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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A bad experience - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Obaid Beg - March 29 - 10:00 amCouplr of instances changed my thought about buying aHonda again, a advice I passed on to my friends who went on to buy toyota. Service was poor during my visit to replace the rear windshield that shattered on a cold Feb morning. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The van has only 4k with two 1-2k trips, but it has lot of rattling and sounds. The dealer took care of the glass in four days but left lot of scratches on the out side of the rear glass and on the inside . They also removed the net in the trunk and never called me to get it back. Overall, my experience is not great for the price I paid and would be reluctant to buy honda van.
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great ride - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By meow22799 - March 29 - 10:00 amthis mini van is awsome - the features are great. my only gripe is that the cup holders in the front of the van are way too shallow. it is really easy to manuver, turns on a dime, and it is easy to manipulate all of the controls and to move the seats for loading stuff. my two year old actually thanked me for buying her a new car that was "fun".
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Heads Up - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By bob t - March 28 - 8:40 amAt 25,000 miles my Michelin pax tires will need replacement in 5-7000 miles. Cost to replace is $225/tire. Cannot subtitute other rims or tires. Keep this in mind when puchasing the touring model.
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Great Minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Mommmmmy - March 27 - 10:00 amI love this minivan. We were looking into the Ford Windstar as well. Both have great features, but the Odyssey has some extras and great resale value. If listing pros and cons, the Odyssey definitely wins.
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Great Vehicle - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By terpfan - March 25 - 11:43 amWe purchased this vehicle to travel back and forth to myrtle beach sc. It is a 10 hour trip. I cant say enough about this vehicle. We had no problems whatsoever. It is comfortable and the dvd for the kids is great. We got around 24 mpg on the highway with the AC on. I think that is great for just breaking a vehicle in. It ran flawlessly. No doubt we purchased the right vehicle.
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"Best Minivan of All Time!" - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By paola baez - March 25 - 12:53 amI like the new design they came out with this year, thats why I decided to buy it. Its fuel economy its the best in the industry. Confort level is awsome, and its safe too. Interior design is very modern yet confortable. So all in all a great vehicle.
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Review 2005 Honda Oddessy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By Bill Mayo - March 24 - 5:33 pmThis is a very comfortable, reliable automobile. The information provided by display: range, average speed, tire pressure, etc., is very reassuring to the driver.
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Nice Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Jeremy - March 22 - 9:47 amI am pleased overall. First the bad. This minivan has a lot more windnoise than any previous honda vehicle Ive driven. The factory radio/cd player has poor sound quality. So consider getting an aftermarket unit. It also does not allow enough flexibility in the volume control. Its either way too loud or too soft... My wife and I love the strong engine, power sliding doors, and heated leather seats. It drives like a car, not like a van. Im not sure why people are giving this bad marks for gas mileage. Mileage is very good for a minivan. I am consistently getting over 20 mpg in mixed driving....much better than SUVs..
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Fantastic Car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By kmikh - March 21 - 12:53 pmWe bought this car new and have since put on 48,000 miles. We have not had a single problem. Its a good performer. Our two kids love it. It has hauled a lot of cargo for us. This car is 10 time better than our old Chevy Venture. America should learn a thing or two regarding reliability from Honda.
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Our First Van - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By joesp8 - March 20 - 7:26 amWe love our first new van EXL with DVD. The interior was very well designed, very spacious, and very comfortable and room. Not so crazy about the gas mileage but still better than our old SUV.
