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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  Nice improvements over 16 model - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By David - April 19 - 2:45 am

  Lots of new tech features over previous model. The darn thing drives itself if there are road center and shoulder lines. Very nice. Ride seems to also be quieter than the 16 model, larger wheels probably help as well. Good value, especially with all the new gadgets. Priced about the same as previous model with many additional features.

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  Love my Odessey! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By doragirls - April 18 - 1:24 pm

  It drives great and love all the space it allows! Like most touring buyers the tires are not our favorite thing about the van. But if one does their research they know that the tires are not cheap....$250 a tire. But it does run flat and with kids that could be worth the trouble! Tire company could make up and help with the cost so that we as consumers will not feel cheated! Love my van and love Honda for making a great Mini!

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  2 years, 43,000 miles and no problems. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By FlashRed - April 18 - 8:30 am

  We bought our Odyssey to replace our 01 RAV4. With 2 kids, it was tops on our list. Looked at the other vans, but they did not compare. Ive seen some reviews with people having issues with their 05, but we have had only one, and that was a CD getting stuck in the CD player. Other than that its been perfect. We are averaging 22 miles per gallon. So Im not sure what some on here are expecting from a 244hp 4400lb vehicle. We have absolutely no complaints about the economy of our van. We just love our van.

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  Odyssey make ownership fun again - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Curtis Yokubaitis - April 17 - 6:55 pm

  After two years, I still tell my wife every time we drive it how much I love this van! Handles like FWD sports car, power and acceleration of a sports truck, and simply beautiful. After two 6,000 mile trips across country, I can proudly say that this is the best car Ive ever owned, or even traveled in! DVD - awesome seating - awesome windows, storage, luggage rack, even the spare tire - awesome. We drive this car 10 miles daily, and 50 more miles each weekend. Gas mileage is so much better than SUV, but just as much room. Remember the old days when people wanted to throw the kids in the car and go for a long drive? We do this every weekend now, and we look for excuses to stay out.

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  Very nice! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Homey - April 17 - 6:13 pm

  I am a certified enemy of the mini-van and am embarrassed that I like this vehicle so much.

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  Honda Quality - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Bnin - April 16 - 10:00 am

  We are very happy with our van. We had a mini-van before and it was the most useful car we had ever owned with the plus of driving easily and looking nice. This new car has reinforced that experience in every way and then some. Very luxurious interior and facilities. All the amenities are present and reveled in. This car handles beautifully and, so far, is as reliable as can be wished. Try one, youll like it.

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  Family Van - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By jim - April 15 - 12:55 pm

  Gas oil new brake shoes and tires. Thats about it for 200k + mi. absolutely no problems always starts first crank of the key and better than 20 mpg no matter what you do - what more can you ask for?

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  I drove them all.....picked the Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By John Hendry - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Up till this year there was absolutely no competition in my mind because the Sienna was too small. I have been a mechanic since 12 and watched the Odyssey drastically improve over 6 yrs. My needs are: 1: Size. Its home sweet home on a surf trip and everything from a 9.0 surfboard to a 118in Bird of Time R/C Glider has to fit inside. 2: Performance. Not only means "can go fast" but represents safety with good handling, good brakes, and acceleration to get out of the way of something that can crush you.

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  Cant Beat It! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By LuvMyHonda - April 7 - 7:13 pm

  Absolutely terrific family vehicle, especially with 2 young boys who are only growing. We finally took it on a longer trip this past weekend with the grandparents as well, and all 6 of us were very comfortable during the trip. Hard to beat the value when compared to other mini vans and some SUVs. We compared it to our friends LX470, which is 2x as expensive. Only things that vehicle had on our Odyssey - 4 wheel drive, the DVD system, and silly wood grain accents.

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  Transmission replaced - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By djn - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Its OK. Nothing too great. We did need a new transmission after 7,000 miles. The ride is not so quiet or smooth. If I had to do it again, I would test drive more mini-vans.