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:

• 

  An excellent vehicle - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By dickins - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I am in my late 60s, so I have owned a few cars. This car is the best car I have ever owned. I also want to say that the service I have received at three different dealerships. It has been excellent.

• 

  2 Years in -- Very Happy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Mad Hungarian - November 30 - 9:57 pm

  We bought the Odyssey used with only 13k miles. Now it has about 38k miles and it has been highly reliable and very comfortable. Very good gas mileage for a V6 van. (Glad we did not buy an SUV.) The Odyssey has more room and easily handles whatever winter weather we get in PA. Rear storage is a "well" that the third seat folds into. The V6 is powerful and transmission smooth. The traction control worked perfectly when needed on an icy hill.

• 

  Top MiniVan Hands Down! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Tom Ryan - November 29 - 4:48 pm

  Ive owned my EX-L for about 5 months now and I must say that it is hands down the most comfortable, quality, smooth vehicle Ive ever owned and Ive owned at least 12 new vehicles from many manufacturers. Im averaging 22.6 MPG on combined city/hwy which isnt bad for the weight. All things considered I bought an excellent van and did so over a Tahoe, Expedition and other many mini vans. For the money you can not beat it.

• 

  Sooooo Cool - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Family Man - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Went to the Honda Dealership to test drive a Pilot and although a very nice vehicle, my wife and I saw the Odyssey and we immediately fell in love with it. The interior and the overall look of this van is awesome. A much more practical and roomy vehicle than the Pilot. My wife particularly likes the DVD and the leather interior. Handles like a car. Have owned Fords all of my life but when my 2000 Windstar started giving me problems with 37000 miles on it we decided to go with a Honda because of its reputation for reliability and resale value. Will not own another Ford! Considered the Sienna but it was $5000 more. Excellent vehicle. Great Value!

• 

  Im picking-up my new Odyssey tomorrow - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda fan - November 26 - 10:01 pm

  I bought the van with the idea that in retirement I could haul stuff, and that with the navi, travels would be easier and more fun. All that is spot-on and more. I love the way it rides & handles even in NC mountains. It has plenty of power to merge on I-85 or pass on NC158. We consolidated 2 houses into 1 at retirement, and the van more than paid for itself in hauling our belongings to the new house, the dump, the Goodwill, etc. I also feel very safe driving it, with all of the safety features built-in. I bought it thinking I would find it useful for travel (which it is), but I really just enjoy driving it every day, and that surprised me! Tomorrow I pick-up my new 2009, the 05 to my son.

• 

  Wouldnt buy any other kind. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Rog - November 24 - 6:19 am

  We bought our 05 Odyssey 4 years ago and have since logged a little over 80,000 miles with it. We love it! Ive always said not to buy the first year of a new model, and there have been issues, like having to replace the front brakes in the first 10,000 miles, and a few recalls, but over all, Im glad we bought this van. It has sufficient power, handles great, and looks good too! I noticed on another review about the need to replace a noisy power steering pump, which Ill have to do as well, because of the noise it makes. Overall, there have been a few minor issues, but I would still get another one. My advice would be to get the extended warranty like we did on a first year model.

• 

  A Fine Touring Van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By fibblefester - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Top notch, though some ergonomic weaknesses.

• 

  2001 ODYSSEY - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By WML - November 20 - 2:00 am

  A DEPENDABLE,COMFORTABLE, AND SAFE FAMILY VEHICLE.

• 

  GREAT VAN - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By CHRIS G. - November 20 - 2:00 am

  WE BOUGHT THIS VAN 5/01. IT HAS BEEN OUTSTANDING. SEEMS A LOT MORE REFINED THEN THE CARAVAN I HAD BEFORE. GREAT DESIGN INSIDE AND OUT. FOLDING THIRD SEAT IS GREAT FEATURE. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS VAN TO ANYONE WHO IS IN THE MARKET FOR A MINI VAN OR SUV. IT HAS MORE ROOM THEN AN SUV AND A BETTER RIDE.

• 

  We Love our Van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ck - November 19 - 10:20 pm

  This van is wonderful! Our other cars are Lexus RX and Lexus sedan. This van is amazing - two kids live in the back with plenty of room for soccer gear, karate equipment, friends for sleepovers, toys, games, beach trips - even a full size sofa went for a ride one day! Tons of room. Captains seats are easily removable. Very comfortable seats - even the back bench is passable for adults. Great handling and pickup for a big vehicle. Easy to park with the backup camera and parking sensors. Fantastic turning radius! Only thing I hate-the run flats-like the idea of being able to drive without changing a flat, but the cost of replacements is too high, and they need early replacement. Love this van!