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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  A Sienna Killer - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Bob - November 30 - 9:50 pm

  I was ready to buy a Sienna, based on years of good experience with Toyota products. I drove the Sienna and the Odyssey, back to back, at the same dealership and found out why the Odyssey finally topped the Sienna as the best mini-van in 2005. The Sienna is in a class above the other mini-vans Ive driven, but the Odyssey is even better! It is a very well thought-out vehicle, handles like a sports car and is miserly on fuel, considering its weight. Its eerily quiet at both 70 mph 110 mph, going from one speed to the other in a flash. Howd they do that? The quality of construction is superb, all controls are intuitive and at-hand, making driving fun again. You gotta love this car!

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  Interior needs work - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By clarke - November 30 - 9:02 pm

  Me and my wife have this van for 2 yrs. Fuel economy stinks, entertainment stopped working after six months. We have the ex cloth w/entertainment. Should have gotten ex-L without entertainment. We have children and for that it is great. Comfort is good. Overall good.

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  Best choice of a Minivan since sliced bread - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Ben L - November 28 - 8:19 am

  Chrysler may have invented the Minivan, but Honda has perfected the design. As a male driver who loves vans, i find it a purchase worth every penny. The new design for 2018 will grow on you mainly for the innovations and safety features. I regret not buying sooner but am grateful for the new model designed found in this van. There are some nice features worth spending the extra and I highly recommend the EX-L model. All others pales in comparison. Whether to upgrade to the Touring or Elite is a matter of personal choice, but the moving up from the base model of the LX to the EX or EX-L is worth looking into.

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  The Perfect Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Mike - November 26 - 11:30 am

  My wife and I drove several different vans and had it narrowed down to the Sienna XLE and the Odyssey EX-L. I decided that I wanted to drive the Odyssey Touring to see if there was much of a difference. I couldnt believe how much nicer of a drive the Touring model was. I love it. There are a ton of features that are all useful. This is one nice van.

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  great van in the market - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By rk - November 26 - 10:00 am

  BEST van in the market. We are completely satisfied.

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  Honda 2006 - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By BUGEATER - November 26 - 3:10 am

  Have had my honda 2006 for 10 months. I have had to replace front brakes at 10,000 miles and the gas pedal had to also be replaced due to rattling and rubbing noises (metal against metal). They said it is the first time they have ever seen this. All in all we have really enjoyed this van. We upgraded from the 2003 because we were pleased with the quality of the first van.Road noise is still a problem and when the middle row windows are rolled down it sounds like a train going by at full speed. Hopefully, no other problems.

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  Proud Owner of a 2005 Honda Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By pebbles93065 - November 23 - 5:10 pm

  Recently my husband and I felt that it was time to trade-in our 2002 Honda Odyssey for something newer. We looked at several other minivans but none could compare to our Odyssey. I love my Odyssey inside out! Other vehicles might come close but once you have driven the Odyssey there is just no way to settle for anything else. We are a family of 5 and do quite a bit of traveling, we fit very comfortably and with plenty of room for luggage. Sometimes we even take our parakeets and dog with us and there is still room remaining. The Odyssey is extremely quiet and has a very smooth drive. I highly recommend the Honda Odyssey for anyone that is looking for quality, style,reliability and comfort.

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  Incredible - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By veleven - November 23 - 1:56 am

  This van replaced a 96 Grand Caravan. No comparison! Excellent build quality and features. Designed for Mom and drivers both (may be one and the same). Nav system is fantastic...once you learn the many options. Back seats are the best bar none for ease of folding and comfort.

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  98 Odyssey - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By Darrell - November 21 - 3:47 pm

  Have driven for 10 years and am very pleased with the service I have gotten from this Honda.

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  Best minivan out there - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By jad0110 - November 17 - 10:09 am

  We bought our Ody new in 5/2004 and have put 38k on it since. Unless you plan to tow or offroad, this van is an excellent choice. It is like a good leatherman tool - it does everything you ask of it. The seats are superbly comfy, even the 3rd row is useable (an Im 67"). Plus, the driving dynamics are very good for a 2+ ton minivan. Steering is nicely weighted and precise. Handling is very good. Power is pretty awesome, especially when you feel (and hear) the VTEC system kick in at around 4600 rpm. Gas mileage is respectable for such a vehicle of its weight and power. And it runs happily on Regular, unlike the Toyota Sienna in 04 - that was a big selling point.