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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Mother of three boys - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By lawrence dorsey - July 26 - 10:33 amIts big enough for me to drive my three boys around yet I dont feel like Im driving a van. I am able to drive it like a car.
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One Hot Papa in a Minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By wynner - July 23 - 12:46 pmThis van has updated styling, plenty of practical, nifty features. Buyers - compare the practicality of the Pilot vs the Ody and youll see - from easier access to better power, unless you NEED AWD go for the van. Its a sign that good cars CAN be built in America with proper planning / engineering. Power everything is great, ease of driving excellent, comfort excellent!
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Quality Ride - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Hollywood - July 22 - 10:00 amIt is great to have a quality vehicle in our family.Before purchasing our Odessy, we were riding in a four door Ford Explorer. On long trips it was difficult for my wife to get to our 4 months old twins when they were crying. Now that we have our van it is easier to walk between the seat to care for our children. We do not even have to get out the vehicle. The Odessy is a vehicle that can grow with our family for a long while.
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Wonderful Minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By clcl - July 20 - 9:43 amI had this Odyssey for just one week. The whole family just loves it. Interior is very comfortable and more luxurious than a Sienna XLE. Making a U-Turn is a piece of cake. It feels secure to drive and has a smooth ride.
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Happy van man - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By cinquini - July 19 - 4:16 pmI need a car roomy for trips, hauling items, economical, dependable, comfortable, etc. I researched using Edmunds and other sources and realized the Odyssey was the choice! Had it 3 weeks and so far I am very pleased! It handles very well for a van and is so quiet and comfortable. I like the rear seat that is easy to fold down and have room for our two bikes and tons of stuff. On the road it wants to get to 75 without even a whisper! Just 2000rpm at 70mph. Great car.
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LOVE THIS VAN - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By lucie - July 19 - 1:46 pmWe should have had this van when all kids were at home! We own the EX-L model and enjoy everything about it. Best of all is the room that we have. Everyone is 57" or much taller and we all have plenty of leg and head room. Used this van to move my son home from college. With the middle seats out and the back seats stored, we put his x-long single mattress and boxspring on its side and still had plenty of room for his other stuff. For long camping trips, we take out the middle seats, drop the rear seats and put in two road bikes, camping gear and luggage. Very comfortable and convenient. Young son and friends, all 6+ took it on road trip and enjoyed the comfort.
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Good car with few kinks - 2018 Honda Odyssey
By DJ - July 19 - 7:16 amReally like the Odyssey, it drive more like a car than a minivan. Only complaint is that the Climate Control cannot be in Auto mode while Recirculate is on. As a result have to choose between climate control and recirculate. If I choose the former, exhaust fumes enter the cabin, if I choose the latter, the glass fogs up. Also, the USB Audio can only read drives upto 16GB! Other than that, been happy with the vehicle.
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Honda or Hondiea - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By manny - July 17 - 11:55 pmSeems that Honda should resolve issues of fit and finish quickly before custumers start seriously considering moving to other makes, especially those offering 10yr 100,000m war. Had front brake problems-after several attempts there was a fix with a redesigned pad that stopped grinding noise. Replaced tires at 40000. Glove boxes cant be alligned, noise around 3 doors, electrical problem a mystery- after rainstorm, no power with doorlocks, AC, lights and Info display. Some plastic interior pieces pops out. Replaced 4 interior bulbs. Hits hard over bumbs with pax tires. Mic went on navigation. Paint peeling on roof rack, water in fog light. Starting to feel tugs when cms activates.
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A Crash Survivor - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Odyssey Crash Surviv - July 16 - 10:00 amJust wanted to let everyone know that the 5 point Crash Rating is absolutely correct. I had an accident in my Odyssey last week and walked away from the crash even though my van was totaled. Unfortunately, the person in the other vehicle was not so lucky. My husband is an auto body repairman and he agrees that he doesnt see autos in the condition mine was in and hear that the person survived. I have nothing but good to say about my Odyssey. I will be shopping around for a new one as soon as the accident is settled. I had my van for 14 months when the accident happened, and havent had any problems with it.
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Disappointed - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By Sherri Parker - July 15 - 8:40 pmI purchased this mini van looking for better gas mileage than my Durango. Im getting the same mileage (my calculations agree with the electronic one) 13/16 MPG. The temp. gauge has never worked properly and am told that it was set at the factory and nothing can be done. But the biggest shock is the Pax tires. I got a puncture in the sidewall today. Pulled into a shop and was told that only Honda can replace the Pax tire because the tire and wheel are one. Honda charges $300 for a new wheel. As far as driving on the flat, I was told by Honda service that if I drive more than a few miles on it, I chance doing more damage - more money. So as I write this, Im waiting for a tow truck.
