The Honda Odyssey is arguably best car available currently in the United States when considering its versatility. The 2013 model is the vehicle’s 20th model year. But last year’s edition, which debuted at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, is a good value as two-year–old model.
Despite is “van” status, the Odyssey is a powerful and performance oriented for its class. It features a 24-valve, 248-horsepower engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Its has 0-60 mph acceleration in 7.9 seconds and comfortable seating for seven adults.
The Weekly Driver Test Drive
I drove the five-door Touring Elite, the most expensive of five available trim levels. In addition to the vast list of standard equipment on the LX, EX and EX-L models, the two Touring trims offer a bunch more.
The Touring trim includes: 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, front and rear parking sensors, memory settings for the driver, retractable third-row sunshades and a fold-down armrest for third-row passengers and both the navigation and rear-seat entertainment systems.
(Editor’s note: We’re visiting our archives to review cars once new and now well-suited for best buy status in the used market. The 2012 Honda Odyssey is now two model years old, and it’s likely just hitting its stride as a fine people mover.)
The Touring Elite model adds xenon headlights, a blind spot warning system, upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with a 16-inch HD widescreen video monitor (with HDMI input) and a premium 650-watt, 12-speaker surround-sound audio system.
What’s immediately impressive is the Odyssey’s all-around spaciousness. There’s head room and leg room aplenty and comfort without compromise. It’s an ideal cruising car for a weekend getaway for three couples without having to worry about a gas-guzzler’s limitations. Likewise, it’s an ideal soccer mom’s transport vehicle or a makeshift camper.
Likes:
Strong, aggressive driving experience.
Large, clear navigation system and back-up camera screen.
Deep trunk.
Comfortable seats . . . all three rows.
Functionality, maneuverability and functionality of all seats, particularly the forward and backward-facing option of the third row.
Smooth operation of sliding doors.
Easy entrance, exit.
Clean, large-numbered and lettered dials and gauges.
Interior space. Head and leg room, space between rows and cargo space is all impressive.
Strong overall vision, with “in-charge” driver’s positioning.
Dislikes:
Base price too high.
Expensive options may deter buyers.
Facts & Figures: 2012 Honda Odyssey
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6-cylinder, 3.5L |
| Horsepower | 248 |
| Transmission | Automatic 5-spd |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Economy | 18 city / 27 hwy / 21 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Warranty | Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,0000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, miles; Roadside Assistance, 5 years/unlimited mileage |
| Acceleration | 0-60 mph, 7.9 seconds |
| Airbags (6) | Standard front, front side and side curtain |
| First aid kit | Not available |
| Fuel economy | 19 mpg (city), 28 mpg (highway) |
| Government Safety Ratings | frontal crash (driver/passenger), five stars; Side crash (front/rear seat), five stars; Rollover, four stars |
| Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price | $43,675.00 |
| Manufacturer’s Web site | www.honda.com |
| Price As tested | Not available |
Article Last Updated: March 31, 2026.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
I’ve had my ‘EX’ now for 1 week…and absolutely love it. Highly recommended as both a family and fun-to-drive vehicle.