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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  Odyssey Touring - NAV/RES/PAX - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By White Tiger - April 17 - 3:52 pm

  Purchased as a Honda Certified used car. I was impressed by the long list of features and the fact that at 67" I could not only drive it, but could sit in all the other seats with reasonable comfort (OK, headroom isnt terrific in the third row...). If the 05 had the telescopic steering wheel of the 07s and up (and if Honda had been thoughtful enough NOT to have put a big bulge in the ceiling to house the rear HVAC controls right over a tall drivers head!), it would be even better! I read about gas mileage problems, but I get about 21 overall (26 when mixed with half freeway miles), and can easily get a steady 30+ going down the freeway at 60 mph. P.S. 34K on PAX with 30%+ left.

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  Best Mini I have had - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 2k5ODC - April 17 - 6:00 am

  The 2005 Odyssey has been exceptional inhandling, power, convenience,andconfort. Except for the price (MSRP was as close as I could get the vehicle) I could not be more satisfied. I was really taken by the amount of power this vehicle has. The luxury appointment and overall design. The fold down 3rd seat is so much more usable now that it is 60/40 split. I had a Quest as a loaner when my van was having things installed and could not believe how heavy the Quests 3rd seat was and difficult to fold down. I would highly recommend anyone who is looking at a mini van to not miss this one. Worth taking a look.

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  Good family car - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Pp - April 17 - 4:27 am

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  Satisified - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By E.L. Mac Donald - April 15 - 3:00 am

  The long distance mileage is as expected, the local driving is not quite up to par. (maybe the a/c is pulling down the mileage. The shift control does not give the read out of what gear you are in, you must look at the dash board. Do not care for that feature.

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  Disappointing - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave - April 14 - 3:52 pm

  We purchased our vehicle used with approximately 40k miles on the van. We have had to replace the transmission three times. I was always led to believe that Honda made quality vehicles I have been extremely disappointed. I have a 1995 Ford Explorer that has not given me a quarter of the problems the Honda Odyssey has and the Explorer has over 240k miles on it. The Odyssey is fun to drive however the I have been less than impressed with the required maintenance needed on the vehicle. I would strongly suggest someone buying this vehicle used request an extended warranty because you may need it.

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  Auto power off needed - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Dan o - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Odyssey. With that said a fatal flaw is the lack of a auto power off feature like in Dodge and Chevy. Minivans tend to have kids in them and kids tend to leave lights on. I wouldnt go back to my Dodge Caravan because of it, but it is annoying to have the battery run down.

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  Auto power off needed - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Dan O - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Odyssey. With that said a fatal flaw is the lack of a auto power off feature like in Dodge and Chevy. Minivans tend to have kids in them and kids tend to leave lights on. I wouldnt go back to my Dodge Caravan because of it, but it is annoying to have the battery run down.

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  40K Performance Report - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Ed - April 11 - 5:53 pm

  Just went over 40K. So far, had to replace factory tires at 30K, have wheel bearings in one wheel replaced, and have a new AC compressor installed. Selling dealer worked with Honda factory to cover cost of bearings and AC work, even though it was out of warranty when it happened. Bravo on dealer service! Still, was unpleasantly surprised at the problems considering I had had all scheduled services done at the dealer and Honda reliability is legendary (but now perhaps slipping!!). In general, Im happy with the van and just love the dealership service. Crossing my fingers nothing else will go bad anytime soon.

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  Odyssey 2002 EX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By penny shanley - April 10 - 7:32 pm

  The transmission on this vehicle is not better than the 1st generation of the Odyssey, in fact, they are worse. Honda quality is way way overrated. I think I will become a Toyota customer.

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  Great Used Car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Throckmorton - April 10 - 4:09 pm

  I bought the van last year as a certified used with under 36K miles. I bought the extended bumper to bumper warranty. There have been several small issues with the car. The brakes made some noise and there was a squeak coming from the back. I had to bring the car in twice to get the issues fixed (road with the head of service the 2nd go round), but overall Im very satisfied with this car. I did just have to put a new battery in it, but the car is over 4 years old. It rides great and I find it extremely comfortable on long trips (what others call stiff, I think is support). Ive bought nothing but Honda/Acura over the last 14 years and this purchase will strengthen my loyalty.