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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  Best Minivan out there! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By jenchap418 - February 6 - 9:50 pm

  We absolutely LOOOOVE this van. The ride is smooth, quiet, and enjoyable. The quality is amazing. This is our first Honda and we couldnt be happier with it. In the past we have owned Toyota vehicles and the quality doesnt even compare with a Honda. We were almost sick that we almost bought the Sienna before looking at this van. Now, our kids (2 & 3) tell everyone they need a van like Mommys.

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  Honda Cannot be proud of This Product! - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Mando236 - February 5 - 8:20 am

  We bought our van used with 68K on it, but because its a Honda we werent worried. Boy were we WRONG! In the course of 5.5 yrs & 100K miles, we have been to the service center 21 times, replaced two trannys (soom 2B 3), constant sliding door problems, ignition switch recall, hard shifting all the time, and we are about fed up. We could have bought a brand new Domestic with the knowledge that the trannys would die, at least they would have been under warranty. The good things about the van are severely shadowed by the transmission problems. The engine runs very strong, but is no good without a reliable transmission. We spoke with American Honda, and due to our mileage offered no assistance.

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  Things to consider - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Lynda - February 3 - 6:36 am

  I called myself researching extensively prior to purchase and overall I am pleased with many aspects of my Odyssey. the things I am most unhappy with seem trivial but I find annoying. My 1998 Explorer had more features than my 2007 EXL. Cannot charge my phone with ignition turned off;the radio is horrible and believe me I am not one to complain about radio sounds but this is very bad. The lights do not come on or off automatically; No MP3 or bluetooth ( I just assumed most of these features would be present- purchasing the next to top of the line) would have bought the touring except did not have option on tires. the bumper is scratched & i see this with most I see on the road.

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  Worst Honda ever - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By David Huffman - January 31 - 8:30 pm

  Currently my Odyssey is in for its 12th service visit since owning it. Ridiculous for a Honda. They should be ashamed of this one. AC has died twice. Power steering gone out once - been in for high pitched "scream" sound four times. Windshield seals replaced three times. Now window mouldings dont want to stay in place. I have had 5 Hondas. This may be my last. Having to regretfully consult attorney and look at lemon law.

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  Odyssey Touring - PAX Tires - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By rstefano - January 31 - 7:05 pm

  I do not recommend this vehicle. The PAX tires are horrible. Two needed replacement at 15,000 miles, which required exchanges wheels/tires. Nobody buy Honda has these. The dealer said there would be a refund. I contacted Honda Corporate Customer Service after 3 months. They said no refund and that $570 per wheel/tire is the price. I experienced unbelievably bad customer service from them and the dealership. Throw in bad factory brakes, intermittent squeaking engine noises, PAX tires that last 20,000 at $570 each and youÂ’ve got a bad deal. After 10 new Hondas/Acuras, this is probably our last. Took a bath and traded for the 2007 Sienna Limited but we love our Toyota. Bye Bye Honda

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  What Kids Want - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By fotovan - January 29 - 5:26 pm

  This is the vehicle kids want. Our oldest [4 yrs] squealed with glee when we took delivery. Easy to load in and load out. The XM, NAV and DVD keep us all entertained at the same time. Dual climate control is nice. I have owned Acura and Honda in the past and would expect the same excellent reliability as we have had this vehicle for only 10 days. Honda offers a good product for the money, but would be well advised to someday do something about the road noise that is persistent in all Honda and even Acura that I have driven. Wheel well insulation/sound dampening along with double insulated doors [like German cars] would greatly increase the solid feel of the van.

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  Franks 1999 Honda Odyssey - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Frank Parada - January 29 - 2:06 pm

  Overall Ive driven the van for four years and love it. The van gives me between 18-19 mpg and enjoy the comfortable ride. I would purchase the same van again.

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  2005 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By James - January 28 - 12:30 am

  Just got the new 2005 lx (base model)in December 04 and love it. Off the lot with all those extra fees and conveyance charges etc for just under 27K. So far so good. This is our first minivan and I am surprised at how well it handles and feels on the road. Super quite, super roomy,all the seats fold up easy etc. Did ALOT of research and test drove the Sienna and the Grand Caravan and we went with this one and love it.

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  Good minivan - needs some improvement - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Bostonian - January 24 - 5:43 am

  Purchased minivan as the family was growing. Anyone who rides in the van, especially the kids, find the van to be comfortable for long rides. Found good value in van due to the number of options available in the EX-L.

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  Good deal - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By KB - January 21 - 10:41 am