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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  Old Faithful - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By 1997 Honda Odyssey - July 14 - 8:10 pm

  This van has been like a family pet. It is as tough as a bull, easy to drive, and has never let us down. My only complaint is the paint job. Our old van is looking pretty ratty as the paint deteriorates. We are considering a paint job, rather than getting a new one.

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  Honda Odyssey is the best of the minivans - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Lee FitzSimons - July 13 - 1:31 pm

  EVERYTHING works. Power doors are sensational. MPG is excellent and engine power is very good.

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  Honda best minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave 213 - July 11 - 9:36 am

  It took me for ever to get my wife to buy a minivan. She didnt want to be a "soccer mom". Now that has had the chance to drive it she loves it. I bought her a 2004 Odyssey and she loved and wouldnt get rid of it for anything. Then I talked her into driving the new 2006, well she now drives a 2006. Keep up the great work Honda!

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  2001 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L) - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Eli - July 11 - 1:53 am

  We bought our Odyssey used at 160,000 miles, and it runs great. We have shipped it to Lebanon and we use it there to shuttle my 4 kids back and forth to school, a 40 mile trip with 10,000 pot holes and the worst road surface (for american standards). Honestly we have to change the tires and brakes a lot but nothing major. Great car!!

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  Love IT!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By jhwill6 - July 7 - 3:36 am

  My husband & I have 4 kids including twins. After we bought the van we went on a road trip to south Texas from North California. We were very comfortable! Our kids were very happy with the DVD player ages are 7,4,2. The trip was relaxing. Impressed with the power through the mountains and a very smooth ride. Would do the trip again! Very happy with the van. We got a good deal through the fleet sales manger. Would recommend the van!

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  Perfect - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Hondadude - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Perfect car in every way.

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  Attention corporate!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By mr. big - June 30 - 12:00 pm

  Very nice van but need a litte bit of improvement here and there then it will be the perfect van for any family.

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  Uncomfortable seats - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave - June 27 - 12:27 pm

  Very close to purchasing the 2018 Honda Odyssey but opted for the Sienna instead. Generally, I like the latest tech (Odyssey has Apple Play but Sienna does not) ... interestingly however, I actually prefer the knob transmission handle (and round A/C knob) on the Sienna instead of the transmission buttons on the 2018 Odyssey. One of our best friends bought the 2018 Odyssey EX-L and loves it (although GPS didnt work properly to get the right destination). I was disappointed that the 2018 Odyssey A/C vents for the 2nd/3rd row seats are on the side of the vehicle (bad for hot weather days) instead of the ceiling like the Sienna. Nevertheless, I still would have purchased the 2018 Odyssey but the one thing that killed the purchase were the UNCOMFORTABLE seats. I was willing to upgrade (spend more) getting the Elite because it had perforated seats in the 1st/2nd rows which offers a bit more cushion but still nowhere as comfortable as the Sienna seating. I sat in the 2nd row of my best friends 2018 Odyssey EX-L during a ride ... and seating felt so uncomfortable (too hard) that I actually disliked the whole ride experience - it seems to be a bit more noisy than the Sienna ride too. In all fairness, the Elite does have ventilated seats as standard in the front seats which the Sienna does not have.

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  love my honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By YOWHEREIBE - June 27 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY FIRST MINIVAN, I ONLY HAD IT FOR 2 WEEKS AND IM LOVIN IT.IT HAS A SMOOTH RIDE.NO PROBLEMS YET. THE DEALER SHIP WAS AWESOME FRIENDLY AN NOT PUSHY.

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  Perfectionist View Point - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Vinny - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Just got back from trip to PA. Drove around 600 miles this weekend, ,absolutely love my Odyssey. It rides better than every other minivan I test drove. It handles like a luxury car. Best investment in a new vehicle. No dissaponments hear. The kids will love the dvd player and I can listen to cds at the same time. GREAT features all around. Engine has lots of power was able to cruise at 80MPH at only 2,000 RPMs on the TACH.