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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Transmission is prone to failure at 90K - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Andrew - September 4 - 9:19 pmThe 2003 purchased brand new along with a service plan for 3 years. Rides great good for long trips with the family. Transmission had a recall service done to it back in 2003 for slipping gears 2nd and 3rd. All fine till it hit 92,000 transmission totally failed and had to split the cost with Honda for a $4,000 transmission. I will not buy another Honda for this reason. Nissan Altima looks good to me.
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Will buy a Toyota next time - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By FL Honda owner - September 3 - 8:27 pmBought my 2003 Odyssey 11/03.Have had to bring in to be serviced by Honda several times for same problems. Problem dx ERG valve? Got stuck several times. Couldnt get gear shift to move. Cup holders in center where driver sits replaced several times (very poor design). Brakes replaced several times for noise. Resonator and exhaust pipe replaced at 50,000 miles despite car in Florida weather, in a garage not near seawater. Noisy ride. Interior door handles peeling. Front drivers seat has squeaked since new despite numerous trips to Honda. Dont think Honda knows how to repair its own vehicles. Bought new has 79,000 miles on it.
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Run from Honda V6 engines ALL - 2010 Honda Odyssey
By Lisa - September 3 - 5:53 pmPurchased used... so many issues with engine almost two years of ownership. finally died -1 week after a honda dealer warranty repair on piston rings...never had such a lemon...will never buy honda again.
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Like it so far (10k miles) - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By geppetto2008 - September 2 - 10:55 pmSmooth driving experience with good pick-up when I need it. I had a v-8 Ford Explorer beforehand, and the Honda has as much acceleration at the Explorer. The brakes are fantastic, highly responsive, excellent stopping distance. We settled for the EX model because for the features in the EX-L, we couldnt justify the price. I dont understand the other comments re: road noise--our van is by far one of the quietest vehicles Ive ever driven. Gas mileage isnt too bad--we consistently get 24 highway--but city suffers a bit at 17 mpg on average. We added our own DVD player and screen for a fraction of what it would have cost at the dealership---a little hassle, but saved us nearly $1500!
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New Oddysey vs. new Audi S4 convertible - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Fonda the Honda - September 2 - 9:53 pmI picked up my 05 Black ext./Ivory int. w/DVD and Navi. the same week I bought an Audi S4 Convertible costing twice the price. Apples to oranges 100%, but I like driving the new van as much as I do my new 350 h.p supercar. I came off lease of a 2003 Pilot to go into the Van, and had the 1999 Oddysey before that. This van is sweet. Black + Honda trailer hitch give it a great presence, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. The nine inch DVD is awesome, and the Navi system is easy after studying the how to manual. Dont waste your time shopping for another minivan.- this is the one.
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Great Van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
By Ody Mom - September 2 - 10:00 amI have had a wonderful time owning the Honda Odyssey. Everything about it is great. LOTS of room for everyone and everything.
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Superb Design in a minivan! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Ali - September 1 - 1:20 pmI chose the Ex over touring because I didnt like the price of a new set of pax tires, and I wanted the optional seat in the middle on 2nd row. Granddaughter loves to sit in front of the DVD player. DVD is a must from now on! Van handles well on the road, and cruise control never fluctuates on hills. Seats fold very easily for more cargo space. The nav. system is awsomely amazing! Its capabilities seem endless. It was well worth the money. Standard roof rails are nice, but almost senseless without the cross bars. The sunroof is refreshing at times, although I would opt for other features instead, like fog lights, automat lights, or auto tailgate closing. Auto side doors are great too!
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Outstanding - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By Dave&Ruth - September 1 - 10:58 amThis is my first Honda that Ive purchased. My wife and I are very happy campers to say the least. Weve already made 2 road trips. One to the beach and one up to the country. No problems. Needless to say...its look like were going to stick with the Honda Odyssey. Handles like a car.
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2008 EXL Odyssey - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By Rich - August 30 - 4:58 pmThe Odyssey achieved 26.8 mpg on 1500 mile trip with AC set at 72 degrees, speed 65 mph, cruise on, tire pressure 35 psi, some hills, some stop and go, 91 octane gas. 25.0 mpg commuting to work, mostly interstate with some stop and go. I drive in eco mode as much as possible. Michlelin LX4 energy-saving tires sing badly on some types of concrete highway but otherwise acceptably quiet. Comfortable long distant hauler which gracefully replace our 96 Lexus 400 due to Odyssey tradeoffs in size, seating height, features (nav).
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Rusted Catalytic Conveter - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By alev - August 29 - 11:50 amThis was our third Honda but we are very disappointed. We started to hear noises just before the warranty ended, when we took it they changed one of the catalytic converters and we still have the noise. It is out of warranty. They said all the converters rusted. Never will buy Honda again. You pay $35 K and it rusts in 3 years. Why pay that much?
