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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  Satisfied - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim - August 7 - 7:37 pm

  Not sure how you can get under 17 mpg in the city. I guess those posting 12- 13 must really live in a city, with stop and go, heavy traffic and never drive over 5-10 mph. We average 18.5 mpg city (suburban driving) and 25-26 highway (only measured highway mileage once). 1900 miles on the odometer. Sold our 4wd Sienna got 12mpg. This is basically the same interior size getting 80% better city mpg.

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  Not what I Expected - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Anita Louise - August 7 - 2:33 pm

  Bought a 2002 Odyssey.Packed well for hurricane evacuations great space for 5 dogs,2 cats, 2 birds with supplies however, very disappointed. Early on, at 3000 miles the engine block cracked and was replaced twice the driver rear window power motors stopped working and almost as soon as the extended warranty was out, the other window motor quit working. Seat belt replaced transmission went out at 70,000 lots of road noise, driver door lock broke and was replaced with a lock not compatible to key for other door locksrubber bumpers for sliding doors have completely MELTED off the hinge. Am looking at other options for a vehicle. Mileage steady 20/23 city/hwy.

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  Sorry Honda lovers, our last van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Last Honda Van - August 7 - 1:17 pm

  We were originally so excited to trade our SUV and get one when they first came out. However, we are quite over the extreme cabin noise (dealer will say it is tires, but we changed to no avail), steering squeals, brake grinding and shimmy, and easily marred bumpers. #1 is noise - both the "roar" when we drive and loud squeals from turning. Wife, who once loved it, now cannot wait to trade it as the DVD volume has to be 20+ to cover the roar. Dealer serviced since day 1, they seem to resist really trying to seek out the issue. Thankfully we bought an extended warranty as otherwise all of service efforts on these issues would be out of our pocket. FYI - No loaners car for service on $31K van.

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  Great van, safety is first - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By IGNACIO V. JOHNSSON - August 6 - 11:16 am

  There is nothing more important to me as a father of three, than moving my family around with peace of mind. Besides this is a great vehicle in pretty much every aspect, is incredible to see, after a little resarch, that this van is even safer than some Volvo cars. Driving is simply awsome you will not believe youre driving a vehicle this big, it just make you feel safe and comfy. Comfort is another high for this van, everybody in my family says is a great improvement from our last van, also an Odyssey. Just by driving it, you will find out why is so well considered within editors and users all around.

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  I only buy the safest! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By The Driver - August 4 - 7:00 pm

  Unfortunately we have had many issues with our brakes. They seem to need “time” to build pressure. When we leave our house, stopping at the stop sign takes a lot of work. Now I don’t mean it is impossible to stop, just uncomfortable. I have taken it into the dealership many times and they seem to do something that makes the brakes feel great at the time, but in a few weeks they go back to feeling the same. I’m still dealing with this issue after about 5 months now and I’m in the process of getting a lawyer to get it taken back on lemon law. Don’t get me wrong thought I’m very comfortable when driving and it looks stylish. In my opinion it gets great gas mileage for a minivan. Check it out!

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  Awesome! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Ryan - August 3 - 7:20 pm

  Fun to drive, Features to LIVE for! Not much neogotiating power, too new and in demand. Forget about finding one with DVD/Navigator.

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  surprised - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat Nolan - August 3 - 10:12 am

  Since my last odyssey a 2007 EXL a lot of changes were made. The ride is great, noise level is better, safety features are nice but take a little getting use to. One thing I wish Honda would look into is folding outside mirrors. Home owners with limited garage space this feature would be nice to have. I could go on about the car but I think Honda has a home run with this vehicle!!!

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  Great if you can afford a new tranny - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Liz K. - August 2 - 9:33 am

  We have only had ours for a year and a half. It has 95,000 and a DEAD transmission. Called American Honda and they told us ours has been serviced under the warranty in Feb 05. Well whatever they did only lasted 3 1/2 years and now we have a $4000+ bill for a new transmission and an Electronic Computer Unit. They told us take it to your local Honda dealer, let them diagnose and they will tell us if they can help cover any charges. Most likely if they cant help us it will be gone. We cant risk needing a new transmission every 3 1/2 years. If it werent for safety ratings Id have an American made van with a cheaper tag for parts and better service

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  1 month and 1,000 miles later - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By SPDFAN - August 1 - 10:28 pm

  It has been a month and 1,000 miles since we got our Odyssey. I am very impressed with the van and I am very happy with the buy. The van drives very smooth and plenty of power and good agility. It is also very roomy and comfortable. We have 2 car seats and the interior room is great for our family. The sound system and the DVD player works great. The Navi and DVD are easy to use. I first thought there might be too many features to learn. But it only took me a short time to be very comfortable with all of the controls and features. The gas mileage is good for a vehicle this size, thanks to the cylinder deactivation. I get 18 to 23 combined both freeway and city.

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  66,000 Miles and Still Love It - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Paceguy - August 1 - 9:31 pm

  We bought our Odyssey over three years ago and still like it as much as we did on day one. Its my wifes daily driver and with the nav. and DVD etc. the guys and gals she works with have her drive to lunch whenever they go out (even give her unsolicited gas money) because they like playing with the gadgets and its really comfortable. With three kids ranging from 14 to 7, the long summer driving trips weve taken over the years have been a pleasure. We both like driving it and reliability has been typical Honda excellence. Just got back from a 2400 mile round trip summer vacation where we rolled over 66k--again, nothing but super review from us!