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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  useless usb - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By J Taylor - October 31 - 6:57 am

  When I bought my odyssey, I expressed concern that there was only one jack to plug in my gps/phone. Ive never seen a car, especially a van with only one jack. It was pointed out that there was a USB port which would charge my phone while I used the jack for the gps. Well, after two 3hour sittings at the service department trying to figure out why my phone doesnt charge in the USB port and why I cant keep it plugged into the USB port while listening to an audible book, I was told the USB only works with Iphones! Even the service guys did not know this and couldnt believe it! I have an android phone, therefore the usb is useless for me. And when I plug a multi jack into the regular jack it doesnt stay with a good connection. My other pet peave is I have had the service guys try to fix the car so when it is put in park, all doors unlock. Apparently this is not possible either. It is extremely annoying to get out of the car and try to open the back door or hatch, then have to go back in to hit the unlock button on the door. Or to always have to hit the unlock button to let a passenger in. The more I drive this van, the more I wish I had stuck with the Toyota previa. When I first got the car, My son really liked it and decided this summer to trade in his car for an odyssey. After two months of having this car, he said hed never get an odyssey.

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  Mommy van no longer needed! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Cathy B - October 31 - 5:09 am

  Couldnt be happier with this car, but as kids grew, activities (gear) increased, & technology improved,needed size upgrade from Acura MDX. This car has not given us an ounce of concern, & besides routine maintenance, only expense was a battery replacement after 50 months! Its paid off, garaged & in perfect condition inside & out, but empty nest mama needs less room & fun to travel & for errands!

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  So much space! Noisy ride. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Karen - October 30 - 6:21 am

  Spreading our family of 5 throughout this van was great, everyone had their own space! However we quickly noticed that this was a noisy ride - not the kids - from the paper thin doors and seals. I went on to complain about the maintenance involved w/the sliding doors & poor placement of the track. It sits just right for children to use as a step & continually fills with debris as they track the black lubricant all over your lovely new gray interior carpet. If you dont wipe down the track a few times a month not only is there a grit-crunch each time you close the door, but it leads to issues with the automatic safety features on the door. We really wished the side windows would open.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By JSDC - October 29 - 4:26 am

  This is the best van on the market.I have been in other vans both American and Japanese but this is the best. All the controls are rock solid and the engine goes from 6 to 3 cylinders without any noticable difference in engine power.The seats are great and easy to convert.I would recomend this van to anyone. Its the best. It drives and handles like a car and the engine has the power needed to pass without any difficulty.

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  Dont Buy! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Shail - October 26 - 3:23 am

  I wrote the following letter to Honda Motor Company (HMC). HMC does not accept email so I had to mail it to them. Dear Customer Service, Re: Our new Honda Odyssey On March 17, 2016 we took the delivery of new Honda Odyssey van. The details of the van are as follows: Dealer: DCH Honda of Nanuet, NY Purchase date: 03/17/2016 Model: Odyssey LX, 2016 year VIN: xxxxxx We are very disappointed with the van interior. The floor carpet in the third row seat is stapled and the break in the carpet is disconcerting. You can clearly see this in the following photograph (not able to post in this review) The front row floor matting is misfit. The middle part of the matting ridges up even though the matting locks are properly secured. Please see following picture. In the back cargo bay on two sides two small hills pop up. Overall the Odyssey interior gives a feeling of cheapness (there are no armrest on both sides of the second row seats). This is our forth Honda purchase - we bought two Civics and one Accord in past. We always assumed great quality from Honda. We never worried about the stylishness and interior quality of Honda craftsmanship. We were not disappointed in the first three purchases. But the Odyssey experience teaches us that when we are in the market for two more cars in 2017 for our twins we better look around to other manufacturer. Thank you for reading this opinion. Regards,

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  Some Issues - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda owner - October 25 - 3:28 pm

  Two big problems with the 2000 Odyssey. First, the transmission tends to break and has design issues. Second, the automatic sliding doors tend to break also. Both of them on my Odyssey have had issues, and are expensive to fix. Other than those, it is comfortable and handles well for a minivan.

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  Top Notch Minivan - I own 2 of them! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By MIchael Shafer - October 25 - 8:16 am

  Loved it so much, I bought another one...top notch quality, ride is exceptional, quiet, fit and finish, only other true competitor to the Odyssey is the Toyota....Ford, Chevy, Chrysler, Buick - not even close in any aspect......

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  The Premier Minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Phil Marlowe - October 25 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I test drove Mazda, Dodge, and the Odyssey. The Odyssey had the best features for the money. I have owned several cars and trucks for about 30 years, but this vehicle is the most enjoyable one I have owned. It is fun to drive and has been a pleasure to ride in. I hope that I still will love it after more miles are put on it.

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  the best - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By lovemyhonda03 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  we compared alot of mini vans, the honda is a best all round. no problems. the dealer even delived it 75 miles to my house. have the ex-l a nice step up from the ole accord. have been telling all my friends they need one. power is great. silver with roof racks and mud flaps

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  Forget stigma, look at the convenience - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Dorty - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I was fixing to purchase another SUV, a friend told me to at least consider and test drive a minivan. We have three kids. I had a Totoya Sequoia previously. I couldnt get over that we actually had more space for the kids in the minivan. I figured cargo space would be less behind the third row seats, it wasnt. Plenty of cargo room, and such versatility in this minivan. I had a stigma about not wanting to drive a minivan (I use to think it was for much older people). I got over that quickly after seeing and driving my family around in it. I love the features inside, but when you get out of it-it is still a minivan. Not a sporty look, but I would give that up again for this vehicle!