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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  2002 Odyssey EX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jolli107 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  We drive minivans due to our family business and have a lot of experience with them: the Chrysler family (extreme mechanical problems; nice design). Windstar (nice van except for total engine failure), Siennas (on the small side, boring, boring did I say boring). I never thought Id list performance as the reason to buy a van, but the Odyssey has it: 240 strong horses, excellent, intelligent 5-speed automatic and no fade disk brakes front and rear. Even the LX has everything you need as standard equipment. I would rate it a ten overall if it came with better tires.

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  Good build but MPG bad - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By gamed - February 29 - 12:40 am

  Cant complain about the build or interior. Very poor gas mileage at 12- 13 MPG city. Been trying to drive like Grandma to see if it improves but even then it barely makes 15 MPG. And yes Im on my 3rd oil change so its broken in. Its a minivan so didnt expect 30 MPG but its no where near what the sticker promised. The transmission is real chunky - shifts are not smooth and doesnt handle hills well which doesnt help the MPG. And handling isnt at all car-like - more like a truck. In this era of $4-5 gas the Odyssey just doesnt make sense - I would have been better off with a Sienna or a Caravan. I am really ticked off that Honda lied about the MPG - first and last Honda I buy.

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  Noise - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Leslie - February 26 - 6:00 pm

  While so much seems fine we are having a lot of trouble with the exhaust. It seems when the car is at 2000 rpm there is a loud vibration noise under your foot on the gas pedal and under the seat of the passenger side. Weve brought it back to Curry Honda twice and they have said it is a feature with the car and not to worry. However it is extrememly annoying to drive.

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  The Van is Great - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By pat - February 26 - 2:59 pm

  Went looking for a 2004 EX Ody due to high CR ratings. Test drove 3 & found huge range of ride quality. Test drove three 2005s w/similar mileage and all had same ride quality - vastly superior to 2004. Previously purchased high mileage 99 Ody that served us well - despite installing 2 trannys at warranty expense. Wrecked it in January & bought the 2005. Incredible ride, handling, quiet, features, kids and wife absolutely love it.

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  A wonderful minivan! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Kim - February 24 - 12:39 pm

  This vehicle has an exceptional smooth ride and no real blind spots that I could detect. I have become a fan of the Odyssey since my first purchase in 2002. I dont think I would ever own any other vehicle. Overall, this vehicle has a high rating in both safety and comfort. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who has a large family and likes to travel or likes space and comfort.

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  awesomeodessey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By !!!!!yeah!!! - February 24 - 12:50 am

  We just bought our 2005 Oddessey van a few days ago, but I just cant believe how awesome this minivan is. Traded in our 2002 Mercury Villager Sport-no comparison! Always heard the Oddessey was the best, and its absolutely true! We did get $$ off of sticker and the dealership made this purchase a pleasure. So much fun to drive and you can feel the quality the second you sit in it. I did my shopping and test drove all of them, and by far Honda is the best. I love my van!!!

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  Ms. Odyssey - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By L.W - February 23 - 11:31 am

  Shop various buyers programs for the best possible cost.

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  Pros and Cons - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By OhioHonda - February 22 - 1:43 am

  We just received our 2006 Odyssey EX-L w/ DVD. Biggest gripe? NO COIN HOLDER!!!! There are way too many cup holders, and no place to nicely organize our coins. Also, where we used to have a under the seat (passenger) drawer, they put our subwoofer! In the past, the subs were always installed under the drivers seat. Maybe this was an installers mistake? In the past we had a 2002 and 2004 Odyssey EXLs, and thought they were a bit "vanilla", but very nice. The newest van has a very impressive dash, better leather on the seats, cool (for a van) sunroof, and neat little hidey-holes for all your stuff.

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  Enjoyable - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By nycdriver202 - February 22 - 12:01 am

  Have had for almost 1 1/2 years. Excellent on long trips, but very loud road noise in interior on hwy, especially concrete roads. Steers well, rear entertainment system great, picture awesome. Very versatile with 3 kids. Middle row seats can move backfurther for leg room. Power doors annoying at times, need to be in park or they wont work. Needs automatic headlights and auto locks. Rear visibility limited when small vehicle behind when parallel parking. Heat/cool controls awkward, too many buttons to push just to turn heat or A/c on. Gas mileage 15 city, get 25-27 on straight highway when in economy mode. Solid feeling vehicle, good fit and finish. Handles well in rain, and snow.

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  20/28 mpg, not quite! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By craig - February 20 - 2:30 am

  Its a pretty decent vehicle, although we miss the comfort of our Chrysler LXI. The Chrysler was quieter and drove more like a car. The brakes in the Honda and other safety features are far superior though. The two things that just frost me are the fact that the sticker mileage was lets just say -- inaccurate. Yea, I know your mileage may vary but I expect to be able to at least compare these numbers with other vehicles. Were getting 15 in the city and 18 on the highway with no execptional demand on the car! Thats less than my gas guzzling neighbors Suburban! I brought it to Hondas attention and they said your mileage may vary