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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  Sporty yet functional - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By SGVP - December 17 - 2:26 pm

  Bought a sage pearl in October and transporting the kids has never been better. Van has abundant storage space, great ride and accelaration, and is quieter than the competition. Audio system is good but highs sound too crackily. JBL synthesis system in Sienna sounds better. All Seats are supportive but the leather needs to be of a higher quality. Third row seats CAN be used by adults, albeit a tight fit. Only problem so far is the park assist. Apparently, system is not functioning correctly and will have to drop off for service. DVD/NAV system is superior to competition.

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  My 3rd Odyssey, probably not my last. - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Jerry Hettel - December 9 - 10:53 pm

  My 1st Honda Odyssey was a 2000. I put about 100,000 miles on it and traded it in on a 2005 model. I put 100,000 miles on it and traded it in for my 2010. All of them were the EX-L model. I always get the maximum Extended Honda Care warranty and used it to keep them running with NO extra expense. Very few repairs on any of them. My 2010 now has over 112,000 miles and everything works fine. GREAT vehicles. Although my daughter bought a 2012 and it has had numerous problems including having the engine rebuilt under warranty. They always had it serviced by the local Honda dealer. They are going to trade it when their extended warranty runs out next year. I will probably get another new Odyssey next year. Things I like; I can almost use it as a truck for hauling stuff. I use it as a camper when going to a motorcycle race event. Taller seat so I can see better than some cars that are so low. Plenty of seats for taking the family places. Reliability and resale value.

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  the honda odyssey touring - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By arnel espinosa - December 9 - 2:13 pm

  we only bought this van for like a week. but it has really impressed me big time not only with its dvd & gps system but also with its console features (i.e. it tells you of the outside temp & miles per gallon which also reset every time you refill for gas). arriving from the philippines just last year we havent really heard that much about the odyssey. it was upon our arrival that we noticed lots of odysseys plying the streets. needless to say we reasearched on this van through our friends & the internet. what we found out was the standard VTEC engine (which means gas savings) & a covertible V6 to 3-cylinder engine driving configuration. in short the ultimate family car

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  Own 5 Hondas - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Michael Maddix - December 9 - 9:42 am

  Tried, tested, and true. Five drivers...five Hondas.

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  2003 Odyssey - Excellent - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Big Will - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Reliable and a the most attractive minivan on the street. Easy to drive and extremely confortable. Exception excelleration for this class of vehicle. A good cruiser for long trips as well.

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  Love my van! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By ChristyC - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Its been almost a year now since I purchased my Honda Odyssey. I really have enjoyed this vehicle. Its great being a single mom. I have the room to haul around things for my daughter. Take her friends to the mall, etc. Its a very comfortable ride!

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  Fabulous Mini Van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Bob - December 8 - 3:16 am

  I didnt realize how luxurious this mini van was when I bought it. The sound system is incredible, the dashboard is easy to use and there is so much to play with. The ride is excellent

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  Long-time Caravan switched to Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By OregonOdyssey - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Happy with 96 Dodge Caravan, but time to get new van. IMHO not enough engineering solidity in Caravan compared to foreign vans. Did serious comparison of Kia/Toyota/Nissan/Honda. Kia not fuel efficient enough, reliability/future of Kia in general questionable - worst quality ratings of any car maker. New Toyota nice, but not worth $7K more than Odyssey and availability extremely limited ("none on the ground"). Nissan has nice style, but not worth $5K more than Odyssey.

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  Girl Honda lover my 3rd one now - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By stover - December 1 - 7:22 am

  I love this ride. When it rains when Im on a curve no problem the car hugs the pavement. I have had 2 civics and this I love it. My mom bought one 2005 Odyssey drove deep into Mexico Twice with not even a flat tires come on. I liked that, bought one Excellent family cars I have used it for work and play & the dam thing is so rugged. It thinks its a truck actually. But yes if they made the same style again I would buy a new one I dont like the new body style. My mom bought the 2006 I hate the sliding doors and the leather seats uncomfortable. I wish the made the 2005-06 style again. Honda= Girl Car. low maintenance, good gas mileage, next new car Honda! P.S. I bought it used with 49,000 miles

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  Best choice - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Hennypennies - November 28 - 7:56 pm

  We compared several minivans. The ability to get leather and the optional 8th seat pushed the Oddessey over the top. We were torn about the Rear Entertainment System and Navigation System, but love them both and they make the car extra-fun. A home-run for Honda.