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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Buy this! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By csgmjones - July 21 - 10:00 amGreat family van. Roomy, lots of ammenities. Hondas are terrific. But wheres the side airbags for the rear?
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Got 3 kids in carseats? - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By Greg - July 20 - 2:17 pmWe recently purchased the EX-L model. We paid $28,200 including the audible back-up sensors (rear bumper) option. Tax, Tags, Title, processing fee was extra. We are disappointed after bringing the car home and discovering that there are latch anchors for only 1 car seat in the 3rd row. What that means is that we need to put our other two kids in the 2nd row seats. This eliminates your ability to slide one of the 2nd row seats up for easy access to the 3rd row. It also prevents mom from sitting in the 2nd row next to the newborn. The Toyota Sienna has latch anchors for 2 car seats in the 3rd row.
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Great Car - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By john - July 19 - 10:49 pmI have had this vehicle since it was new. I now have 65K miles on it and it is excellent. Still runs like new. No major repairs, only two repair and one adjustment and both were covered under warranty. The maintenance cost on the vehicle is really low, especially compared to a my old Dodge mini-van.
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The Mercedes Benz of Minivans - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Marvinator - July 19 - 5:10 amI test drove the Sienna and the Odyssey extensively. In terms of cost, Sienna is less expensive but the unappealling exterior looks and the uneven drive led me to purchase the ODYSSEY. The exterior look is just sharp and smooth. The drive is amazing. So far so good.
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Worth It! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By Tom Ryan - July 18 - 8:56 pmI have never owned a Honda but had seen and heard about the Odyssey and decided it was worth a look. We bought and have fallen in love with the van. We only have one child but really like the room, convenience, the ride and overall quality. My wife has been stuck on SUVs and has told me over and over again what a smart buy this van was and how she absolutely loves it. You will not be disappointed and can be comforted with the fact that as a Honda product your going to get the value (resale/residual) and the performance and life expectancy you expect. Oh and the gas mileage after 3,000 miles is pretty good. I can cruise at 75 and be on 3 cylinders. Im getting about 22.5 - 25 city/hwy.
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2004 owner - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By mtchape - July 17 - 10:00 amThis is our 3rd odyssey and we tow it behind our motorhome for 30-40,000 every 3 years. We have never had any trouble with anything. It always starts, drives and hauls all our "stuff". What a great van!!!!
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Colors, please - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By JMock - July 17 - 10:00 amGreat van - it has been a comfortable addition to our 2 child family. Solid and reliable.
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The Odyssey is the best - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By sophiegirl - July 17 - 10:00 amWe have had the last 3 vans fords , Airosport ,Windstar ,etc . The Honda Odessey is the best buy far ,there is no comparison!!!!!
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Great family vehicle - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Don Young - July 17 - 10:00 amFun to drive. Relaxing, good visability, creature comforts abound. Controls well marked and layed out, especialy sound and entertainment system (DVD) and air conditioning.
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Good car but shouldve not chosen it! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By albanyfamily31 - July 16 - 9:26 pmthe driver side seating is very uncomfortable and tight compared to other minivans, especially the Sienna; also the loud vibration i feel beneath the car as i am driving which you can also hear from the engine and the brakes make a weird sound as youre turning; really annoying that theres no coin holder in a car costing close to $30,000;
