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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  Cant beat the Odyssey - No matter which version - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By rick summey - July 31 - 5:36 pm

  This is our second one- The first was a 2005. Great all around vehicle

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  Best Minivan Overall - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By steelerfan786 - July 31 - 11:46 am

  This is my second review. My first was right after the purchase. I noticed that a lot of people have complained about the mileage especially on an EX- L. I own a EX and when it was new the mileage was a little disappointing. Live in Chicago Took a trip to Michigan with it. With the Van full of people and luggage doing 75mph on cruise I Got 23.2 mpg. My best in the city after first oil change was 19 mpg I was pretty impressed. I noticed that now it has 6200 miles the mileage has improved. I keep my climate control on auto, all the time and idle the van because of the cold before driving.

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  Soft Brakes - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By tcunningham2 - July 29 - 7:53 am

  Have a case open with Honda on these brakes. This issue has been known for over a year and a half and dealers have no fix, Honda says they are working on it. These brakes are firm when new but after a couple of thousand miles become soft. Note the several accidents involved with the brakes in Edmunds forum.

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  No better minivan around - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By daninoah - July 28 - 5:32 pm

  If in the market for a minivan, it is hard not to pick the Odyssey. While styling is never in the forefront in such a practical vehicle, this vehicle looks great. The engine is silky smooth, and the VCM is seamless. The DVD system allows all passengers in the 2nd and 3rd row to see and hear great, while the drivers can listen to the radio or just talk. The navigation system is among the best I have seen. The fold down third row is convenient. Access to all seating is easy for all from the youngest to oldest. Really no downside here.

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  Awesome Crash Performance - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By frei - July 28 - 2:15 pm

  This van was just put to the ultimate test in a collision at 55 mph. The anti-lock brakes helped the driver maintain control for as long as possible to lessen the impact, and the crumple zones in the front of the vehicle absorbed most of the shock. The passenger cabin appeared virtually pristine, with the exception of the two front air-bags. All four people inside, including two young children, sustained very minor scrapes and bruises. Great job Honda! Will buy another Odyssey as soon as insurance money comes through.

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  Quite a Bargain! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Richard Murphy - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Honda has a way of "doing it well" with anything that they do! The Honda Odyssey provides exceptional performance (240 HP)with great gas mileage (18-25 mpg and a 5 speed auto transmission, in a 4400lb vehicle... and thats quite an engineering accomplishment. They also provide Exceptional QUALITY! Everything fits, no rattles and no squeeks.

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  Odyssey Approaches Perfection - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Michael Smith - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my third minivan. To me, it is pretty close to the ultimate expression of the type. I have only had it for about eight months, but the quality and attention to detail is stunning. You would be well advised to consider the Odyssey if you need to carry people and things and words like "practical" and "value" mean more to you than "stylish" and "trendy."

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  rating - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Adina - July 28 - 2:00 am

  The brake system makes a noise. Was told it is normal for these cars when I took it to the dealership. Dealership at Honda Curry - Buford hwy said this some of these vechicles have the noise, some dont. If the test car I had driven had this noise I would NOT have purchased this vehicle.

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  oddssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By goofy1407 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  We love this car. It is comfortable, and fun to drive. We have had no problems with it and love it.

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  honda - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jviray - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my 1st Honda for my family. So far, we are very happy with it. The only complain I got so far, is the quality. For 35k I expect almost a perfect minivan.