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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  first van other than ford or or chevy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Ed - April 28 - 2:00 pm

  This van has been a pleasure. Enjoy the maintenance reminder. The quietness and the comfort.The tires that give you the extra mileage when you have a flat tire. The heated seats, (great for arthritus).Do not use the xtra storage area as it is not that accesible. Glove compartment are on the small side. But the under seat draw seems to compensate for that. The min complaint is the magaine holer on the back of front seats, very flimsy.

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  Great Minivan! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By San Anton - April 27 - 10:12 pm

  If youre looking for a great minivan thats fun to drive and looks nice, look no further. We drove all the top brands and Honda wins any comparison, hands down. That being said, the Toyota is a close second however, the ride isnt near as smooth or quiet and its expensive option packages make buying one a not-so- great experience. Weve had our LX for a year and we couldnt be happier (unless of course we had the touring model, but thats a bit outside our budget). If youre thinking of buying a minivan, drive the Honda first then compare the others. Youll see what I mean.

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  9 Years Old and Going Strong - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By Elizabeth - April 27 - 7:29 pm

  I love my 1998 Odyssey! Its 9 years old and has never given me any trouble. I currently have 110,000 miles on it, and aside from routine maintenance, I never have a concern. It is boring to drive, but it never pretended to be a sports car. It is very comfortable, and I wish Honda still made them this size. I would buy another one. Sometimes I wish it would die, so I could get something sportier, but then common sense kicks in and I remember what a great investment this vehicle was/is! I hope I can get another 100,000 miles out of it.

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  Excellent Van! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By cln475 - April 27 - 1:58 pm

  We leased our Oddysey in May of 2004. My wife had just given birth to our third child and we needed the space. We got rid of our 2002 Accord and purchased the Ody. The turning radius is amazing. You can literally drive in a tight circle on the parking lot. Roomy, comfortable and the DVD system keeps the kids quiet on long trips. We like this van so much we are purchasing it now that the lease is up. The problems we had were the OEM tires, Michelins. Bald at about 30K. Also the mileage was not great. Averaging about 17 mixed driving. Reliable, family friendly and comfortable. Good vehicle.

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  ok - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By garyb - April 27 - 10:00 am

  RIDE IS GREAT. GAS MILEAGE IS AVERAGE. SAME AS THE 1992 VOYAGER I OWNED. INTERIOR QC COULD BE BETTER.

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  2001 Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Huck - April 26 - 8:56 am

  Very good hauler of 4 small kids and two adults -- plus, it pulls a pop-up camper with ease. Very typical Honda quality, with adequate power, a great interior design and very good gas mileage. Relatives got a new Ford Windstar and Chevy Venture and HATE them! They are now considering a trade to get the Odyssey. Would recommend this to anyone considering a minivan.

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  A Greek Tragedy: The Fatal Flaw - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By WashDad - April 25 - 4:51 pm

  The long-term history of this vehicle has been moments of love interspersed with tragic disappointment. Our first mistake was not realizing that buying a Canadian-registered Honda in the US would cut us off from all factory support. Honda USA wouldnt help us because the car was Canadian. Honda Canada wouldnt help us because it was purchased in the US. Recall work performed for free for my neighbors cost me money. This is especially galling since all 2000 Odysseys were built in a single factory in Ontario. I will never buy another Honda. Problems: short-lived brakes, doors, more doors, transmission at 78k, another tranny at 109k, squealing brakes, broken seat, radio, smog control.

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  Buyer Beware - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By hondanomore - April 24 - 3:12 pm

  Purchased new and vehicle was fine until it got to 45,000. Transmission seals failed ($900). Dealer said out of warranty so you pay. Trannys first scheduled service was 45,000. Dash board lights started to fail at 50,000. Now at 75,000 tranny is dead and must be replaced ($5,500). 34 years of car ownsership and never owned anything nearly this bad. Just glad my 12-year old Ford with 210,000 miles on it is reliable.

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  Love My Van, But 3 Repairs 1 Yr - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By 98Ody - April 21 - 2:17 pm

  I bought my van last summer. Overall I love it. Its fuel efficient, the interior is comfortable, 2.3L engine gives good acceleration, and the exterior is very practical. I bought the car with 130K miles. I have put 12K miles since purchase. Repairs have included starter motor ($300) and rebuilt transmission ($1500). Also, I am having trouble turning the key in the ignition so I might need new ignition switch ($???) or key replacement ($80). Have you noticed the 2007 Honda FIT has similar body styling? The 1998 Odyssey was definitely way beyond its time.

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  Honda Supreme - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Carole Tillett - April 21 - 12:40 am

  Ive driven mini vans for a very long time and my Honda is by far the best looking,handeling, and safest then any of the others. Its comfort is beyond reproach too. I will never buy any other brand. All others would be a downward step. As you can tell I am completely sold on Honda products. Non other compare.