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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  So far so good! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill - April 26 - 2:33 pm

  We went to the dealership to look at a used Pilot. The Odyssey was sitting next to it, so it was easy to compare them side by side. The Odyssey must be 50% bigger inside, with 3 rows of very roomy & comfortable seating for full- size humans--and the 07 van was only a couple grand more than the 04 Pilot. Adults wouldnt last long in the Pilots 3rd row. The Odyssey sold itself on the test drive. Theres lots of storage cubbies and cup holders galore. We had to give up 4WD, but you cant have everything. Were averaging 18 mpg, about what I hoped for. The certified used car warranty beats new car coverage. My wife loves driving the Odyssey, so it looks like we made the right decision.

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  Great Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By 1stody - April 26 - 10:00 am

  Best minivan mainly because of the fold down rear seat. Large cargo space and Honda reputation also helps. But the van is a great ride, although Honda needs to upgrade their EX Leather trim with more bells/whistles. Especially the stereo system (this really is mediocre at best).

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  We love this car!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Judy - April 24 - 9:47 pm

  I bought the new body style as soon as it came out. I have had it for 3 years now and it keeps being the perfect little van.. We love it. It never has problems and drive it into the ground. My hubby wants to by me a X5 but my Van is just perfect for everything. I haul furniture around and kids and groceries and you name it I can fit it in the van.. I never have to worry it has never given me any problems it just keeps going and going and going. I love this car..

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  Great performer for long trips - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By D. Stone - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought 2004 Odyssey in March of 2004. First Honda owner, previously Toyota owner, with a horrible mistake on a Chrysler Plymouth. Just took a 2500 mile round-trip from Central Texas to Seattle on our new Odyseey. Even though we average 700+ mile a day, our backs were not tired at the end of the day. The seats are excellent. Gas mileage range between 25 - 28 miles per gallon (except in Utah). Driving on the interstate through the mountains at 75 mph was an easy task for the Odyssey. The A/C is doing a great job now that we are back in the oven (I mean Texas). Recommend the Odyssey to anyone planning to do long trips.

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  Excellent, But... - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By BKHONDA - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Great product. Superb fit/finish, quiet and powerful. But had to get wind noise from windshield fixed first day off lot, rear power window doesnt work, and fuel gauge must be inaccurate- -supposedly a 20-gallon tank, but reads empty and fuel light comes on when I really have 6.5 gallons left! A little disappointed in Honda quality control this time around, but still were happy with the van and it still has the best powertrain and handling of any of them!

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  Still love it - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By jeff - April 22 - 2:45 pm

  Just purchased a 2005 Odyssey EX-L and thank God I checked here about the Touring edition first (didnt buy that one) We still have the 2000 EX and still love it, never a single complaint or problem...NEVER! We did the timing belt and water-pump replacement at the correct time and the tune-up too. All done at the Honda dealership. I can not say one bad thing about it other than I never thought I would drive a van, now I bought another one!

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  Honda Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By lt - April 21 - 4:35 pm

  I have had many problems with this car. I am on third set of brakes, second battery, hub problems with the wheels, power steering replaced and a broken motor mount. In Hondas defense they have fixed all of these at no cost after I played hard ball with them. I had to purchase an extended warranty to ease the stress of owning this van. I would never buy another one!

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  Heres how I see it! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By HARRY - April 21 - 3:56 pm

  Drive is smooth, Vehicle handles well, Design has a well done utility. Happy with overall look and feel of the 2005 Honda Odyssey EX-L

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  200 honda odyssey - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By tw - April 21 - 7:12 am

  Paid $21,000 new off the showroom floor in Alaska. Van has 117,000 miles and has had no major problems. Replaced timing belt at 100K but it did not need to be replaced, the old one looked like new. Tried to sell it a few years ago at fair market value but no takers.

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  Overrated! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By zred5150 - April 21 - 4:42 am

  I have been a staunch Honda fan my entire life. Until I purchased 2005 Odyssey EX-L RES. First the brake rotors had to be replaced. Next came the horrible wind noise. The road noise is very "American". The windshield cracked for no apparent reason. The Dealer tries extremely hard to talk down to me, even though I know more about autos than the service dept. Took the van in because mpg sucked fuel! The best I got was 22 on hwy with tailwind, and 18 in town (I did almost as good in my 4wd Toyota Sequoia!). The dealer took it for a "test drive", and using less than 1 gallon of gas and using very questionable math said it was getting 32 MPG. I love most things about the van, I just want answers!!!