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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  No more honda 4 me! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Nomore honda4me - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought an ody for quality - what a mistake. Its been to the dealer 4 times already. A serious "drift to the right" problem forcing me to hold the van straight by applying force to the steering wheel to keep it straight. The power door decided to start opening and closing itself one day while in my driveway! The rear vents are nosiy as all heck and had to be replaced but the replacements are squeaking a bit now too, and some of the dash lisght come on and then go off while driving! Serious lemon.

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  Great Vehicle - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Al - July 27 - 1:03 am

  Very quiet compared to the Two Toyota Siennas I have owned. Apple great play works great and all safety features perform as advertised.

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  Former SUV Mom - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By fantp - July 25 - 8:20 pm

  We just bought the 2007 Honda Odyssey and I love it. I was driving a 2003 Chevy Tahoe which I thought I couldnt live without until I drove the Odyssey. This van handles wonderfully and is very comfortable, not to mention the excellent gas mileage. We traded in our Tahoe because we were so tired of pouring gas into it. At about $70 to fill it up; we were dying! The Odyssey costs about $45 to fill it up! We couldnt beleive it. The road noise is worse than I had hoped, our Tahoe was very quiet but was also high off the ground. It is very easy to get my 18 month old in & out of the van, no more climbing up to load him in his car seat! I love it; even though I said Id never drive a van!

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  best minivan in the usa - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By sofimatrix - July 24 - 12:23 am

  very nice, lots space and utility, decent gas miles for 4400 pound vehicle, kids love it.

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  Tranny, tranny, tranny, tranny! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By babs - July 23 - 7:47 pm

  The 2002 Honda Odyssey is an ideal family car and ours has managed to ferry us on many memorable trips. When its not undergoing repair, were happy with almost every aspect of the van. However, almost alone among Hondas, this particular model has had persistent problems with its automatic transmission. For us, the problem has recurred with EACH transmission installed to replace the original equipment. The initial transmission was the subject of a national recall (Honda Service Bulletin 04-021). We have also replaced the original tranny THREE times. No kidding!! Were very disappointed.

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  Great Van... Trans went out at 65k - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave - July 23 - 3:02 pm

  The Odyssey is a great minivan, powerful and good looking. Smartly designed interior and very comfortable to ride in.

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  best minivan ever - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ched - July 23 - 10:00 am

  i have 3 children, all boys ages 6 & 4 yr olds and a 17 month old. we always use this van everywhere we go, from grocery shopping to parties to out of towns. this vehicle has very spacious back compartment. we went camping & were able to fit in tons of stuff. very good handling and spacious interior w/ roomy leg space. it is close to the ground so you dont have to worry about tipping or rolling over.

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  This Car is outstanding - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Peter - July 23 - 2:23 am

  Going from Kia Sedona to the Odyssey there is Simply no comparison, Honda a car way superior in very aspect you can think of, cant stop driving it!

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  Its the best van! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By che - July 21 - 10:00 am

  We owned a Dodge and traded it in for the Odyssey. Our Dodge had electrical problems and was a complete nightmare ... we wont get into that! My wife and I wanted a van that we could grow into with our two small boys. I already own a 92 Accord EX L (200k miles and going) so I was familiar with how durable they are. We are thrilled with our new Odyssey EX L with DVD because of its control, power and comfort. Honda really did listen to their customers and produced a great van. Now I can sit back and watch moves with my kids while my wife drives without any worries. Thanks Edmunds.

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  Alaska Yukon or Bust - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Ottawa-Yukon - July 21 - 10:00 am

  After spending 7 weeks on the road an 18,000 km (11250 miles) this van drove effortlessly. Gas mileage on the highway was acceptable considering that we were driving at an average speed of 120 kmph (75mph). The engines power and passing ability is simply the best and always had lots of power when you needed it. After returnin from Alaska, I am more impressed with it than before. This van is hard to beat!