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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  Great Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By HOLA - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I was surprised at how well this van handles, its like a sedan. Its extremely roomy, even when the van is packed with people and luggage. On on the passenger front seat, the fabric on the right armrest on the door will eventually tear off because the fabric is thin and it has a hard surface under it. Overall its a great van, and I look forward to many years of driving the Honda Odyssey

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  Driving experience - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By ralph steding - March 2 - 2:30 am

  I bought this van mainly for traveling. So far, it has been a very pleasant experience. This van is very comfortable, holds the road very good and the most amazing thing is that I dont get tired driving it for long distances. I averaged about 29 MPG on the highway with A/C. That is amazing to me. I guess that ECO feature really works.

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  If you want super gas Mileage... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Brian - February 27 - 6:20 pm

  I just bought a 2006 after driving a 2000 Odyssey for 125,000 miles. No problems to speak of with the old one, so this decision was easy. Nice redesign and much more comfortable ride and interior than old one. As far as complaints on gas go, these are large vehicles and they are not gas mileage champs. If you are getting 20 avg you should be happy. Overall a fantastic vehicle.

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  2002 EX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dianne - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Like most, I did not want to take the plunge into Minivan life. However, I am very happy we did. It is such a pleasure to drive and we can go anywhere and buy anything without worrying if it will fit. Our daughter loves it because she can see out the window.

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  odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By pam - February 22 - 9:00 am

  good

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  Love this van! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By SpencersMom - February 17 - 9:16 am

  We bought this when our children were 1 and 3. They are now 5 and 7 and we have never regretted this purchase. We have had some weird problems with it, such as the drivers seat belt coming unattached from the floor but the dealership fixed it without charge and checked all the other seatbelts. They were all loose at the floor level. The paint is chipping a bit around the doors and some tiny rust spots are starting to appear. Considering that we live in an area that rarely sees snow (thus no salt or sand on the road), this concerns us. Overall, though, this is the best car decision weve ever made. Even trips of over 1,000 miles are easy on the kids its so comfortable.

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  Silver Pearl Metallic Touring with Nav - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By madabout1269 - February 15 - 2:30 pm

  I finally got my Odyssey,and first off let me say that Honda got it right this time,I have owned a 2002 ExL,a 2003 Havasu Blue EXL RES and most of the shortcomings have been fixed.road noise has been greatly improved,power,well it accelerates furiously,only drawback is the engine is more vocal,quiets down nicely after that though.Now for the creature comforts,all I can say is you will not want to step outside of this van,the navigation system is the best there is right now,I used it on my road trip and it is simply inspiring,the stereo system says Premium Sound System and actually lives up to the moniker. All in all folks this is the van to own.

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  Lemon - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Tom - February 13 - 9:08 pm

  Problems with EGR valve. Five trips to dealer to fix this (under warranty). Light in clock quit working. Engine started leaking oil at 63,000 miles (out of warranty). Honda dealer blamed it on a Wal-Mart oil change (not a fact based analysis). Changed the rear main seal and still leaked (Honda did cover this charge). Next recommendation was to change the engine at my expense ($2800). Dealer where the vehicle was purchased refused to do the repair after I asked for a guarantee that the engine change would fix the leak. No more Hondas at this house. Also the transmission now "clunks" when put into reverse to back out of the garage.

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  Warning on the run flat tires - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By David Rivard - February 12 - 8:00 am

  This is an OK van to drive. Do not expect more than 18 MPG on average forget the manufacturers quote. Also do not get this van with the run flat tires. If you get a flat it can only be fixed at a Honda dealer. If you get a flat in a rural area on a friday night your only option is to drive it to a dealer to find that he is closed. You wait until Monday morning and he may tell you that he does not have a spare but will order you one. That can be a few days. It happened to me.

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  My last car! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Ted Person - February 8 - 10:22 am

  Love it!