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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  Very Enjoyable - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Pablo - September 8 - 9:30 pm

  Got 25 MPG on first tank of gas during break in, taking it very easy. Now getting 18 MPG in easy city driving. You have to baby this thing to get the EPA mileage (MPG numbers are from EPA, not Honda). Ride quality, comfort and driving experience are excellent IMO. Very well engineered and designed machine. Assembly quality is not perfect, but better than most brands, and good enough for me. Interior area is very well layed out, practical and attractive. One small rattle in sunroof went away by itself after one month. No significant quality problems yet. Small possible valve tick is somewhat annoying but probably no big deal. This van is a pleasure to drive.

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  A mature year - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By josamars - September 7 - 9:42 pm

  The Odyssey 2004, seems to be the model where the generation that started in 1999 got almost perfect. Most of the minor flaws that affected previous models were corrected, on the other side it does not suffer the early glitches of the new generation (AC failures). This minivan does everything right. Ive been leasing it and plan to buy. Zero problems in 3 years. Some friends driving Chrysler are already "pals" of the dealer technicians.

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  Vantastic - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Quilter - September 5 - 7:58 pm

  Weve had a great experience with this van -- no problems at all. With 104K miles on it we are selling it to my wifes sister and we bought a new Odyssey van. Its all in how you drive and take car of your vehicle. We used this van on long trips mostly and it performed beautifully on the highway. We consistenly got 27 mpg on the road and 21 in town (unleaded exclusively). Changed oil every 3K miles. Kept it clean followed the service manual waxed it 1-2 times a year, and never had a lick of trouble. We dont work for Honda and dont own their stock either. We have had 3 Chrysler vans, but think Honda builds a better van.

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  Honda does it again - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Irish Fan - September 3 - 4:43 am

  My wife and I had a Odyssey back in 2001 which we loved. We thought we upgraded a few years back to a Ford Expedition. Hated the mileage and missed the Honda. This is primarily my wifes vehicle, but I have to admit I love to drive it. Honda really didnt miss much with the 06 Odyssey. We looked at Sienna vs Honda and felt the Honda was superior in every aspect. The Odyssey has more options for less money. We have had it for two weeks and have yet to complain about anything.

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  Dream come true! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Maddie - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Only has 300 miles on it, but very happy Planned on buying a Sienna for several years, so delighted that I got the Honda Odyssey-- test drive did it-- Plenty of power, tight turn radius, smooth ride, excellent visibility, added leather and security system, price below msrp, sound system fine (not JBL) but good, huge storage and seating capabilities, look forward to traveling, ac more than sufficient

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  Elecrical Headaches - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By karonise - September 1 - 10:15 am

  I wont comment on the service I get from the dealership, but this car has constant electrical issues, the motorized doors dont close in wet weather, alarms buzz for no apparent reason, fuzes blow, motors in windows and winshiels wipers blow. I will be unloading this car this fall due to the number of times Ive been inconvenienced, and I am someone who prides on owning OLD cars. I currently own a 1990 Saturn, and had an 89 Celica (180Kmi) when I finally unloaded it, and it was still running well, just the body was shot. I will be buying a Toyota.

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  My 2001 & 2007 Odyssey - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By erob4775 - August 31 - 10:08 pm

  We liked the 01 Odyssey very much so that we now own an 2007 also. The only problem to speak of was the tranmission. We had it replaced twice (under warranty). The van now has 92000 miles and going strong. The 01 is an EX the 07 is an EXL. Next year we plan on trading the 01 for an 08 Touring model.

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  Best van ever! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Tiffany - August 29 - 7:23 am

  I love the Odyssey, its by far the best van in the market which its proven. I love the DVD system, and I get great gas mileage. I had a great experience, I drove both Odyssey and Sienna before making my decision and I am glad I went with the Odyssey, its interior is higher quality and better laid out. I like the standard safety and luxury features. A great ride, over all I am very very happy!

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  comfortable ride - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By petras - August 28 - 4:28 pm

  i recommend the base lx version if you can live without the expensive "bells and whistles"..the lx is well equiped,roomy, and comfortable on long trips...if you dont need a vehicle for towing and want a lot of room, this and other minivans are a much better value than large suvs..dont worry about the "soccer mom" stigma...no reliability issues so far..highly recommended...

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  Nice to drive - but poor reliability - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By georgiadriver - August 27 - 5:35 pm

  Purchased this to replace problem prone Sable Wagon. It was nice for 3 years but has had many problems since, new transmission (replaced by factory @ 44K thanks), door problems, rattles under hood, electrical problems, poor mileage ~ 13-15 overall except on long trips where its > 20. All service has been through the dealership. Overall we like the van - but too many little problems. The power doors hang up now - causing a buzzer to go off. Were told $500+/- to replace a motor. This isnt something I expect after 6 years and 90K miles from Honda.