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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  2005 touring - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By R Busby - December 26 - 8:03 am

  We wondered what the hype was about and discovered that what is being called the "Mercedes of minivans" is an accurate description. Not since our Mercedes have we owned such a quality vehicle. Definately worth the investment.

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  This van is ...... - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Handsomepig - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my second minivan, the first one was a Caravan,I think that was bad, but I never think Honda makes one even.....

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  Fraud - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By disapointed - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I Purchased a Honda Odyssey and driving it home from the dealer it began to shake consideralby. Turns out the Axle is bent on the Car. The car had 8 miles on it. Of course Honda wont exchange the vehicle for one that is not damaged. My new goal is to make people aware of these types of issues. I am screwed. Make sure you drive the car YOU are going to buy not one "just like it."

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  amieverpleased - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Disco Don - December 23 - 12:27 am

  I will tell you what I dont like first, while turning the steering wheel I regularly catch the windshield wiper knob and accidentally turn them on, also, the power mirror selector is too small, I would like to see it a tad bit larger. I like the power, comfort, good looks & reliability. My wife dubs the vehicle "Silky" I certainly see why. Gas mileage, a realistic 28 mpg on the road on a trip, down to 13 mpg day in and day out around town, Occasionally I have looked down at the speedometer as I am passing people on the freeway, the other cars are going 80-90, my speedometer reads 110 mph!! It is soooo smooth & silent, unbelievable. I am sure we will keep this vehicle for a long time to come

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  May be best car ever - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 05odysseyowner - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Excellent power / great gas milage nav and voice commands are great. Widescreen DVD is great for the kids.

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  2005 Honda Odyssey Touring with Nav/DVD - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By rwbache - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Its still a new car but it is wonderful to drive. Great performance and unparalleled safety features including the new run flat tires. I strongly recommend this minivan.

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  One of the best van in the market - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Odywoman - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Cannot describe how much I like the van. I have test drive soooo many vans out there, and Odyssey is the best.

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  Best minivan for the money! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Mike - December 20 - 3:40 pm

  I have never owned a minivan so my due diligence in purchasing this vehicle was extensive. I checked every option and every model from every manufacturer. Hands down, the Odyssey far exceeded the competition. In truth, only the Sienna was a close second. Honda should be commended for raising the bar.

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  Our second Ody for a reason - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By LHorton - December 20 - 3:36 pm

  This is the most luxurious van you could ever want to drive. It has a very smooth ride. You can feel the transmission shift, but there is no jerking whatsoever. The ride is very quiet, with very little road noise. The inside looks like a luxury sedan and is quite spacious. The lazy susan is a dream come true for parents whose children like to travel with their Gameboys and games or for those who carry expensive items like cameras who want to have a place to lock it out of the sight of the outside world. The middle console in between the middle row is a favorite of our two sons. I just cant say enough about this beautiful automobile.

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  04 ODYSSEY EXL AS SALES VEHICLE - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By BTBUTZ - December 19 - 1:17 am

  After driving a 02 Caravan Sport with the 3.3ltr engine & 4 spd trans., test driving the 04 Honda Odyssey was a real eyeopener and proved to be very reliable for my Midwest sales rep. territory. The Honda was hands down smoother in every way and more powerful to boot. I liked my GC, but the Odyssey has me sold and I will buy the 07 Touring for our family vehicle soon. I will buy another Dodge GC also, to run til it falls apart, hopefully later than sooner for my work vehicle. Utility van, this time bought with 80k miles, depreciated all the way out. Would recommend Dodge or Chrysler owners at least drive the Odyssey before making the choice