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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  To Be Decided - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By JK - October 22 - 12:20 pm

  We took delivery of our 07 Odyssey only to be greeted by a dead battery the next day. The battery was found to be defective and the battery was replaced. The van is currently back at the dealership for replacement of the rear brake discs with 300 miles on the vehicle. THe service advisor defined this situation as "lot rot." I will presume that these are just issues that need to be worked out with delivery but so far this is the least reliable initial quality for any vegicle I have ever experienced. This is our first Honda but we have previously purchased new 3 Fords, 1 Saturn, 1 Chevrolet and 1 Saab and have never had any delivery issues like we have experienced with this vehicle.

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  Excellent van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Terry - October 20 - 10:12 pm

  This is a wonderful driving van. Only negative is some wind noise. I would highly recommended this model. The wireless DVD headphones, seperate control for front & back radio/DVD is a great feature.

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  A super car - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By WILLIAM WILLIAMS - October 20 - 7:50 pm

  The head rests are tilted forward enough to muss up my wifes hair - she turned them around and is now happy, but i dont know how effective the now are.-------------The merry go round under the floor in the middle sec. Is completely worthless. I removed mine and it is for sale [unused] for a cheap price.---------One of the tires lost most of its air in 45 days, two times. They had to replace the cast wheel, it had a very small defect. A fine car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Tech. needs to be refined. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By kingmydas - October 16 - 4:13 pm

  It is going on approx. 2 wks, so the infatuation has diminished. It is still an excellent vehicle, except for the glitches btw. the voice command, radio, and navigation. Sometime the navigation freezes up and will not respond. Sometimes the radio will just stop playing for no apparent reason. I believe it is all occuring from the voice interface. When everything is working correctly, the vehicle is magnificent. When they are not, it leaves a little to be desired.

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  2002 Van is the best! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By BJK - October 15 - 10:00 am

  No problems at all and does everything as advertised. Large interior and very comfortable. Great travel van, especially with kids. Plenty of power from the engine. Rear seat could be a bit wider to make it ideal. Disappearing rear seat a big plus.

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  I love it! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By liskev - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I just bought an Odyssey and I already love it. The features and space are great. The DVD system is a must if you have kids who dont like long rides. I also like the ease of moving the Magic seat and the middle seats. Also the automatic doors are great when your hands are always full. I researched many Makes and models and you definitely get the most for your money with the Odyssey.

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  Amazing - Luxury Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Tim - October 15 - 6:56 am

  Outstanding vehicle. It actually feels more like a large European luxury sedan. Plenty of power, excellent handling, well thought out, luxurious interior. Weve owned a 99 Odyssey and a 2004 Pilot. I thought the interior on the Pilot was a big upgrade on the 99 Odyssey. Well the 05 interior on the Odyssey is amazing. Honda could have slapped an Acura badge on this thing and it would have sold. Unless you need AWD, the Odyssey is the clear choice for families. By the way, it does nicely in the snow. The overall quality of the vehicle makes me feel like Im driving a $50k+ luxury car. At less than $30k out the door for a EX-L, its a steal.

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  Odyssey EX-L w/ Nav is one great minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Hondaman - October 9 - 6:19 pm

  Upgraded from a 97 Nissan Quest after testing driving the new Quest and Sienna. This is the best minivan out there in terms of performance, safety, reliability, feature and price. The exterior design could be better but not as bad as the new Quest. Took two long trips and the mileage is around 25 which is worse than 28 EPA but still better than the old Quest, city is about 20MPG. Nav, 6 disk CD/stereo with XM, moonroof, pwr rear window, sunshade, rear DVD, in floor storage, fold down rear seats are nice. Leather package worth the difference with VCM engine. Glad I passed on the problematic/expensive Touring. Add towing package and fog lights. Good ride but harsher than the old Quest.

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  2008 Ody is more solid than 2005 Ody - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Larry - October 9 - 4:13 am

  We traded in our 05 EXL RES with 47,700 miles on a 08 EXL R&N and the difference is amazing. The ride has improved, the sound dampening has improved, and the fit and finish is better. The floor mats arent as thick, have less thread count, and they arent engraved with Odyssey on them. The back of the 3rd row seats are now carpet instead of leather. I like the telescoping steering wheel a lot better and now its more ergonomically comfortable to drive. Even my wife can tell a drastic improvement between the two vehicles. We never thought wed like driving or even owning a mini-van, but now we cant live without it. Convenience, room, better gas milage than SUVs, and comfort done well

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Michelle - October 5 - 9:13 pm

  I am SO happy with my purchase. I debated between the Sienna and the Odyssey for some time and I am very glad I chose the Odyssey. Feature for feature, the Odyssey is a much better value. The ride is very smooth, steering is tight, seating is comfortable, and the brakes are very responsive. Having never owned a foreign car before, I feel I have been missing out. I am sold on Honda.