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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  Thanks for the crashbox Honda - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By DJS - February 19 - 8:53 am

  My wife and I purchased this vehicle new in Feb 06. We are very pleased with the vehicle. We have averaged between 21-26 mpg since its purchase (70%highway) and have had no mechanical issues to date. I never imagined that a minivan could be fun to drive, but this one is. Most importantly, it is a very safe well engineered vehicle. My wife and two kids (20Months/3years) were recently involved in a serious side impact collision with a full size pickup. In the end, the vehicle suffered approx.19K in damage, but all three walked away unharmed. We purchased an 08 model as a replacement. Thanks Honda, From a greatful father and husband

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  Great Car With Awkward Moments - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave Woolley - February 19 - 4:58 am

  If your over 511" you have to duck your head to get in. Also the temp controls are awkward. To sink your phone to the Bluetooth is another story on its own. The dealers dont tell you the front end is heavy and wears out the tires quickly at 20,000 miles. They will tell you to rotate the tires every 7,000 miles or no tire warranty. Who wants to rotate the tires every 7,000 miles? All it does is destroy the back tires as well that look like new. Taking the car back to the dealership to rotate the tires and have a big stinky mechanic leave his stench in your car for a week no way. Also if you click the lock button twice it will crack all the windows so it airs out in hot climates. Good idea but it also cracks the sun roof that is not visible to the eye. If you forget to close the sun roof at this point and go through a car wash your hosed. Water will get in all the way to the center of the car and you will not know it until the dryer fans go on at the end of the wash. Youll love the dripping water coming through your top controls on your new car. Other than that I love the car for kid convenience and it halls ass and handles very good. It sucks gas but you can go slower and the fuel efficiency light will go on telling you your conserving gas consumption.

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  Wait and Se - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By P.McMillan - February 14 - 1:26 pm

  Totaled our 1999 Ody of 3.5years in Jan 08. Test drove 3 potential used 2004 replacements at local Honda dealership. Ride quality ranged hugely. Tried three (50K)2005s and we were hooked. If 2004 was 8 on 0-10 scale, 2005 was 10. Similarity of ride between the 3 2005s identical. Have had the 2005 EX a week now. Interior comfort styling, function is TOPS. Well taken care of by prev owner - all dealership maintenances. Steering pump and reservoir, brake pads, windsheild reglued by warranty under prev owner. Stereo increadible although old tech in no MP3/Ipod capable. Roomy, lush, quite tight ride, all power. Great van buy thus far - will advise later.

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  First New Honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By RBell2 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  We finally traded our 96 DGC-LE for a new 03 Ody EX-L. I got a discount off MSRP of ~$2,500. The leather interior is so comfortable and the power, performace, and handling really exposed my old vans sloppy ride and very poor pick-up. We like the power doors, large rear cargo area, and excellent climate control system. There were a couple of items I wish it had (temp/compass display and 60/40 split 3rd row mainly). I also feel my family is much safer given this cars on road safety record over the last few years and the crash scores (much better than our old van). We are looking forward to 6-7 years of comfortable, reliable, safe driving.

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  Best out of 4 Honda vehicles owned since 2013 - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By KAM - February 12 - 3:35 pm

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  Best vehicle - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Hona - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I had been looking for a van or SUV for quite some time and am very happy with my Oddyssey. For the last few weeks, we have been breaking the Odyssey in taking drives up and down the coast and have been pleased at the comfortable ride, handling, cornering and very ample acceleration. My fuel mileage has been about 20mpg for combined street and freeway driving. It has a very solid feel and we feel very safe riding in it.

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  Bet mini van ever owned !!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Camille - February 6 - 8:23 pm

  Nothing about this mini van we dont like !! Had Chrysler town and country and others, no comparision! Gas mileage just as claimed, brakes smooth and quiet.Love the roll down back windows with sun shades.Rear camera a real bonus. Easy Nav system compared with others.{touch screen}Front and back warning system a real help. Most only have rear.Tires could be quieter but run flat option out ways the noise. {its not that bad, at all !} Just cant say enough great things about the van. and we have bought and sold a lot of vehicles. We plan on keeping this van a long time !!

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  Last honda - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Ian - February 6 - 9:06 am

  Hondas are over rated for some reason. I havent faced any major issues with this minivan but it has a lot of minor issues. I bought it new in 2010 and keep all maintenance current. Cons: 1) Battery management system acted up within a few months of purchase. Honda updated the software and supposedly fixed the issue of constant system warning, but I think they just turned the system completely off. 2) Jerky transmission, just like the previous civic I owned. How can they keep rolling these out of factory with this issue and then issue crappy TSBs and expect me to pay for this non-sense? 3) Climate control has its own mind. Full automated mode works well. AC is not obedient when used in manual mode. 4) Steering noise every 6 months and needs to be greased. 5) Battery drained completely when I left the key in ACC mode by mistake. I owned a 2011 Maxima and that was smart to shut off after 30 mins when engine not running to prevent battery drain. Why such a small battery and not put the biggest battery on this monster van? It has tons of power equipment which drain a lot. 6 ) Worst brakes I have ever experienced. Rotors warped quickly. Upgraded stoptech/brembo rotors worked much better. 7) Worst navigation system that has no touch screen and voice control is just primitive. Pros: 1) Hauls a lot of people and stuff. 2) Decent highway gas mileage. 3) Good highway ride (when tranny not shifting). 4) Seats are comfortable for long rides. Overpriced and overrated just because of its brand I think. Lot of room for improvements. Honda is far behind in innovation and refinement. Their advanced features are far behind competition and designed poorly. I feel sorry to have dished out 40k on this and having to deal with all the crap from American Honda and their Stealerships. Hope this van runs for 6 more years without major issues as I got to live with the minor ones.

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  Still Going Strong - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Mrugesh - February 5 - 6:50 pm

  Bought this van new in 2001 and its never been taken to any repair shop. Dealer or otherwise. If youre gonna put your precious cargo (wife and kids) in a box, this is the one. The safest, the most reliable, the most luxurious and the most worry-free box out there in the market. BTW, I also own a BMW Z4 which has been to the dealership for "tweaking" 3 times since i bought it last year. Something about them Japanese engineers. I bet in the next 25 years or so well think Japanese when we think of prestigious automobiles.

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  I am now a believer in the minivan - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Sam K. - February 5 - 6:02 am

  The minivan...what a great invention. Never thought Id get a minivan. It was always RR and S550, but boy what a wonderful and practical car. Ive driven my buddys Sienna and it does not compare to the Odyssey. Toyota tried too hard, whereas Honda is just so good in this market. The only gripe that I have is that someside door armrest stains do not come out easily (i.e. sunscreen residue). Other than that, the slow acceleration, long braking distance, plastic interior pieces are all expected in this vehicle. I will always have an Odyssey in the garage. Perfect road trip and people hauling vehicle.