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:
Showing 1451 through 1460 of 3,253.00-
low mpg and build quality - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By scs_13 - June 25 - 11:16 amI am disappointed with my purchase for the following reasons: low mileage (14.5 mpg city, 24 mpg high way). The car has about a dozen different rattles depending on the outside temperature. The driver and front passenger seat are not comfortable due to the position of the (non- telescoping) steering wheel. The doors do not close well, together with the wind noise you never feel secure about properely shut doors. The doors had to be aligned, since they were chipping the paint. The car has a bumpy ride, it in no way doubles as a sedan, its a truck with 8 seats. The raised expectations were clearly not met. You should do a much more extensive test drive then me before you buy.
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Excellent Van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By Midline - June 25 - 12:33 amThere are only 2 complaints I have for the Odyssey. The location of the gear shift—obtrusive. Auto sliding doors sensitivity. Let me explain: the gear shift is in a weird spot, between the steering wheel and the radio controls. Usually, it would be connected to the steering wheel or below the radio controls. Because of that difference it takes getting used to. Then the two sliding doors will not operate if vehicle is not in park or if you pull the handles the wrong way. The car system will "beep" if not handled right. Although it may be viewed as a good safety feature, it becomes annoying when others are not familiar with the van. Everything else about it is great!
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Honda Odessy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By wuscmom - June 23 - 5:26 pmThe minivan is only a month old but is way better than our 1997 dodge grand caravan.
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Disappointment - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By jd - June 21 - 9:58 pmThis was the first Honda we had bought. I just traded it in after only 11 months. We were very unhappy with the gas mileage, 15 city/22 highway. The A/C did not work the day we picked it up and it took several visits after having to drive in 90+ deg VA weather before the leak was found and correctly fixed. Trouble with run flat tire at 10000 miles. Concerning mileage I was told no one should expect what they advertise.
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HONDA VCM SUCKS ! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
By Dave - June 20 - 12:20 amHondas Variable Cylinder Management is total CRAP, had no idea Honda Odyssey engine had VCM. Would not have bought if had known there were law suits. The engine suffers plus the associated issues related to VCM are completely unacceptable. Honda you should be ASHAMED.
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Great van, but tires dont last long - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By atlatnamike - June 19 - 1:09 pmThe van was a great purchase and is fun to drive. It is very comfortable and have had little issues. I would have passed on the Touring and purchased the next level with the entertainment system, since the tires wear about 24K miles and are very costly.
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PAX Tires - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By J. Moore - June 16 - 8:50 amMy wife and I really like this vehicle. Perfect for talking the family around town or on trips. That said, I would not buy the touring model again because of the PAX tires. They do not give good mileage. I replaced mine at 21000. And they are overpriced. This fact was not made prior to buying the vehicle. The replacement will probably be a crossover and a Toyota. Sorry Honda.
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Fix these things... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By bill - June 10 - 10:33 amI like most things about the odyssey except the build quality wasnt up to todays standards. Door gaps too big and doors not aligned well. Wind noise from sliding doors noticeable at highway speeds. My main peeve is the road noise. It drowns out the radio and conversation on roads with a slightly rough surface. Only on super smooth asphalt highways is it nice and quiet. This should be fixed ages ago, since GM, Ford have never had a road noise problem. Mine is a 2003, incidently, and maybe the new van is better, but reports still mention road noise. Gear shifter blocks dash switch. Steering wheel blocks left side switches from view.
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Excited about a minivan - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By jeff - June 10 - 12:43 amWhat is not to love. We have 4 kids and our only options at this point are suburbans or Minivans. We looked at Chrysler T&C, Toyota and Honda... Honda was a no brainer! It has plenty of horsepower with our whole family and a incredibly smooth ride. For the family who needs a "touring" vehicle with all the bells and whistles this is the car. The sound system is excellent ( I have 2 teenagers and it is very important). it is also important to have teenagers to show you how to use the nav system.
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Excellent!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By CorkyF16 - June 8 - 10:00 amTwo Children. Two Car Seats. Plenty of room for strollers, beach items, coolers, *and* two more adults.
