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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owner - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By threebusybees2 - November 3 - 10:00 amI have had two new vans and I will continue to buy the honda until I find something else that I like.
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Odyssey Drives like Accord with SUV Powr - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By compuserbs - November 3 - 10:00 amSearching for a strong SUV, I found myself returning to the Odyssey for its incredible interior comfort, ease to drive, size above the road, stability, Power and towing capcity, which out ranks many SUVs. Every seat is plush, comfortable and at 63", I can sit comfortably in the back with plenty of headroom, air and sound quality. Truly it drives like an Accord with the Power of an SUV and rides higher than most SUVs as well, but handles the corners and turning radius is amazing.
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Happy owner - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By alex - October 30 - 1:16 pmI recently traded an 06 Pilot for the 08 Odyssey EX-L, and I am very happy with my choice. The Pilot is probably one of the best mid-size SUV around, but with a growing family I wanted the versatility of a mini-van. I did a lot of research and I found that the Odyssey was the best bet for reliability. I find it to be very comfortable too, and the exterior styling beats the Sienna any day of the week.
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Best Minivan - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Francisco Peralta - October 28 - 2:00 amThis is the best minivan. The Toyota Sienna can not be compared to it. Nice job Honda.
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Dont Do It!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By DisappointedHondaFan - October 28 - 2:00 amBuy new,in shop by 1200 In 18 days as we drove rental waiting for“Honda Tech” from CA.Trans slips/bucks & "Thrumming" noise from drive train while at a steady 45-55 while tach is jumping from 0to3.Gear shift wont go in D3.When accel. from stop engine revs,then it “catches”& shoots out.VERY dangerous when entering road/trying to pass.Wndshld, rearview & drivers side mirror replaced due to huge distortions.New-NO BETTER Dealer says,We drove it, no problem.You must come drive w/us to prove it.WE DID Now they say,we admit there’s a problem,but we dont know whats causing it,we cant fix it Heres your car back! Inside seating design is awkward & uncomfy.
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Never Thought I would buy a mini-van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Pirogue - October 28 - 2:00 amWith the arrival of our first child and the aging of my wifes car, we started to look for a dependable, safe car - and picked the Odyssey because of its safety features. I never knew how comfortable a mini-van could be.
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Laminate the Windows! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By familyman - October 25 - 4:57 pmIts a nice van and gets decent mileage. Ride is a bit harsh and road and wind noise prevalent. Needs better insulation and laminate windows like the Buick Enclave and Chrysler Aspen, really does make a difference!
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Nice but some wind noise and rattles - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By delmartian - October 25 - 4:49 pmCompared Enclave, Sienna and Odyssey. Enclave was very nice in ride, handling and quietness. The Honda had a nicer price with the rebate. Its a good people mover and the navigation system is very nice. The rear entrainment system is very nice but not intuitive really need to read the instruction manual. Using 0-20w Mobil One and averaging 18.7 around town with up to 30 mpg on the highway.
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Best Choice for a Van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By pexpert - October 25 - 2:00 amLooked at Sienna as we have owned 4 Toyotas. ODY beats Sienna hands down. More room, easier to operate (my 4 year old can use the power doors) DVD (vs VCR in Sienna) all the same bells and whistles and even a pretty good price. Wife (who LOVES Toyota) says this is a better van. Try it! You will LOVE it!
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Cheep interior/ poor fuel economy - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By brigym77 - October 24 - 6:13 amPurchased this vehicle to replace horrible Dodge Caravan. Very happy with Honda except for the use of very cheep interior plastics and poor fuel economy. (12-15 city/ 17-20 hwy.) The plastic around the glove box, cup holders, and floor boards have many scratches and look worn.