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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  Excellent Van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By hartk84 - May 24 - 5:40 am

  The craftsmanship and attention to detail is awesome. Honda and Toyota are light years ahead of anything the US automobile companies are putting out. So far no complaints I will check back in a year to let you all know how things are going.

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  Odyssey 2005 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Pazbien - May 23 - 10:16 pm

  Ever Since I purchased my odyssey 2005 I cant live without it. Excellent Handling, user-friendly features, smooth ride, excellent exterior design.

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  Holy Grail for 2007 Buying advice - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Rajan - May 22 - 8:20 pm

  Be sure you need a van, the bulk gets to you after a while. On HWY and/or snow, its unbeatable.On hills & low speed it is not great. If you do town driving and like good MPG then buy something else. MPG will get better after 15000. Transmission droning sound especially at 1500 RPM which is where it likes to stay is true, > or <1500 RPM gets rid of the drone. Pay extra for rear parking assist. VCM works well but the 08 model had 3,4 or 6 cyl operation.

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  Ideal Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By John - May 22 - 3:19 pm

  We have had our Odyssey 5 years next month and covered over 45,000 trouble free miles. The only issues weve had is one of the tailgate struts failed (I replaced it myself costing $30) and were on our 3rd set of tires (they only seem to last 20k or so). Other than that, no problems. Weve had the recall on the tranny done and (knock on wood) no issues with the transmission so far. We have been very pleased with the van. Its been great as a school bus (its primary role) and great for family vacations. We have no problem loading up the van with kids, dogs and luggage and then plowing up mountain roads at 80+ mph with both AC units going. We average 18 mpg around town and 21 on trips.

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  Even the base model LX is wondrous - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By boomike - May 22 - 10:43 am

  Even the base model 05 Odyssey LX is a wondrous vehicle. Full side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control are standard. The drive is like riding on a cloud. Having driven a Chrysler minivan for over 14 years, this van is like a dream. The third row "Magic Seat" is stunningly easy to put up and take down. Second row seats are far more comfortable than the current Chrysler minivans with "Stow-n-Go." Can anyone really use 15 cup holders? Deep bin where third row seats go makes great space for groceries. The fit of trim pieces is tight. The entire vehicle seems to scream "quality."

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  AWESOME VEHICLE!!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Love it! - May 22 - 2:00 am

  We couldnt have made a better choice for a vehicle. I have to be careful with my back and the Odyssey makes getting the children in and out of the car a breeze. We will be driving an Odyssey for a long time and you cannot beat a Honda. Between my husband and I we have had three other Hondas and were super happy with each one.

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  Good fast box - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By J - May 19 - 3:48 pm

  If you want an easy to handle, well built, relatively economical box to drive, the Honda Odyssey is it. Have owned for 4 years, taken many long trips (over 2000 miles each) and have performed only normal maintenance (tires, oil, battery). It is definitely fast enough to get out of its own way and is at ease on the highway or in the city.

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  Overall Excellent Poor MPG - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ParisRat - May 18 - 1:35 am

  Drives very well for a large vehicle never been wanting for more power comfortable on long hauls tremendous storage space and configurations no coin holder very good headlights strange and confusing button layout for climate controls we get 13.5 MPG around town (<5 miles) and 22-23 MPG on fwy cloth seats are wearing very well turning radius is OK pretty easy to parallel park excellent visibility powerful A/C seats 8 (4 adults + 4 kids in car seats + beach gear) pretty well - wouldnt want to drive more than a hour like that second row seats are pretty easy to remove - Ive had 4x8 plywood sheets inside with tailgate closed! clear gauges silly number of cup holders.

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  BEWARE! Road test before buying! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By BIG swede - May 16 - 1:23 am

  I traded in my 03 Odyssey for 06. 06 has had vibrations in steering wheel at highway cruising speeds since purchase which make vehicle annoying, tiring and perhaps even unsafe to drive. Also excessive steering "kickback" from bumps and imperfections in pavement. Honda has balanced tires twice with no improvement. Suggest you road test Odyssey at highway speed before purchasing.

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  First Month - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By TGC - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Were about to make our first payment and feel we made a great choice. Gas Mileage is lower than we hoped, but not horrible. The Van drives great and is smooth at highway speeds. Entertainment system is a little confusing at first, but the kids love it.