honda Odyssey

As one of the earlier iterations of the 5th generation Odyssey line, the 2020 model year is considered to be one of the most versatile and practical minivans in the market.

It offers a smooth and confident ride and an impressive 28 mpg for highway driving.

New to this version is a standard 10-speed automatic transmission. This is mated with front-wheel-drive.

Space management is a priority for this vehicle as well. It can comfortably fit up to 7 full-sized adults.

It comes in 5 familiar trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. 

• Edmunds: 3.4 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 3.6 / 5.0
• JD Power: 79 / 100

2020 Odyssey, Edmunds review:

“Great car. Very sound. Quietest honda we have owned, we’ve had 5. Smooth responsive engine/ transmission. Would have knocked off a star for having the motor shut off at every stop. But since you can over ride that function by pressing a button, although you have to do that every time you start the motor we let it slide.”

2017 Honda Odyssey

The 2017 Odyssey is the final 4th generation model year, it received strong reviews from owners and auto critics alike.

Final entries of a generation are usually extremely reliable, and this holds true for the 2017 Odyssey.

While it retains the great qualities of a minivan in every sense, this model year is also known for its refined V6 engine, exceptional handling, and Honda Accord-like driving dynamics.

Its third-row seats are foldable, allowing for more cargo space when necessary.

In addition, this vehicle offers an optional acoustically treated windshield for certain trim levels for better NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) ratings. 

• Edmunds: 4.2 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5.0
• JD Power: NA

2017 Odyssey, Edmunds review:

“The versatility of the interior is great. The seats are awesome and I enjoy the sound system. Drives like a car but drivers view is elevated like an SUV. Love those things. The double screens (one a touch screen, one isn’t) are really confusing to work with. One screen controls the other screen and sometimes you have to use a series of buttons and a knob to control that same screen…”

2013 Honda Odyssey

The 2013 Odyssey was ahead of its competition in several areas, owing to the Japanese automaker’s ability to provide innovative and practical features at relatively affordable prices.

It boasts agile handling, a high-performance V6 engine, a relatively quiet cabin, and top safety ratings.

In terms of safety features, this model year comes standard with anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, active front head restraints, front seat side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags that cover all three rows.

All variants have a 3.5-liter V6 engine that provides 248 horsepower.

The LX, EX, and EX-L trim levels are fitted with a 5-speed automatic transmission while the higher-end Touring and Touring elite trims come with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

• Edmunds: 3.9 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5.0
• JD Power: 79 / 100

2013 Odyssey, Edmunds review:

“Long time Honda owner. Finally traded in my ’04 EXL-RES that I bought new on a Wht/Truf ’13 EXL-RES. Many improvements in features and ride. Love the interior and vehicle is excellent for long trips. However after 5 months of ownership, quality issues are surfacing. One wheel replaced for poor finish and now noticed others that should never have passed inspection. Paint match on bumpers & painted trim is poor…”

2009 Honda Odyssey

While the 2008 Odyssey received a significant facelift, the 2009 model year was, for the most part, a carryover but with a number of minor tweaks to deal with certain issues and concerns reported by owners.

This minivan offers convenient split and flat-folding rear seats, an available 8-passenger accommodation, and a fuel-efficient engine.

EPA estimates specify 18 miles per gallon for combined driving, 16 miles per gallon for city driving, and 23 miles per gallon for highway driving. 

Sufficient cargo room is also provided with up to 38.4 cubic feet when all seats are in place, and significantly more storage capacity when seats are folded or removed. 

• Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
• JD Power: 79 / 100

2009 Odyssey, Edmunds review:

“This is my second Odyssey. My first was a 2000 EX. I kept it 9 years and had around 121000 miles on it. I would NOT purchase any other. We have traveled all over in this Odyssey and it runs flawlessly. You can store more stuff in the back than you could imagine !!! We traveled with it loaded to the gills plus the hard shell, OME, on the roof and NEVER had an issue. The SINGLE warranty item was a rear wheel bearing when the van had about 2000 miles on it. Nothing else…”

Consumer Scores For Best Honda Odyssey Years

Related: Honda Odyssey Tune-Up & Maintenance Costs (Complete Guide)

What Are The Worst Years For The Honda Odyssey?

2002 Honda Odyssey

The 2002 Odyssey is one to steer clear of.

In terms of statistics from CarProblemZoo.com and CarComplaints.com, the 2002 Odyssey is the most problematic model of the bunch.

CarComplaints.com has even given it the infamous “avoid like the plague” stamp

This minivan’s transmission system was the biggest cause of headaches for owners of this model year.

