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 1461 through 1470 of 3,253.00-
Good looking van! But did not meet my expectation! - 2018 Honda Odyssey
By Okhil Nag - June 8 - 3:23 am1. Driver seat always go back to the original position when engine is turned off-and come back to the memory position when engine start on next time. I think this is a unnecessary move what consume the space in the back-in front (where there is limited space already and block by handle) of 2nd row seat when you need it to get off/on the kids. 2. There is no storage by the 3rd row seats. 3. Need a lot of pressure to accelerate. 4. Overall height of the vehicle is also not comfortable enough to access the 3rd.
-
Fits the bill! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Einy - June 4 - 12:00 pmAll in all, the best "long range" vehicle we have ever had. Comfortable for adults, kids, even the pet dog! Reliability with 35k on the clock has been perfect, but that is what we expected with a Honda. Interior layout and comfort is excellent, and exterior styling is pleasingly aggressive compared to its competition. Only gripe - fuel mileage. On trips we get 23 MPG at 75 MPH, not even close to the advertised 28 MPG that our "VCM" model is advertised to be capable of. It seems that at typical freeway speed, there is too much weight / aero drag to allow the engine to go into 3 cylinder mode - maybe a 6/4/3 cylinder selection would be better? Towing package is well thought out also.
-
2005 ex-l - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By al - May 30 - 3:30 pmthis is my frist honda and the family enjoys it but it has stalled and killed many times while driving and everytime i brought it in they claimed they fixed it but it would stall again finally i recived a recall on it and i took it in they fixed it but my wife does not like driving it because theres that little doubt in the back of her head it will stall again. gas milage is god awefull 12/15 mpg they say it the type of gas what bs i use shell
-
I LOVE this van! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By Heather - May 28 - 7:30 pmAfter extensive research and test driving every option out there, we decided on the Odyssey. We love it! Very fun to drive, great features and a solid history of reliability...what more can you ask for? I highly recommend this van to anyone who needs space, but values a quality vehicle and wants to enjoy at least the ride while doing those dreaded errands! Kids love the DVD and power sliding doors, and we really value the navigation system. Overall an A+++++!!
-
New 06 Odssey. - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By Paul R. White - May 27 - 3:13 amAfter recently returning from a 2800 mile trip throuh the mountains of East TN, NC, and VA, in this NEW Odssey I have been amazed at its power and the smoothness of its transmission shifts, (especially, the operation of the cylinder management system). Also, I have been pleased with its comfort and fuel mileage. I am a retired NASA Engineer and tend to be picky, but as of now, I am well pleased.
-
THE BEST - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Muhammad - May 26 - 5:00 pmWHEN COMPARED TO THE TOYOTA SIENNA THIS VAN HANDS DOWN BEATS IT. ITS FASTER, looks nicer, and is more technologically advanced. I actually considered buying a Lincoln Navigator but the fuel economy was too bad....the odyssey has 20/28 mpg, is just as spactious, and comes with more options for a lower price.....well not that low....About 40K with all the options
-
New Car - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Jack Lott - May 26 - 6:03 amIm 57 and this is the best car I have ever owned. I spent a week in snow storms and it handled perfectly. Very reliable and fun to drive.
-
Some disappointment - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By Verla - May 24 - 2:48 pmI was disappointed to find out Honda took away the rear quarter vent windows, are now stationary. Also, the floor is not level, theres a good 3-5" slope from the tailgate down toward the front of the vehicle, making use for camping and dog shows very difficult. Im VERY disappointed in the mpg. I typically get better mpg than the window sticker but get way below the mpg of my friends Toyota Siennas.
-
Excellent (for a van).... - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By ldc1956 - May 24 - 8:37 amWe bought one of the last of these built prior to model styling change. Towards the end Honda offered DVD with cloth seating (EX RES) before, DVD was only available with leather. The Odyssey was one of the few models which would allow us to fit four car seats (4 kids under 4 yrs.) while enabling access for an adult to buckle 3rd row passengers without removing 2nd row car seats and occupants. Weve taken to turning off the interior light with the dash master switch because weve run the battery down several times when we didnt know one of the kids had switched on their overhead light. Other than the transmission lubrication recall, weve gone 22K miles with no repairs, just regular maint.
-
Honda Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By Joyce - May 24 - 6:13 amI am a first time Honda owner. This vehicle far surpasses all the other vehicles I have owned in my lifetime. The color is perfect, Desert Sand Metallic, the ease in driving is wonderful, as far as the cars performance I expect to have nothing but good things to say about it since I have only owned it for two days. I love the way the car handles and everything is in easy reach for the driver. Visibility is superb as is the sound system. I would heartily recommend this vehicle to any prospective buyer.
