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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Never thought Id own a minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By 2002 Family Man - November 24 - 10:00 amWe were looking at the ‘03 Expeditions and ‘02 Suburbans. We could have gotten an EXCELLENT deal on a 02 Suburban, but the gas mileage stinks (13 MPG city). We decided to look into the practical thing...a minivan. I am in my mid-20s, I thought I shouldnt own a minivan, but I was wrong. We ended up driving home in an 02 EXL. We are very pleased so far and believe it or not we got it below sticker. My advice is to do your car buying on rainy evenings because after being told by other dealers to pay sticker plus some or go somewhere else this dealer must have wanted to make a sale that day.
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MISSING THE CREATURE COMFORTS - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By D. ROWE - November 21 - 2:03 pmAFTER HAVING 3 CHRYSLER MINIVANS AND 2 TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED I DECIDED TO TRY A HONDA. IM EXTREMELY PLEASED WITH THE HANDLING, AND I LIKE THE TRACTION CONTROL (LIVING IN THE COUNTRY ITS A NICE FEATURE) BUT....ITS NOISY...I HEAR EVERYTHING AND FEEL EVERYTHING. I FEEL IT LACKS THE "CREATURE COMFORTS" OF THE CHRYSLER.
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Dream machine - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By sidekickjack - November 19 - 10:00 amHonda quality all around. Pleasand ride, slightly harsh and noisy on rough pavement, probably due to low profile tires, but no more than would be expected, and less exagerated than most vehicles.
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A Van for all Seasons - 1999 Honda Odyssey
By Jim - November 17 - 10:45 pmWe have taken our Odyssey from Pennsylvania to Allagash, Maine (loaded with canoes and people) to West Virginia (again loaded... with people and canoes, that is) to Florida, the Adirondacks and out to Michigan. This has been a great vehicle to own and has made me a minivan enthusiast - something I would not have thought possible.
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Love my minivan - 2014 Honda Odyssey
By Bibi - November 10 - 8:46 pmThe Odyssey has been a great car in every respect. It drives really nicely - feels like a car. Love how easily the 3rd row of seats go flat. I can do it with one hand. Great road trip car.
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Odyssey EX-L DVD review - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By jsabowabo - November 8 - 3:00 pmWeve owned our Odyssey for about six months. This thing is fast and smooth. My wife loves it having come off a 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It is very comfortable, handles very well, rides well and is generally a lot of fun to drive. Since weve owned it we have had a couple of problems. The brake safety switch went out, locking the vehicle in park, and Ive had to replace all of the rotors. Weve been averaging about 18.5 MGP in combined city/freeway driving, with a bias towards city. Overall we love the van, you just cant beat the versatility of these things and still have something fun to drive.
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Great Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By DFC - November 6 - 2:00 amIt is a great van so far. But it is too early to tell the reliability of the van.
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Good Vehicle - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By sarna - November 5 - 9:10 pmFun to drive and feels like a car. For a person of 5.5", the steering wheel seemed to be a little bit of a stretch. Moving the second row seats together seemed to be laborious the first time when we did it. Also, sliding the 2nd row seats for the back row occupants to get in seemed to be a challenge always. Liked the 6 cd chager and dvd player. Like to see the Navigation like console with options would be ideal
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Info for Those of You Buying Used! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By van on van - November 4 - 10:49 amWe bought this at 101K miles and drove it two years till 127K miles until I totaled it in an accident (nobody hurt safety is great!). Biggest beef: EGR system clogged twice in two years ($200-$300 cost to fix each time). Catalytic converter gave out at 100K (fix $800). Water pump needed replacement at 119K ($800). We also found road noise pronounced and tiring (we suffer enough noise from our small children). If youre prepared to pay for repairs and maintenance, buying used may be a good idea. I figure that total cost of this van to us, in two years of ownership, was $2500 per year, counting purchase price (no financing, 6% sales tax, repairs, and maintenance (not counting gas or insurance
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So far no transmission problems - 1999 Honda Odyssey
By hondamaryland - October 29 - 7:37 pmI bought the 99 Odyssey in 2006. So far its been good to us. This was not subject to a transmission recall. Knocking on wood.
