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:

• 

  Comfort and Convenience are Tops - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By DCARR - October 21 - 11:59 am

  Weve owned our Odyssey for about 1 year and have put about 15K miles on it without any issues. We kept our 2001 Mazda MPV and I use it as a work vehicle. There is no comparison between the two, how we survived for 6 years in the MPV is unknown. There is now way we could go back. The Odyssey is stylish and a joy to ride in. Its bit clumsy to drive at times, but for a vehicle of this size and weight its no bad. Im amazed at the complaints about gas mileage. How anyone could get 12-13 MPG on the highway must something mechanically incorrect that needs to be evaluated. We have experienced MPG as high as 27.5 on the highway and as low as 16 in the city...21 overall and I track every tank

• 

  The Best minivan - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By pbordeleau - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Honda minivan exL 2003

• 

  Our first Honda - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By pupetrucker@gmail.com - October 20 - 3:48 pm

  As a life long vanner, I have owned nothing but full size vans or Astros. It was time to move as we have grand children. My wife has severe back issues. This van is much easier. for her to get in and out of. My grand children love it as I, just for the wide visibility. We plan on a trip to MN. in April and have no reservations about driving there and back. Possible 6000 mi. Had 74500 when we bought it. We plan on taking this van to a vannin event this summer. Remember....RESPECT THE VAN!!!!!

• 

  So much for Honda reliability.... - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By John S. - October 20 - 10:00 am

  We bought this van to replace a 1995 Taurus wagon, which at the time I thought was the biggest piece of garbage on the road. This van is vying for the title. In the two years since we bought it, we have had to repair/replace the front brakes/rotors twice (the entire brake design is undersized for the car), replace the entire transmission (leaky sway bar), replace rear wheel bearing, fix leaky valve cover gaskets, and repair defective sliding doors. It is an adventure to try to predict what will fail next...

• 

  TopNotchOdyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Conrad - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Aside from being an outstanding vehicle, the dealership (Rusty Wallis) just made the buying process extremely good. I live and work right next to two other Honda Dealers, but still travel all the way to Rusty Wallis to get things done. Superb Car, Superb people.

• 

  Great Safety...Lacking luxury - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By big red - October 20 - 10:00 am

  It doesnt look as expensive as it is, and that is a big disappointment to me. I wanted lil extras...but suppose I have to be satisfied with the automatic sliding doors, navigation system and disappearing 3rd row seat which folds into the floor for extra room for hauling things. The automatic sliding doors are hard to open manually even though the article I read on this van before I bought it, said they werent too hard to open manually. I had an accident which did 15,000 worth of damage to the van, yet I wasnt hurt hardly at all. The safety ratings are correct! Overall I would rate it a 9 anyway...guess I cant have it all on my budget!

• 

  South Floridian owner :) - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By South Florida - October 19 - 6:46 pm

  I wanted to place a review for my Odyssey a few months after the honeymoon. So, six months later I am still in love with my van. Excellent car-like ride, smooth. For someone intimidated to drive a van, the Odyssey wont be a problem. I drove Ford and Dodge vans & dont come close. Excellent handle with a full load of passangers. Although, I couldnt afford the price tag for leather and DVD, I share the same customer satisfaction with owners of the EX version, except that I got my Odyssey for less $$. For those who cant afford the EX or top of the line, I would recommend trying the LX model. Its worth every penny and were enjoying our van.... sorry guys I got to go, this is South Florida.

• 

  You wouldnt know it was a minivan! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jack W - October 19 - 7:43 am

  Incredible automobile. The ride and drivability is like a european sedan...not a minivan. The fit and finish is extremely fine. By far and away..the grooviest and hippest minivan on the planet. We drove them all before we purchased. Hands down...the best.

• 

  Follow up on my 08 Touring - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Hammock1 - October 18 - 7:58 am

  After driving a nice van in most regards except a rattle trap, finally got it to an Illinois dealer who cured the rattle problems by applying a Honda grease (Part# 08798-9013) to all the door gaskets. Wow, now totally rattle free. Just over 21,000 and love it more all the time. In Daytona Beach area where I live, they added ethanol now and gas mileage dropped to 21 around town and 24 on the road but ALL vehicles suffer with Ethanol.

• 

  Not living up to the Honda reputation - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Joe - October 16 - 3:33 pm

  Own a 2005 EXL. After three years we have gone through many tires, two dvd players, and two motor mounts. Currently the brakes make a whistling noise when turning. The battery does not hold charge and now I have an issue with the VCM. Oh, the paint scratches too easily and the road noise is ridiculous. Dont hit a bump too fast because the whole car feels like it hit a crater. Whats with the glove box not lining up with the dashboard leaving a gap? Oh, one more thing, drivers side seat (leather) is wearing our already and I condition it several times a year (garage kept too). I bought a Honda to last me 200K plus but Im thinking of trying a Yota soon. It couldnt be any worse.