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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  Used 2004 Honda Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By david - January 21 - 10:27 am

  We absolutely love this van! It is a big change from the Kia Sephia we were driving. I feel like we got a very good deal on it and it was in like new condition with the occassional scratches for a 4yr old van. It drives and handles wonderfully. I love the heated seats and the dvd plays great. My only complaint is that I wish the back tailgate would lift and close more smoothly. Other than that I love it! Gas mileage is 20-25 depending on where I am driving. It is very spacious and I like that you can move the 2 middle captain seats around or take them out. And also that the back seats lowers down for more space. This is a Great van! No way could we have paid the new sticker price for it.

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  2001 Honda Odyssey - still going strong - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By ResIspaLoq - January 19 - 1:43 pm

  This minivan has always been fun to drive. The way this car was designed, with its tight wheelbase and good road feel made me think that Honda wanted to capture the Accord drivers and had to offer a performance car with the highest safety ratings. It was relatively expensive at the time, but if Im going to drive my kids and other peoples kids everywhere, I wanted to the safest car. At the time, we spent a lot of time driving to activities and vacations. Honda did have a transmission recall, and did the whole replacement for free. We also liked the fact that you could convert the rear seat, which is not something other vans were capable of doing at the time.

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  2003 ODY - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By MarkinNewark - January 19 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Odyssey. These are the only two vehicles we have owned where I have agreed to pay full MSRP. That grinds on me from time to time. First ODY was a 1999 and the engine power between the 99 and the 03 is amazing. 50 more horses..Kudos to the Honda engineers. Simply put, we love this van. Resale value much higher than other vans.

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  So far so good - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Hiren Bhatt - January 14 - 3:47 pm

  Great car and very smooth ride.

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  Mini Van that still needs improvements - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Ed Khalil - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Good Power train and lots of room make this van a great hauler. But needs many improvements specialy the driver seat support.

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  Could be better, some quirks - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By m54411h - January 10 - 5:03 am

  We bought ours new in March 2007. The interior heats up very quickly however, hardly any air comes out down by your feet. (Cant even feel it.) It will blow a little harder if you turn off your side air vents but then your side windows start to fog up. My sunroof leaks while in the car wash, have been sprayed right in the face many times. The windows will sometimes roll down by themselves, whether you are driving the van or in the store shopping. I was actually locked INSIDE the vehicle once. Everyone else got out and when I tried to, the door wouldnt budge. The locks were all up. I had to lock and unlock them to get out. Very scary if you have small children and most van owners do.

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  Luv my Odyssey BUT SERVICE IS A PROBLEM: - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By luvmyvan - January 10 - 3:16 am

  Ok, My 05 EXL has 35,000 miles on it. So far I have had a windshield seal replaced due to an air leak, new brake pads, new power steering pump, rattling of the windows?, glove boxes dont fit, warped badge, and a very weird AC noise which I am waiting to blow up- which is not resolved. I still love this van but quality wise I got the lemon. The worst part is I moved where the local Service Dealer is HORRIBLE! I have finally found a better dealership 50 miles away! If only GM came up with the features of the Honda/Toyotas. Anyway, love the van- just hope it makes it to 200,000 miles. Just disappointed that a car that costs over $32,000 has this many problems, makes me sad.

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  Still love it after 17 months - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Mom of 3 boys - January 9 - 11:03 am

  This is our 3rd Honda and our 2nd Odyssey. We have been driving it for 17 months now, so I think I can give a pretty accurate review. Gas mileage improved once we hit about 15000 miles. We have driven it in snowy conditions and the TCS works well. I love how it handles and the power it has. We have had no problems. No car is perfect but this is pretty close.

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  Our First Van We love it! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Dr. Strangelove - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Being our first Van I dont have much to compare it to but I do enjoy the power of the V6 engine although it does drink the gas like water. I drive pretty fast about 80-95 mph and am only getting about 18-20 mpg. Other wise I love it. It looks great and is very comfortable.

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  Love driving a Honda!!!!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ODESSEY 06 ENTERTAIN - January 7 - 11:43 am

  I enjoy this item so much. It is easy to drive but I think I would pick a smaller one next time.......I am a solo driver and do not need all that room but it is wonderful. No problems at all