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:

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  Noisy Ride (Wind and Road) - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By M. Kennedy - November 18 - 11:32 pm

  We just purchased a 2015 Honda Odyssey and traded in our 2012 Pilot. I loved my Pilot but we decided to make the switch with the addition of our 3rd kiddo. Unfortunately, Im not pleased at all with the exchange. While the van is attractive and has all of the bells and whistles, it doesnt make up for the extremely noisy cabin which is filled with road and wind noise, even at low speeds. Im not sure if Im overly sensitive due to driving my quiet Pilot for the last 3 years, or if there is something actually wrong with the Odyssey. I would expect more for the amount of money that you spend. The Dealership can find nothing wrong with the noise and has told me that it has to do with where the driver sits over the wheels and possibly the quality of the tires. Just something for future buyers to be aware of. Make sure you test drive it for more than a 10 minute drive, turn off the radio and pay close attention before you sign.

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  The Best Van You Can Get - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By KenIL - November 17 - 7:52 pm

  I traded my 2000 Odyssey in for a 2008 EX-L and its great. I test drove 2 of them to watch for things I found in other reviews (rattles, bad brakes, poor shifting, pulling to right, etc.) and the van is great. I drove the car over multiple rough RR crossings and its as solid and quiet as you can get. The ride is nice & solid and everything looks and works exactly as it should. They made some nice improvements including better mileage with more horsepower. Nice work Honda.

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  Has been a great van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By TW - November 15 - 9:19 am

  Initially had obnoxious whistle which went away by itself after 30k?! Weird. Steering pump went out. Other than that it still drives like new at 80k. Outstanding quality. Only downside is EPA overestimated mileage when this first came out. Never came close to 20/28. We get 19/24 at best.

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  Havasu Blue Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By madabout - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This Minivan continues to distinguish itself from the rest,I managed to get the EX-L-RES at MSRP and the color I wanted,the road feel of this vehicle is inspiring and the amenities is what I expect from Honda

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  I like my Odyssey - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By larrysfixit - November 13 - 7:24 pm

  I have had the car for 10 years. never had a problem. Great minivan. 28 MPG All the power you will need. Loves to cruse at 80MPH

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  Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By CM - November 11 - 5:23 pm

  This is the 20th Auto Ive owned in the past 30 years, and the 6th purchased brand new. My experience so far is this is the best auto Ive owned to date. I terms of performance (especially consdering its a minivan) comfort, technology, etc. its number one. The word from family and friends that have traveled inside it is "wow."

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  Not so Hot Van! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By RJ - November 11 - 3:38 pm

  I bought a Honda Odyssey in June 2005 and I had a problem with the brakes after 13 months. I ended up trading it for a 2006 version and now I have even more problems with it. I needed to buy 4 new tires after less than 2 yrs. The battery needed to be replaced and now I am hearing a whistling noise whenever I step on the brake. Now, the backside of the passenger side is falling apart and they tried to blame it on my kids. I took it to be fixed on 10-10-08 and now, it is 11-11-08 and I had to go back and get it fixed again. What is up with that? I am realizing that after 2 yrs. Honda Odyssey tends to fall apart. After 2 yrs, imagine that? Most people are not done paying for the van then.

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  Family Tested for two years - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By daveeman - November 10 - 8:52 pm

  I raised my two babies in a Caddy DeVille. At ages 5 and 8 it was time to trade into a minivan. Uggg! After months of research, Honda kept coming up on top. My mom has a 2002 with 155k miles and still drives like new. So, decision made. It is no where near as comfy as the Caddy. But I cannot compare it to a Caddy because, well, that wouldnt be fair. The van drives tight. It has good acceleration when asked. The interior has so far been kid-proof. The automatic side doors are a must for kids. No worries of them flinging a door open into other cars when parked. I put almost 20k miles per year on it. It is doing well and I hope to run it for many more years, and still profit

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  Life Saver - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By 7FAMILYTRUCKSTR - November 8 - 1:46 am

  I hit a deer on the right front side on the interstate doing 70 mph. It hardly felt like I hit anything. The kids were to busy watching the dvd in back to notice. Its a credit to how the van was designed. The front bumper, hood, right headlight, and right passenger door had to be replaced with a pull to the unibody frame by the headlight. 9k bill to the insurance company.

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  Honda Mom 2nd time - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Honmom - November 4 - 8:25 am

  I had a Sienna and liked it very much, but bought the Honda based on the safety factor. It rides like a dream, with great pickup. It has lots of room and is very comfortable. I agree about not getting PAX. I have heard it is a complaint by a few. The Toyota is poorly rated for rear crashes with the insurance institute. This was a huge factor for me having three children. I have had no significant issues to speak of. I am sold on Odysseys.