Shopping for a used vehicle and making sure you get a good one can be a lot of work – but it’s well worth it in the end. Even if you narrow down your options to a particular model you like, such as the Odyssey, then you still need to find one with everything you need. When shopping for something like a used Honda Odyssey, one of the things I find helpful is to narrow down your options even more by looking at certain specific years and focusing on those. This helps eliminate models that really don’t work for you, and from there, you can look for ideal trims and other options you want to find.
This kind of focus really helps with looking for a used Honda Odyssey because this model has been around since 1995. That’s nearly 30 years of models to choose from, so picking certain years to look for can make your life a lot easier. This doesn’t mean that other model years aren’t worthwhile, simply that these the ones I’d suggest you focus on whenever possible. Keep reading, and I’ll explain why these are the ones that you should watch for when shopping for a used Honda Odyssey.
2007 Honda Odyssey
This is as far back as I’d go when looking for a used Honda Odyssey, though you can certainly go with an earlier model if you really want to save some money. There are a few reasons why I chose the 2007 model as the first on this list. For starters, there was a new generation for the Odyssey that started in 2005. However, I don’t like to go with the first year of a new model or generation whenever possible – there are usually a lot of kinks that need to get worked out, so going with one from the next couple of years is typically a better choice.
A 2006 model would also be a fine pick; it really comes down to what you can find. When looking at a model from these years, try to find either an EX-L or Touring trim, as these will have the best features and should have the best fuel economy. The condition of any particular used model you find will heavily impact this, of course, but it’s a good guideline.
2008 Honda Odyssey
Even better than a 2006 or 2007 model, however, would be a 2008 used Honda Odyssey because it received a facelift in this year. They gained daytime running lights along with a redesigned dashboard, taillights, and grille. You’re more likely to find a backup camera in a model from this year, especially if you go for an EX-L or Touring trim, and Bluetooth support was added for all Touring models.
2010 Honda Odyssey
This year marked the end of the generation that the 2007 and 2008 models were a part of, so it’s a great place to look if you like the features on those vehicles but want something a bit more recent. You’re not going to find massive differences between them, especially since this was the last model year for that generation just before a full update. There really weren’t significant changes for the 2010 model year, but you can still find great features include a power moonroof, power liftgate, and power-sliding doors that were all available on these models.
Just like before, I suggest looking for an EX-L or Touring trim for the best features that would’ve been available when it was sold as new. This gives you the highest chance of finding things like a Navigation system, rearview camera, and leather seating. With a used model, you’ll have to see if any tech systems are still working properly, of course, but looking for these higher trims gives you the best chance of getting them.
2012 Honda Odyssey
Jumping ahead to the next generation, I’m once again skipping the first year of it (that would’ve been 2011) and instead focusing on the second year of the generation. This lets you avoid the little issues that usually come with the launch of a new model while still getting the best features it had to offer. There are a lot of great features for this generation, including the addition of the Touring Elite trim with even more tech and luxury features than other options – though the EX-L and Touring remain really good choices.
A 3.5L V6 engine with up to 248 hp became standard with this generation, so any model you choose will have solid performance. The Touring and Touring Elite came with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while lower trims featured a 5-speed. So go with one of the Touring options if you can find it. You can also get some great safety features on the Touring Elite, such as a blind spot warning system and a multi-angle backup camera.
2014 Honda Odyssey
If you like the features of the 2012 model, but want something slightly more updated, then you should look for a 2014 used Honda Odyssey. There was a facelift for the 2014 model year, which included an aluminum hood and front fenders, a twin-bar grille, and a revised front fascia. Starting with this year, the Touring Elite model also included a built-in vacuum cleaner to make it easier to clean up dirt and things like spilled snacks.
Perhaps the biggest reason to look for a 2014 Odyssey, however, is that the 6-speed automatic transmission became standard on every model, rather than only on the highest two trims. The entertainment system was updated for this model year, and additional safety features became available. Look for a model with a blind spot monitoring system, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning for the best overall safety features.
2019 Honda Odyssey
With this, we come to the most recent and current generation for the Odyssey, making it a great choice when looking for a used model. The current generation actually started with the model year 2018, but just as before, I like to skip the first year just to be sure they work out any issues. For this generation, an impressive 3.5L V6 engine with up to 280 hp became standard, paired with a 9-speed automatic in most models – the Elite trim features a 10-speed automatic instead.
An 8-inch Infotainment display was standard in almost every model, with a spacious interior that includes seating for up to eight people across three rows. Once you’re looking at models that are this close to being new, you can find a wide range of impressive safety features in them. Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control were available for 2019 models and were standard on high trim levels.
2021 Honda Odyssey
Although you’re not going to find a lot of 2021 models when looking for a used Honda Odyssey, it’s still worth keeping an eye out for. These are going to probably be the most expensive used options out there, but they’ll still be more budget-friendly than a brand-new one. I’m mentioning this year because the Odyssey just received a facelift for this current generation, which includes an updated exterior design with a revised front grille and luxurious touches throughout the interior. Perhaps best of all, safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Mitigation Braking are now standard on all models thanks to this refresh.
Choose the Right Odyssey for You
Finding the right used Honda Odyssey might not be easy, but sticking to these years can help you find the best features at your favorite pre-owned Honda dealer. Remember, making a list of the features you want most will go a long way towards helping you decide which model is right for you. The Honda Odyssey is an excellent vehicle, and choosing the right one will be a good move for you for years to come.
