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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  Not that good on gas! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By GOLD - May 27 - 8:00 pm

  The Honda van is very nice inside as far as style, comfort. The main complaint is the AC going out two times. The struts went out early in the game, and the road noise is loud. I cannot hear my children asking questions from the seat in far back of the van. I do like the separate climate control, heated front seats, shades for the children and the sliding doors.

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  love this mini van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By paseur - May 27 - 5:36 am

  I cant say enough good about this van. So easy to drive, comfortable and roomy. Place for every need we could want. In riding along you can see every thing ahead and right down on the street. A very good view around you . The camera is very big view behind you. Windows are large , the pull up screens are handy on the windows on second row and they do roll down. Dvd intertainment and the satellite radio*and the navigation system ,is the best we have seen. We are happy we choose the ex leather it has so many features we enjoy.

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  The Best Vehicle Ive ever owned! - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Robert Ponce - May 24 - 11:11 pm

  And, Ive own a lot! American and foreign cars all by being in the Air Force. I used to buy and sell cars from military folks who were switching assignments to and from other bases. I worked on all makes and models on my last count approx 30 cars and a dozen motorcycles. I personally owned cars for no more than 2 years tops! Not until I bought this 1995 Odyssey in 01/1996 on a year end close out! Ive had it now for over 12 years and it has 415,000 miles. None of my friends can believe that Im still driving my white Honda Odyssey? Ive only replaced the timing belt and master cylinder and CV Joints and about 6-7 sets of tires! Im keeping her!

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By cmf - May 24 - 3:50 pm

  The care handles extremely well. in the first snowfall, it was above average. I wish all wheel drive was an option. The heated outside mirrors was a big plus. My daughter loves the DVD. the leather is easy to clean. Easy to use fold up/down rear 60/40 split seat. Easy access to third seat even with second row middle seat in. The second row windows that open are EXCELLENT!!!

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  reliable but noisy - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By reliable but noisy - May 23 - 10:47 am

  I have owned this vehicle for five years now and the mileage is 152,000 miles and still no major problems. I used this to work and I commute more than 3,000 miles mostly highway a month. I changed oil every 5,000 miles and have the tires rotated every 5,000 miles too. I bought my tires at Costco, Michelin Hydroedge and tire mileage is 90,000 miles and still not worn out. Just maintain this car on schedule and you will be trouble free. I never had any transmission problem.

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  Mileage Suffers in the WV Hills - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Adam from Charleston - May 22 - 11:36 am

  My wife and I have owned our Redrock Pearl Odyssey Touring for about a month now and we are loving it! The Odyssey has decent power, great build- quality, and sporty handling (for a minivan). Add to this a fantastic dealer experience and you get a couple of converts to all things Honda. Although my wife doesnt think that it is quite as "cool" as the 2002 Volvo S60 AWD we replaced with the Odyssey, we are both very impressed with the overall design and features of this van. We purchased this vehicle from Lester Raines Honda in South Charleston, WV and they took nearly $3,000 of the sticker. We also recently leased a 2005 Accord LX V6, so maybe we were given the "bulk" discount?

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  Mostly Great Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By "AR"VanOwner - May 21 - 9:43 pm

  We test drove the 2004 Sienna, but the Odyssey had the seating flexibility, safety features and features that we wanted at a lower price than the Sienna. Although the Sienna XLE had some nice features that we would have liked (telescoping wheel, fog lights, 3rd row sunshades and rear auto climate control), the seating configuations, locking storage, power and economy, and being a 2005 model sold us on the Odyssey. Still, Id say it depends on what matters most to a potential buyer.

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  Costly , should not have problems - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By J.B. - May 21 - 8:34 pm

  The van has had AC problems from day one! The air went out on a trip and could not get it fixed. The AC still does not get as cold as our GMC pick- up. For a van costing over $30,000 it should have a perfect AC. The struts had to be replaced early after purchase. The front end feels loose and sometimes makes noise. Road noise is terrible. The van is attractive, comfortable seats and nice quality of leather. When you are sweating because of AC that does not cool enough that pretty leather sticks to your body! I would not purchase another Honda van. the gas mileage is only 17 and our GMC pickup gets that!

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  Honda Odyssey .reliable car - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By migdalia valdez - May 17 - 10:00 am

  reliability i can depend on honda odyssey. enjoy traveling without worring about overheating, engine light turning on,transmission failure at 70000 miles, just about finishing paying the car but now have to buy another car because the current one has to many car problems and you face sudden death.....of the car. those experience had in the past. NOT ANYMORE.

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  EXCELLENT - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Desi - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The best I ever had.