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 Improvement - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Sean - May 16 - 4:30 am

  Great feel, far better than before. The interior is very luxurious, and very quiet, and a pleasure to ride in, especially on long trips.

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  2002 Odyssey purchased new - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave Wilkerson - May 15 - 11:07 am

  We purchased this van new and now have 134,000 miles on it with no major problems. The body is in excellent condition with no rust and all features work well. We have been totally satisfied with this vehicle and will purchase another one.

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  Noisy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Idaho - May 14 - 11:48 pm

  We love the car for the comfort and room. The room is awesome. But the road noise is loud. Changed tires from Michelin to Yokohama hoping for some improvement. No change. Have had to replace windshield several times. Last time they changed out the windshield twice, got new clips. Still a wide gap that causes whistling all the time. Eco Engine always sounds like it is revved and ready to take off. Dealer says it is road noise. We had the car undercoated when new. Nice protection, but does not help road noise. We will check with tire manufacture for any help and also the windshield replacement shop for a redo. Still love the car, but it sounds like the EX is a quieter model.

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  Poor Transmissions.... - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By snosrfr - May 13 - 9:36 pm

  Bought new Feb 2002 - Took to dealer twice in Oct 2005 for transmission slipping at 35-40 mph. Dealer couldnt find problem. After evacuating from WILMA, transmission fails 6 hrs from home in Nov 05. Local dealer replaces under extended warranty (54,000 miles). Similar problems come back in Jan 07. Dealer finds nothing first two tries. - In Dec 07 dealer reports transmission is bad and needs to be replaced. Covered under extended warranty. (89,500 miles). Feb 08 extended warranty expires - Apr 08 problems resurface. May 08 dealer reports transmission bad and needs to be replaced. Covered under Honda parts warranty (1 yr). Google for more info on 02 Odyssey transmissions.

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  16 years and 234,000 miles, running well - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By V Backman - May 13 - 5:13 pm

  This van has been amazing. Still reliable, still 24mpg on the highways, about 18-20 in town. Always had seat covers, so they look new. Its hauled kids, bikes, camping stuff, dump loads, lumber... everything. Still only preventive maintenance except for normal items like headlights. The ONLY problem weve had is the door seals sticking for the two sliding doors. Theyve been replaced, treated with a variety of non-stick films. Get worse after a rain. Luckily weve had a drought in CA. No reason to get another, its the reliable box.

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  Safe and fun witj lots of room - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By L.Cline - May 12 - 3:49 pm

  The Odyssey is by far the best auto buy we have ever made. It handles like a car instead of a top heavy mini van. My husband and I have 2 children and 2 dogs. We can all ride together and not drive each other crazy. The kids watch the local t.v channels or a movie from the flip down screen and, the dogs sit in the back area. We still have room for more. The fuel millage is great for a mini van. The "ECO" mode kicks in a lot and that really helps. Around town, we average 22-24 mpg. We just went on a 3.5 hour trip to the mountains in NC and going UP the mountains, our avg. we 24. Coming down and back to Greenville, SC our avg was 33 mpg.

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  Ten Cu Ft Less than my 2008 Odyssey - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Mert Horne - May 10 - 9:06 pm

  The second row seats are on a dolly of sorts that can not be removed. It is no longer wide enough for a 4X8 sheet of plywood to fit without angling it. It has 10 cu ft less cargo carrying volume than my 2008 Odyssey. All of these are non-starters for me.

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  keeps running - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By block1974 - May 9 - 7:51 pm

  Bought used from new Honda dealer, at the start pulled to the right, brought it back, they said they aligned it, but still pulls. Abs light came year later, but means nothing. Mechanic found major problems few months ago, but it keeps running. Air filter housing is a pain with metal screws in plastic case. You could call it early crossover. It is small and simple car. Now has 175,000 miles and no signs of slowing down.

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  Our approval rating - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By P Mattson - May 6 - 9:04 am

  This vehicle is a delight to drive. It holds the road very well. We like the separate temperature controls for each front seat. I makes for true comfort. It many outstanding features such as the best security with airbags. Many storage areas and ease in getting in and out. Its perfect for a family as it has more seating area. Sports fans will love the ease of tailgating parties since the hatch opens to a perfect height to place your food. We keep our dogs bed in the back and she loves going with us everywhere. Our only complaint is the noise factor. We dont hear our CDs as well as we should because of the road noise. Other than that, we love this car and find it hard to part with.

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  Honda 1999, Honda is not what Honda was - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By srmorrison56 - May 5 - 1:09 pm

  Honda engineering is not what it used to be. Ive got an Odyssey with 175,000 and two things have happened: 1) The second transmission failed. The transmissions that Honda used for the warranty were rebuilds that were rebuilt with the same garbage parts as the original transmissions. Honda did not fix the design issues. So every 85,000 miles you will need a new transmission for you Odyssey. 2) The ignition switch recall resulted in Honda replacing the contact module. It turns out that Honda used the same approach as the transmissions They used the same faulty design for the replacement and I just replaced the The ignition switch contact module for the second time.