2005–2010 Honda Odyssey Review: Should You Buy It?

This score covers 2005–2010 only. The model guide scores the Odyssey across all generations.

This generation launched in 2005: Wider body, available Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) on higher trims, 5-speed automatic. Powertrain and core hardware carry over across the span, which is exactly why we cover the whole generation on one page instead of splitting near-identical years apart.

Across 2005–2010, reliability tracks the generation as a whole rather than any one model year. Early-build cars (2005–2006) carry the usual first-run risk, and late-run cars have had years of TSB and running fixes applied. The issues that actually decide whether a car is worth buying: VCM oil consumption on VCM-equipped trims; Torque-converter shudder on some 5-speed automatics; Power sliding-door motor wear.

• ✓VCM oil consumption on VCM-equipped trims
• ✓Torque-converter shudder on some 5-speed automatics
• ✓Power sliding-door motor wear

Expect Odyssey maintenance costs typical of the 3rd gen generation. Engines: 3.5L J35 V6. Transmissions: 5-speed automatic. Budget for the usual service intervals (oil, brakes, cooling, transmission fluid) plus preventative work on the known-weak items above. Parts for a 2010 Honda Odyssey are cheap and widely available.

Within 2005–2010, condition and maintenance history beat model year almost every time. Later cars in the span are typically the most sorted; earlier cars are the cheapest way into the generation. If a 2005–2010 Honda Odyssey passes a pre-purchase inspection with the known weak points checked, it's a defensible used buy. Strengths in this generation: Cheap to run, Proven J35 V6, Widely available parts.

Best for: Buyers cross-shopping the whole 3rd gen generation of the Honda Odyssey rather than one specific model year.

The 2011–2017 generation brings newer powertrains and driver assistance at a higher price.