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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Great Minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By CPerez - July 7 - 7:13 pmBest minivan I had (3). I drive it DAILY. Fuel economy when "eco"light is on is great. Only disappointments are quality of paint & shocks. Kids bicycles scratches go all the way to the bare metal or plastic. The paint is not as good as my previous vehicles (BMW, Ford, Dodge, Volvo). I had to replace the rear shocks at 37,000. Other than those two things, the van is great. I am planning to replace it with another Odyssey
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Best minivan ever! - 1998 Honda Odyssey
By Best Minivan EVER - July 6 - 10:59 amI bought this van only 3 years ago, and on average Ive driven it 60,000 km/year which is a lot. Right now it has 320,000 km and Ive never received a single $5 dollar bulb replacement. I do oil change every 10,000 km (which is late) and it still drives like its brand new. I love the 4 cylinder engine while I save on gas- they should make more of these even though they werent famous at its time because gas was cheap back then. The 4 cylinder v tech is amazingly powerful
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Great Van - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By dovinb - July 5 - 8:13 amThis is my third Honda vehicle and all of them have been exceptional products. I have just 4,000 miles on the van so far and Im very impressed. It rides and handles very well! I just came back from a 3,200 cross-country trip and I was impressed with the gas mileage. Droving 78-82 MPH for most of the trip, loaded to the gills with luggage, my wife and 2 kids, running the A/C the entire time, I got a consistent solid 23 MPG. While driving on country back roads around 65-70 MPH, I achieved 27 MPG. In city driving I get 17-18 MPG. Everything is functional and well designed. No problems with anything so far.
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Good at todays values - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By pmorganti - July 5 - 7:59 amWeve had some problems, steering pump, a pipe change out and wheel bearing noise, but all in all we are very happy with our van
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Love it!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Q - July 4 - 10:00 amSo far, So good. We love it!!!
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Excellent minivan! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By banana face - July 3 - 9:43 pmI purchased this 2008 Honda Odyssey Touring in February and its the best van I ever bought. It has a really powerful engine which provides a forceful and strong pull. I have have a little over 20,000 miles and there is no problems. It feels rock solid and expensive when compared to the cheap Toyota Sienna. I averaged 30.6 mpg on a 2000 mile highway road trip. Much better then competition like Toyota or Nissan. Go Honda Products!
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2005 Odyssey Touring - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Tauvaa - July 3 - 11:27 amOverall I love my Odyssey. The only real complaint I have is the rough ride over small bumps. I believe this is because of the run flat tires. Its a great ideal (run flat tires) but rough on the ride.
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Luxury sedan with room for 7 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By steve - July 3 - 11:13 amWe initially went to look for mid-sized SUVs, with all of the bells and whistles. Then by chance we stopped into a Honda dealer, just to look. Wow, is this minivan loaded! And comfortable too! Yeah its not as stylish as some of the SUVs. But theres more room and you end up with about $10,000 to spend on something else.
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Finally got it - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By SPDFan - July 3 - 1:47 amJust picked up the van Touring W/O PAX today after months of research. Odyssey was the top choice hands down. We also got a great deal ($6000 off MSRP plus 2.9% APR special). Very pleased with the van. It drives smooth like a car and it drives much smaller than it is. The power and agility are remarkable for a vehicle this size (I owned an Infiniti G35 coupe and M35 the Odyssey drives like a nice sedan). The interior is so comfortable. The build quality and material are top notch. The flexibility of the seats is fantastic. It has tons of cargo room or it can seat 8 people in style and comfort. There are so many features on the touring model. Almost too many to learn.
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Ahead of its time - 1998 Honda Odyssey
By john - July 2 - 10:36 pmWe have owner this small van for 1-1/2 years. Purchased from original owners who only put 72,000 miles on it in the 8 years they owned it. It handles really well and is surprisingly good in the Maine snow. The car feels solid and is relatively heavy for its size. Nevertheless, the 4 cylinder VTEC engine provides nice power when needed. And when we drive conservatively, we have been able to squeeze 30 mpg. If Honda had offered a 5 speed manual for this vehicle, it would be our dream car. And, I know we could bump the gas mileage up a couple MPG. HINT TO HONDA: Bring back this wonderful ahead of its time car!! HINT TO TOYOTA: Bring back the remarkable Corolla All-trac wagon!!