Issues ranged from hesitation, odd noises, gear slippage and in many cases complete transmission failure.

The 2002 Odyssey had a total of 266 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 1,096 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

• Transmission failure
• Transmission slips, bangs when shifting
• Transmission disengages

2003 Honda Odyssey

CarComplaints.com warns against this particular model year and advises you to “avoid like the plague.”

Much like the 2002 model year, the 2003 Odyssey suffered from transmission-related problems.

Here is one owners report:

“The transmission on my Honda Odyssey is failing starting just before 100,000 miles. It lurches into gear especially up an incline and when it put into reverse. I have keep meticulously care of the car and have the records to prove it. I spoke with the service manager at our local dealer and it would cost me $3750, which is considered a reduced price from them.”

The 2003 Odyssey had a total of 258 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 1,063 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

• Transmission failure
• Paint is peeling, chipping all over the body
• Transmission slipping

2005 Honda Odyssey

“Beware of the clunker,” says CarComplaints.com about this particular model year.

The major issues experienced by owners of the 2005 Odyssey were engine related.

The engine mounts were prone to failure which caused the engine to vibrate and ultimately left owners with hefty repairs pills in excess of $2000.

Doors not opening properly and the sliding door falling off the runners was also widely reported.

The 2005 Odyssey had a total of 346 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 1,021 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

• Air conditioning condenser prone to damage by road debris
• Transmission failure
• Spark plug blew out

2007 Honda Odyssey

“Beware of the clunker,” says CarComplaints.com about this particular model year.

It was plagued by various issues such as peeling paint, a problematic A/C system, a whining steering pump and various brake-related problems.

Owners reported brake lock-up, grinding noises, and general unreliability of the brakes, increasing the likelihood of accidents or collisions with other motorists on the road.

The 2007 Odyssey had a total of 280 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 998 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

• Paint peeling,
• Soft brakes
• Transmission not shifting properly

2006 Honda Odyssey

“Beware of the clunker,” says CarComplaints.com about this particular model year.

The leading problem areas of the 2006 Odyssey were engine, steering, body paint and transmission related.

Owners reported premature wear and tear of engine mounts leading to excessive engine vibration.

Shuddering whilst shifting was widely reported which was often a precursor to transmission failure.

The power steering was problematic and according to owners it was “stiff at slow speeds”

And lastly, the body paint was known to peel prematurely.

The 2006 Odyssey had a total of 299 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 850 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

• Transmission failure
• Shudder when shifting
• Noise from power steering pump

2000 Honda Odyssey

CarComplaints.com warns against this particular model year and advises you to “avoid like the plague.”

The 2000 Odyssey had frequent and severe transmission-related issues.

Several owners reported total transmission failure near the 100,000 mile mark.

Prior to total failure, these owners experienced transmission slipping, hesitation, and the occasional vehicle stalling. 

The 2000 Odyssey had a total of 93 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 777 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

• Transmission failure
• Transmission slipping
• Rough shifting

2018 Honda Odyssey

While the 2018 Odyssey may not have been as problematic as the other model years on this list, it still deserves a spot on this list due to various issues related to its electrical system, equipment, and powertrain.

Owners reported auto-start-stop issues and backup camera issues.

Here’s what they had to say:

“I was backing up and the camera failed to warn me of people walking behind me or the vehicle passing.”

“Auto restart feature when enabled did not restart vehicle after coming to a stop at stoplight on multiple occasions in the last few months rendering vehicle unable to proceed. We recently saw news article about same issue with pilots.”

The instrument cluster was also reported to be problematic, with owners reporting occasional blackouts of the displays that were supposed to indicate speed (speedometer) and miles traveled (odometer).

The 2018 Odyssey had a total of 47 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 440 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

• Transmission failure
• Water leak
• Soy-based wires chewed by rodents

Related: Honda Odyssey Beeping Problems? (7 Common Causes)

What Years Have The Most Complaints?

What Problems Do Honda Odyssey Have?

• Transmission failure
• Paint is peeling, chipping all over the body
• Transmission slipping
• Transmission bangs when slipping
• Transmission disengages
• Air conditioning condenser prone to damage by rode debris
• Spark plug blew out
• Shuddering when shifting
• Noise from power steering pump
• Transmission not shifting properly

What Are The Best Alternatives To The Honda Odyssey?

Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com

References

https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/odyssey

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/honda/odyssey

https://www.edmunds.com/honda/odyssey/

https://www.kbb.com/honda/odyssey//

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2022/honda/odyssey

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Odyssey/

https://www.carproblemzoo.com/honda/odyssey/