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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  Excellent van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Mili - March 20 - 8:20 pm

  We bought this van in March of 2004 and had driven from Central Texas to Seattle, WA four times and twice to Orlando, Fl during that time. The minivan just had its 82,500 mile checkup. The only thing I had to replace was the break pads. Strong while climbing/driving through steep mountains at level of 10K to 12K feet high. Great fuel economy for its size and weight. In interstate can give up to 31 mpg (Wyoming & Utah), 20 mpg in the city and 20-25 mpg when you mix interstate & city traffic. I will definitely buy another Odyssey whenever is time for an upgrade. Previous minivan was a nightmare (Chrysler Voyager).

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  Dont buy this car - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jdfour - March 18 - 1:31 pm

  This vehicle is now on its 4th transmission. Do not buy this or any other HONDA. Its a real lemon.

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  Great Van EX version love Honda vehicles - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By lemichaelj - March 16 - 11:20 am

  Love my van bought a new one, and love Honda vehicles, yes the 99, 2000 models did have tranny troubles but they had a recall that fixed it. I put a trans cooler on mine the day I bought it, every vehicle should have trans cooler. but van is roomy , I have 251000 miles on it now and no major problems, condenser got a hole rubbed in it by a small rock, replaced it and still going strong actually had to spend the night in it when Hurricane Rita came through Louisiana. Thank God for the Roominess, This van rides and drives like a car, rear air for the kids is perfect. Power sliding doors are perfect and although you have to clean the contacts every so often so they close completely, Great van!!!

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  made a mistake - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By john911 - March 16 - 12:33 am

  Bought van used it had only 28550 miles. WE were excited to get a Honda Van!! Heard so much about Hondas. What a disappointment after I read the reviews.We are having the same problems. Noisy engine. It sounds like a small car engine also the wind noise from the windshield. It was two days over the warranty the local dealer will not cover it.The told me this after they said the noise was due to the tires that needed balancing which I paid for. After reading the reviews on this site I wonder how they could not know what the problem was. Now they say it is a loose rear engine mount and the whistling is from the windshield cost will be $1000.00 now I am just waited for the brakes to be next!

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  The best minivan on the planet - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By mjsohel - March 15 - 10:00 am

  I took delivry of my 02 Honda Odyssey and since then Ive enjoyed every feature on this thing. Its the best minivan ever Honda did a great job this time, Ive never had a car with this much versatility,value,luxury,and quality as Ive received on my Odyssey. I love this baby!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Great Family Vehicle Until..... - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Lee - March 13 - 1:11 pm

  Bought this 02 Odyssey during mid 2002. Roomy, great V6 engine, everything was perfect. Great family vehicle for a few years until the transmission went out on us. It took us a couple of months argueing to get our transmission replaced as the dealer refused too since our warranty was "expired". Finally our transmission was replaced since the recall has been issued. Also wind noise was another problem. When cruising in highway speeds. Gas mileage was average. Overall this van is not that bad until the transmission problem kicked in.

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  Best Van for the $$ - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Onlysee - March 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful minivan. My kids love the DVD system, while I love still listening to music I like up front. The interior is very spacious, and I especially like the more conservative exterior design. I bought a 2004 model in fear of an "ugly" 2005 replacement. Nissan killed the Quest with its redesign - I only hope Honda doesnt follow suit. Honda needs to change the size of the fuel reserve - more than 1/3 of the tank being full when the light comes on is ridiculous.

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  No More Hondas for this Family - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Busy Mom - March 4 - 3:06 pm

  This is our second Odyssey (first was an 04) and it will be our last. Main reason for purchase was improved fuel economy from the VCM transmission and it has performed horribly (avg 15 mpg city) which is where most of the driving is done. Dealership says they need to have it for 3 days to simulate fuel economy before they will evaluate to see if problem exists with VCM, but they wont give us a loaner! Have had both the fuel pump belt and the fuel pump replaced already, and it only has 19,000 miles. We are 5 time Honda owners (two Civics, two Odysseys and a Pilot), and this will be our last. Looking at Toyotas next! Someone needs to introduce a hybrid minivan to the US market!

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  Dont worry, I got the bad one - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By rotorfitz - March 2 - 2:00 pm

  Where to start? We have to replace the left sliding door seal since the van whistles like a canary. The CD player forwards constantly and will be replaced also; that part has been "on order" for a month. There is a hard knock at 12 mph that cant be troubleshot. The gas mileage is at best 15 city MPG/23 highway. 9,000 miles on it, easy driving conditions, not hauling a.. all over town. This is my 4th Honda (loved the CRX, Civic, Accord) and the 1st I truly dislike. I know it will not break down on me but....this is annoying.

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  Best Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey Rocks - March 2 - 3:20 am

  Traded in my 2000 Odyssey and bought a 2005. The improvements are remarkable especially its quiter cabin, controls, features & the torque+horsepower. Also test driven a 05 Sienna. Didnt get the responsiveness while driving and the interior seemed dull. Steering handling wasnt as impressive either. Took our first trip to Houston, TX and Im looking forward to many road trips in future. My van drove just like a car and kids really enjoyed the trip. We drove almost 440 miles on a full tank. I wish city gas mileage was little better. I wouldnt trade this van for anything else. We have 8 seats too! Looking forward to many years of reliability and fun driving experience. Go Odyssey!!!