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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  Things Id change/fix in the Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By MAP - March 17 - 4:10 am

  I really love the car. There are just two things Id change.

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  Why you should stick to Honda - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By qualityfirst1 - March 16 - 11:50 pm

  Our van is wonderful. This is a minivan, so Im rating it as a minivan. It feels like the center of gravity is much lower than Toyota or the domestics, so it feels like it is under control. Lots of nice creature comforts. Dual power sliding doors are awesome! Great engine. Great quality. Great fit and finish. Materials are superb. Honda blew one thing the transmission has a design flaw. Ours went out around 80K mi. We thought we would have to pay for a new one (like our Mazda), but Honda admitted the problem and replaced it at no charge. They also extended the warranty to 100K mi. What an awesome company! And we didnt have to write a complaint letter. Buy a Honda!

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  1995 wonder car - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By david knick - March 15 - 4:58 pm

  i have 209000+ on my honda that had 52 miles when i bought it // runs like a top// on hwy @60 mph i have gotten 31mpg with cruise and "light braking and gas pedal// i have taken out both rear seats// plenty of room for luggage and shopping// car has been hit twice once in drivers side/fellow said he did not see red light// crush rear door and part of drivers//head on hit on drivers side // air bags went off// lucky guy i am

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  Honda Odyssey is excellent minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Mom of 3 - March 13 - 11:00 am

  I researched and test drove every minivan on the market including the kia, Hyundai, dodge and toyota. I also spoke with many minivan owners. The features that were most important to me were the flexibility to configure the seats different ways because I have 3 small children in car seats. I also wanted a minivan that was somewhat luxurious as I was not thrilled about the necessity of buying a minivan. I am so pleased with the Honda. It is easy to drive, easy to maneuver the seats and I love it! We have made family trips and it has been great.

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  Great people mover - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By sommervr - March 13 - 9:48 am

  This vehicle has been the primary people mover for our family of six. It has towed our 2000 lb tent trailer all over North America. We probably run over the 3500 lb recommended towing capacity. We bought it used with 60 km and it currently has 180 km. In that time we have only done routine maintenance and replaced consumables (tire, brake pads). This vehicle has been run right at the limits of what is recommended and hasnt given us a spot of trouble.

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  2007 EX-L - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Airbum - March 12 - 8:06 pm

  Great space and good highway fuel mileage. Handles well for a large van/car. Dont really like the 6 disc cd changer and would like a factory ipod adapter. Overall this van won my spouse over from the Pilot with flying colors

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  Perfect Van and Good Gas Mileage - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By David Hitchcock - March 6 - 10:23 pm

  I read several of the previous reviews and had to comment. I am surprised at how many Odyssey owners are so disappointed. I guess we are lucky. I think its perfect. The fuel economy is never going to be what the sticker says on any vehicle. We all bought the van because we had to haul multiple people. The more you haul, the heavier the van and the lower your fuel economy. Improve your driving habits, properly inflate your tires, etc. and youll get better fuel economy. It drives smooth, handles well, strong engine, good looks, luxurious, and storage is great. Ive driven Sienna, Grand Caravan, Uplander, Freestar, Sedona, SUVs in the last two years. Hands down winner is Odyssey.

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  Odyssey vs Caravan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By craigty - March 5 - 3:20 am

  I had a 96 Grand Caravan ES with quad leather and 3.8 L engine. The Dodge has better acceleration from a stop. Seems the same after that but the Honda could be faster after 50 mph. Radio with the window antenna in the Odyssey sucks. Reception is very poor and dependent on direction of driving. Almost seems like Honda is trying to sell you the XM radio system and service. Stereo not as good as Dodge. Steering wheel too close to dash. Needs to be farther out. Heated seats could be hotter and faster. Leather seats much more comfortable on Odyssey. Lots of room for all 3 rows. second row seats are very comfortable even though they dont fold forward.

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  Honda Pax Tires - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By DFR - March 4 - 8:14 pm

  What a horrible experience with the tires, I cannot get 20,000 miles out of them, I keep the tires rotated, the dealership is only person that works on the Ody. No one will step up to ownership of the Pax tire problems. I have had 12 tires on my vehicle, last set Aug. 06, ready for another four.

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  2003 Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By jmcclung - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Lots of road noise in van costing this much. Also, missing features that should be standard in this price range: Automatic headlights Memory seats Better radio