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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  Gas Mileage: The Final Word! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Apollo08 - September 22 - 12:29 am

  IÂ’m an engineer and have been interested in and working on cars for years. IÂ’ve been reading these user reviews and have been amazed at how many people claim low gas mileage. From these reviews it would appear that the Ody is a real gas pig. This however, is not the case. My Ody gets about 17-18 mpg S. Cal city driving (stop lights every 200- 500 yards). If I can get this and your getting 12 then one or more of the following apply: *low tire pressure (<28) *driving habits (ultra-short 1-5 mile trips-engine not reach operating temp) *load / number of passengers (6+ passengers) *cant properly calc mpg (many donÂ’t do it right) bottom line: engine variation is negligible. Its the operator

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  Tis good - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Daniel Guidos - September 21 - 7:48 pm

  The interior lacks in luxury but it makes it up with practicality. The stereo is limited (LX) only one CD but it sounds great. The displays are clear. The sitting height is nice. At my frame of 63" its comfortable. My teenage son thought it handled a lot like a car.

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  great family van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By harry007 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  we had this van for less than 3 months.we love everything about this van.

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  elaines review - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By elaine - September 21 - 10:00 am

  ilove this car its the best ever resll big and spacey 2

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  An honest review - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Rafael - September 21 - 1:22 am

  One of my worst experience of owning a new vehicle. We purchased it at around 40K and in the first 1000 miles the alignment was off. It kept on pulling to the right. Our family left for a road trip to LA from Seattle, half way down the trip, my front wheel bearings went bad and made a loud noise. So, we get stranded in San Francisco. Its still under warranty, but it had 3 to 4 alignments in the first year of ownership and Honda could not fix it or figure it out. I test drove 06s, 07s Touring models and they too have alignment issue. My Touring Ody spent more time at the dealership than we could trips at it just sitting in my garage. It also, had rattles and loud wind noise, disappointing.

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  Best van ever! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By podra - September 18 - 6:16 pm

  I just bought the 2009 Odyssey it is the best van there is in the market. This Honda is well built, smooth and quiet, very powerful and it has great reliability and great value. Brought it home 2 weeks ago and no problems. Our last car was a sienna and it had transmission problems so i sold it. Always buy a Honda it wont disappoint.

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  Best Van Ever - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By hondadonna - September 18 - 1:16 pm

  We have owned four vans over the years and this 06 Honda Odyssey is the best. Last year we took a road trip from California to Wisconsin and the mileage was great, very comfy ride, kids loved the room for toys, and very reliable. No problems to report, just regular oil changes!! We will stick with Honda for a van because of the safety and reliability.

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  Do NOT buy the PAX - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By BrokeHondaOwner - September 17 - 9:22 pm

  Do not buy the PAX model. The tires only last 25,000 miles, if that, and they cost $1,500 for a set of four. This means, that by the time you hit 50,000 miles (when most tires wear out), you will have spent $4,500 on tires. If you get a flat, Honda recommends you buy 2 new tires because the tires are not repairable. Nice going Honda...

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  overall good trade - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By rob - September 17 - 8:53 pm

  traded 2005 sienna xle due to uncomfortable seats. Once Honda offered $5400 went for it. Comfortable seats, good power, easy controls. I like the dvd controls and insert in front with young kids. got 27 mpg on 500 mile hwy trip at 68 mph with air on. Though around town stop and go 16.5 mpg. wish that was better. with 3500 miles noticed wind noise in around pass front window above 65 mph. dealer seen before change out blk plastic trim piece, poor design. One blemish in paint from factory but living with it. Scary to hear issues with rattles, brakes, tranny etc. guess when you sell 125k vans some might have issues. Miss my easy to clean 17 wheels and power lift gate. Though Touring over price

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  Great van, disappointing MPG - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Pete - September 15 - 10:56 am

  I love everything about this van with the exception of the gas mileage. We expected 19-20 around town and we get 15-16 mpg. We sold our 03 Pilot to have more room for family etc and the bonus of better gas mileage. Even with the VCM technology, the best mileage weve gotten is 16.5 mpg in town. We took a trip to Disneyland and got around 22mpg on the road. These numbers are completely different than what is on the sticker. That is my only gripe with this van. Overall, its the best van on the road.