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:

• 

  Those BLASTED tires! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Marianne - November 15 - 2:34 pm

  This is my 2nd Odyssey Ive purchased and overall I am very pleased. The navigation system is a pleasure to have but sometimes it does very dorky things like make stupid lengthy detours around established routes that make no sense. Also new establishments are not available to find. Now the tires are another matter. My previous odyssey needed new tires at ~65,000 miles for approx. $600 but my new one needs 4 new PAX tires now at 40,000 miles at a cost over $1000 which are difficult to find and install except at the dealership! Extremely frustrating and aggravating but otherwise I only brag about all its other good features.

• 

  Our Odyssey is great! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By VegasDJ - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Weve only had it a month and a half, but compared to our 1994 Plymouth Voyager, this van is a dream. One setback is that it gets 17-19 miles per gallon on the highway. Two advantages that the Voyager has however, are rolling door locks and a light under the hood which is convenient if you have to check your oil level or some other thing at night.

• 

  A sport sedan in mini-van clothing. - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Kvn - November 12 - 2:00 am

  After test driving the Windstar, Caravan, Sienna, and Quest, the Honda was the clear winner. Although we had to pay OVER list and wait for it, it was well worth it. I swore Id never drive a mini-van, but I dont mind driving this van one bit. It is as easy to manuever and park as a mid-size sedan, and has better acceleration and is much smoother than sport-utes. I wanted a sport-ute, but after weighing mileage, space, functionality, and comfort it was really a no brainer. It is still as solid, quiet and reliable as the day it drove off the lot.

• 

  You get what you pay for - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By W - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I just want to say that driving this van is like driving a sedan. The handling is superb as well as the ride. The engine is extremely quiet and the cabin is silent as well. I have no peeves about this van except for the 12v adapter in the front. It is near the floor board and a stretch to try and reach for it. But other than that, this van is like no other and well worth the wait and the price. You wil get what you pay for.

• 

  The Best - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Julio Pretelt - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the best mini-van in the American market right now, as 03/23/02. I have no complaint. The third sit is a killer point for sales. I have a two car garage and I dont have space to store a third sit, whith the Honda Odyssey you dont have to take the sit out, you fold it down and disapears.

• 

  Great Minivan - only minor gripes - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By DallasKen - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This van drives easily, has plenty of power, a cavernous interior, push together 2nd row captains chairs, fold-flat 3rd seat, and feels well put together. It doesnt have all the bells and whistles of a Chrysler Town and Country Limited, but most of those most people would never really care to use (do you REALLY need a power liftgate?), and the price and resale value is MUCH better. The addition of side airbags, 4 wheel disc brakes, and more horsepower add to the value of this vehicle.

• 

  Great Vehicle, but dump Michelin - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By No Va Dad - November 11 - 1:10 pm

  This has been a great vehicle for us. The styling and handling of the van is excellent. Build-in features, even on the base model we purchased, surpass expectation. However, and this is an expensive however, the tires are awful. The OEM Michelin tires have been nothing by trouble and are expensive. Weve been through 2 already at $150 a pop and about to replace a third. Ive never had some much trouble as I have with these Michelins.

• 

  Fantastic - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By cxa - November 10 - 5:43 am

  Have this for now almost 2 months. No problem so far. Handles well, feels very solid and stable. I am driving it like a car. Front chrome grill is little loose at corner. Dealer service agent promised to take it to body shop to get it inspected at my service visit. Seems to be a loose snap. Mileage so far is not great. In city, only around 15.5 mpg. No long hwy driving so far. Love rearview camera integrated to rear-view mirror. I think it is better than having camera view in dash. You dont have to take your eyes off mirror.

• 

  2nd Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Minivan - November 8 - 2:16 pm

  My wife and I think the Honda Odyssey is the nicest car we have ever owned and plan on buying another one in a year or two. The only complaints we have are the difficulty of strapping oneself in with the seat belts as it seems to be too tight of a fit and we wish the second row seats folded into the floor as they do on the Dodge Caravan and other minivans. Minor complaints on an otherwise excellent car ! Its extremely quiet and comfortable to drive on the open highway. We love the rear view mirror and Navigational Aid which we use often. It has good get up and go when you need it. An overall excellent choice if you like minivans.

• 

  Love our Ody! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By go beavs - November 4 - 4:30 am

  Great van - fun to drive, very comfortable. I love the folding rear seats and extra 8th seat in the middle row. We can fit 8 people comfortably! I also love the power doors.