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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  Impressed - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Patty - August 26 - 1:26 pm

  We purchased vehicle 5/31/06 and have taken it on a 600 and 1700 mile trip. Its pretty comfortable to ride in and looks great. We had a trial period of 3 mos. of XM Satellite Radio and thats all we listened to on our trips.

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  Worst. Honda. Ever. - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Comic Book Guy - August 24 - 9:42 pm

  Worst. Honda. Ever. Constant A/C problems, sliding doors that CLOSE if you bump them. In fact, you could make the door close on, oh, say, a toddler, simply by pushing in a few of the brass, pencil- sized "finders" in the door itself. Extremely uncomfortable to ride in - build for "little people". Noisy. Eats tires. Transmission problems. Lots of recalls. Words cannot express my disappointment with Honda. I guess they join the long list of companies that USED to do it right (H/P comes to mind), but have declined into mediocrity. Honda owes anyone who bought this lemon $10,000 for pain and suffering.

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  Love-Hate Relationship - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Kris - August 24 - 8:16 am

  I owned a Town and Country Limited before this van, and had nothing but problems, so I traded it for a Honda - no problems, right? Wrong. Had problems with DVD player (wouldnt play video - bad cable), Navigation system (voice recognition didnt work), glove box wouldnt open, PAX tires (hard to keep balanced and fast wear), vibration in steering at high speeds (Still not resolved), Airbag light came on (no explanation except known problem). All have been covered under warranty, but what a pain. That aside, I still love the van. Its comfortable, gets reasonable gas milage, and can an haul almost anything I need.

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  Noisy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Andrea - August 23 - 11:53 am

  This car is extremely loud inside when driving over 40 mph. The noise isnt too bad if your driving under 40 mph. However, the kids have to blast the DVD just to hear over the roaring and vibration when driving down the freeway.

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  Disappointed - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill - August 23 - 9:06 am

  We purchased this minivan thinking that with Hondas reliability, we would have years of service. We were very wrong. We have had repeated power door problems, suspension problems, several recalls, and a replaced transmission. The engine now leaks oil and has less than 100,000 miles. Having owned this vehicle, I now know that I will never own another Honda again. There apparently is a myth about Honda reliability. If foreign cars are no better, why do we continue to buy them?

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  Cant believe Im excited about minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By sdm88 - August 22 - 11:06 am

  Just took delivery of an EXL with Navigation. This is an exceptionally well designed and built vehicle. Honda reliability plus the magic 3rd row seat and the power sliding doors were the key selling point. Navigation was a nice toy to add to the package. Had to wait 6 months like everyone else, but was able to purchase through a buying service so I paid invoice and consider it a BARGAIN. Never thought we would get a minivan but our SUV got to be a challenge with our second child. Still cant believe I traded in my Mercedes to get this van for my wife.

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  Great Mini - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Christa Brownt - August 21 - 4:56 pm

  Bought our 04 in 04. It was great and easy to use with an infant car seat. Plenty of room for those darn rear-facing car seats. Somewhat difficult teather location, but manageable. Love Hondas for their "child-friendliness" Tons of cup holders, pockets, room. Had no problems with engine or handling. My big complaint is the road noise. When we have the kids tunes on and try to talk over the road noise, we pretty much have to scream at each other. Cant listen to talk radio when on the highway, because I cant hear what they are saying over the road noise. It is really my one and only complaint.

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  Best van we even leased - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Firas Issa - August 20 - 10:06 pm

  Since day one both my wife and I loved it. We had 2 problems. The top glove compartment didnt close right, they had to add a piece of foam to get it to close. Also noise issue when on freeway, turns out the windshield seal was a little loose at one corner, all got fixed under warranty and the wipers dried up in six months(tx weather). Other than there minor issues we love the fact that it shuts off 3 cylinders when slowing down or cruising down the freeway and my kids love the dvd player. Sound quality is great. We had an 04 odyssey and we thought they couldnt top it, they did.Great van, for any mom or day.The leather is the way to go w/ kids,everything comes off right away.

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  Nice van, a few problems - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By shelly - August 20 - 7:56 pm

  I have mixed feelings about my Odyssey. I love the convenient features but I have had a few problems. We had vibrations/noise from the drivers side front area. After a second trip to the dealer it seems to be fixed. The steering column needed to be lubricated. I guess there is a "bulletin" out about this problem. Also, I had to have my rear bumper repainted because paint was peeling off! I had my front grill replaced due to a paint bubble. I hope this turns out to be a reliable vehicle after all these problems are worked out because I didnt expect this when purchasing a Honda at this price!

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  06 Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeremy - August 17 - 11:17 pm

  Overall my odyssey has been pretty good.. I had to take it it for a recall for the power steering pump about 6 months of ownership. The pump was making a whining noise like Fords Ive driven in the past. This is my first Honda. My wife and I hope to keep it a long time.