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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  Minivan Must-Have - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Soccerball22 - February 3 - 1:10 am

  Shortly after purchasing our Odyssey, we loaded 4 adults, two kids, & two large boxes into the van for a trip to the park. Not only were we all comfortable, but we could have easily fit another 2 adults. The ride is smooth, and the van corners like a coupe.

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  the very best minivan on the market - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By phanatict2000 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  absolutley the best van for the money. has everything you need and nothing you dont.very affordable. honda stands for (h)have (o)one (n)never (d)drive (a)anyother !!!!!!!!

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  Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By cchanpa - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Great car fits and finish. Very firm seats and practical day to day usage. Perfect position to load and unload toddlers from middle seats.

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  Great Vehicle so Far! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Beebow - January 31 - 11:16 am

  This is our first Honda and we are loving it.

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  Love the van, hate the MPG. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Steve, KY - January 30 - 8:16 am

  First 3K miles have been fairly uneventful. Van rides and drives like a dream with plenty of pickup and a resonabley quiet cabin. The overall fit and finish seems to be quite good and all controls logically placed. Did encounter a flat tire at 2K (non-PAC) and no michelin dealer in town (Louisville, KY) carried the replacement, dealer had to order and it took five days. The biggest disappointment has been with the gas mileage. Neither my wife or I have gotten over 19MPG. We got as low as 13 in the city. Overall weve been averaging about 15-18 MPG. Well below what is stating as the range. The dealer has asked me to provide receipts with documented mileage to help track the issue.

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  Great car but two gotchas - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Timo - January 28 - 12:20 pm

  Great car, very tight build, very quiet. But the gas mileage so far is 15-16 in town, and 22-24 on the highway. Far from what the window sticker says. Coupled with a fairly small gas tank for a van and it means that the range is not very good. And while there are about a hundred cupholders, none of them work very well. Youll be chasing bottles of water after every turn.

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  Dafunk - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Dafunk - January 28 - 10:00 am

  The car is very solid, ride is firm, handling is very good, comfort is great, the ergonomics are very good. Acceleration is acceptable as well as the mileage. Unseen items such as traction control, 4 wheel disc brakes, courtain air bags and crumpling front and rear ends, provide a great degree of secutity.

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  Believe It! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Anita Johnson - January 27 - 2:31 am

  Great van, it ride and drive great.

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  2000 Odyssey LX - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By ADubinLA - January 26 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Odyssey just after our first son was born. Its been fantastic. We decided on the LX because we were afraid of having power sliding doors with a toddler around the house. This hasnt been a big issue. Our favorite features are 1) roominess, 2) 3rd row folding seat and 3) good power. The biggest downside, fuel economy. We average <15 mpg around town. All in all, a great car. Id definitely buy another.

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  Quite The Ride In The A.T.L. !!! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By LAMON&ELIN - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Have had 1 Serious electrical failure, repair exceded 3 days. Small pebble cracked windshield. Paint quailty is comming into question lately. Steering wheel vibrates above 45mph on smooth pavement. The quality overall is good, and the car is safe for Atlanta driving/commuting. This is the car to have if you need a minivan. Good Performance, Good Radio Very roomy, very nice, Well Done Honda.