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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  First Exposure - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By IlliW - September 25 - 10:00 am

  My wifes wants (its her van) took precedence over mine. My preference would have been a better handling VW Eurovan. So far the Odd-issy lacks character at regular driving speeds; the engine, despite its high HP and torque, seems lackluster. Ill put it through its paces to find out what it truly has to offer. On our way home from the dealership a truck on I85 shed its re-caps. A large rubber projectile ripped the front right plastic wheel kowling out. Other than that, ($110.00) including installation, there was no damage, and thank god no accident. In a week or so Ill give my updated thoughts on performance. Reliability? Time will tell.

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  Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Spartan - September 25 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle to travel in!

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  Best Minivan in the Market......period!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By JUNITO - September 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the first time I bought an Honda and I have to admit that the car has exceeded all my expectations. It looks and handles superbly. Suspension and riding comfort are outstanding too. I previously owned a Ford and had to put it on sale because of lower back problems (Ford seating comfort REALLY sucks!)

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  Wish theyd still import it - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda/Toyota Owner - September 19 - 10:55 pm

  We love this little minivan. We bought it to replace or beloved 1996 Odyssey that was stolen last year. The 1998 with the VTEC is even more zippy than previous years. This is the most car-like of minivans. It s basically a large Accord with more comfortable seating and better visibility. The newer Odysseys simply dont feel as agile as these smaller Japanese vans. Although they have more room and more power. Our 2003 Element with its similar weight and power seems less zippy, gets slightly lower gas mileage, seats less and has significantly worse visibility. I bought it to keep the miles off of the more versatile Odyssey. I wish Honda would still import these.

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  HONDA VS TOYOTA - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By MIKE E - September 16 - 10:00 am

  I DROVE BOTH MINIVAN AND FOUND OUT THAT THE HONDA DROVE BETTER. I ALSO LIKED THAT IT USED REGULAR GAS

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  Excellent family vehicle - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By YS - September 14 - 5:50 am

  Great space and excellent features. Really like the lane-change camera!

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  Very Little Room to Improve - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By iam4ecu - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Had a 99 Ody, but # of improvements for 02 tempted us to a new one. Prev. issues were fixed (shifter, noise, pwr, etc). We love it! Drives great-real power. Very nimble for a van this size. Very luxurious. Amazing room & versatility. Interior feels solid-many vans feel cheap. Have the EXL w/DVD-no issues w/ the sound system. Watch Jurrassic Park & you will believe! Lthr seats are comfy & seem durable. Magic seat is great. Center row very easy to get in/out. Pwr doors are great. Best looking van by far-looks like an Acura. Highly recommend this van-Get a LX w/ less goodies & youll still have the best deal going!

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  Quiet, powerful, and fun as a van gets.. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By MLawson - September 11 - 10:00 am

  We shopped extensively, Chrysler, Nissan, Ford and Toyota. We drove them all and found the Honda to be the most comfortable, and by far the best driving experience. The Chrysler was nice but looked dated, and the lauded "stow and go" middle seats were very uncomfortable for anyone over 5 years old. It wouldve been a bit cheaper with the incentives, but I think the resale value of the Honda will balance that out in the end. We vetod the Nissan immediately for the offset gauges and the wierdo radio and hvac controls, although it drove pretty well. The Ford just felt cheap, like something youd rent instead of own. The Toyota was close but felt floaty and a little weak, plus more $$$.

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  We want the funk - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By bdlfe - September 10 - 4:06 pm

  One of the better driving vehicles out there. Not sure why people are bashing the mileage, theyre driving 2 tons on four wheels! I get about 25 for road trips and 16-17 local driving (Ive noticed that frequent start and stops with short distances <10 miles will drop the mileage on any car) It gets about the same or better mileage than my 02 Maxima. Ride comfort could be a little better like the Sienna but I would have to sacrafice handling. Love the space in the back, way more utility than a SUV. Actually wish there was an extended version. Love the overall design and look, IMHO the best looking minivan out there.

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  2005 Honda Odyssey EX - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jazz - September 10 - 10:11 am

  This was the first year for the new redesign so I guess you have to expect some teething problems. After picking up the vehicle we noticed that the A/C vents in the middle were not functioning. The dealer had to get Honda tech line involved and they ended up pulling out the entire dashboard to replace the A/C assembly. In the process they seemed to have shorted out the climate control lights so that had to be replaced too. Thru Auguest 2007 we have replaced the power steering pump, rear tailgate struts and the rear seat release assembly. There have been about 4 recalls which have also been addressed. Very noisy on the highway and the gas mileage could be better.