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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cathy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By cathy - January 20 - 10:40 amOverall, it handles excellent. Turning is very good, with the back window being able to be used now is the best new feature.
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Almost perfect - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By JB - January 18 - 7:50 pmThe drive is vantastic if youre not driving over choppy roads. Then the ride gets very noisy. Im starting to think the Pax tires have something to do with this. Otherwise when riding on smooth surfaces its equivalent to riding a Lexus or Mercedes sedan. Driver side sliding door had to be adjusted twice because of a noise it would make when taking off from a stop position. Sliding doors rattle a lot on choppy roads, more than I would expect for a vehicle costing 40K. Again may be the Pax tires. My decision to buy the Odyssey over Town & Country was the traction on wet roads. Test drove both on rainy days and Odyssey performed great, where the T&C was spinning its wheels big time.
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Buyer Beware - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By millerjep - January 13 - 6:25 amThree transmission failures in 7 years. Sliding doors can be very finicky. Latest is that we have to replace a sender unit for $300. Be very careful when buying used. Other than those major issues the van is great.
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Jurys still out... - 2018 Honda Odyssey
By JC Marin - January 12 - 11:08 amLove the looks, for a mini-van, of course, for the new design. The comfort is there for the most part. For a $45k car, however, they could have done a better job in terms of craftsmanship... I am not referring only to the materials, but in the putting-it-together sense. Also, the rear camera is the cheapest one Ive seen... they put magnesium in this thing, but decided to skip on a good quality rear camera? Why, Honda? Why? Even if it jacked up the price by couple of hundred bucks, that would have been better than the cheapO rear view camera you chose; shame. Oh and the other thing, the rattling in the panels is starting to creep up (had it on a new 2016 Prius, too, so I guess this is the new new with new cars.) The jurys still out, so well see how it goes. As another industry review pundit stated, wait a bit before jumping on a newly redesigned vehicle.
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3rd (and likely not my last) Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By UVAHoo - January 12 - 7:03 amWe have had a 97, 01, and now an 06 Odyssey. This is a wonderful family van, and it has come a long way. The 06 is much roomier, and more fun to drive with more get up and to than the 2001 model. As usual with Honda, the reliability is second to none. While I had to pay MSRP for my 01 because demand was sooooo high, I was actually able to negotiate on this model - in part because the dealership was so eager to get their hands on my 01 which they sold the next day. My only little complaint is the plastic interior on the Hondas is a little soft as the belt buckle easily nicks the column next to the door. Love it, though, and will likely buy a 2011 or 12 when the time comes!
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Happy, though wincing from the cost... - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By acroduster - January 12 - 2:00 amLove the 5 speed and power - I love sucker punching sports cars in a minivan! The squeaks and rattles in the doors are bad, though, and the seats could be a little more comfy. Dealers could be somewhat more accomodating - laughing in your face when you say MSRP is a little disconcerting...
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almost all I expected! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Alvaro Fernandez - January 10 - 12:45 amI am leasing this vehicle since may 2004 and pretty much planning to buy it! Yes, there is room to improve but so far we are 99% satisfied with everything related to it!
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Great minivan! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
By asc - January 8 - 8:08 amWhat a great minivan! Smooth, quiet, powerful. Extraordinary reliability! Nicely designed. Chrysler/Dodge cant compare!
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Great Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By liebesi - January 6 - 10:00 amWe love it so far! Looking forward to many road trip ahead. Tons of room and comfort!
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loved honda before this vehicle! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
By Deb - January 6 - 7:12 amI bought this van expecting my usual honda experience, lots of miles, low maintenance needs..the upfront expense was always worth it in the end because I didnt lose time with my vehicle in the shop. We have had to replace the transmission (yes, they covered it, but I was still in a rental for almost a week). The check engine light is on more than off to the point even the dealers in two states said ignore it unless something else is going wrong. The slider doors have had multiple problems, everything from replacing the door sensors to the door "deprogramming" itself. The door will close on you hard before it catches that theres something in the way, always a worry with toddlers.
